8-Night The Great West Way & London

Day 2

Accommodation

The Queensberry Hotel - Bath, Southwest Region

Room Type: Classic Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Included Unique Activities

The Roman Baths Admission

Bath, Southwest Region

Step back in time with a visit to the historic Roman Baths. Known as one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, the Roman Baths sit at the heart of the City of Bath World Heritage Site and consist of preserved remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world. While the city’s natural thermal springs still rise in the site and keep the natural hot water flowing, visitors are not allowed to bathe in the baths. Instead, visitors are invited to join a guided tour or have a tour curated for them. 

After you explore the site, head to the Pump Room Restaurant or the Roman Baths Kitchen to enjoy a meal or some afternoon tea!

Suggested Sightseeing

Stonor Park, South East Region

Stonor Park has been home to the Stonor Family for about 850 years, making it one of the oldest family homes still lived in today. Wander the halls of this stunning mansion and discover the art and treasures that have been collected over the years. The house is actually a collection of old buildings, some that date back to Medieval times. Highlights of the grounds and house include the Gothic revival hall, the 17th century library, the long gallery that opens up to the gardens, the 13th century Chapel and the 17th century Italianate Pleasure garden complete with Renaissance ponds and fountains. Be sure to keep an eye out for the wildlife that frequents the property - Stonor is home to one of the oldest herds of deer in Britain!

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.

Highclere Castle, South East Region

On the map: Highclere Castle is a country house in the Jacobethan style by the architect Charles Barry, with a park designed by Capability Brown. The 5,000-acre estate is in Hampshire, England, about 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire.

Highclere Castle is the ancestral seat of the Carnarvon family and has hosted kings, queens, and prime ministers. Thanks to Downtown Abbey, the famous BBC television drama, the Victorian-era house has also become a full-blown prime-time star! 

See the Castle at your leisure.  There are Castle Guides in the various rooms to answer questions and enhance the visitor experience. It takes about an hour to enjoy the tour of the Castle. Up to another hour to enjoy the Egyptian Exhibition – depending on the level of interest – there is a wealth of information to read – some people spend a long time and others not so much.

 

Lacock, Southwest Region

Lacock is a small village in Wiltshire County that is owned almost entirely by the National Trust. The village is a popular destination due to its unspoiled appearance and the Lacock Abbey (established in 1232). Wander the streets and imagine what it was like to live here in the 18th century (back when most of the surviving homes were built). There is tons to discover here - quaint stone cottages, the old workhouse, the medieval tithe barn, the old lock up and much more. The village is also a popular filming location, its most famous appearances being “Downton Abbey”, BBC’s “Pride and Prejudice” and “Cranford”, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Wolfman”. If you are lucky enough to visit at the end of May, be sure to check out the annual Scarecrow Festival! 

Overnight Location

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.

Day 3

Accommodation

The Queensberry Hotel - Bath, Southwest Region

Room Type: Classic Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Included Unique Activities

The Body in a Suitcase Escape Game at House of Frankenstein

Bath, Southwest Region

Very few know that In 1816, Mary Shelley wrote much of the world’s first science fiction novel, Frankenstein, while living in Bath. 

Extending over four atmospheric floors, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein is an award winning, multi-sensory visitor museum where visitors will be immersed in Shelley’s unconventional tragic life and the lasting legacy of her infamous creation. Bursting with unusual artefacts, ominous soundtracks, bespoke smells and special effects, we also present an 8ft animatronic breathing creature, authentically reproduced for the first time exactly as Mary Shelley described. The House also features an intimate screening room showing the first ever Frankenstein film from 1910.

Your museum tickets also include The Body In A Suitcase immersive game where you have 45 minutes to solve the gruesome mystery of who lies within and why...

Suggested Sightseeing

Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House & Museum, Bath, Southwest Region

On The Map: Located in the heart of Bath city centre, at 4 N Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX, United Kingdom.

Sally Lunn’s is much more than a world famous tea and eating house in the centre of the wonderful city of Bath England. The historic building is one of the oldest houses in Bath. The kitchen museum shows the actual kitchen used by the legendary young Huguenot baker Sally Lunn in Georgian Bath to create the first Bath Bunn – an authentic regional speciality now known the world over.

Sally Lunn’s is open for Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre dinner and dinner. Menus offer historic refreshment based on the original Sally Lunn bun – still baked to a secret recipe – and rich in local cuisine and authentic historic dishes. They are a truly authentic English eating house serving regional English food.

The All Day Menu is served from 10am-6pm – no reservations required and never a very long wait as we have tables on three floors. We are busiest between 12.30 and 2.30 and suggest 10am is a great time to visit. Should you like to dine for dinner (between 6pm-9pm), reservations are highly recommended. 

Bath Abbey, Southwest Region

A stay in Bath will not be complete without visiting magnificent Bath Abbey. The current structure is the third to occupy this site since 757 AD. The first church was destroyed by Norman conquerers, who replaced it with a massive Norman Cathedral in the late 11th century. Subsequent to Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, an already deteriorating Abbey fell into further disrepair. It was not until 1616  that the current Abbey was repaired and maintained. Sir George Gilbert Scott completely transformed the interior of the Abbey between 1864 & 1874, adding the spectacular stone fan vault ceiling - one of the Abbey's most impressive features. Another notable feature is the 'Ladder of Angels' on the Abbey's west exterior, supposedly inspired by a dream of Bishop King circa 1500. Edgar, the very first King of all England, was crowned at the Abbey in 973, setting the precedent for all subsequent Kings and Queens, including the current Elizabeth II. Entrance to the Abbey is free, though a discretionary donation is encouraged. For a few extra pounds, you can take a Tower Tour, which involves climbing a relatively tricky 212 step spiral staircase. En route to the glorious city views at the top, you'll visit the Ringing Chamber and Bell Chamber, stand atop the Abbey’s famous vaulted ceiling, and even sit behind the clock face!

The Royal Crescent, Bath, Southwest Region

Located in the City of Bath, the Royal Crescent is a row of 30 terraced houses, laid out in a unique crescent shape. Designed by the architect John Wood the Younger, the Crescent was constructed between 1767 and 1774. It is a Grade I listed building, and undoubtedly one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom. The 114 columns of Wood's creation are 30 inches in diameter, and reach a height of 47 feet. The Georgian stone façade has changed little since 1774. Interestingly, original townhouse purchasers bought only a length of the exterior façade. They then employed their own architects to construct the house behind the façade! As a result, when viewed from behind, the Crescent is not at all uniform, with varying roof heights, shapes and structures. This architecture style, known as 'Queen Anne fronts and Mary-Anne backs', is prevalent throughout Bath. Many notable and famous people have called the Crescent home over the last 240 years, and some are commemorated on plaques attached to the relevant buildings. Of the Crescent's original 30 units, only a few are still full-size townhouses. Most have been sub-divided into apartments of various sizes, while No. 1 is the Royal Crescent Museum and the central Numbers 15 & 16 comprise the Royal Crescent Hotel.

Pulteney Bridge, Southwest Region

Pulteney Bridge, along with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, is widely recognized as one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Like the Ponte Vecchio, Pulteney is one of a very few historic bridges in the world to have shops constructed upon it. Pulteney Bridge crosses the River Avon in the heart of Bath. The bridge was constructed in Palladian style by Robert Adam at the behest of William Pulteney, and was completed in 1774. Pulteney's goal was to connect central Bath to the east bank of the River Avon, in the pursuit of commercial fortune. In subsequent years, the bridge was expanded to include more shops, and at the end of the 18th century was largely rebuilt as a consequence of flood damage. Shops line both sides of the bridge, and in spite of plans to pedestrianize the famous listed structure, it is currently still used by buses and taxis. You'll get the best view of Pulteney Bridge from Parade Gardens Park by the Crescent Weir.

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.

Day 4

Accommodation

Number 38 Clifton - Bristol, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00 PM and until 8:00 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00 AM.

There is no front desk at this property. If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM, please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation.

Suggested Sightseeing

Castle Combe, Southwest Region

Surrounded by Cotswolds National Landscape, Castle Combe offers plenty of picturesque walks and quaint villages streets waiting to be explored! Unlike its name suggests, Castle Combe is not actually a castle - it is a quintessentially English village. The village is made up of honey-colored Cotswold stone and has been featured regularly as a filming location - most recently in “The Wolf Man”, “Stardust” and Stephen Spielberg’s “War Horse”. One of the village’s main attractions is St Andrew’s Church which dates back to the 13th century and houses one of the oldest working clocks in the country. On the edge of the village, there is a driving circuit (the Castle Combe Circuit) where visitors have the opportunity to test out different vehicles or tackle the Rally course.

Highgrove House, Southwest Region

Highgrove House is the private residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, located near Tetbury in Gloucestershire. Since his arrival in 1980, the Prince of Wales has devoted a lot of time to transforming the gardens that surround the house. Today, those gardens (including the Cottage Garden and the Wildflower Meadow) are renowned as some of the most inspiring and innovative in the United Kingdom. The Royal Gardens are open to the public for guided tours on selected dates between April and October of each year. During your visit, you can also browse the Highgrove Estate Shop and relax in the Orchard Restaurant. Be sure to choose the tour that best suits what you are looking for - Individual Garden Tours, Champagne Tea Tours, the Garden Tour with Supper, Group Garden Tours and Private Tours. Please note that all tours must be booked in advance. 

Wadworth Brewery, Southwest Region

Visit the Brewery that started it all! At the Wadworth Brewery in Devizes, not only can you taste their beer, you can tour the facilities. All tours begin with an introduction to Wadworth’s history and heritage in the Visitor Centre. After your introduction, your guide will lead you to the top of the traditional Victorian tower brewery and you will work your way down through each of the four floors - moving forward through time as you descend. You will also be treated to a visit with their most famous residents - Max, Sam and Archie (the brewery’s working Shire Horses). The tour ends with a sampling session where you will learn more about the handcrafted ales in The Harness Room Bar. 

Overnight Location

Bristol, Southwest Region

On The Map: Bristol is located in southwest England, along the Bristol Channel separating England & Southern Wales.

Bristol enjoys a fantastic location in the heart of the West Country, with some of England's finest countryside stretching out in all directions from the city. The rich and eventful history of Bristol as a port spans many centuries. The original town was listed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 1051 as a port trading regularly with Ireland. Bristol played an extremely important role in sea trade for hundreds of years thereafter. There are several world class attractions in modern Bristol. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge (pictured), spans the picturesque Avon Gorge, and is the symbol of the city. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. When launched in 1843, the 'Great Britain' became the world's first luxury ocean liner. Now a dockside museum, the historic ship is a pleasure to visit and explore. For the best views in Bristol, climb Cabot Tower. Admission is free and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the town center, harbor, Clifton Suspension Bridge and beyond. 

Day 5

Accommodation

Number 38 Clifton - Bristol, Southwest Region

Room Type: Double/Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00 PM and until 8:00 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00 AM.

There is no front desk at this property. If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM, please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation.

Included Unique Activities

Bristol Tandem Bike Hire

Bristol, Southwest Region

Explore Bristol on a tandem bike! Discover your own tandem journeys together on excellent, British built tandems. Follow our carefully chosen routes around the beautiful areas of Bristol. Locks, lights, pump, basic tool kit and racks are included as part of the hire fee.

You might choose to opt for the Docks to Clifton Suspension Bridge route, a shorter route that takes in the docks, the locally famous Chocolate Path and then Avon Gorge on mostly traffic free, quiet roads. Winding up through the secluded Nightingale Valley, the route returns over the Clifton Suspension Bridge and wiggles back to the City Docks through Georgian Clifton. Or you might choose the city centric Graffiti Trail, the Unique Arnos Vale Cemetary route, or any one of the 8 routes on offer. 

Suggested Sightseeing

Brunel's SS Great Britain, Southwest Region

Discover what was once the longest passenger ship in the world at the SS Great Britain museum in Bristol. Step aboard the world-famous ship and explore its many parts. Climb the rigging of the mainmast on the Weather Deck, wander the Promenade Deck where first class passengers spent most of their time, marvel at the beautiful dinner settings in the Dining Saloon, discover where third class passengers slept in the Steerage section of the ship, see where food was made (and stored) for everyone on the ship in the Galley and Bakery, and learn about the ship’s structure and engines in the Forward Hold and Engine Room. Head outside the ship itself to explore the Dockyard (where the ship was constructed) and the Dry Dock. The Dry Dock has been sealed by a huge water-line glass plate that is flooded with a shallow layer of water to give the illusion of being afloat - it also allows visitors to see the ship from below. With so much to see and learn about this amazing ship, a full day could be spent here! 

Bristol, Southwest Region

On The Map: Bristol is located in southwest England, along the Bristol Channel separating England & Southern Wales.

Bristol enjoys a fantastic location in the heart of the West Country, with some of England's finest countryside stretching out in all directions from the city. The rich and eventful history of Bristol as a port spans many centuries. The original town was listed in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle of 1051 as a port trading regularly with Ireland. Bristol played an extremely important role in sea trade for hundreds of years thereafter. There are several world class attractions in modern Bristol. The iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge (pictured), spans the picturesque Avon Gorge, and is the symbol of the city. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. When launched in 1843, the 'Great Britain' became the world's first luxury ocean liner. Now a dockside museum, the historic ship is a pleasure to visit and explore. For the best views in Bristol, climb Cabot Tower. Admission is free and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the town center, harbor, Clifton Suspension Bridge and beyond. 

Day 6

Accommodation

Picturesque B&B Hotel - Salisbury, Southwest Region

Room Type: Classic Double

Check in policies:

Check in is from 3pm on the day of arrival. However we will always try and accommodate guests with an earlier check in wherever possible. Check out is 10.30am.

Suggested Sightseeing

Stonehenge, Southwest Region

On The Map: Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, in the southwest of England - 90 miles west of London and 33 miles southeast of the Roman City of Bath.

Stonehenge is without doubt one of the most famous sites in the world. The iconic remains of the ring of standing stones are instantly recognizable and draw almost 1 million visitors every year. Archaeologists believe that the first phase of construction at Stonehenge began around 3100 BC, at which time a large earthwork or 'Henge', comprising an earthbank and ditch, was built. The second phase of construction began around 2150 BC, when some 82 bluestones, weighing up to 4 tons, were transported 240 miles from southwest Wales! Around 2000 BC, the third phase saw the arrival of the massive Sarsen stones, weighing up to 50 tons. The stones were most likely transported from 25 miles away, and great mystery and intrigue continues to surround just how this mammoth task was achieved. The stones could only have been moved using sledges and ropes, and archaeologists guesstimate it would have taken 600 men to pull just one stone. The final construction phase took place around 1500 BC when the bluestones were rearranged in the horseshoe and circle that we see today. There are many theories as to the purpose of Stonehenge - ancient burial site, astronomical calendar, healing site, or sacred hunting ground? Perhaps when you visit, you can decipher the great mystery!

Salisbury Cathedral, Southwest Region

Built to the glory of God, this vibrant Cathedral church with Britain's tallest spire and best preserved Magna Carta is just 8 miles from Stonehenge.

Overnight Location

Winchester, South East Region

On the Map: Winchester is located in the county of Hampshire in southern England, approximately 60 miles southwest of London and about 14 miles north of Southampton. Nestled along the River Itchen, this historic city is easily accessible via major road and rail connections, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the South East of England.

Winchester blends countryside charm with deep historical roots. Once the Roman town of Venta Belgarum, it evolved from an Iron Age settlement into a city of national significance. Its most iconic landmark, Winchester Cathedral, is one of the largest in Europe and boasts the longest nave of any Gothic cathedral on the continent. The city is also home to the University of Winchester and Winchester College, the oldest public school in the United Kingdom still operating from its original buildings. With a walkable center, medieval architecture, and scenic trails leading into the surrounding countryside, Winchester offers a rich and rewarding base for exploration.

Day 7

Accommodation

Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, Greater London

Room Type: Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.

Suggested Sightseeing

British Museum, Greater London

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. World-famous objects such as the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies are visited by up to six million visitors per year. As with all other national museums in the United Kingdom it charges no admission fee, except for loan exhibitions.

Oxford Street, Greater London

On The Map: Oxford Street runs for approx. 1.5 miles from Marble Arch (at the north east corner of Hyde Park), through Oxford Circus to St Giles Circus Nearest Tube Stops: Marble Arch, Bond Street & Oxford Circus, all served by the Central Line.

Oxford Street is a major road in the West End of London, and is Europe's busiest shopping street, boasting more than 300 shops. Oxford Street follows the route of an ancient Roman road, (the Via Trinobantina), which linked Hampshire with Colchester and became one of the major routes in and out of London City. In the late 18th century, much of the surroundng area was purchased and developed by the Earl of Oxford. It initially became popular with entertainers, including bear-baiters, and for entertainment houses, such as The Pantheon. During the 19th century, the area became known for its shops, a trend that has continued apace ever since. It is the biggest shopping street within Inner London, and forms part of a larger shopping district with Regent Street, Bond Street and a number of other smaller nearby streets. The street is home to a number of major department stores and numerous flagship stores, as well as hundreds of smaller shops. Of particular note is Hamley's on Regent Street. Opened in 1760, Hamley's is the oldest, largest and most famous toy shop in the world.

Piccadilly Circus, Greater London

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 Regent's Park, Greater London

Discover beautiful rose gardens, wildlife, open air theatres and more in The Regent’s Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Wander through Queen Mary’s Gardens and surround yourself with the scent of nearly 12,000 roses. The park is full of wildlife, particularly birds including a colony of grey herons near the boating lake, where you can also hire boats and pedalos during the summer months. To see more exotic animals head to the northern edge of the park where you’ll find ZSL London Zoo. The zoo is home to more than 700 animal species such as meerkats, penguins, lions and giraffes. The zoo was also used in filming scenes from Harry Potter! To soak up some spectacular views across the city, make your way to the top of Primrose Hill. This grassy area was once a place where duels were fought and prize-fights took place. Now you can see Shakespeare’s Tree, planted to mark the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth.

Overnight Location

London, Greater London

On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.

The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.

Day 8

Accommodation

Heart of the City Beautiful Hotel - London, Greater London

Room Type: Twin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12:00 noon.

Included Unique Activities

Premier Classic London Tour in an Iconic Black Cab

London, Greater London

The Premier Classic London Experience is a private driving tour designed for first-time visitors or those with limited time in London. Guests are picked up from their central London hotel and guided by a professional “cabbie” who shares rich stories and historical insights at each stop. The tour covers six of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, and St James's Palace. Depending on the day and time, visitors may witness the Changing of the Guard or the Horseguards Parade. The tour also includes scenic drives past Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster, and along the Thames River to the Tower of London, with drop-off at any central location.

Spanning four hours in a classic London Taxi, the tour offers a relaxed pace and is fully customizable to suit individual interests. While entry to attractions is not included, guests enjoy ample opportunities for memorable photos and receive personalized recommendations for dining, shopping, and other activities. The experience is ideal for those who want to explore London’s highlights with comfort and insight, guided by someone who knows the city intimately.

Included: professional tour guide for your own private group, private transportation in a TXE, TX4 or Mercedes Vito London Taxi, hotel pick up and drop off from your centrally located hotel. 
Not Included: food and drink, gratuities, entrance fees to visitor attractions or guided visits inside venues, airport pickup & drop off. 
Duration: 4 hours

Suggested Sightseeing

London, Greater London

On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.

The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.

The Tower of London, Greater London

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

At Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll see the Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders, mysterious Ravens and, of course, the magnificent White Tower. The Tower was built on the River Thames by William the Conqueror. Its purpose was to protect London and to assert the city’s importance and power. Inside you’ll find a unique Romanesque Chapel, the 11th century Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist. You’ll also find the Royal Armouries Collections. 

The Crown Jewels have been displayed in the Tower of London for nearly 400 years. This is an extraordinary collection of 24,000 gemstones and are used in present royal ceremonies, including the Coronation Spoon and St. Edward’s Crown.  Still under armed guard, listen to the stories of their past, who wore them, and what makes them important.

The Tower Ravens are known as The Guardians. It is said that if the Ravens leave, the Tower will fall. Charles II is the first to insist that the Ravens be protected. Ravens are mythic, intelligent birds, and the tower has a Ravenmaster in charge of assuring their continued health and well-being.  

We know the Yeoman Warders by their more common name, “The Beefeaters.” Take a tour with one of the Yeoman and you’ll hear stories steeped in 1,000 years of history. Palace intrigue, betrayals, great loves, tragedy, those imprisoned at the Tower, and illicit liaisons… ask your Beefeater questions!

Westminster Abbey, Greater London

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.

Buckingham Palace, Greater London

On The Map: Buckingham Palace is located in the heart of London - north of the River Thames and just southeast of Hyde Park: Closest Tube Stops: Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner

Famed Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's Sovereigns since 1837. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are open to visitors. The Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State Rooms, 52 Royal and Guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms. Buckingham Palace is furnished and decorated with priceless works of art that form part of the Royal Collection, one of the major art collections in the world today. George IV's original palace lacked a large room in which to entertain. Queen Victoria rectified that shortcoming by adding a Ballroom 1853-5 which was, at the time of its construction, the largest room in London. Today, it is used by The Queen for State banquets and other formal occasions such as the annual Diplomatic Reception attended by 1,500 guests.

Day 9

Included Unique Activities

Black Cab Transfer London Hotel to Heathrow Airport (1-4 Pax)

London, Greater London

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. 

Suggested Sightseeing

London, Greater London

On The Map: London is in Southeastern England, next to the River Thames and 50 miles from its estuary on the North Sea. Its main highway, the M25, surrounds the city at a radius of 20 miles from London’s center. Kent, Surrey, and Berkshire are south of the River Thames, while Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex are north. Greater London is 607 square miles with a population of 8,200,000. The city is 211 miles south of York and 77 miles from Dover.

The capital of the United Kingdom, London is one of the world’s great cities. It is almost 2,000 years old and its cultural diversity, combined with its history, makes it a dream to visit. London grew from a walled settlement founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. Across the bridge, on the south bank, Southwark became known for its monasteries, hospitals, fairs, inns, and the theaters of Elizabethan London, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Westminster, on the south bend of the Thames, grew around an abbey followed by a palace, government buildings, parks, and fashionable neighborhoods.

Depart From

Depart from a London Airport, Greater London

Return to your chosen London Airport three hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.