A 6-day taster tour of London and the Cotswolds, a classic British twin-center combination. Start in London, where youโll stay in Londonโs Trafalgar Square at the Corinthia Hotel โ a British icon of luxury. Youโll enjoy a royal walking tour of London with one of our Local Legends, our handpicked personalities, to guide you around Londonโs royal sights. Youโll see part of Londonโs recent modern history with a private guided tour at Churchill War Rooms, the location from where Sir Winston Churchill coordinated Britainโs response during the Second World War. Enjoy a private tour of Oxford โ the city of Spires, known globally for its prestigious university, before spending two nights in the Cotswolds, exploring the quaint villages that make up this most quintessential of British regions.
Highlight
- Royal walking tour of London with a Vivu Journeys Local Legend
- Private tour of Churchill War Rooms
- Private tour of Oxford and its University
- Explore the Cotswolds.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in London, be picked up at the airport and transferred to your London hotel.
๐จ Accommodation: Corinthia London
๐ด Meals: Nil
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, craft, or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide.
Discover Londonโs 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 Englandโs 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 yourself in the Kensington and Knightsbridge regions of London, some of the cityโs most prosperous districts. Here, see three of the cityโs 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 Londonโs more defined French populations.
Continue up Knightsbridge, passing the world-famous department store, Harrods. See the Wellington Arch, commissioned under George IV to commemorate Britainโs 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 Jamesโ, 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 Londonโs 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 (customersโ 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.
๐จ Accommodation: Corinthia London
๐ด 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 Churchillโs 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 the significance of these modest rooms.
Notes: If your tour finishes during opening hours, you may wish to visit The Cafรฉ, which specialises in classic British food, and browse the range of gifts inspired by life underground in the shop.
๐จ Accommodation: Corinthia London
๐ด Meals: Nil
In the morning, after breakfast, together with your driver guide, get to know the Cotswolds. The picturesque Cotswolds 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 picturesque Slaughters, you will be driven to 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.
๐จ Accommodation: Lygon Arms
๐ด Meals: Breakfast
Today, after breakfast, be collected by your driver guide and transferred to London for your onward journey.
๐ด Meals: Breakfast
ROUTE
London, Oxford, Cotswolds
6 Days 5 Nights
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