Itinerary
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Day 1
London London is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been part of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. London is one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city. The city boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. South Bank is a beautiful riverside stretch in the heart of central London, following the Thames from Lambeth to Blackfriars bridges. In walking distance to Covent Garden and Westminster its the perfect location for a relaxing stroll Also accessible from Waterloo station. The packed programme of theatre, exhibitions, music, film and free events means South Bank is an inspiring place to explore for all ages. Along the South Bank, take in such sites, as, The London Eye: the world’s tallest observation wheel. At 135 metres above the Thames it offers unrivalled views over the city. On a clear day from the world’s largest Ferris wheel you can see 25 miles in every direction as far as Windsor to the west and, to the east nearly out to sea. Continue walking over the Milennium Bridge. Although it nowadays provides a smooth river crossing, the Millennium Bridge will be known to Londoners as simply the wobbly bridge. Designed by Norman Foster and Anthony Caro, its low-slung frame looks pretty spectacular, particularly when it’s lit up at night with fibre-optics-the so-called ‘blade of light’ effect. South Bank was made for long lazy afternoons and evenings, there is something for all tastes. Absorb the atmosphere over an al fresco lunch or dinner, enjoy cocktails with a view and try the stylish hotel bars, family-friendly cafes and funky places to grab a quick bite or late night drink. The Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster (4*) formerly The Mint Hotel Westminster is ideally located in the heart of central London in Westminster. You can reach the West End, the London Eye, Tate Britain and other attractions with absolute ease. The 460 hotel rooms and suites are styled with absolute consideration for your comfort, with multimedia Apple iMac, fresh air conditioning, floods of natural daylight and White Company luxury toiletries to make guests feel at home. Enjoy a bnite to eat in the award-winning City Café. The hotel's destination restaurant offers quality British Cuisine created by the Head Chef who combines the freshest local ingredients to create mouth-watering seasonal dishes with a modern twist. Alternatively, relax in the sophisticated surroundings of the Millbank Lounge bar with its vibrant mix of whisky, wine and cocktails. Overnight at Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster (4*). |
 London |
 Welcome to London |
 Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster |
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Day 2
London Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. We visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
We also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring - the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire. Within walking distance to your central London hotel, enjoy a fantastic meal out at one of the best restaurants in the West End. A few suggestions: J Sheekey, an incredibly smart seafood restaurant, Lindsay House, specializing in Irish cuisine, Mildred's, London's best veggie restaurant, Sketch, the trendiest place in London, specializing in some of the best french food you'll ever taste, or for those looking for something simple and cheerful, enjoy a nice meal out at Zipangu. The Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster (4*) formerly The Mint Hotel Westminster is ideally located in the heart of central London in Westminster. You can reach the West End, the London Eye, Tate Britain and other attractions with absolute ease. The 460 hotel rooms and suites are styled with absolute consideration for your comfort, with multimedia Apple iMac, fresh air conditioning, floods of natural daylight and White Company luxury toiletries to make guests feel at home. Enjoy a bnite to eat in the award-winning City Café. The hotel's destination restaurant offers quality British Cuisine created by the Head Chef who combines the freshest local ingredients to create mouth-watering seasonal dishes with a modern twist. Alternatively, relax in the sophisticated surroundings of the Millbank Lounge bar with its vibrant mix of whisky, wine and cocktails. Overnight at Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster (4*). |
 Stonehenge |
 West End |
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Day 3
London The London Underground, or ‘the tube’ as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting round London. Greater London is served by 12 tube lines, along with the independent (though linked) and privately owned DLR and an interconnected rail network. The first tube train operates at around 5:30am Monday to Saturday and around 7am Sunday; the last train leaves between 11:30pm and 12:30am depending on the day, the station and the line. Remember that any train heading from left to right on the map is designated as eastbound, and any train heading from top to bottom is southbound- no matter how many squiggles and turns it makes. If your two stations are not on the same line, you need to note the nearest station where the two lines intersect, and it is here that you must change trains. Step out into this fantastic city and explore with your travel card - the best way to see London! Tube Stop: Hampstead. Sprawling Hampstead Heath, with its rolling woodlands and meadows, feels like a million miles away- well approximately four- from the city of London. It covers 320 hectares, most of it woods, hills and meadows, and is home to about 100 bird species. It’s a wonderful place for a nice walk, and you can follow in the footsteps of luminaries such as the poets Coleridge, Keats and Pop as well as painters Hogarth and Constable who all lived around here. Constable studied the clouds and skies above Hampstead Heath, painting more than 100 ‘skyscapes’ that he would later match subjects in his most famous paintings. If walking is too pedestrian for you, sections of the heath area are laid out for football and cricket. Walk up Parliament Hill or the hill in North Wood, an on a clear day you’ll be able to see all the way to Canary Wharf and the Docklands. Those of an artistic bent should make a beeline to Kenwood House but stop to admire the sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth on the way. If you work up a thirst, there’s no better place to quench it than at the atmospheric- and possibly haunted- Spaniard’s Inn which has fascinating history and a terrific beer garden. Spring is probably the best time to visit, Kew Gardens but at any time of year this 120-hectare expanse of lawns, formal gardens and greenhouses has delights to offer, As well as being a public garden, Kew is an important research centre, and it maintains its reputation as the most exhaustive botanical collection in the world. Its wonderful plants and trees aside, Kew has several specific sights within its borders. You will come almost immediately to a large pond overlooked by the enourmous Palm House, a hothouse of metal and curved sheets of glass, and housing all sorts of exotic tropical greenery. Just northwest of Palm House is the tiny but irresistible Water Lily House, dating from 1852. If you head northwards, you’ll come to the stunning Princess of Wales Conservatory. Beyond that is the Kew Gardens Gallery bordering Kew Green, which houses exhibitions of paintings and photos. Heading westwards from the gallery you will arrive at the red-brick Kew Palace, a former royal residence once known as Dutch House. If you cut southwards from the palace across the lawns you’ll pass a long lake running roughly west to east. To the southwest is Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, a wooden summerhouse used by George III and surrounded by bluebells in spring. Come out of the station and walk straight (west) along Station Rd, cross Kew Gardens Rd. and then continue straight along Lichfield Rd. Overnight at Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster (4*). |
 The Tube |
 Hampstead Heath |
 Kew Gardens |
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Day 4
London Meet your driver at Heathrow airport, and take a private transfer to your hotel. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from London Heathrow airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
 Kensington Cares |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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