10 Days Starting at $1,999
Itinerary | Eductional Highlights | Dates and Rates

Explore the castle strongholds and medieval palaces of England's kings and queens from London to the surrounding countryside as you learn about Britain's grand and tumultuous history. Experience the charm of the English countryside, from the verdant landscape of Kent to the picturesque golden-stone villages of the Cotswolds as you visit celebrated palatial country homes and renowned gardens set amid softly rolling hills dotted with flocks of sheep. Throughout your journey, exclusive presentations enhance your understanding of England's history, art and architecture, and gardens.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: London, England - Tour Begins
Gather for a special reception and dinner this evening. (D)
Day 3: London
A city coach tour of central London, featuring Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, offers an overview of British history. At the Tower of London attend an exclusive presentation on the many notable figures who walked through the Tower gates. The late afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B)
Day 4: London - Windsor
A full-day excursion of royal residences begins at Hampton Court, Henry VIII's palace on the Thames River. Step into the Tudor era as you explore the king's apartments, from the Great Hall to the Royal Chapel, and the Tudor kitchens. Nearby Windsor, a royal site for more than 900 years, continues to be an official residence of the Queen. Take a tour of Windsor's Castle Precincts, the State Apartments where the Queen holds court (Queen's schedule permitting), and Queen Mary's Doll House. Return to London and gather for dinner. (B, D)
Day 5: London - Canterbury
Learn about England's love of gardening at the internationally acclaimed Kew Gardens, the country's premier botanic institution. Attend a special presentation on garden design and tour some of Kew's magnificent and varied gardens. Leave the royal city behind and travel through the gentle countryside of Kent. Here the Romans, Normans, and others came ashore, St. Augustine founded his church, and the English built mighty castles in defense of their realm. Walk through the grand rooms of Leeds Castle, once the residence of six medieval queens, and enjoy the castle's grounds and a peek at its elaborate maze. (B, D)
Day 6: Canterbury - Dover - Canterbury
Spend the morning in the medieval city of Canterbury. Visit the exquisite 12th-century cathedral, known as an important pilgrimage site, as depicted in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, and for its stained glass and carvings. Take a walking tour of the medieval heart of the city, and then meander the charming cobblestone streets further on your own. In the afternoon, travel through the countryside to Dover and tour Dover Castle, which comprises fortifications built from the Roman to the Norman eras to protect the island from invasion. Learn about the castle's important role in the defense of Britain during World War II at the castle museum. Then drive along Dover's "white cliffs" for a breathtaking view, and from the "Gateway" look out over the Straits of Dover to see the world's busiest shipping lane. (B, D)
Day 7: Canterbury - Bibury - Woodstock
View some of England's most enchanting countryside as you travel along quaint country lanes where ancient stone walls gently frame rounded hills with grazing sheep. Pass through charming Cotswold villages where little has changed since they were built in the 12th century. Explore the delightful town of Bibury, described by the famous 19th-century English poet William Morris as "the prettiest village in England." Continue to Blenheim Palace, designed by Vanbrugh in the early 18th century. During a guided tour of this palatial home learn about its original owner, its art and architecture, and famous figures such as Winston Churchill who are associated with this grand home. Conclude the day just beyond Blenheim Gate in the picturesque village of Woodstock. Enjoy your stay at the historic Bear Hotel, one of England's most famous 13th-century coaching inns. (B)
Day 8: Woodstock - Cotswold Countryside - Woodstock
This morning is at leisure to explore the village or return to the famous formal gardens and landscape designed by Capability Brown at nearby Blenheim Palace. Journey through the beautiful Cotswold landscape en route to Stanton. Walk through this perfectly preserved village, where exquisite gardens surround honey-colored stone cottages and the slender-spired church reflects the wealth of the medieval wool merchants. (B)
Day 9: Woodstock - Chipping Campden - Woodstock
Today, visit one of Britain's most delightful Edwardian gardens, Hidcote Manor. Discover the six major gardens, each cleverly based on a theme of color, shape, and scent. Stop at Chipping Campden, the quintessential village of the Cotswolds with its perfectly charming High Street. Conclude the day with a guided tour of Sudeley Castle, home to Henry VIII's sixth wife, which features architecture dating to the reign of Henry V, Tudor costumes, fine master paintings and important tapestries. Also enjoy the magnificent castle grounds, featuring award-winning gardens created by some of England's most famous landscape designers. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 10: Woodstock - London - Tour Ends

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Educational Highlights in England
Renowned for its pastoral landscapes dotted with castles, and home to some of the world’s most beautiful gardens, England charms American visitors in search of a romantic past. Three British experts enhance your experience with their insights into England’s most famous sites.
• Trace the development of the formidable Tower of London from its Roman origins to the present day as Dr. Geoff Parnell recounts some of the many notable figures who have walked through the gates.
• Learn about famous garden designs and the history of the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, founded in 1759 outside London, from staff expert Stewart James Henchie.
• Gain special insight into Blenheim Palace from archivist John Foster who discusses its art and architecture, the original owners, and famous people such as Winston Churchill who are associated with this grand home.

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Dates and Rates
2005 Prices (land only)
Departures Double/Single
May 14; June 4; September 24; October 22 $1999/$2599
Additional departure dates available
Air inclusive rate starting at $2399 is per person, double from New York City during certain seasons. Call for other air rates and Business Class upgrades.

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