Explore both cosmopolitan London and the quintessentially British countryside in the Cotswold’s, admiring a variety of popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the elegant city of Bath including a visit to the ancient Roman Baths.
DAY 1
Disembark from your ship in the morning. A transfer will be provided to your Central London hotel, via Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Entry to the site is included and you will be able to explore the site with an audio guide.
Arrival at your hotel will be at approximately 3:00pm, in time for check in.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure for independent exploration of the city. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Your day begins in a Royal Palace after breakfast at your hotel and a short drive outside the city.
On the banks of the river Thames, Hampton Court Palace started life in 1515 as a magnificent brick stately home for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Seized by Henry VIII at Wolsey’s downfall, the Palace was enlarged and became home for Henry and wife number two, Anne Boleyn.
Explore with a Hampton Court guide the Tudor bedrooms, oak panelled corridors, and extensive Royal kitchens. Visit the magnificent chapel and banqueting hall. See how the Palace received a makeover by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century reign of William and Mary. Enjoy the works of art from the Royal Collection on display throughout the building and take time to stroll around the grounds, admiring the fountains and getting yourself lost in the famous Hampton Court maze!
Return to the city for a 2-course lunch in a London restaurant to enjoy a ‘Taste of Britain’ menu followed by a cruise along the Thames River. Sip a glass of champagne as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Palace of Westminster. (Boat is not exclusive to RSSC).
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city’s famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with a journey to England’s West Country, to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its therapeutic hot springs, a long and varied Roman history plus the beautiful terraces, crescents and circuses of the 18th Century that adorn the residential area of the city.
Bath’s foundations go back to Celtic times when the springs were first discovered, and the healing properties realized. Enjoying the warm waters, the Roman invaders soon arrived in the first century and called this place Aquae Sulis turning it into one of the most important religious centers and military settlements in the northern part of the empire.
Through the Saxon era and the Mediaeval period up to the city’s new foundation as a resort for Georgian aristocrats, making the three-day journey from the capital, the wealthy elite would take the waters to cure themselves of rheumatic diseases, stiffness of the joints and gout.
On arrival in Bath there will be a guided tour where you will walk along the original Roman pavement, before entering the Roman Baths to see the hot baths and remains of the temple of Sulis Minerva.
Next, take a drive though the delightful rolling hills and meandering streams of the Cotswolds, to honey-coloured stone villages down narrow country lanes. Time seems to have been given very little chance to march forward around these parts. Cottages of 17th century weavers’ homes stand next to chuckling streams, gentle rolling green hills and hidden valleys that stretch across these limestone uplands. With an expert guide on board your coach you will set about exploring this area and meander through this wonderful landscape.
Visit Burford where the old weavers’ houses cascade down to the valley of the river Windrush below and see Stow on the Wold with its ancient marketplace and hilltop views. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in an old English hostelry during your journey around the Cotswold Hills as well as photo stops and guided walks in each of the villages you call into.
Back in London at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast, the morning is free for independent sight-seeing or perhaps a spot of last-minute shopping in some of London’s famous stores.
Room check-out is at 12:00pm, however arrangements can be made for the hotel to securely store your luggage should you need longer. Late check can also be arranged, but this may incur additional charges depending on the length of time required. Late check out can only be booked at the hotel while you are there. For a guaranteed late check-out in advance guests would have to purchase an additional night.
A transfer will be provided to your departure airport (LHR or LGW) to suit the flight departure details that were provided.