English Highlights – The Perfect Introduction
Previous
Next
customizable itinerary
highlights
price
customizable itinerary
Trip Duration
12 Days / 10 Nights
Places Visited
London, Salisbury Plain, Bath, Thornbury, the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Windsor
Countries Visited
England
Departure Dates
Dates are flexible and customizable for private departures.
Be it your first, second, or even fifteenth time, this luxury, tailor-made 10-night trip to England is ideal for all travelers, but serves as a great introduction to England. Your private journey showcases some of the very best Britain has to offer. Be dazzled in the metropolitan excitement of London, live like royalty in an authentic Tudor Castle, be charmed by the beauty of the Cotswolds, visit the hometown of William Shakespeare and more. Travel with your own personal driver/guide, or self-drive. Would you like us to tailor this tour? Simply ask.
customizable itinerary
Enjoy your flight into the United Kingdom. (If you’re coming from the U.S. or Canada, this will likely be an overnight flight.) Make things even easier on yourself and ask us about including airfare and travel insurance into your travel package to England.
London: Welcome to this exciting, cosmopolitan city with an ancient history. Your private driver will meet you in the airport and escort you in comfort to your ideally located, fabulous London hotel. Check in, drop-off your bags, freshen up, then you’ll be on your way. Enjoy a private 2-hour panoramic tour of the city via a Classic London Taxicab. Provided by a driver with “The Knowledge,” you’ll see the city’s highlights such as Big Ben, the Parliament buildings, Buckingham Palace, the River Thames, and much more. Your driver will then drop you off at the London Eye Pier where you will present you have Fast-Passes for a Champagne Flight, the ideal way to see London as she switches on her twinkling city lights. Enjoy a meal at one of London’s many fantastic restaurants before returning to your hotel for a nightcap, then sinking into your sumptuous bed in your 4-star or 5-star hotel (your choice!).
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
This modern metropolitan city, which embraces change, has its roots deeply set in history. Your private guide will meet you at your hotel. Getting around the city is a breeze with your pre-paid transportation card. The Tube (the Underground) and the double-decker buses are the fastest way to get around. (If you prefer private transportation with a driver? Simply let us know.) Begin your day at Westminster Abbey, the coronation church of choice since the 11th century. Westminster Abbey is one of the most important structures in British history, and a must-see for anyone. This beautiful Gothic church has stood on this site for approximately 700 years. Just a 5-minute walk away, you’ll find the Churchill Cabinet War Rooms. Cutting edge technology and a mixture of media displays tell the undeniably exciting story of Winston Churchill and the nerve center of Britain’s war effort during WWII. The War Rooms were purposely built deep below London’s streets to protect itself from being bombed during the London blitz. Lastly, head over to the iconic Tower of London, an integral part of British Royal history for nearly 1,000 years. Marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the execution site of three English Queens. Hear the Yeoman Warders (“Beefeaters”) share the myths and legends that make a visit to the Tower “a day to die for.” (If you’d like to experience a private viewing of the Crown Jewels and/or the Ceremony of the Keys, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to arrange it.) After a full day of sightseeing, the local pub might be just the answer for the evening. Relax and savor some delicious classic food (pub grub) and chatting with locals. Or let us know if you prefer one of London’s exquisite, finer dining restaurants. We have some great suggestions!
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Private Tour
- Attractions
- Accommodation
Iconic elements of London’s history, today is all about the Tudors, the tea, and even a bit of historic terror! You’ll begin the day in Richmond, in London’s outskirts. Hampton Court Palace, the favorite of King Henry VIII’s 60 homes, dates back to 1514. See Henry’s medieval Great Hall, the famous outdoor maze, and be toured by a private, costumed guide. (You may even hear stories of the hauntings, like the Haunted Gallery’s Screaming Lady, said to be Catherine Howard begging Henry for her life.) This richly historic castle holds a truly fascinating history. Return to the city center where you can delight in that most classic of English traditions… Afternoon Tea. Henry James wrote, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” (We agree!) In addition to your choice of teas, you’ll be served savory finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and mouth-watering cakes and pastries. Choose amongst a traditional tea or a themed tea, such as a gentleman’s tea, science-themed tea, an Alice in Wonderland tea, chocolate themed tea… the list is practically endless. No matter what your preference, there is a tea for you. In the evening, meet up with a true expert on the infamous Jack the Ripper, who terrorized the streets of east London in 1888. Your private guide, a specialist on the subject of Jack the Ripper, will show you around Whitechapel, where you’ll see locations significant to the murders, theories on who the Ripper was, and fascinating history surrounding the case. (Prefer a night at the theatre in the West End instead? No problem – just ask.)
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Private Tour
- Attractions
- Afternoon tea
- Accommodation
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Thames today. So many of London’s iconic buildings can be seen from the river, making it a tranquil way to see much of the city. Disembark at Greenwich Pier, which holds something for everyone, from Astronomy to Naval history. Visit the Old Royal Naval College and the National Maritime Museum before meeting up with your guide. Your private guide will take you on an interior tour of the Cutty Sark, the 280 ft clipper constructed in 1869, and one of the fastest of the tea clippers (before steam propulsion ships made their way onto the scene). Take a slow climb up Greenwich Park Hill for fantastic views of London’s skyline. Then visit the Royal Observatory Museum, where you can stand at 0 degrees longitude, the Prime Meridian. After your tour, return via a leisurely boat ride back to the city center and take the Tube to SoHo where you’ll meet up with your guide and fellow food enthusiasts for a small group gastronomic tour of this hip area. Stories, cocktails, and bites beneath the neon lights of exciting SoHo – what a great way to experience some of the city’s most innovative food creations.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Tour
- Accommodation
Departing London, head west to visit the multi-millennia-old monolith, Stonehenge. Dating back approximately 5,000 years, Stonehenge is truly a wonder. Explore the Visitor Centre to learn more about its history, uses, and see over 250 archaeological objects and treasures discovered in the landscape from jewelry, pottery, and tools to ancient human remains. Next… it’s “Bath time.” You’ll have a privately guided afternoon tour of the Georgian city of Bath. The city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including The Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. In addition, Bath holds a diverse collection of museums and attractions, from the Roman Baths to the Jane Austen Centre. Feel like a more tangible way to relax? Visit the Thermae Bath Spa for a spa treatment and a soak in Britain’s only natural springs spa. Next, continue on to Thornbury Castle. This authentic Tudor castle dates back to the 1500’s. King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed in Thornbury for 11 days during their honeymoon travels. Enjoy the next two evenings in a beautiful royal bedchamber.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Private Tour
- Attractions
- Accommodation
Today, perhaps take a few hours to simply relax. We have a few suggestions for you, however. Just next door, so to speak, you’ll find the country of Wales! Take the brief drive across the border to visit the capital city of Cardiff if you like. Perhaps visit Cardiff Castle, or nearby Raglan Castle to its north. For those who love a good, hearty walk, visit Cheddar Gorge. (Yes, Cheddar is, indeed, the home of cheddar cheese.) Multiple routes are offered, and the views are “knock-your-socks-off” beautiful. Feeling a bit adventurous? How about learning to fly a bird of prey? Or, a trek through beautiful hillsides on horseback? We can certainly accommodate anything you wish to experience. This evening savor a Tasting Menu Dinner with Wine in the castle’s beautiful Wine Cellar in the Dungeon before heading off to a satisfying rest in your bedchamber.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Attractions
- Accommodation
Depart your castle hotel for the charm of the English Cotswolds. Named for the gentle rolling hills, known as “wolds,” the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful areas in all of England. It is the largest of the 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. An area of warmth and charm, the Cotswolds presents captivating villages, honey-colored stone walls and buildings, rolling grasslands with great walking paths, and lovely beech trees, making it an ideal English landscape that, once experienced, is never forgotten. Visit Sudeley Castle, Hidcote Manor, Gloucester Cathedral, various gardens and arboretums, or depending upon the day you visit, possibly a local market. (We suggest Afternoon Tea at Sudeley Castle!) Continue to the northern part of this AONB where you can stay at a 5-star charming boutique hotel.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Accommodation
This morning, it’s a short drive from the northern part of the Cotswolds to Stratford-upon-Avon, hometown of The Bard, William Shakespeare. Begin your time here with a privately led tour by an expert from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. While exploring the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll have the opportunity to visit any of the five Shakespearean Homes and Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall. In the evening, enjoy a performance by the highly acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company with wonderful seats in a theatre in the round. Return to your 5-star Cotswolds hotel in the evening.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Tour
- Attractions
- Theatre
- Accommodation
Often called the bulldog for his ferociousness and refusal to surrender, Winston Churchill served as Prime Minister of Great Britain twice, from 1940-1945 and from 1951-1955. After departing the Cotswolds, you’ll stop in Woodstock, just outside of Oxford, to visit the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Currently home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is a true masterpiece of 18th Century Baroque architecture and boasts over 2,000 acres of “Capability” Brown Parkland and Formal Gardens. Continue to the University town of Oxford, known as the “City of Dreaming Spires.” Enjoy a fantastic lunch or afternoon tea here, and perhaps try your hand at punting (or hire one of the local university students to do the work for you) as you take a lazy boat ride down the river. Continue onwards to just north of Windsor, where you can stay at a 4-star Manor House hotel for a restful night’s sleep.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Attraction
- Accommodation
Walk in the footsteps of many of Britain’s royals. Explore the famous town of Windsor, located just west of greater London. You’ll visit the world’s oldest and largest working (occupied) castle, Windsor Castle, where over 900 years of royal history await. This most famous castle in England has been the primary residence of the British Royal family since the time of William the Conqueror. Learn how successive monarchs, including the current Queen of England, have lived and left their mark on one of the most fascinating castles in Great Britain! You’ll also have the chance to explore the town – site of royal weddings, the annual Ceremony of the Garter, Eton College and nearby Ascot Racecourse to name just a few. For an indulgent, gastronomical experience, allow us to make reservations for you at the multi-Michelin starred Waterside Inn, home of chef patron, Alain Roux – a sumptuous experience, indeed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transportation
- Attraction
- Accommodation
After breakfast, you can check out and Heathrow Airport is a mere 15 minute drive away.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Breakfast
- Transfer
highlights
- Private, exclusive, and behind-the-scenes touring in London with expert, personal guides
- See the evidence and solve the case of the infamous Jack the Ripper with a published “Ripper Specialist”
- Time travel back to 3000 B.C. visiting ancient sites and more recent English history
- Stay in an authentic Tudor Castle, once honeymooned in by King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn
- Visit “Jane Austen” country in Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture and take in the natural thermal springs
- Meet the locals, embrace the market town culture, and relish the incredible scenery of the Cotswolds
- Visit the hometown of William Shakespeare and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill
- See a theatrical performance by the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company
- Visit the largest and oldest working castle in the world
price
From $5,995.00 per person (based upon 2 or more travelers)
What’s Included:
- Airport Transfers
- Ground Transportation
- Accommodation
- Attractions
- Breakfast
- Tea
- Dinner
- Private Tours and Small Group Tours