Da Vinci Code

Written by Viator, August 2010

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:

Cultural Experience, Good for Families, Tip - Suggested Itineraries

Dan Brown's 2003 thriller The Da Vinci Code is one of the best-selling books of all time. It continues to enthrall millions with its elaborate conspiracies and cryptic messages in a world where great art holds the key to Biblical mysteries.

A subsequent film inspired even more interest in the original settings. Why not step off the pages and see locations associated with the book in France and Britain for yourself.

In Paris, explore Code-related sites in a tailored walking tour. Starting at the Hotel Ritz, the walk winds through the elegant Tuileries Gardens and on to the inverted pyramid of the Carrousel du Louvre. Crossing the romantic pedestrian-only bridge Pont des Arts, you come to the church of St Germain des Pres before the final stop, Saint Sulpice.

All of this will no doubt leave you wanting more. Head back to the Louvre, sail past the line and enjoy a guided tour explaining the highlights of the world's most prestigious art museum. You'll pay your respects to the three leading ladies of the Louvre: the Venus de Milo, Victory of Samothrace and of course da Vinci's Mona Lisa, after which you can explore the rest of the vast museum at your leisure. Alternatively, take a walking tour (with river cruise thrown in) which shows off Paris' most famous spots: the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame.

On the other side of the Channel, a morning tour of London includes a walk round Westminster Abbey, also featured in The Da Vinci Code. Throw in Big Ben, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square, as well as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, and there you have a concentrated dose of the best of the British capital. And you still have the afternoon free to explore other sites associated with the book, such as Temple Church.

Finally, another specially tailored tour departs from Edinburgh, visits the evocative ruins of Melrose Abbey, long associated with the Knights Templar, before ending up at Rosslyn Chapel, a key location. Along the way you'll see the Tweed Valley and other beauty spots of the Scottish Borders region.

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Reply by Jonathan P, May 2012

Doing what: London Morning Tour: Royal Wedding Procession Route and Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Great visit! If you get the chance to book on a Bank Holiday book it. The roads and sites are empty and makes getting around very easy. The guide was fantastic, very interesting and never rushed.

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Reply by Heath P, April 2012

Doing what: Da Vinci Code and Scottish Borders Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh

Excellent trip! Great guide! We did 3 tours in Edinburgh through Viator. All 3 were great and I'd do them again. Go inside the Abby and take the tour. Its very interesting.

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Reply by Christine L, USA, April 2012

Doing what: London Morning Tour: Royal Wedding Procession Route and Changing of the Guard Ceremony

Unfortunately, this tour was cancelled due to the London Marathon. We were informed the day before and also received word from customer service that a refund is on the way. I have no complaints. My five star rating is for good communication by Viator.