Overview
Itinerary
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM to see the splendors of Windsor Castle, a residence of the King, and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group, then dine and explore this intriguing medieval town as you wish this evening.
Travel to Blenheim Palace, the magnificent country house once home to Winston Churchill and often seen as the setting for popular TV shows and movies; tour the house and explore the gardens. Set off on a drive through the rolling hills of the quintessentially English Cotswolds, with charming villages and colorful gardens. Arrive in Bath, a striking city of honey-colored Georgian buildings with an ancient heritage. Take a walking tour of the city before visiting the famed Roman Baths. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B/D)
Visit prehistoric Stonehenge and marvel at the vast monoliths mysteriously erected 5,000 years ago. Enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing in the medieval city of Salisbury. Along with charming local shops, Salisbury boasts a splendid 13th-century cathedral housing the world's oldest working clock. Back at your hotel in Bath, your evening is free to do as you wish. (B)
Visit Winchester, where some say the legendary King Arthur had his roundtable. Then, delve into nautical life at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can step aboard some of Britain's most notable ships, and see the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII's favorite. This 16th-century warship was sunk in battle in 1545 but raised from the seabed after 400 years; it's now a fascinating time capsule of maritime history, offering insight into the daily life of the era. Head on to your country house hotel and enjoy dinner with your group. (B/D)
Drive through the picturesque Kent countryside, known as the “Garden of England” with its rolling hills and charming villages. Arrive in the beautiful city of Canterbury. Take time to explore its medieval center before visiting its imposing cathedral and hearing of its enthralling tales. Then go on to your hotel for dinner. (B/D)
At romantic Leeds Castle in Kent, once called “the loveliest castle in the world”, tour the storybook structure complete with a moat and colorful gardens. Travel on to London for a panoramic tour viewing some of London's highlights: the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Parliament and Big Ben. Say farewell to your group over a drink at the hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening independently. (B)
Visit Kensington Palace, the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. Next, savor a light lunch, and then the rest of the day is yours to explore the amazing city of London as you wish. (B/L)
Your program ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Windsor Castle: Visit the Queen's magnificent home, the longest-occupied palace in all of Europe.
- Stonehenge: Marvel at the massive stone circle crafted by prehistoric people.
- Kensington Palace: Visit the former home of Princess Diana and young London royals for over 300 years in London's famous Hyde Park.
- Blenheim Palace: Visit the gilded State Rooms with their priceless collections of portraits, tapestries and furniture, and an exhibition devoted to the palace's most famous son, Winston Churchill.
- Roman Baths: Discover why these mineral-rich hot springs have been a popular destination for more than 2,000 years.
- Canterbury Cathedral: Discover 1,400 years of history in the grand cathedral — including an original copy of the Magna Carta.
- 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunches (L) and 3 Dinners (D)
- Castle Hotel Windsor (4 Stars)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Bath (4 Stars)
- Buxted Park Hotel (4 Stars)
- Chilston Park Hotel (4 Stars)
- 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton (4 Stars)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Gems of Southern England' Reviews
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
