London & Iconic England Tour 6 Day

• 8:45am – Meet your Tour Director in the Lobby of the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel for a 9am departure.

• Your adventure begins with an exciting introduction to our capital city.  Your guide will bring the stories, myths and legends of the thrilling ‘two cities’ of London to your life on panoramic tour. Our executive coaches allow you to travel in comfort and we will be stopping along the way to feel the city as well as see it. Enjoy the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony* – a celebratory display of pageantry guaranteed to stir the emotions.

• 12:00 noon approx. In the afternoon we will visit The Tower of London. This awe inspiring fortress is an incredible survivor of a different era. Following free time for lunch, step inside and feel the atmosphere of bristling political intrigue and imprisonment all around you. See the brand new display of the world famous Crown Jewels following the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and The Queen Consort. As well as a guided introduction you will have time to explore.

• 3:15pm approx. As you depart the Tower of London, take to the River Thames on board a relaxing River Cruise. You will see London from a different perspective with breathtaking views of its iconic attractions.

• 4:30pm: Your first day concludes with an absolute ‘wow’ as you take to the skies upon the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel – The London Eye. Your constantly changing 360 degree view will take you 135 metres above the city as you see all of London spread out before you.

• Evening at leisure: continue exploring the amazing sights or head back to your hotel to relax. Travel back to the hotel is independent on this day.

• Accommodation: Thistle London Marble Arch hotel (or similar).
• Meals included on this day:  A Full English breakfast.

• 8:15am – Meet your Tour Director in the Lobby of the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel.
• 8:30am – Your tour will depart promptly from the Thistle London Marble Arch Hotel.

• 10:30am - Our first stop is Stonehenge - a must see symbol of Britain and one of the true wonders of the world. Our tour allows you time to not only visit the Monument but enjoy the world class visitor centre - and its many historic artefacts that give a clue to their ancient past. Take some time to visit the gift shop with its numerous unique items or grab a coffee in the on-site café.

• Close by is the medieval city of Salisbury, home to its stunning Cathedral, adorned with its incredible spire. At 123m high it is the tallest in the entire country.  On arrival into Salisbury you will be wowed by the sheer size and spectacle of the Cathedral and enjoy a walking tour of the exterior with your Guide before enjoying free time for lunch.

• In the late afternoon we visit the stunning setting of Bath and home for the next two nights on your tour. One of the most picturesque parts of the country, Bath has numerous highlights from Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon to relaxing Sydney Gardens.

• 4:45pm - Check into the Hampton By Hilton Bath City hotel (or similar) located right in the heart of the city of Bath. Your evening ahead is at leisure.

• Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Hampton by Hilton Bath (or similar). While there is no dining in the evening on site at the hotel, you are located in close proximity to the city’s numerous restaurants with an option for all appetites.

All timings are approximate and subject to change

• 9:00am - After a delicious breakfast, take a leisurely stroll with your Guide to visit the Roman Baths – before the crowds. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans and explore one of the finest spas of the ancient world. Located below street level you will descend to the site of the Sacred Spring. Naturally hot water of up to 46 degrees Celsius rises here every day, as it has for over 2,000 years. Don’t miss the gilt bronze head of the Goddess Minerva – one of the most important finds of Roman Britain.

• 11:00am - Following your departure from the Roman Baths, embark on a fascinating walking tour covering the main highlights of the city with your Tour Director. On this walking you will see the Royal Crescent, the Holburne Museum, the Jane Austen Centre, Pulteney Bridge and more. The exact content and order of the walking tour is subject to alteration on the day.

• Evening:  At leisure.

• Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Hampton by Hilton Bath City (or similar). Please note: while there is no evening restaurant at the Hampton by Hilton Bath, the hotel is located in the middle of the City centre with plenty of restaurants within a few minutes’ walk, with delicious dinner options to suit every appetite.

• 8:45am – Check-out after breakfast for a 9:00am departure.

• The final day of your tour begins with a short drive to Lacock village – a location that has inspired many film productions. Enjoy a walking tour with your Guide of some of its highlights including a 14th century Tithe Barn, and an 18th century village lock-up, once used to detain local drunks and people awaiting trial.

• 12:30pm - Guests can enjoy a full afternoon in Royal Windsor,  beginning with free time for lunch. Visit one of the many cafes and restaurants in the quaint cobbled streets, serving everything from cream teas to hot lunches.

• 2:00pm - We reconvene at the statue of Queen Victoria for the final jewel in the crown – a visit to majestic Windsor Castle. The Castle is the oldest and largest occupied in the world and has been home to 40 Monarchs. Marvel at the Gold, see an original Van Dyck painting, discover life in miniature with Queen Mary’s Dolls House… and much more. Ever wanted to attend a Royal wedding? Within the Castle grounds is St. George’s Chapel, a 500 year old medieval marvel and the setting of numerous Royal weddings. It is also the final resting place for many Kings and Queens, including Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Elizabeth II.

• 5:00pm – Guests meet back at the statue of Queen Victoria for departure from Windsor.

• 6:30pm - Your day concludes on arrival back to your hotel with an evening ahead of you at leisure.

• Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Thistle Marble Arch hotel (or similar).

Timing is approximate and subject to change.

• Your tour concludes after a delicious breakfast and check-out (11am) at The Thistle Marble Arch hotel. We bid you a fond farewell and hope you will return to us on your next trip to the UK.

­ *On days where there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace we will visit Horse Guards Parade. While there is no evening dining on site at your hotel in Bath, you will be in close proximity to a wide selection of restaurants.