Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for London

Welcome aboard your overnight flight to London. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment as you cross the Atlantic.

Day 2: London Arrival & Leisure Time

Land in London in the morning and, after immigration and baggage claim, take an independent coach transfer to your hotel, which is conveniently located in Bloomsbury. Coaches operate on a frequent schedule. The remainder of the day is free so that you may rest or do some sightseeing on your own. The British Museum is just around the corner and the popular shopping area of Oxford Street is very close. Charing Cross Road, Covent Garden and many of the West End theaters are within easy walking distance from your hotel. The shops of Knightsbridge, including Harrods, are fairly close. Whatever your interests, there is something for you - history, museums, art, fashion, people-watching, restaurants, clubs or theater. Get together with your tour director and fellow travelers over a welcome drink to discuss your vacation. Your tour director can offer you a wealth of information on restaurants and entertainment so that you make the most of your visit to London.

Day 3: Tower of London

This morning drive through the City, London’s major financial hub, on the way to visit the Tower of London. This majestic fortress contains a collection of towers and residences where English monarchs have made history. See the famous ravens and Beefeaters as you walk through the complex and view the Traitors’ Gate, the White Tower and the magnificent Crown Jewels. See some of the modern financial buildings that are mushrooming in London’s East End and pass St. Paul’s Cathedral on the way to the West End, London’s theater district. See Piccadilly Circus; cross Trafalgar Square guarded by stone lions; see Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. View memorials to prominent people and famous buildings while your guide fills in the history of London and Britain. The afternoon and evening are free for independent sightseeing. (CB)

Day 4: Stonehenge & Bath

Take a full day tour through the English countryside to Salisbury Plain to visit one of Britain’s most celebrated monuments. Stonehenge is comprised of the remains of a double circle of monoliths, which date from approximately 3000 BC. This amazing feat of engineering where primitive people transported stone slabs from miles away and set them upright with such precision has inspired much research and conjecture. It is believed the ancient Druids used the site either for sun worship or as a burial ground. Continue west to Bath, a spa town which has been renowned for its natural hot springs since the Roman occupation of Britain. The fashion of "taking the waters" was revived in Regency times during the 18th century and many of the finest houses, streets and parks date from that era. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room and see Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and Queen’s Square. Return to London for a free evening. (CB)

Day 5: Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace

This morning drive to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, the official residence of the Queen and the largest inhabited castle in the world. See the Upper & Middle Wards, the Round Tower and the Lower Ward where St. George’s Chapel is situated. Then drive to Hampton Court Palace, which is set in handsome gardens and parkland close to the River Thames. Tour the Palace to see the collections of pictures, furniture and tapestries. Special attractions include the Tudor Kitchens, the great gatehouse, the orangery, the Hampton Court Vine and the maze, laid out for William of Orange between 1689 and 1695. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner in a charming West End restaurant before heading to a nearby theater for a performance of a popular show. (CB, D)

Day 6: London at Leisure

Today is completely at leisure for independent sightseeing or shopping. Art lovers can view some of the world’s finest art collections in London’s galleries such as the National Gallery, the British Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum. For modern art, cross the River Thames to visit the Tate Modern or Oxo Tower Wharf. If shopping appeals to you, London offers a huge array of shops and designer boutiques. Try the popular stores along Oxford Street, the special boutiques of Bond and Jermyn Streets or the famous Harrods in Knightsbridge. You may like to pick up a local newspaper or the magazine, Time Out in London, to find out what’s going on. (CB)

Day 7: Depart for Home

As today is departure day, travel to Heathrow or Gatwick Airport by independent coach transfer. Allow plenty of time for check-in formalities. (CB)