London & Country

Welcome to London!

Meet your Tour Director upon arrival at your hotel. Free time this afternoon before a welcome dinner, followed by a private, narrated cruise on the Thames River. (D)

LOCAL FAVORITE - EPIC RIDE: Experience a leisurely cruise on the gentle Thames River. In the company of a Local Guide enjoy a unique look at London as you glide serenely on this chief river of southern England, which flows from the Cotswolds Hills to the North Sea.

The Royal Treatment

Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister's Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to explore England's capital city. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOTS: England's national treasure of St. Paul's Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been served here, including Queen Victoria's jubilee, birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

On the Town in London

Today you are free to continue to explore London at your own pace. Maybe travel to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were married. In August and September, there's the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace and stroll through the magnificent State Rooms, used by the Royal Family, for ceremonial occasions and official entertaining. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LEGENDS & LORE: Double-decker buses, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, British pubs, and sweet shops are waiting to be discovered with a leisurely day in London town. Find your hideaway in Hyde Park's lush gardens or find styles to suit your fancy in some of Britain's most famous boutiques in Mayfair, Kensington, or Chelsea.

Country Charm & Classmates

Set out for an exciting day of sightseeing. In Stratford-upon-Avon, visit Shakespeare's Schoolroom and Guildhall and see where one of the world's greatest playwrights was educated. There's time to enjoy free time in this Elizabethan town before a drive through the picturesque villages and idyllic rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds. The final highlight is a walking tour through the university city of Oxford, viewing colleges and dreaming spires! 216 mi / 348 km (B)

LOCAL FAVORITE - HISTORIC SPOT: If “the play's the thing” then this is the place where the world's greatest playwright penned his first tale. Find your seat during a fun visit to the schoolroom where a young William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s to learn the power of language. Also, discover Stratford's Guildhall where he attended plays performed by the finest actors of the day.

Stone Temples & Time Travel

Today's excursion brings you to mysterious Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center, then take the shuttle to the stone circle and admire this fascinating monument up close. On to the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury for some free time before returning to London. 186 mi / 299 km (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & MYSTERY: Ponder the who, what, why, and how of Stonehenge, one of the most impressive prehistoric megalithic monuments in the world. Its sheer size and sophisticated architectural design have earned its legendary reverence as the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Although its original purpose is a mystery, the concentric monuments hold spiritual significance for people from around the world who gather at the massive stone circles to celebrate the summer solstice.

Leisurely Day in London Town

A final day in London offers plenty more time to get better acquainted with this fascinating city. Explore on your own or join one of the optional excursions on offer. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: A character in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice noted “London is so diverting; there is so much to entertain!” This is even more true today, from its panoramic views of wide-open spaces and leafy landscapes to its bustling British sense and sensibilities, museums, galleries, and iconic sights. Mingle with the serenity of Hampstead Heath and Kensington Gardens. Be enthralled by a dazzling show at one of the West End's historic stages - a fabulous bookend to your time in London.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)