DAY 01

USA to London

Depart USA to London ,meals , drinks and in-flight entertainment included

DAY 02

London

Arrival and check-in to your hotel . Remainder of the day is at leisure .

DAY 03

London 

Full Day tour of London starts with a guided tour of Westminster Abbey. Here, you see impressive monuments to kings, queens, famous scientists, musicians, poets and the Unknown Warrior. At the heart of the Abbey, you will see the Coronation Chair made in 1301, and on which our kings and queens have been crowned since 1066, and where many state weddings and funerals have taken place*.

As the tour continues your guide will point out the famous icons of London, including Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, Whitehall, Downing Street, the London home of the Prime Minister, and Trafalgar Square where looking up you will see Nelson on his column (202ft high) before visiting Buckingham Palace for the colourful Changing of the Guard** ceremony.

Back on our coach we see the exclusive district of Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus, the heart of London’s West End with its theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, restaurants and shops, before reaching our traditional London Pub for your included lunch.

Your afternoon starts with a visit to the City of London, the world-famous financial centre that is dominated by the great dome of St Paul’s Cathedral. The City of London was the site of the original Roman city, founded some 2000 years ago. Here you will see the Mansion House (home to the Lord Mayor of London) and The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street (the Bank of England).

The Tower of London awaits. Here we meet the magnificent Beefeaters, dressed in their Tudor uniforms. You will hear the legend of the ravens and some spine-chilling tales from the Tower’s 900-year history. A visit to the Jewel House, which displays the Crown Jewels, is a ‘must’.

Our Full day finishes with a cruise on London’s famous River Thames, during which a Thames Waterman will point out places of interest along the way. Your cruise will end at Westminster Pier where you rejoin your coach.

DAY 04

London - Cambridge - York - Darlington

We meet our Tour Manager then drive to Cambridge, described as the 'loveliest city in England' and home of one of England's finest universities. We walk among the colleges, including magnificent King’s College, then on to York. Exploring inside the ancient city walls, we see the maze of narrow medieval streets (including the quaintly-named ‘Shambles’) and the 13th century Minster, England's largest Cathedral. There's also time to browse in York's tempting shops before we continue to our hotel for dinner. (D)

DAY 05

Darlington - Jedburgh - Edinburgh - Scotland

Today, across the wild Northumberland moors. Our route leads us past the romantic ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and across the River Tweed, before we head for Edinburgh we staop at Rosslyn Chapel as featured in the Da Vinci Code. Then onto Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland. Our afternoon guided tour shows us the best of the city of Edinburgh - the stately Royal mile, ancient St. Giles Cathedral and 18th century New Town. We visit the castle, dominating the city from its rocky crag. Tonight, there may be the opportunity to enjoy a grand Scottish night out, complete with haggis and the skirl of the pipes. (B)

DAY 06

Edinburgh - Gretna - Lake District - Chester

Our first stop is at a Scottish woollen mill, before continuing to Gretna Green, for centuries the destination of eloping English lovers. We witness the traditional 'anvil ceremony' in the blacksmith's shop, then cross the border into England. A scenic wonderland awaits us - the rugged mountains and tranquil dales of the Lake District, inspiration to a host of English poets, before arriving in Chester for our overnight stay. (BD)

DAY 07

First, the ancient Roman city of Chester, with its quaint 'black and white' shopping arcades and enclosing walls. Next, a stop at the world-famous Wedgwood China Factory, then on to picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare. We walk in the footsteps of the bard to visit his birthplace. Another scenic drive this afternoon takes us through the villages of the Cotswolds, with their thatched cottages, the prettiest part of the English countryside. Return to London at around 6:00 pm depending on traffic. Check-in to your hotel (B)

DAY 08

After breakfast , free time at leisure . departure to airport for your homebound flight arrives the same day 

TOUR FEATURES

Scheduled transatlantic flight  (round trip ticket NYC/LON/NYC)(air&land prices) 

Accommodation at first class hotel (centrally located)

Daily buffet breakfast

Luxury touring cars (coaches) in case of a group (more than 10 passengers) 

Professional tour directors escort you

Sightseeing as per itinerary incl. one long full day in London  incl.

Professional Blue Badge Guide

Guided tour of Westminster Abbey

River Thames Cruise

Guided tour of Tower of London

London Pub for lunch with coffee

See Changing of the Guard

See the Crown Jewel

View St. Paul's Cathedral

View Buckingham Palace

Gems Of Britain / 08 Days

land only

land only

land only

First class hotel in London and out of London

1095

Deluxe Hotel in London with first class hotels ouside london