London Explorer

Embrace the pomp and pageantry of a city that marches to its very own vibrant tune – yours to explore before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers later this evening for dinner to kick-start your grand exploration of London.

Begin with an orientation tour of London alongside your Travel Director. See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Then head to St. James’s Palace to watch the Old Guard parade and Changing of the Guard procession. Armed with your travel pass, this afternoon is free for you to explore. You might join an Optional Experience walking through Soho’s backstreets, sampling local favourites and hearing stories of the area’s past. Later, choose another Optional Experience visiting the National Gallery with a Local Specialist who’ll give insight into its most well-known works. Afterwards, there’s time to explore Covent Garden, known for its shops, street performers and food spots.

• Orientation Tour of London with your Travel Director

Spend the day in London at leisure using your travel pass to get around the city. You could visit a museum, browse a local market or explore one of London’s distinctive neighbourhoods. If you’d like to venture further afield, perhaps join a full day Optional Experience with a Local Specialist to Oxford and Blenheim Palace, with time to discover one of Oxford’s historic colleges and see the grand birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

This morning, visit Borough Market before enjoying free time in London or joining an optional experience with a Local Specialist to explore St. Paul’s Cathedral. Head to Borough Market where food stalls serve everything from pastries to global street eats. It’s a great spot to try something new or grab a bite while soaking up the atmosphere. Later, you might stroll through Regent’s Park, visit a museum or explore one of the city’s characterful neighbourhoods. Don't miss your chance to join an Optional Experience to see a West End theatre show, a must while in London.

• Discover the freshest food buys at Borough Market

Leave London behind and head into the countryside with your Travel Director. Your first stop is Stonehenge, where you’ll visit this iconic monument and hear stories about its ancient past. Then travel to Windsor to explore the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, home to royalty for over 1,000 years. Walk through the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel before heading back to the capital. This evening, enjoy your Be My Guest experience at London Cru, an urban winery housed in a former Victorian warehouse. Learn how wine is made in the heart of the city, then sit down to a three-course meal, paired with a London Cru wine selected by your hosts.

• London Cru
• Visit Stonehenge
• Visit Windsor Castle

Imagine the kings and queens who have glided gracefully upon the 13th-century mosaic floor of Westminster Abbey. We’ll have an opportunity to explore this architectural wonder on a guided visit with a Local Specialist. Find out why this church lost its cathedral status and pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Later, visit Kensington Palace and Dive Into Culture, gaining insights into the lives of the Royal Family. Tour the Royal Palace, which was once home to Diana, Princess of Wales, and her sons Prince William and Prince Harry. Indulge in a delicious English cream tea in The Orangery surrounded by beautiful formal gardens before returning to your hotel.

• Discover the lives of the Royal Family at Kensington Palace
• Visit Westminster Abbey with a Local Specialist
• Cream Tea at Kensington Palace

Enjoy one last day in the lively city streets of London. Consider taking a trip up the Shard – one of Europe's tallest buildings, admire England's proud history reflected in its monuments to great men and victories, or see the treasures of the British Library. This afternoon meet with your Travel Director and travel companions for a leisurely cruise down the Thames to Greenwich. Sail under the famous Tower Bridge before enjoying a taste of sustainable London gin at the Old Royal Naval College during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. Toast to your unforgettable week on a Farewell Dinner at a historic pub.

• Cruise along the River Thames
• Gin Tasting

After breakfast, say a fond farewell to London and your newfound friends as you prepare to return home after a memorable holiday in one of the world's greatest cities.