Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to London at Christmastime! There's nothing like the city when it's bursting with the excitement of the season. With no scheduled activities today, you can explore London's festive streets at your leisure. Feel the holiday spirit as you perhaps shop the Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations amid the scent of warm, mulled wine and cinnamon.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton - Tower of London (5 Nights)
A local expert leads a panoramic and walking city tour. See Trafalgar Square, the exteriors of Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. End your tour in the bustling Covent Garden, one of London's oldest marketplaces. Perhaps you'll be entertained by a street performer — after all, Covent Garden is popular for its artistic scene. With some free time, explore Covent Garden before returning to the hotel by bus via a route that showcases the magnificent Christmas lights of London. (B)
Climb aboard the local transport river bus en route to Greenwich, seeing the Tower of London from the river. Dock in Greenwich, known as the village of London. Shop at the local stalls (perhaps bargaining like a local), and then it's your choice! Visit your pick of museums: the Cutty Sark -OR- National Maritime Museum. Enjoy lunch in a local pub that's full of charm.
After, you can take the Clipper boat back to the West End, or if you wish, take it back later so you can further explore Greenwich on your own. No matter where you spend your free evening, the festive atmosphere will add joy to your discoveries. (B/L)
Visit Blenheim Palace, one of England's most magnificent homes and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. At Christmas, this UNESCO World Heritage Site becomes a true winter wonderland. After an included Christmas Afternoon Tea, spend some time in the afternoon perusing the many market stalls or take some time to wander the beautifully manicured garden. Arriving back in London in the early evening, you still have time to see the city in all its glory. (B/L)
Today, set off to visit the magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. With its world-famous dome, this is one of the most iconic features in the London skyline.
After some free time for lunch, join your Tour Manager to walk along London's South Bank. Walk across the Millenium Bridge for some wonderful views of the city and see Shakespeare's Globe, ending the tour at the wonderful Borough Market.
This evening, go with your new friends to a traditional English restaurant for a farewell dinner. Toast the end of a festive trip to an amazing city. (B/D)
It's time to head home, full of warmth and memories of your Christmastime London adventure. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- See how London sparkles for the holidays on a drive-around to see the Christmas lights.
- Travel like a local on the river bus to Greenwich.
- Explore the local stalls of Greenwich and uncover its character and history.
- Feel the festive vibes at Blenheim Palace as it's adorned for the season.
- Walk around Covent Garden, one of London's oldest marketplaces, and a hub of London's street performer scene.
- Enjoy a pub lunch in London's village, Greenwich.
- Take Christmas Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- 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.
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Collette The British Isles (2025-26)
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 Collette. 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.
