Depart from your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of London, taking in the grandeur and energy of this amazing city. Visit the Tower of London, once a royal residence and an infamous prison. See the Crown Jewels, the guardian Beefeaters with their Tudor-era regalia, and the ravens that tradition says protect the Crown and the Tower. Return to your hotel in the heart of London, near lively Oxford Street and the luxury shops of Bond Street. Have a welcome drink there with your group, and then the evening is yours to explore and dine independently.
Travel to Stonehenge to view one of England’s most mysterious landmarks. Created between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, these massive stone monoliths each stand 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weigh approximately 25 tons. Depart for Windsor and enjoy a panoramic tour of this charming town on the River Thames. Visit Windsor Castle, the official residence of the King. Built in the 11th century, it is the longest-occupied palace in Europe. Marvel at its architecture, sumptuously appointed apartments, and extensive art collection. Back in London, enjoy an evening of independent exploration.
Discover Greenwich, a scenic riverside borough of London, on a panoramic tour followed by free time. Greenwich is famed for its role in maritime history and the Greenwich Meridian, which gives Greenwich Mean Time its name. The Cutty Sark, an old tea clipper ship, and the National Maritime Museum are in the area, along with cafés and a historic market. Next, cruise down the River Thames to Westminster; glide past London landmarks like Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. The rest of the day is yours to explore independently: you might sightsee, shop, or perhaps take a trip to the theater.
Explore Oxford on a guided walking tour of the city and the famed university, founded in the 12th century. Next, drive through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, past charming thatched-roof cottages and English gardens along the route to Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy free time for lunch before visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a museum exploring The Bard’s early years and life in the 16th century. Return to London, where you are free to explore as you wish for the evening.
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Admire its iconic dome, explore the richly decorated interior, and discover the secrets of the historic crypt. Your afternoon is free to discover more of London as you please. In the evening, join your group for a farewell dinner.
Your 7-day tour ends after breakfast
