London Signature
7 Days
from
$2,205
to
$2,940
per person*
Highlights:
England
(London)
Trip Start/End:
London
/
London
Boasting 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; London really doesn't have to do much to draw its visitors as they tend to come of their own accord.
As the largest urban population in the UK, the city has a wide sweep of amenities from public gardens, to shops, galleries, museums, theatres and more. Spending a number of days here is like a drop in the ocean - there is always so much more to see and do. But fear not, we have picked the top highlights in the city to give you a great in-depth introduction to what London is all about. Enjoy a private orientation of the city on arrival, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful Roman city of Bath, and enjoy a day in the country visiting Stonehenge and Salisbury. With private transfers, a number of organized tour options, balanced with free time to explore, this Value tour of London offers you the best way to experience all of what this great metropolis has to offer... comfortably!
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- London
| - Transfer - Private - Heathrow Airport (arrival) - Vehicle/Driver
- England - London Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- Self-Guided - Hop-on/Hop-off Orientation Tour - Coach/Guide
- Self-Guided - Optional Dinner: Porters English Restaurant
| Thistle Westminster (4*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- London
| - Self-Guided - Along the South Bank
- Lunch (not included)
- Shared - 1/2 d Highlights of London (PM) - Coach/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Thistle Westminster (4*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- London
| - Shared - Salisbury, Stonehenge & Bath - Coach/Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Continuation of day tour
- Dinner (not included)
| Thistle Westminster (4*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- London
| - Private - 1/2 d Windsor Castle (4 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Thistle Westminster (4*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- London
| - Shared - City Cruise: Tower Pier-Westminster - Boat
- Lunch (not included)
- Dukes Champagne Afternoon Tea
- Dinner (not included)
| Thistle Westminster (4*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- London
| - At Leisure
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Thistle Westminster (4*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- London
| - Transfer - Private - Heathrow Airport (departure) - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
London
Big Ben, London
Touring in London
Thistle Westminster
Day 1: London
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.
Ride on a London open-top sightseeing bus where youll get a birds eye view of this majestic City! Your hop-on hop-off ticket allows you the freedom to leave and re-join the bus as often as you like over a 24-hour period - departures are every 5-15 minutes all day until late evening. The best thing about this tour is you have total flexibility to plan your day the way YOU choose, as well as taking in all the main sights from the top deck of a London bus, including St Pauls Cathedral, the spine-chilling Tower of London, Big Ben, the Gothic Houses of Parliament, the Queens residence Buckingham Palace, the exclusive Belgravia district, Hyde Park, the lively Speakers Corner, Marble Arch, Harrods and its sumptuous Food Halls, the Royal Albert Hall, Baker Street home of Sherlock Holmes, Madame Tussauds and plenty more besides! Choose from 3 main routes covering all the main sights of London - you can either listen to the informative and entertaining recorded commentary provided through your own headsets to keep, or listen to London live, with a live Guide pointing out the main sights to you, telling you all the history, titbits and quirky stories about London. Enjoy your day!
Porters English Restaurant serves traditional English food at its finest. Since 1979, Porters has achieved the perfect balance of mouth watering food, great value and unpretentious friendly service, all in the heart of Theatreland, London. Porter's Steak and Kidney Pudding, Fisherman's Pie, steamed syrup sponge and homemade ice creams will meet all your taste requirements.
Accommodation: Thistle Westminster (4*) If The City is London’s economic centre, Westminster is its political and cultural heart. Thistle Westminster (4*) is surrounded by famous streets, squares and buildings where much of history has been made and is still being written today. Located a couple of minutes’ walk from London Victoria, Thistle Westminster is an ideal venue. It is also a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, and a mere 15 minutes on foot to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, or the shops on the King’s Road. The hotel has 134 bedrooms including 50 Premier Executive and deluxe rooms. The proximity to the Palace and Victoria make this a popular wedding venue. With the London Eye within walking distance, you really can see the whole city from the hotel location.
South Bank
St Paul Cathedral
Day 2: London
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.
Spend the afternoon on a shared tour taking in some of the highlights of London from St. Paul's cathedral, the the Tower of London and a river cruise along the Thames. Enjoy a guided tour of St Paul Cathedral - crowned by the magnificent dome that is so much a part of the London skyline. In recent years it has seen the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen. Explore London by cruise.
Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7 and enlarged by successive sovereigns, the Tower of London is one of the is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Over the past 1000 years it has been a Royal Palace, an armoury and a place of imprisonment and execution. The Beefeaters who guard the Tower will regale you with stories of its past. Visit the Crown Jewels, including the magnificent solid-gold crown used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the enormous Cullinan diamonds and the extraordinary Koh-i-Noor.
You have the choice to take a River Cruise along the Thames and end your tour at Westminster Pier, or take the cruise on another day and go with your guide back to Victoria Station.
Accommodation: Thistle Westminster (4*)
Salisbury Cathedral
Day 3: London
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. You will 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. Admission to Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths is included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Thistle Westminster (4*)
Windsor
Day 4: London
Windsor is a suburban town and tourist destination in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is best known as the site of Windsor Castle. The town is situated 21 miles (34 km) west of Charing Cross. It is immediately south of the River Thames, which forms its boundary with Eton. Windsor and the surrounding areas contain some of the most expensive and desirable housing in the UK. The village of Old Windsor, just over two miles to the south, predates what is now called Windsor by around 300 years; in the past Windsor was formally referred to as New Windsor to distinguish the two. Windsor is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years. The Castle covers an area of about 5 hectares (13 acres) and contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, St George's Chapel (one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England and the burial place of 10 monarchs), and Queen Mary's Dolls House, a masterpiece in miniature.Entrance fee incl.
Accommodation: Thistle Westminster (4*)
View Across the Thames River
Afternoon Tea at Dukes
Day 5: London
Enjoy a boat trip on the River Thames between Tower Pier and Westminster or Waterloo pier. Cruising the River Thames is a great way to see London. Highlights: London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, St Pauls Cathedral, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Located in the heart of St James's, Dukes is a discreet London hotel which has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. This much loved hotel has recently been given a touch of 21st century contemporary chic, creating a look that is fresh, calm and entirely English in spirit. Afternoon Tea is served in the elegant Drawing Room and Conservatory which overlook a peaceful courtyard garden. Enjoy a glass of Champagne, delicate finger sandwiches, assorted cakes and pastries, traditional fruit cake, warm fruit scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam, all served with your choice of tea.
Accommodation: Thistle Westminster (4*) Day 6: London
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Thistle Westminster (4*) Day 7: London
Meet your driver at your hotel and be taken to Heathrow Airport by a private transfer.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Thistle Westminster
Thistle Westminster Room
Thistle Westminster (4*) - London
If The City is London’s economic centre, Westminster is its political and cultural heart. Thistle Westminster (4*) is surrounded by famous streets, squares and buildings where much of history has been made and is still being written today. Located a couple of minutes’ walk from London Victoria, Thistle Westminster is an ideal venue. It is also a short stroll from Buckingham Palace, and a mere 15 minutes on foot to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, or the shops on the King’s Road. The hotel has 134 bedrooms including 50 Premier Executive and deluxe rooms. The proximity to the Palace and Victoria make this a popular wedding venue. With the London Eye within walking distance, you really can see the whole city from the hotel location.
Travel Info
Travel tips of England
VISA/PASSPORT
United Kingdom is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of England for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/united-kingdom.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: London.
Government: Constitutional monarchy.
Language: English. Some Welsh is spoken in parts of Wales, Gaelic in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and French and Norman French in the Channel Islands.
Religion: Predominantly Christian, with sizeable Muslim, Sikh, Jewish and Hindu minorities.
Time: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs are standard.
Telephone: Country code +44.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone operators. Coverage is mostly good, but can be patchy in rural areas.
Internet: There are Internet cafes and centers in most urban areas.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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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