London in Depth

Arrival at Gatwick Airport at 10:45AM and immediate transfer to Windsor.  Windsor is a historic town in Berkshire, England, that is famous for being the site of Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and has been the home of 40 monarchs since then. Time for lunch followed by a visit of the castle where you will have an opportunity to admire the magnificent State Apartments, the priceless art collection, the stunning St. George’s Chapel, and the iconic Round Tower.  Continue to London and our hotel, The Lancaster Gate in the Bayswater area.  Check in followed by a welcome pint and traditional pub dinner before turning in for the evening.

Breakfast at the hotel before meeting our local guide for a walking tour of central London.  Sights to include; the Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, The West End Theatre district, Covent Garden etc. The tour will end in the area of Trafalgar Square.  Free time for a late lunch followed by a visit to the National Gallery, housing one of the greatest collection of paintings in the world.  Following the visit, we continue to the Embankment where we will find a collection of pubs calling us in for a drink before heading back to the hotel. Traditional English dinner tonight in one of London’s many fine restaurants.

Today you will also receive your 7-Day London Travel Pass which is good for zones 1 & 2 on the London Underground & Buses

Today we embark on a regal journey through London’s historic heart, where the echoes of monarchy whisper through the ages. Your Royal tour begins with majestic Buckingham Palace, the late Queen’s opulent residence, with its grand State Rooms revealing centuries of tradition. Stroll through the verdant Green Park, witness the precision of the Changing of the Guard, and marvel at the storied Westminster Abbey. As Big Ben chimes, feel the pulse of British sovereignty that has shaped the world. This tour is a tapestry of royal heritage, woven into the very fabric of the city.  After time for lunch our visits for today will end where they began at Buckingham Palace where you will have a timed entry to visit the interior. With no group dinner tonight perhaps a show or concert would be a great way to end the day.

Discover London’s wartime history with a tour that takes you back to the days of WWII. This morning we head to the Imperial War Museum.  The IWM London is the world's leading museum of war. Founded during the First World War, it gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live their lives in a world torn apart by conflict.  Displayed across six floors, the museum's vast collections encompass a wealth of objects - from uniforms to photographs, vehicles to films, weapons to works of art - each with a story to tell.  Following our visit, we make our way back to central London where, after time for lunch, we are joined by our guide for a visit of the Churchill War Rooms, where strategies were forged, and walk the streets that survived the Blitz. See the Cenotaph, honoring the fallen, and explore the remnants of bomb shelters. This tour is a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage of London during one of its darkest times.  

Today we embark on a captivating journey through London’s storied past with a “London Through the Ages” tour. This immersive experience will guide you from the Roman establishment of Londinium to the bustling modern metropolis it is today. You’ll explore landmarks that tell tales of the city’s Roman roots, medieval might, and its evolution through the Tudor, Stuart, and Victorian eras, all the way to contemporary times. Highlights include the ancient Roman Wall and the architectural marvels that line the Thames. This tour is a splendid tapestry of history, perfect for those with a passion for the past and a desire to see how it has shaped the London we know today.  Following time for lunch we head to the British Museum famous for its amazing collection of rare and historic artefacts from around the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies. No group dinner this evening.

Savor the flavors of London on a food tour that culminates in the historic Borough Market. Begin with a tasting of artisanal British cheeses, followed by a stroll through the vibrant stalls offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet delicacies. At Borough Market, indulge in traditional fish and chips, sample a variety of international cuisines, and end your journey with a sweet treat from a local bakery. This tour is a feast for the senses, showcasing the best of London’s culinary diversity.  This afternoon is free for individual activities.

London’s music scene is a dynamic tapestry of history and innovation, offering a rich array of experiences for every music enthusiast. From the legendary Abbey Road Studios, immortalized by The Beatles, to the contemporary beats echoing through the O2 Arena, a music tour in London is a journey through the very soul of the city. This morning we will discover the bohemian charms of some of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods by visiting sites associated with bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd as well as some film sites.  Afternoon and evening free.

Breakfast before making the short trip to Greenwich where royal history and maritime heritage blend seamlessly.  We begin at Greenwich Park offering spectacular views of Canary Wharf and the City of London.  Next will be a visit to the Royal Observatory and an opportunity to stand on the Prime Meridian. We round out the morning sights with a visit to Greenwich Market where you will have an opportunity to enjoy lunch before returning to Central London. Naval enthusiasts may want remain in Greenwich to visit the Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum, reportedly, the largest maritime museum in the world.  

Today is your last day in London so we have left it free for last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping, This may be an ideal time to visit some of the sites just outside London such as Stonehenge or Bath, perhaps a Downton Abbey tour including a visit to Highclere Castle.  You may opt for a cruise on the Thames River that ends at Hampton Court, home of Henry the VIII, visit some of the markets we have not yet visited, take in a West End show or perhaps attend a Premiership football match at one of the local grounds.   Farewell dinner this evening.

Today is your last day in London so we have left it free for last minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping, This may be an ideal time to visit some of the sites just outside London such as Stonehenge or Bath, perhaps a Downton Abbey tour including a visit to Highclere Castle.  You may opt for a cruise on the Thames River that ends at Hampton Court, home of Henry the VIII, visit some of the markets we have not yet visited, take in a West End show or perhaps attend a Premiership football match at one of the local grounds.   Farewell dinner this evening.