London & The Cotswolds

Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. Discover London’s glamorous and regal side on this insightful guided walking tour. Begin your tour by heading down Kensington High Street, the main shopping district of Kensington. Next, enter Kensington Gardens where you will see Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to many of the young royals, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as Prince William and Princess Catherine. Continue through the beautiful Kensington Gardens towards the Royal Albert Hall, named in honour of the beloved husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert. The Royal Albert Hall is one of England’s most famous concert halls, hosting the classical music concert, the Proms, every year. Across from the Royal Albert Hall, see the glorious Albert Memorial, commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of Prince Albert. Next, discover and immerse in the Kensington and Knightsbridge regions of London, some of the city’s most prosperous districts. Here, see three of the city’s most revered 19th century museums: the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum, and discover the French Quarter in South Kensington, home to one of London’s more defined French populations. Continue up Knightsbridge, passing the world-famous department store, Harrods. See the Wellington Arch, commissioned under George IV to commemorate Britain’s victories in the Napoleonic Wars. Head down Constitution Hill and view Buckingham Palace, the current residence of Queen Elizabeth II. See the famous balcony where the Royal Family stand during special occasions and the Victoria Memorial. Explore the Royal area of St James’, where you will discover the hidden treasures and alleys in connection with the Royal Household. Your tour will end near Green Park or Trafalgar Square depending on your preference. NB: Depending on time/weather, we may utilise London’s fantastic transport network to move around at times. Please ensure you have a suitable travel ticket, oyster card or direct debit card to use on your travels (customers’ own expense) NB: all walking and touring is flexible and your guide may edit and add to your itinerary to utilise your time and fit in your interests where possible.

• Hotel: Corinthia London
• Meals: Breakfast

A private tour of the Churchill War Rooms gives you an opportunity to journey back in history. You will be given exclusive access behind the glass of some of the most important rooms used by Churchill and his Cabinet during the Second World War, many of which have been left just as they were in May 1945. As well as the numerous fascinating historic rooms, your guide will also take you into the modern award-winning Churchill Museum, where you will encounter objects and displays that map the course of Winston Churchill’s life. Our expert guides have an unprecedented knowledge of the site and will bring the rooms to life once again for you. They will share captivating stories about the everyday lives of the War Rooms workers and thesignificance of these modest rooms. Notes: If your tour finishes during opening hours, you may wish to visit The Café, which specialises in classic British food, and browse the range of gifts inspired by life underground in the shop.

• Hotel: Corinthia London
• Meals: Nil

Today, after breakfast, head to The Cotswolds with your driver guide. En route, enjoy a tour of Oxford, the city of Dreaming Spires. Begin at Carfax Tower, a landmark 12th century bell tower, once part of a church. Next, see the Saxon Tower of St Michael at the North Gate, one of the city’s oldest buildings dating back to Saxon times. Next see Martyr’s Memorial, a homage to protestant protestors burnt at the stake for heresy under the reign of Queen Mary I. Next visit the Ashmolean, the first university museum in the world dating back to the 17th century and home to many fantastic exhibitions, including one focussed on the ancient Egyptians. Pass the Marty’s Cross to see Balliol College and Trinity College. See Blackwell’s Bookshop and see the Sheldonian Theatre, built based on the design of Christopher Wren, the architect of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral. Next walk under the Bridge of Sighs, named due to its resemblance to the bridge of the same name in Venice and continue to Bodleian Library, the main library centre for Oxford university and one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Pass Radcliffe Camera and see All Soul’s College and St Mary’s Church. Next, see Magdalen, founded in 1458. Pass Christ Church College before ending your tour at the historical Covered Market, a great place to grab a bite to eat!

• Hotel: Lygon Arms
• Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, after breakfast, together with your driver guide, get to know the Cotswold’s. The picturesque Cotswold’s are full of traditional English charm and our Quintessentially Cotswolds tour will take you to the best locations. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide you will visit Bourton on the Water, famous for its low bridges and stone houses. You will then take a light walk between Lower Slaughter, known for its 19th century water mill and Upper Slaughter on the banks of the River Eye. After your walk past the pictureque Slaughters you will be driven onto Bibury, one of the most photographed Cotswolds villages to see the amazing architecture of the cottages of Arlington Row. Your tour will end in Burford, the gateway to the Cotswolds. Here you can soak up the wonderful atmosphere on the main street, lined with ancient cottages, individual shops, and traditional cosy English pubs.

• Hotel: Lygon Arms
• Meals: Breakfast

Today after breakfast, be collected by your driver guide and transfer to London for your onward journey.

• Meals: Breakfast