Monday 21st October – Saturday 2nd November 2024
On arrival at Heathrow you will be met by your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) and together you will head to Oxford. Depending on your time of arrival you may be able to divert to visit Bletchley Park on route. Here you can step back into time to the unique world of the Allied Code Breakers of WW2. Then your guide will take you onward to the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ to settle into your welcoming hotel.
Overnight: Oxford | Old Bank Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: None
This morning a local expert city guide will take you on a fascinating private walking tour of Oxford’s old town, focusing on the haunts and inspirations of CS Lewis. Discover iconic buildings such as the historic Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, where countless treasures of knowledge await. Pause for a moment of reflection at the Radcliffe Camera, and wander through the enchanting cobbled streets of the city centre. Hear the tales of the famous authors who lived here in surrounded by this unique academic architecture.
See the site of The Eagle And Child, where CS Lewis used to meet with other writers. Unfortunately this is not currently open, so enjoy a traditional pub lunch in a nearby charming establishment. Your guide will share some of their favourite local hidden gems with you this afternoon.
Finish the day with a serene river cruise, finishing with a delicious dinner in a riverside restaurant. The perfect end to the day.
Overnight: Oxford | Old Bank Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your guide will take you into London this morning. If there is time then you can visit Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens before your guide departs before lunch. This afternoon you will meet up with your Group for your self-arranged tour.
Note: IF the Magna Carta is back on display in The British Library, then you can visit there this morning. It is currently not on show however.
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: None
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: None
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: None
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: None
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: None
Overnight: Self-Arranged
Meals Included: None
Your self-arranged tour finishes this morning and after lunch you make your way to St Paul’s Cathedral. Here you will enjoy a private tour, discovering areas of the cathedral not typically open to the public and layers of the religious history which has blossomed here. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish.
Overnight: London | Ham Yard Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Terrace Room
Meals Included: None
Your private expert city guide will meet you at your hotel this morning and together you will head to Westminster Abbey. This iconic Royal Church is a World Heritage Site and has witnessed many historic events over its thousand years of history. Soak in the unique spiritual atmosphere and stories as you explore with your guide. If possible you will take a tour with one of the Vergers to get a unique perspective, and access to some areas not open to general visitors.
Then explore the fascinating Churchill War Rooms. Get a glimpse of the private life of this giant personality as he lived through the Blitz and ruled the country from underground. See the desk where Churchill gave his famous speeches and imagine yourself in these unique secret headquarters in the most desperate of times.
Heading back outside you can admire the well known face of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, where the decisions of the nation are taken. This afternoon is flexible and your private guide will personalise your explorations to your interest.
Notes:
Overnight: London | Ham Yard Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Terrace Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stepping into Kensington Palace feels like entering a regal time capsule, where history whispers from every corner. Your private expert city guide will share with you the tales of the elegant architecture, evoking a sense of grandeur which is certainly fit for royalty. Walking through the opulent State Rooms, one can almost envision the dramas and triumphs of past monarchs.
This is reflected in the varied sections of the generous gardens, from statues and a carefully curated sunken garden to relaxed wildflower meadows. You are sure to be charmed by the views as well as the stories of ‘Nanny’s Walk’ and Queen Anne’s Orangery.
This afternoon enjoy a change of pace as your guide takes you to some of the more unique shopping available in this cosmopolitan city. Check out some local markets and discover small boutiques tucked away from the main thoroughfares. Your guide will customise the day to your interests.
Overnight: London | Ham Yard Hotel
Room Type: Luxury Terrace Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Please see our booking terms here.
Monday 21st October – Saturday 2nd November 2024