English Heritage
When you think “England” what is your first association? The Queen - The Royal Family -The London Tube – a double decker bus – The Houses of Parliament – football – gardens - afternoon tea?
There’s a whole lot more to England and this trip lets you in to some of the secrets of our great English heritage
Day 1:
On arrival at the airport you will be met by your driver guide who will
take you to your hotel. If your arrival time permits you will then enjoy
a short orientation sightseeing tour with your driver guide – watch out
for the Houses of Parliament, symbol of English democracy, Big
Ben and Westminster Abbey - one of the most
important church buildings in Britain and final resting place of seventeen
monarchs, Whitehall, 10 Downing Street –
the British Prime Minister’s residence, Trafalgar Square with Nelson’s
Column, and Piccadilly Circus. Late arrivals
see all this and more tomorrow! Spend your first evening relaxing in
London’s Soho, famous for its cinemas, theatres, clubs
and restaurants.
Overnight in central London.
Day 2:
A
full day’s sightseeing in London. In the morning enjoy
a refreshing walk in Hyde Park and past Speaker’s
Corner to Buckingham Palace,
the London home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to see the Changing
of the Guard at 11.00 (everyday during summer and every other
day in the winter). Then enjoy a panoramic tour on one
of London’s famous double decker buses to see the famous highlights of
the city and symbols of English politics and culture. Afterwards, visit
the Tower of London, the medieval castle which served
as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution and torture,
an armoury, treasury, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of
the United Kingdom. After a short walk across the iconic Tower
Bridge, ride the Tube, the world's oldest underground railway,
to the Ritz for a very English afternoon tea.
You may wish to enjoy time in lively Covent Garden this evening.
Overnight in central London.
A day dedicated to castles. In the morning travel west to Windsor
Castle the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world,
and one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's
dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It was one
of the residences of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. and contains,
as well as a royal palace, a magnificent chapel and the homes and workplaces
of a large number of people. Ten British monarchs lie buried in the
chapel. During the afternoon visit another royal residence Hampton
Court – favourite home of the most famous English king – Henry
VIII. Why not enjoy spectacular views across England’s capital this
evening with a ride on the London Eye .
Overnight in central London.
Day 4:
An academic day visiting places associated with English science and
literature which have made a huge contribution to the world’s culture.
In the morning we head to Oxford, home to one of the
world’s oldest universities. Walk around a variety of famous colleges
and visit the most prestigious - Christchurch College. Continue
to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace
and home of William Shakespeare, where we visit
his house in the centre of the town, his grave at the local
church, the house of Mary Arden, his mother and Anne
Hathaway’s Cottage where Shakespeare's wife once lived.
Overnight in central London.
Day 5:
Our
travels today take us south-east for a visit to the fine old medieval
city of Canterbury and to Canterbury
Cathedral , the most important English church,
and seat of the Archbishop of England. Then we travel through Kent, a
region of wonderful parks and gardens typical of what England is so famous
for. Visit Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, a place that
breathes old England and continue to Chartwell, once
home to Winston Churchill, one of the most famous of
British politicians. This is the place where he drew inspiration from
1924 until the end of his life. A visit includes the house and its surroundings
- and the lakes and gardens he loved. Return to London.
Overnight in central London.
A day dedicated to English sports. ‘Modern’ football was established in England in the late nineteenth century and in the morning we visit the famous Wembley Stadium - stroll into the dressing room like a superstar, limber up in the world's most exclusive warm-up zone, stride through the tunnel towards the hallowed turf, stand triumphantly in front of the Royal Box to the roar of the crowd! Next it’s a very English sport – cricket. We take a typical London cab to get to Lord’s Cricket Ground. Lord's is the 'Home of Cricket' and the game's spiritual 'headquarters' and a tour of Lord’s gives us the opportunity to go behind the scenes where we can see many of the most famous sights in world cricket. Spend the afternoon like many sport fans – in a typical English pub. Overnight in central London.
Day 7:
In the morning a visit to Madame Tussaud’s waxworks to see the most famous people in the world followed by shopping on Oxford Street. Overnight in central London.
Day 8:
Free time in the morning, transfer to London Heathrow.
