London and Shakespeares England

Enjoy a relaxing overnight flight to London.

Upon your arrival in London you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon.

You will have a full day to enjoy the cosmopolitan city of London. Join your panoramic royal London tour and see Westminster Abbey, Kensington Palace, and watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Consider an evening theater performance in the West End. (B)

Depart from London and travel to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway. You will have time to explore the magnificent village of Stratford and enjoy lunch, before continuing to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge. Set in a stunning forested gorge on the river Severn this historic valley boasts the world’s first ever iron bridge and a host of attractions to choose from. It was once described as the most extraordinary district in the world! From here you travel up to the historic medieval town of Chester, gateway to North Wales. (B)

This morning your tour will take you into the heart of North Wales. You will visit the picturesque medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th Century. You will also explore the impressive mountain scenery of Snowdonia National Park including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of Snowdon - Wales' highest peak. You will return to Chester mid-afternoon when you will have some spare time to explore the ancient walls of Chester or perhaps the stunning cathedral with a history spanning almost 2,000 years and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. (B)

Immediately east of Chester lie the hills of the Peak District National Park with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages. You will take a scenic route through the park to the village of Castleton, then in the afternoon you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth (open April to December), home to the Cavendish family and the Duke of Devonshire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s favorite country house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paintings, Old Master drawings and neo-classical sculptures. From here you will travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of Lincoln where you will spend the night. (B)

Today starts with a leisurely morning giving you some free time to explore Lincoln's city center and its rich history that goes back to the time of the Romans. Visit the castle or cathedral - once the tallest building in the world! Shop at the Central Market or Steep Hill or just explore the historic city center streets. After an early lunch it will be time to start the return journey south. On the way back to London you will make a stop in the famous University City of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. See the world famous Kings College Chapel and take a stroll along the River Cam before arriving back in London around 7.00 pm. (B)

After breakfast make your own way to London airport. (B)