Day 1
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
London, London Central and Surrounds
Capture the heart of the city’s culture, landmarks and history on our London routemaster bus, whilst sipping on a lovely cup of tea and enjoying the exquisite tastes of England. High tea accompanied with an array of tasty sandwiches and delicious cakes and pastries. Your London bus driver will take you round Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more. The Classic Afternoon Tea Bus London sightseeing tour lasts approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic).
Black Cab Meet & Greet Transfer - Heathrow Airport to City
London, London Central and Surrounds
Begin your tour with a meet and greet by your black cab driver (also a licensed Tour Guide). Upon meeting your driver, they will transfer you to your central London accommodation/train station via traditional London Black Taxi. Due to traffic and unforeseen circumstances that can delay journeys to and from the airport, all transfer services are at a fixed-price to avoid costs spinning out of control.
Must-See Sites
The Tower of London, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.
Nearest Tube Stop: Tower Hill - served by the Northern and Jubilee Lines
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The castle was initially used as a royal residence, but is more famous for its prison use between 1100 and 1952. The Tower has always played a prominent role in English history, when control of the Tower was crucial to establish control of the country. Nowadays the Tower is home to the famed Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, which while still in regular royal use, are otherwise on display for visitors to admire. The Yeoman Warders ('Beefeaters') are another major attraction. Guided Warder tours are available, and guards will regale you with tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution and torture! Legend says that the Kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. There are seven ravens at the Tower today (the required six plus one spare!), and their lodgings are to be found next to the Wakefield Tower. These magnificent birds, eat 170 grams of raw meat a day, respond only to the Raven Master and should not be approached too closely by anyone else, as they may bite!
London, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.
London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.
Tower Bridge, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: Tower Bridge crossed the River Thames just east of London Bridge and in close proximity to the Tower of London
Nearest Tube Stop: Tower Hill - served by the Circle and District Lines
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames and in close proximity to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name. Officially opened on June 30, 1894 by The Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII), Tower Bridge has become an iconic symbol of London. The bridge is 800 feet in length with the two towers each reaching 213 feet high, built upon submerged concrete piers. The 200 foot central span is split into two equal 'bastules', which can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The Bridge's present colour scheme dates from 1977, when it was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. The high level walkway of the Bridge was closed in 1910, as it had become a favorite hang-out spot for local prostitutes and pick-pockets. In 1982, the walkway was reopened, and now welcomes visitors. The exhibition uses films, photos and interactive displays to explain why and how Tower Bridge was built. Visitors can access the original steam engines that once powered the bridge bascules, housed in a building close to the south end of the bridge.
Arrive at
Arrive at London Heathrow Airport, London Central and Surrounds
Arrive at London Heathrow Airport.
Overnight Location
London, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.
London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.
Day 2
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
London Bridge Food Tour
London, London Central and Surrounds
On our Secret Food Tour: London Bridge, you'll enjoy a variety of classic British foods such as award-winning Fish & Chips, World Famous Sausage Rolls and traditional Bacon & Egg Baps, tasters from street food vendors, English cheeses paired with local beer/cider and try a classic British Dessert alongside a Fresh Pot of Tea. Plus, with all our tours, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day.
As locals, we are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around this world-famous and historical city. It is true that English food has a bit of a bad reputation, however we are here to challenge that view. Just wait until you try our food. Once eaten even the most discerning food critic will change their mind!
First, you'll eat a bacon and egg bap in the famous Borough Market followed by a stop for award-winning fish and chips. Next up, sample the best traditional sausage roll in town followed by a visit to a historic pub, to try a selection of British cheeses served with fruit, crackers, and chutney washed down with English cider. Finally indulge with a classic English dessert, served with a pot of refreshing breakfast tea. And of course, there will be a Secret Dish!
Must-See Sites
London, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.
London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.
London Bridge, London Central and Surrounds
Westminster Abbey, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: Westminster Abbey is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to Big Ben.
Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located just 0.2 miles north of Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey is one of the world’s great churches, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Paying a visit is truly an essential part of any trip to London. Kings & Queens, Poets & Heroes - all are represented at the Abbey - and it has many fascinating tales to tell. Westminster has long been the traditional venue for the coronation of English Monarchs, as well as their final resting place. The current, wonderful 700-year-old building is literally brimming with amazing artifacts and stunning craftsmanship. Of particular note is The Lady Chapel, begun in 1503, and constructed at the expense of Henry VII. It is regarded as the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture, and in 1545 was heralded as "the wonder of the entire world". The outstanding feature of the chapel is the spectacular fan-vaulted roof with carved pendants. The spectacular Waterford Crystal chandeliers in The Nave were a gift from the Guinness family, in honor of the Abbey's 900th anniversary in 1965. In front of the High Altar is another of the Abbey's treasures - a marble pavement dating from 1268. The method of its decoration is known as Cosmati work, after the Italian family who developed the technique. Audio guides are available in 12 languages, and the highly-popular Verger-led tour is also an option on-site. Westminster Abbey is usually open to visitors from Monday to Saturday throughout the year.
Covent Garden, London Central and Surrounds
On the map: Covent Garden, located in London’s West End, is a must-see for anyone interested in shopping, theatre, dining, history and culture. With an endless amount of things to see and do, visitors can spend multiple days in the Covent Garden area. Head to the London Transport Museum to discover the powerful link between transport and the growth of modern London, its culture and society since 1800. Check out Somerset House - a neo-classical building sitting between the Strand and the river Thames. Catch a Royal Opera performance or enjoy a guided tour at the Royal Opera House - also home to the Royal Ballet. If shopping is your cup of tea, the area is home to some of the best shopping in London - from Tom Ford and Mulberry, to Paul Smith and Apple. Wrap up your day at one of the Garden’s five-star restaurants such as Frenchie, Henrietta, or The Oystermen.
Downing Street, London Central and Surrounds
Known for being the street that houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Downing Street is a popular landmark in the city of London. The Prime Minister’s official residence is 10 Downing Street, while the Chancellor’s official residence is Number 11, both just a few minutes’ walk from the Houses of Parliament. While 10 Downing Street is not open for regular public tours, many walking tours will take you down the street so you can view the front door - subject to security measures.
Changing of the Guard, London Central and Surrounds
Witness one of the most historical traditions in Britain - the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard is the ceremony where The Queen’s Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace to the New Guard. The ceremony begins on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace at 11:00 sharp, following a march by a detachment of the Old Guard, and lasts about 45 minutes. The Guardsmen taking part in the ceremony are highly trained infantry soldiers who, in addition to their combat role, undertake ceremonial duties. Musical support is provided by a Regimental Band or Corps of Drums with pipers occasionally taking part in the ceremony. While watching the ceremony is free and does not require tickets, it is recommended that you arrive no later than 10:15 in order to get a good viewing spot.
Please Note: the Changing of the Guard ceremony schedule is subject to change, please check the confirmed dates before planning your experience.
Big Ben, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: Big Ben is located in the very heart of Central London, adjacent to the British Houses of Parliament.
Nearest Tube Stop: Westminster - served by the Circle, District & Jubilee Lines, is located right beside Big Ben.
When the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in October 1934, it was decided that the new neo-gothic style Palace should include an imposing and impressive clock tower. Thus, one of England's most famous & instantly recognizable landmarks came to be. Interestingly, although the name Big Ben is commonly used to describe the tower, it was initially given to the Great Bell within the tower. The tower itself, which lies to the north of the Houses of Parliament, is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, and was completed in 1859. The Great Clock started on May 31, with the Great Bell's peals being heard for the first very time on July 11. It is the second largest four-faced chiming clock in the world,after that of Minneapolis City Hall, and is famed for it's unerring time-keeping accuracy. The hands of the clock are 9 and 14 feet in length, and the Great Bell (Big Ben!) weighs-in at 13 tons. Although it is possible to tour the Houses of Parliament, the Elizabeth Tower is closed to visitors. But with no lift, and 334 steps to the top, this may not be such a bad thing!
Day 3
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Included Unique Activities
Bath, Avebury & Lacock Village Tour
London, London Central and Surrounds
Your small group tour begins by heading west out of London, through the county of Wiltshire, to our first stop of the day, the ancient Roman Spa town of Bath. This city has been inhabited for around 2000 years. There are Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and a gorgeous abbey to see. It’s a fascinating town to explore, so we give you plenty of time to wander around at your own pace. After lunch in Bath, we travel deeper into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a filming location (Harry Potter & Pride and Prejudice). The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds, and is a quirky country house of fascinating architectural styles. Our final stop of the day is the pretty village of Avebury. Here, you can wander amidst the Standing Stones, the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world - that’s right, even bigger than Stonehenge! Following Avebury, you will return to London in the early evening. This tour will give you plenty of time to investigate the secrets and understand the beauty of these famously historic locations, so be sure to take full advantage of it!
Places you explore:
Bath - This essential English city is as gorgeous as it is historically fascinating.
Roman Baths - Soak up the fascinating facts and beautiful artefacts at one of Britain’s most famous Roman sites.
Bath’s Georgian Architecture - They say the Georgian period produced Britain's best architecture. Look around Bath and decide for yourself.
Lacock Abbey - Some of Harry Potter was filmed in the beautiful cloisters of this ancient abbey.
Avebury Neolithic Standing Stones - No one knows why the druids created this landmark. But we do know it's bigger and older than Stonehenge.
Must-See Sites
Roman Baths, Bath, Southwest Region
The 2,000 year-old Roman Baths complex is undoubtedly one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe. The Baths are located below modern street level, and were not discovered and explored until the late nineteenth century. The site was opened as a visitor attraction in 1897. In 2011 the Roman Baths completed a £5.5 million redevelopment to bring the best of modern interpretation to the site, transform its accessibility and preserve it for the next 100 years. The Baths have four main areas: The Sacred Spring, The Roman Temple, The Roman Bath House and Finds from Roman Bath. The Sacred Spring is at the very heart of the site. Naturally hot (46°C) water rises here every day, as it has done for thousands of years. In Roman times, this natural phenomenon was beyond human understanding, and was believed to be the work of the ancient gods. A Great Temple was therefore built next to the Spring dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva, a deity with healing powers. The Great Bath itself is lined with 45 sheets of lead. It once stood in an enormous barrel-vaulted hall that rose to a height of 130 feet. For many Roman visitors this would have been the largest building they had ever entered..
London, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.
London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.
Bath, Southwest Region
On The Map: Bath is located in the southwest of England, 115 miles west of London, and just 13 miles east of Bristol.
The City of Bath is truly unique. It was founded by the Romans, after their conquest of Britain in AD 43. Between the 1st and 4th centuries, the Romans constructed a temple dedicated to the divinity, Sulis, as well as several hot baths. The natural source of the baths yields over 1,200,000 litres of water daily, at a temperature of more than 46 °C / 115 °F. Today, you can walk in the ancient footsteps of Romans, on the original stone pavements around the steaming pool. After the fall of the Roman city, medieval Bath became a major wool-producing centre, and the city commanded considerable religious influence from 1091 to 1206. During the 18th century, three ambitious local entrepreneurs set out to make Bath one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - they succeeded! The most famous legacy of their work is the Royal Crescent, comprising of 30 houses laid out in a crescent shape. In total Bath boasts approximately 5,000 listed buildings, and on top of its impressive Roman heritage, is also England's most celebrated Georgian city. Such is its unique nature, the entire City of Bath was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO.
Avebury, Southwest Region
On The Map: Avebury is located in the southwest of England, 80 miles west of London, and 25 miles north of Stonehenge
Avebury may not be quite as well known as Stonehenge, its prestigious neighbor 25 miles to the south, but it is world-famous nonetheless! Avebury is the world's largest prehistoric stone circle, partially encompassing the pretty village of Avebury. Millionaire archaeologist Alexander Keiller excavated the site in the 1930s, and the on-site museum bears his name. Arranged in two parts, the Alexander Keiller Museum is divided into The Stables - displaying archaeological treasures from across the World Heritage Site, and The Barn - a 17th-century Threshing Barn, with interactive displays and children's activities that reveal the story of this ancient landscape. The Avesbury Stone Circle dates from approx. 2600 BC. Its original purpose is shrouded in mystery, but most likely it was used in ancient rituals and ceremonies. The site still has much spiritual meaning today, and is of great religious importance to contemporary Pagans. Nearby Silbury Hill, which is the largest man-made mound in pre-industrial Europe, still dominates the surrounding landscape.
Day 4
Accommodation
Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, London Central and Surrounds
Room Type: Double
Check in policies:
Check-in time is after 2:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.
Must-See Sites
Day of Leisure in London, London Central and Surrounds
Today is yours to explore London at your leisure. Perhaps you are aching to revisit something you have seen in the past couple of days, or maybe you would enjoy some classic British shopping. May we suggest heading to Borough Market - London’s most renowned food and drink market - to enjoy a light lunch and browse the stalls. You can even pick out a picnic lunch and head to one of London’s many parks - we suggest Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Greenwich Park! For those looking to be entertained, check out London’s West End - home to spectacular shopping streets and a world-famous theatre district - and catch a Broadway show. No matter how you wish to spend your day at leisure, London is sure to deliver something special.
British Museum, London Central and Surrounds
The British Museum is a museum dedicated to human history, art, and culture, located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its permanent collection, numbering some 8 million works, is among the largest and most comprehensive in existence and originates from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
The British Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. The museum first opened to the public on 15 January 1759 in Montagu House in Bloomsbury, on the site of the current museum building. Its expansion over the following two and a half centuries was largely a result of an expanding British colonial footprint and has resulted in the creation of several branch institutions, the first being the British Museum (Natural History) in South Kensington in 1881. Some objects in the collection, most notably the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, are the objects of controversy and of calls for restitution to their countries of origin.
Until 1997, when the British Library (previously centred on the Round Reading Room) moved to a new site, the British Museum housed both a national museum of antiquities and a national library in the same building. The museum is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and as with all other national museums in the United Kingdom it charges no admission fee, except for loan exhibitions.
Piccadilly Circus, London Central and Surrounds
On the map: Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster, built in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly. In this context, a circus, from the Latin word meaning "circle", is a round, open space at a street junction.
Piccadilly now links directly to the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue, as well as the Haymarket, Coventry Street (onwards to Leicester Square), and Glasshouse Street. The Circus is close to major shopping and entertainment areas in the West End. Its status as a major traffic junction has made Piccadilly Circus a busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right. The Circus is particularly known for its video display and neon signs mounted on the corner building on the northern side, as well as the Shaftesbury memorial fountain and statue of Eros. It is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the London Pavilion, Criterion Restaurant and Criterion Theatre. Directly underneath the plaza is Piccadilly Circus tube station, part of the London Underground system.
The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, London Central and Surrounds
Trafalgar Square is famous for its huge black lion statues that have been posed with for countless photos. The Square itself also hosts a water fountain, changing artistic statues, and occasionally has huge screens to show important events, like soccer games. Inside the National Gallery awaits original paintings by Monet, Cezanne, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and many more world-famous artists. After feasting your eyes, get some sorbet and ice cream at Amorino around the corner, they make roses out of their ice cream!
Day 5
Included Unique Activities
Black Cab Transfer - London City to Heathrow Airport
London, London Central and Surrounds
Finish your vacation with a relaxing and easy ride to the airport in a traditional London Black Cab. Your driver will collect you and your luggage from your central London accommodation and deliver you to the terminal of your choosing. Due to traffic and unforeseen circumstances that can delay journeys to and from the airport, all transfer services are at a fixed-price to avoid costs spinning out of control.
Depart From
Depart from London Heathrow Airport, London Central and Surrounds
Return to London Heathrow Airport three hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.
Must-See Sites
London, London Central and Surrounds
On The Map: London is located in the southwest of England. The city's fantastic transport system, including the Tube (subway), red buses and black taxis, insure you can get around the city quickly and easily.
London is the capital of England, and globally-renowned as one of the world's great cities. London is very diverse - more than 230 languages are spoken, and you'll encounter a great variety of cultures and communities throughout the city. London's history is measured in thousands, not hundreds of years, and the city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich and The Royal Botanic Gardens. Beyond these, there is an unending list of interesting attractions and places to explore. You can visit the Queen's official residence at Buckingham Palace and tour the Houses of Parliament, historic home of the UK government. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, like the Tate Modern Art Gallery, the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums. Famous City Landmarks abound, such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. London is often cited as Europe's best shopping destination. Oxford Street is the central shopping hub, but quirky markets all over the city, such as in Camden Town are well worth a visit. The River Thames runs through the heart of London, and a river cruise is a great, alternate way to see the city.
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