London Mini-Tour

Day 1 – London

Depart for England.

Day 2 – London

Welcome to England!! You’ll arrive in the capital city of London where your private bus and driver will escort you on a London City Tour. See Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s and Big Ben. Continue to Westminster where you’ll tour Westminster Abbey, the site of numerous royal weddings and coronations. Highlights include the Coronation Chair and Screen, the monument of the Unknown Warrior and Poet’s Corner with its monuments to Chaucer, Milton, Longfellow, Thomas and other literary notables. Later, take a guided tour of the magnificent British Museum, where the history of civilization awaits you. Its vast collection includes Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek, Roman, British, Oriental and medieval antiquities. Among the major works on display is the Rosetta Stone. Discovered in Egypt in 1799, this tablet allowed linguists to finally decipher ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics after thousands of years of mystery.

Day 3 – London

Today is free to explore or take advantage of an optional excursion: Travel through picturesque Cotswold villages to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy a guided tour of the town, the birthplace and adjoining Shakespeare Museum, and visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in the picture postcard village of Shottery. Continue your adventures with a tour of Warwick Castle, the finest medieval castle in England. This 14th century castle was home to the Earls of Warwick, including Richard Neville, a crucial figure in the Wars of the Roses and known as “Kingmaker.” Don’t miss the wax exhibition by Mme. Tussaud, and be sure to see the medieval dungeon, the torture chamber and the ghost tower! Other attractions are the Peacock Garden, the Pageant Field, The Great Hall and an armory.

Day 4 – London

Cross an actual drawbridge to the Tower of London. Originally constructed by William I in 1067, the Tower fortress was intended to dissuade citizens from revolution. The Tower has also housed the Royal Mint and served as a prison. Today it houses a noteworthy collection of royal and historical artifacts. Hear the legend of the ravens and see the fabulous Crown Jewels, some of which date back to 12th century. Also on display is the Star of Africa in the Royal Sceptre. At 530 carats, the Star of Africa is the largest diamond in the world. Before leaving, be sure to have your picture taken with a beefeater in his Tudor uniform. Option: Attending a performance at one of the West End’s historic theatres.

Day 5 – London

Bid farewell to London. Leave England for home, and return with many exciting memories to share with family and friends.