Best of London & South West

Day 1 - Welcome to London

On arrival at the airport, you will be met by your private driver and whisked into the heart of one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, just a short walk from the iconic parts of London such as Oxford Street and Bond Street. The rest of the day is free to unwind and recover from your flight or you can head out to start exploring this incredible city.

Overnight: Browns Hotel, London

Day 2 - Street Food & Bird’s Eye Views

Your local guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel this morning and you will head out to enjoy a foodie tour which will showcase some of the amazing food that is produced here. From street food at a local market to the classic fish and chips, your local guide will bring the culinary delights of the city to life as well as weaving in stories of this fantastic city. After an enjoyable morning, you will head to the London Eye to see London’s iconic buildings from the skies. Look out over famous sites such as Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace as the glass pods slowly move around the wheel. Back on the ground, you will head back to the hotel or perhaps head out to the West End to enjoy a show in one of the area’s acclaimed theatres. (B)

Overnight: Browns Hotel, London

Day 3 - Hidden Gems of London

Today’s tour will be centred on London’s vibrant art scene, discovering some of the fantastic street art that adorns the walls and buildings of the city. With your knowledgeable guide, take in the stories behind many of the creations as well as check out works by Banksy, ROA and Jimmy C. There will also be the opportunity to do some shopping in the boutique and independent shops that are abundant in the East End of London. Your guide will leave you at lunchtime and after enjoying some retail therapy, you’ll make your way to Fortnum and Mason to indulge in a delectable afternoon tea in the famous Tea Salon which has been part of this iconic building for over 300 years – a scrumptious way to enjoy your last afternoon in the capital city. (B, Afternoon tea)

Overnight: Browns Hotel, London

Day 4 - To the Cotswolds

Leaving the lights of London behind, you will head towards the quaint chocolate box villages and gently rolling hills of the Cotswolds. On the way, enjoy lunch in a local pub followed by a lovely hike in the quintessential English countryside before arriving at your country house hotel, your base for the next three nights. (B, L)

Overnight: Thyme, Lechlade

Day 5 - E-Biking the Back Roads

One of the best ways to explore the hidden gems of the Cotswolds is by e-bike. A wonderful suggestion for today is a circular ride, the length of which can be tailored to your experience and preference, taking in some of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds such as Great Barrington and Little Rissington. Stopping along the route to soak up the atmosphere of the villages you’ll enjoy riding along the country lanes, spotting wildlife and really getting to know the area. On the way, your guide will point out places of interest and of course, there will be the opportunity to stop off to for refreshments at one of the many beer gardens along the way. (B, L)

Overnight: Thyme, Lechlade

Day 6 - Hiking in the Cotswolds

Your guide will discuss all of the options with you today as there are so many choices in this wonderful part of the UK. For spectacular views, Bredon Hill is a fantastic option. This 950ft peak stands apart from other hills and subsequently is a lot quieter than other high points in the area. The area has a rich history – it is here that a great battle was fought and there have been many significant archeological finds, including one of the largest hoards of Roman silver coins ever found in Worcestershire. Learn the fascinating history of the landscape on your guided hike. The steep sections are worth the effort as you are rewarded with sweeping vistas, mysterious standing stones and red kites circling in the thermals above. (B, L)

Overnight: Thyme, Lechlade

Hike details: 9.5 km/ 6 miles | Ascent: 250m | Approx. 3 hours

Day 7 - Bath Foodie Tour

Head to the wonderful Georgian city of Bath where your elegant spa hotel awaits you. The natural hot springs of Bath have drawn visitors for centuries, but it is the elegant bathhouse dating back to Roman times which declared the city a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. This afternoon join a local guide to visit some of their favourite local pubs and restaurants to sample Bath’s delicious local treats & delicacies. (B, L)

Overnight: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Day 8 - Exploring Historic Bath

With your guide, embark on a fabulous walking tour of Bath, from the impressive Royal Crescent to the iconic Bath Abbey as well as exploring the local gems that are hidden in plain sight. See where movies and TV series were filmed, explore the quirky streets and small neighbourhoods and get to know the real Bath from a local’s perspective. This afternoon is free for you to visit Bath’s fantastic local shops or visit a local art gallery before enjoying a final dinner and raising a glass to your English adventure. (B, L)

Overnight: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

Day 9 - To Cornwall

Upon leaving Bath, transfer through Somerset and Devon to the rugged region of Cornwall in the southwest corner of England. The first port of call in Cornwall is the Eden Project. Situated in a vast unused clay quarry, the Eden Project consists of two huge biomes that are packed full of an impressive plant collection with specimens taken from all over the world. More than just a garden, the Eden Project is a place of discovery and education where the ambitious aim of the project is to connect visitors with nature and inspire people to change the world for the better. The impressive world-renowned site houses the largest rainforest “in captivity.” Find out all about this incredible project and the exotic range of plants that are housed on the site. In the evening, settle into your cosy base for the next three nights – a hidden gem on the Cornish coast. (B, L)

Overnight: The Lugger Hotel

Day 10 - Boatbuilder & Lost Gardens of Heligan

This morning you’ll visit a traditional boat building yard, of which there are still several in Cornwall. Meet the boat builder, learn about the traditional techniques and see what current projects they are working on, whether it be a new-build Cornish Crabber or a renovation of a classic Pilot Cutter, there’s sure to be an interesting build on the go. Later, discover the Lost Garden of Heligan, a must for keen gardeners. This magical garden is known for its jungle-like feel and its unique green sculptures. If there is time afterwards, you may want to stretch your legs on a short coastal hike, perhaps to Dodman Point, the location of an Iron Age fort. The fort would have been built to make use of the 100m cliffs, making it the ideal defensive site. (B, L)

Overnight: The Lugger Hotel

Hike details: 6.5 km/ 4 miles | Ascent: 300 ft | Approx. 2 hours

Day 11 - Biking, Beaches and Coast Roads

The Cornish coastline is one of the most beautiful in the whole of the UK and there are so many stunning views to see as you are cycling along. An option for today is a bike ride on a section of the Cornish Way, the region’s best cycle route. The ride starts from England’s most westerly point, Land’s End, before passing through West Cornwall en route to the fishing village of Mousehole – home to the rather unusual delicacy of Stargazy Pie. The historic town of Penzance and St Michaels Mount are the next highlights before the route crosses the Cornish Peninsula. Ending on the north coast in St Ives, there is plenty of time to explore this wonderful town, famed for its surf. (B, L)

Overnight: The Lugger Hotel

Day 12 - Dartmoor National Park

Head to Dorset for your final night. On the way, you’ll make a stop for a gentle hike in Dartmoor National Park, famous for its romantic wild moorlands and rich history. Enjoy a lovely woodland path that meanders between the quaintly-named villages of Sticklepath and Belstone. Discover postcard-perfect England – thatched cottages, stone stocks, traditional English pubs. Perhaps you’ll even hear the ringing of metal being hammered in the last working water-powered forge in England. (B, L)

Overnight: Summer Lodge, Evershot

Hike details: 5 km/ 3 miles | Ascent: 300 ft | Approx. 2.5 hours

Day 13 - Return to London

Your driver guide will take you back to Heathrow Airport today in time for your onward connections. (B)