905-264-0158

1-800-387-0711

image
Castles & Downton Abbey!

Europe

News & Updates

Essential Provence Wine Tour

Immerse yourself into the unique atmosphere of Provence’s famous wines region & delightful villages. 5-day Wine & Gourmet tour from $2159 person!

READ MORE...

Highlights of Portugal

From north to south, you'll discover Portugal’s most celebrated destinations on this 11-day Independent Rail Tour. From $2539 person!

READ MORE...

Heart of Italy & Cinque Terre

Explore the contrasts of this magical country visiting some of Italy's most important artistic & historical sites before discovering the unique Cinque Terre. 8-day Small Group Tour from $2619 person!

READ MORE...

London | Castles, Ruins & Downton Abbey! Independent Tour

Itinerary What's Included Pricing Hotels Map Request
7 days from

$50000

Visit England at any time of the year, where you’ll find the same warm welcome! On this 7-day tour, we offer a mix of tastes, history & television favourites!

Day 1: London

Welcome to England! Arriving in London make your way to your hotel and the remainder of the day to relax.

Day 2: London | Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor

Today you'll experience Ruins, Romans and Royals all in one day! A day travelling through history from the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge to the Roman and Georgian influences in Bath and ending at the oldest occupied Castle in the world in Windsor. Our popular Crown and Country tour will give you the chance to experience the very best of England's heritage, combining ancient Stonehenge, the elegant city of Bath and majestic Windsor. Start the day with a drive to Ancient Wessex, into the chalk hills that surround Stonehenge. Arriving at this prehistoric site just as it opens, we enjoy a fully guided visit to the stone circle and a chance to look in at the visitor centre. We will learn of the building methods and the possible purpose of the monument, we discuss what is known and what may never be known before we continue west to the Roman city of Bath. Here we visit the hot springs and the remains of the 2,000-year-old baths. See the Roman Temple and walk along the original Roman pavement. Enjoy lunch in one of the elegant tea rooms and try a famous Sally Lunn bread bun. We then visit the 18th-century crescents and squares of the Georgian city, built  250 years ago when Bath became the social centre for high society with dancing, bathing and all manner of relaxation.  Our final stop is Windsor with its majestic castle, the oldest and largest continuously occupied castle in the world and favourite home of our present Queen. Here one has the option of visiting the state apartments, seeing the intricate Queen Mary's Doll House and the Royal Chapel of St George, resting place of many of our Kings and Queens. Alternatively, those who do not wish to enter the castle can spend some time exploring the narrow cobbled streets and riverside parks.

Day 3: 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 and be sure to wear comfortable shoes!. (B)

Day 4: London | Borough Market & Gin Distillery Walking Tour

Today it's time to get off the tourist trail, leave the well-beaten track behind and do something different in London on this fantastic tour of London's thriving artisanal food and drink market. Explore the markets and spots that Londoners love, and discover just the city is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the top cities in the world for the ultimate culinary experience.  Borough Market  Gain insight into local culture on this alternative tour as you visit the historic Borough Market, the oldest and largest food market in London dating back to 1014. Enjoy the sights and smells of the market as you walk around; its warren of passageways hide a sprawling cornucopia of everything from traditional British produce to international culinary delights.  You'll have ample time to explore the market at your own leisure and indulge in what's on offer, from Sri Lankan street food to charcuterie from South Tyrol and everything else in between. Using our exclusive VOX audio headset technology, a professional tour guide will bring the history of this fantastic market to life on a guided tour that takes in the best the market has to offer and showcases its unique Victorian and Art Deco and architectural features. After your visit to the market, you will make your way to one of London's well-known Gin distilleries, Beefeater Gin Distillery, to taste and learn about gin. Go behind the scenes and discover how this local distillery produces gin, examine the difference between styles of gin and hear how the various herbs used in the distilling process impact the overall flavour. Your tour will end at 5:00 pm at the Beefeater Gin Distillery.

Day 5: 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 6: London | Blenheim Palace, Downton Abbey Village & Cotswolds

Discover a region of outstanding natural beauty, rolling hills, and spectacular stately homes, including a visit to Blenheim Palace; one of the largest houses in the country and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit quaint villages and see many well-known landmarks from the popular TV series ‘Downton Abbey’.  Blenheim Palace, this awe-inspiring stately home is the private residence of the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. You’ll explore the lavishly decorated State Rooms, furnished with some of the most impressive collections of paintings in Europe and take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens admiring the wonderful Rose Garden and The Water Terraces. In the Cotswolds visit the charming village of Bibury; a wonderfully attractive setting along the River Coln and a backdrop for blockbuster films including Stardust and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Admire Arlington Row, the quaint group of weaver’s cottages dating back to the 16th Century. Then it’s on to Bourton-on-the-Water, regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England with its attractive bridges that cross the gently flowing River Windrush.  And finally to Downton Abbey Village to visit the village of Bampton; the film setting for many of the famous landmarks featured within the popular Downton Abbey TV series. You’ll see the buildings that played the part of the home of Isobel Crawley, the Downton Cottage Hospital, the church, and also the location for two fictional local pubs, The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck and return to London arriving at Victoria Train Station around 7 pm. 

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)

Departure dates

This tour departs on Tuesday, Friday & Sunday. 
Some excursions featured in this tour do not operate daily. The itinerary can be modified to suit other departure days.