Monarchs of Britain –
Kings, and Queens throughout the Ages
12 Days

he stories and legends of Britain’s kings and queens are enthralling, fascinating, tragic and triumphant. From 1066 when William the Conqueror’s seized the throne to today’s reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, this tour is sure to captivate and amaze. Visiting castles, palaces, battlefields, and even a “round table”, you’re sure to walk away with a deeper understanding of Britain’s rich and stimulating history.

Day 1 - Departure
Depart from your home destination.
(Airport transfer and/or airfare additional*)

Day 2 – Arrival in London (Heathrow or Gatwick)
Your chariot awaits. You will be transported by luxury car to your opulent hotel in the heart of London. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to relax and take a bit of time to explore London’s restaurants, pubs, or wherever your heart desires.

Day 3 – A Visit to Her Majesty’s - London
Your morning begins with a visit to the locale of every coronation since 1066, Westminster Abbey. This architectural masterpiece presents a unique pageant of British history – the shrine of St Edward the Confessor, the tombs of kings and queens, and countless memorials to the famous and the great. Now that you’ve seen where Her Majesty was crowned, it’s time to see where she lives**. Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. You will visit Her Majesty’s State Rooms, The Queen's Gallery, the Royal Mews, and any special exhibitions that are on at the time. Realizing that you may just be suited to a life of royalty, you’ll dine tonight at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, renowned for its superior traditional British cuisine and elegant atmosphere.

Day 4 – Visiting the Princess - London
Today, you’re off to Kensington Palace. The Palace has been a royal home for over 300 years and parts of the palace remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family today. The magnificent State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, are open to the public, and will include the exhibition 'Diana Princess of Wales by Mario Testino at Kensington Palace'. Then, it’s off to the site of Princess Diana’s wedding and tragic funeral, St. Paul’s Cathedral. A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604 AD. The current Cathedral – the fourth to occupy this site – was designed by the court architect Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710 after its predecessor was destroyed in the Great Fire of London. It is a heritage site of international importance which attracts thousands of people each year. Tonight, relax, or enjoy some of London’s fantastic nightlife!

Day 5 – Royal Windsor
We’ve arranged for you to have your own transportation for the next few days***. Your day begins as you venture west to Windsor. You’ll check in to your luxury hotel, then it’s off to Windsor Castle. Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today. Windsor is a wonderful town and the home to 13 attractions including Windsor Castle, Eton College, & Legoland® Windsor. If you have a few hours in the afternoon, may we recommend a visit to Savill Garden? If not, enjoy a lovely evening at a restaurant, pub, theatre… or perhaps all three.

Day 6 – Winchester and Wight
Your morning begins as you drive to what was originally the capital of England before London (or Londinium), Winchester. There, you’ll visit the first and finest of all 13th century halls, with the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, "The Round Table of King Arthur". The Great Hall is what remains standing from what was originally Winchester Castle, but there is still more to see, including the sculpture of Queen Victoria, and Queen Eleanor’s Garden. After your ‘visit at King Arthur’s’, you’ll drive south and take the ferry to the Isle of Wight (car included). There, you’ll stay in a beautiful Victorian country house set in three acres of mature gardens and built in the 1860’s for one of Queen Victoria’s Ladies In Waiting.

Day 7 – Osborne House and You’re Off to Battle
The morning begins with a visit to Queen Victoria’s holiday home, Osborne House. After her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840, Queen Victoria felt the need for a family residence in the country. To use her words, “a place of one's own - quiet and retired”. After a brief romp around this beautiful home and gardens, you head off - to Battle! Well, the town of Battle, anyway. (After all, royalty isn’t just about lovely homes and palaces.) One date that all Brits remember is October 14th 1066, when, in a single day, the Battle of Hastings changed English history. You’ll visit Battle Abbey and explore the historic battlefield and the ruins of the abbey that William the Conqueror later built to atone for the bloodshed of the Norman Conquest. You can even stand on the exact spot where tradition says King Harold fell. Then, it’s onward north to Ashford, Kent, where you’ll stay in another beautiful country manor – a residence so beautiful it is indeed fit for royalty. (You may not want to leave.) We suggest dining at The Manor Restaurant, within the hotel, as they boast one of the best restaurants in the area.

Day 8 – Sandringham House
"Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world," wrote George V. A few hours drive through beautiful English countryside will carry you to Sandringham House. Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. With knowledgeable guides in every room of the house and acres of beautiful gardens to explore, the Museum houses extraordinary collections of Royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia. Sandringham is set in sixty acres of glorious gardens, perhaps the finest of all the Royal gardens. A stroll through these gardens may make you think you’re lost in time. A short drive to nearby King’s Lynn and you’ll check into your elegant Georgian manor hotel that has retained the feel of a fine country house. Set in gracious parkland, orchards and beautiful gardens, the hotel is renowned for its awe-inspiring Herb Garden with over 700 varieties of herbs, that's also a genuine working kitchen garden.

Day 9 – Hatfield House
This morning, you’ll drive to Hertfordshire, where you will visit the former home of Elizabeth I and her siblings, Mary and Edward. The history of Hatfield House begins in 1485, when John Morton, Bishop of Ely, built Hatfield Palace. A long and rich historical account of residents that followed will most certainly enthrall. Be sure to ask about genuine English Hatfield House Oak when you’re there. Tonight, it’s another luxury hotel… you may just become so accustomed to this royal treatment, you’ll expect nothing less when you return home…

Day 10 – Bloody London
This morning, you return to London (and return your rental car) and check into another luxurious London hotel. Head out early because you won’t want to miss the day we have planned for you! First, it’s the Tower of London. Completed in 1100 AD, the Tower’s long and gory history will definitely leave you with a thrill and a chill. Most notoriously remembered as the locale where Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard, were beheaded, you’ll learn much of the royal history from the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) as you tour the former castle and prison. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels, they’re “to die for”. From Tower Hill, you can catch a guided boat tour down the Thames to Greenwich. There, we recommend you visit the Old Royal Naval College, the Cutty Sark, and the Greenwich Conservatory, where you can stand directly at 0° longitude. A luxurious dinner awaits you tonight at a Michelin star restaurant – we’ve already booked for you (your majesty).

Day 11 – Hampton Court Palace
Home to Henry VIII, Jane Seymour, James I, Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, and many more royals, Hampton Court Palace was opened in the mid 1800’s by Queen Victoria to the public. Today, Hampton Court Palace promises a magical journey back through 500 years of royal history. Explore 60 acres of immaculate riverside gardens and lose yourself in the world-famous maze. Spend all day, or just a few hours and have the rest of the day to yourself. Tonight, we’ve arranged for you to see one of London’s famous west end theatre productions with some of the best seats in the house!

Day 12 – Return Home
Your luxury, chauffeur-driven car will transport you back to the airport.
(Airport transfer and/or airfare additional*)

* Additional fees apply.
** Buckingham Palace tours and entry available only 7/26 through 9/24. For those traveling on alternate dates, other arrangements will be made.
*** All rental cars will be automatic shift, for ease, unless otherwise requested.

The above tour is subject to change without notice.
E&OA