London | Enjoy England at its Best

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Visit England at any time of year and you'll find the same warm welcome! Experience the warmth of their hospitality, the culinary delight of 'pub grub' and marvel at the wealth of history on this 7 day tour!

Day 1: London

Arriving at London Heathrow or Gatwick airport, the most convenient, quick & inexpensive way to reach central London is by using the train service. Make your way to your hotel for check-in and the remainder of the day to relax or start exploring on your own.

Day 2: London | Sightseeing with Changing of the Guard

This morning you'll see the best of London and learn all about London's history with your Expert Tour Guide. Your day begins with a relaxing panoramic drive through London with your expert tour guide. Along the way, your guide will regale you with interesting stories and facts about London's long history. On this scenic journey through the city, you will see all of London's most iconic sights, including Westminster Abbey, the iconic Elizabeth Tower, also known as 'Big Ben', St Paul's Cathedral, and many others. Watch the Changing of the Guard at either Buckingham Palace or at Horse Guards Parade, an event steeped in tradition and ceremony.  The tour last approximately 3 hours and finishes at Trafalgar Square around 12.00 noon. Your guide will be happy to give you suggestions for lunch and transportation back to your hotel. Or you can then add an optional Thames River Cruise. Once the tour has ended, you can make your way down to Westminster Pier for a scenic cruise on the River Thames down to Tower Pier. The afternoon is at your leisure to continue exploring on your own. Be sure to take advantage of free entry to many of the city's galleries & museums. (B)

Day 3: London | Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Today discover three of England’s national treasures on this full-day tour exploring the ancient landscape of Stonehenge, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bath, and beautiful Windsor Castle, with entrance fees included. Your tour begins with a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in world and home to British kings and queens for over 900 years.  Venture into the opulent State Apartments to discover a statue of Queen Victoria, the Waterloo Chamber, the King’s Rooms, Queen’s Rooms and world-famous masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt. You’ll also get to explore St George’s Chapel - the setting for many royal weddings and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. If you’re visiting on a Thursday or Saturday, listen out for the triumphant tunes of troops in red uniforms and bearskin caps at the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Continue to visit mysterious Stonehenge where you can wander around this 5,000-year-old monument, declared a world heritage site, and be captivated by the unique rock formation rising up against the skyline on Salisbury Plain. Stonehenge’s origins have puzzled experts for hundreds of years, so make up your own mind and solve the mystery yourself! Don't forget to visit the award-winning visitor centre where you can see 250 archaeological objects discovered in the landscape, contemporary art, photographs, the large shop, and a café. Just outside the visitor centre, you'll also find a recreation of the Neolithic houses found during excavations in 2006 & 2007. In the afternoon discover the beauty of Bath. Standing proudly on the slopes of the River Avon, Bath is a stunning Georgian city and the first in England designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to the world-famous Roman Baths, one of the best historic attractions in the country. Although you can no longer take a dip in these waters, you can soak in the glorious views of the hot springs and the gorgeous area that surrounds them. Why not sip Bath’s waters in the Pump Room and give your verdict on the taste? If there’s time to spare, wander the cobbled streets of the idyllic city, making sure to visit Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and the spectacular Pulteney Bridge. You may also want to pop into the Jane Austen centre for a spot of regency afternoon tea before returning to London with an estimated arrival time at 8:00 pm. Please note Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays; a guided walking tour of Windsor will operate instead. (B)

Day 4: London

A full day free to enjoy at your own pace. London abounds with art galleries & museums many of which offer free entrance. Don’t miss the Victoria & Albert Museum or the National Art Gallery, both offering free admission. (B) 

Day 5: London | Warwick Castle, Oxford, Stratford & the Cotswolds

Today enjoy a full-day tour through the enchanting Cotswolds, visiting medieval Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon and a walk through the cobbled streets of Oxford. We take you back through Warwick Castle's 1,000-year history to a time of bloody battles, extravagant banquets, and royal ceremonies. You can visit the magnificent interiors of the Great Hall & State Rooms, climb the Towers and Ramparts for an archer’s view of the historic town of Warwick, and enter the multi-sensory Kingmaker attraction and journey back to 1471 as Richard Neville prepares his army for battle. Alternatively, you might like to stroll through some of the 60 acres of Warwick Castle's landscaped gardens. The tour continues to Shakespeare's Birthplace: Stratford upon Avon. If you have ever used the expression: 'Too much of a good thing', 'Come what may' or 'Laughing stock,' you are quoting the great playwright. Visiting his Birthplace you will gain a fascinating insight into his life. Then relax and enjoy a drive through one of the most scenic areas of England, the Cotswolds, passing through charming villages with thatched cottages, tea shops, and ancient inns. Our final stop of the day will be in the historic university town of Oxford. The colleges in Oxford date back to the 13th century and among its famous students were Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. We take you on a fascinating walking tour past many of the famous colleges, including Divinity School featured in some of the Harry Potter films. You'll also see the Bodleian Library and the picture-perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is famous before returning to London. (B)

Day 6: London

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a final day to visit the palaces, art galleries & museums that you’ve just not had time yet to visit. Alternatively, head for Knightsbridge and some souvenir shopping at Harrods, the world famous emporium. (B)

Day 7: London

After breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the airport for your return flight home. Or ask your Travel Agent about extending your vacation with CIT Tours. (B)

Daily Departures

Some excursions included do not operate daily and the itinerary will be modified to suit.