Day 2: London, Cambridge, York
On the way to York stop in Cambridge with its historic colleges, well-manicured gardens, chapels, courtyards and dining halls and visit Stamford, a beautiful town developed by the Romans, the Saxons, the Danes and Normans. Arrive in York which has preserved so much Medieval structure that its center is like entering a living museum. Overnight. [B]
Day 3: York
Today explore the magnificent Peak District, a landscape of moorland, deep green valleys and rough stone crags, where almost every hilltop is marked with prehistoric huts and one or two of the fine Derbyshire houses: Chatsworth, magnificent 17th century home of the Duke of Devonshire, Haddon Hall, or Hardwick Hall, 16th century home of the much married "Bess of Hardwick". Return to hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/D]
Day 4: York, Leeds, Chester
On our way to Chester we stop at Leeds to visit 4 unique city jewels: The Royal Armories Museum was inaugurated in 1996 to house part of the national collection, partially exhibited at the Tower of London. It exhibits the most diverse weapons, presented in original sets. The galleries are devoted to the themes of war, hunting, tournaments, defense, and weapons from Asia. Some unusual pieces: Japanese armor offered in 1614 to King James I, another for an almost complete elephant ... Another interesting stop is the Arcades, in Victoria Quarter, built around the year 1898, now including 70 high-end shops. The building is decorated in "Art Nouveau" style and the arches are ranked among the prettiest in the country. Another architectural masterpiece of the late 19th century City Market (or Kirkgate Market) the largest indoor market in Europe and also named "Britain's favorite market". The market dates from 1875. A quick stop at the Corn Exchange, built in 1864, is the place where the farmers and the merchants were selling and exchanging grain, a well-known practice in British cities at the end of the 19th century. Worth noticing is its impressive and huge dome! Time for lunch before continuing to Chester with a quick deviation to visit 15th century Little Moreton Hall probably the finest half-timbered manor in England. The name comes from Old English words meaning ‘marshland’ and ‘farmland’. The house stands around three sides of a cobbled courtyard, surrounded by a moat. Ut was constructed during the Tudor period in the later years of the reign of Henry VII. A last drive to arrive in Chester built by the Romans 2000 years ago Chester and offering more archaeological and architectural treasures than any other city in Britain. See the well-preserved Roman city walls, the fine red sandstone Cathedral, the Roman amphitheater and the galleried half-timbered tiers of shops known as "The Rows". Dinner and overnight in Chester. [B/D
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Day 5: Chester, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswold, Bath
We depart southwards to reach Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare! 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. We will visit his birthplace, and will gain a fascinating insight into his life. Then, we drive through one of the most scenic areas of England, the Cotswold’s. Passing through charming villages with thatched cottages, teashops and ancient inns to reach the world heritage city of Bath. Explore Bath Abbey, the Crescents, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire. Dinner and overnight in Bath. [B/D]
Day 6: Bath, Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor, London
We continue our drive southwards to find a place clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England! Beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids. Turning north, on our quest for London, we arrive at Oxford, which 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 to see Christ Church where many scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. We'll also see the Bodleian Library and the picture-perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is famous. Continue to Windsor. Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. We visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. Return to London arriving in time for dinner at a restaurant near your hotel. Overnight in London [B/D]
Day 7: London
Today’s tour begins with a panoramic drive around Parliament Square to see the magnificent Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married continuing to Kensington Palace, former home of Diana, Princess of Wales. After that, we'll see the Royal Albert Hall and Albert Memorial before heading to St James' Park and Buckingham Palace to see the colorful ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. Accompanied by a military band, a detachment of the Queen's Foot Guard march to Buckingham Palace to change with the old guard. Then have a chance to enjoy lunch at a traditional London Pub. We take you on a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece with its magnificent dome. The Cathedral was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666. In recent years it has seen the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, more recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Diamond Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged by successive sovereigns, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Over the past 1000 years it has been a Royal Palace, an armory and a place of imprisonment and execution. The Beefeaters who guard the Tower will regale you with stories of its past. We will visit the Crown Jewels, including the magnificent solid-gold crown used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the enormous Cullinan diamonds and the extraordinary Koh-I-Noor. City Cruises operate a regular service between the Tower of London and Westminster Pier. You have the choice to take the River Cruise and end your tour at Westminster Pier, or take the cruise on another day and go with your guide back to the hotel. River Cruise Tickets are one-way from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier (or vice versa). [B/L]
Day 8: London
Free day for shopping, relaxation and discovering other London centers. Overnight in London. [B]
Day 9: London, USA
Breakfast at the hotel. AT the appointed time you’ll be picked-up and transferred to the airport to board your fight back home. [B]
[B] = Breakfast | [B/L] = Breakfast and Lunch | [B.D] = Breakfast and Dinner
