England Explorer: Castles, Cotswolds & Coastline – 5 Days

Highlights

• Explore Windsor Castle — the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle — including the lavish State Apartments housing masterworks by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci, and St. George's Chapel, the atmospheric resting place of monarchs including Henry VIII
• Stand before the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and uncover the theories behind this awe-inspiring prehistoric monument — from a temple for sun worship to a burial ground or ancient calendar
• Stroll the historic college courtyards and cobbled lanes of Oxford, the celebrated city of dreaming spires, and visit the Bodleian Library — one of the oldest libraries in Europe
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath with access to the world-famous Roman Baths — the best-preserved Roman remains in Britain — followed by a guided walking tour of the city's Georgian architecture and landmarks
• Explore Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the most photographed villages in the Cotswolds, set among rolling countryside and honey-stone cottages
• Be among the first to enter Leeds Castle on an exclusive early-access visit, complete with a tasting of mead — the drink of the Vikings — before the crowds arrive
• Discover Canterbury Cathedral, the magnificent medieval masterpiece where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, and admire its extraordinary stained glass windows dating to the late 12th century
• Take in the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, then cruise the River Thames from Greenwich to Embankment Pier past Tower Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral, with a stop to see the Cutty Sark and the Old Royal Naval College

5-Day England Explorer Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Welcome to London

   You'll arrive at your hotel independently and have the rest of the day to yourself. Take some time to settle in, walk around, and explore London at your own pace.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Windsor, Oxford and Stonehenge

   You'll head out from central London on an air-conditioned coach and make your first stop at Windsor Castle, sitting on a wooded hill above the Thames. Inside, you'll walk through the lavish State Apartments — home to priceless works by Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci — and visit St. George's Chapel, the atmospheric resting place of former monarchs including Henry VIII. Queen Mary's Dolls' House is also worth a look if you'd like to see it. From Windsor, you'll continue to Stonehenge, where you'll learn about the leading theories behind this ancient site — from a temple for sun worship to a healing centre, a burial ground, or a giant calendar. You'll finish the day in Oxford, following in the footsteps of famous alumni from C.S. Lewis to Bill Clinton as you stroll the college courtyards and cobbled lanes of this historic university town. You'll take in the iconic skyline of dreaming spires and visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Bath and Cotswolds with Roman Baths

   You'll spend the morning in Bath, England's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its outstanding beauty and rich history. You'll start with access to the Roman Baths — the best-preserved Roman remains in the world — where you can explore at your own pace and learn about life in Roman Britain. After that, an expert guide will lead you on a walking tour through the city, taking in the main landmarks and sharing the fascinating history behind one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. From Bath, you'll head out to the Cotswolds and explore Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the most popular and most photographed villages in the region. You'll have time to take in the scenery, wander the streets, and enjoy some of the most naturally stunning countryside in England before heading back to London.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover & Greenwich River Boat Ride

   You'll set off early to arrive at Leeds Castle ahead of the crowds, giving you an almost private visit to this beautiful medieval fortress. The morning kicks off with a tasting of mead, an alcoholic drink once enjoyed by the Vikings, before you explore the castle grounds. From there, you'll head to Canterbury, a magnificent medieval city with a long and dramatic history. You'll visit Canterbury Cathedral and discover the scene of Archbishop Thomas Becket's gruesome murder in 1170, learning the intriguing story behind this captivating masterpiece of medieval architecture and admiring its spectacular stained glass windows, many of which have survived from the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Next, you'll make a scenic stop in Dover to take in the views of the iconic White Cliffs — bring your camera. You'll end the day in Greenwich, a stunning World Heritage site on the Thames, where you'll see the Old Royal Naval College designed by Sir Christopher Wren and the world-famous Cutty Sark, a fascinating 19th-century clipper ship. From Greenwich, you'll board a river boat and cruise the Thames to Embankment Pier, passing Tower Bridge and St. Paul's Cathedral along the way.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Departure from London

   All good things must come to an end — but your adventure doesn't have to! Contact us to request a quote to extend your stay. After breakfast, check out and conclude our services.

What's Included

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Entrance fees and activities: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and the Thames river cruise (recommended to add at the time of booking)
• City tax to be paid at the hotel
• Transfer to meet the guide for guided visits
• Return transfer to your hotel after guided visits
• Transfers to/from stations and airport
• Any item, product or service not specifically listed under Included

Additional Information

• You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
• This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
• Entrance fees to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, and the Thames river cruise are not included but are recommended to add at the time of booking.
• Windsor Castle is a working royal palace and planned closures or disruptions may be subject to change. When the State Apartments are closed, the Precincts, Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the Drawings Gallery will remain open.
• Tour reference code: 354641

Dates & Availability

Frequently Asked Questions