BOOK TOUR 7F DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE’S COUNTRY

Enjoy a walking tour in Oxford, optional lunch in the Cotswolds, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Once we arrive in Oxford, you can enjoy a gentle walk with our guide. He will show you the ancient squares and narrow alleyways that remain untouched by the fast pace of the modern world. Get to see too the Bodleian Library which is the second largest library in the UK. The library is not contained in one building but is sprawling across various buildings in Oxford. It is unique as a library in that no books can be borrowed, only read on the premises. Part of the tour here includes seeing the Divinity School which has a magnificent vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of Gothic architecture.  See too the unique and beautiful College Courtyards.

On to The Cotswolds, arguably one of the prettiest areas in England with some breathtaking scenery. See the sleepy villages and cottages built in Cotswold stone with stunning thatched roofing and the bustling market towns that remain in their traditional style. The Cotswolds has so much natural beauty and the prevailing sense is of time standing still.

Then we take you to see the part of the world where Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564. See the house in Henley Street that his father John owned and that remained in Shakespeare’s descendants hands until the 19th Century. There will be time to explore the area before we head out to see Anne Hathaway’s cottage which is a mile West of Stratford in the idyllic hamlet of Shottery.

This beautifully preserved thatched cottage has adorned chocolate boxes and tea towels and is arguably the most picturesque building in England. Owned by Anne’s prosperous family, the cottage consists of twelve rooms and in reality is an Elizabethean Farmhouse that originally would have had 90 acres of land attached to it. Externally, very little has been changed and some of the building structure dates back to before the 15th Century. Internally, see original 16th Century fireplaces, remains of the Great Hall and the wooden bedstead where it is said Anne would have been born. Anne Hathaway and William Shakespeare married in 1582.

This tour does not include lunch that will be in the Cotswolds at a traditional venue. Neither does it include entry tickets.

Tour runs Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

BOOK TOUR 7F DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE’S COUNTRY

BOOK PANORAMIC LONDON AND BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Available daily between 29th July and 29th September

Get to see all the major sights of London, visit Buckingham Palace and see Changing of the Guard.

Our Tour 105 begins from any of the official pick up points from our drop down list on the booking page. Enjoy a wonderful tour of London that takes in all of the major attractions, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Downing Street where Britain’s Prime Minsister resides, Trafalgar Square and much more. The tour finishes at Buckingham Palace where you get to see the famous Changing of the Guard of the Household Division which is probably one of the UK’s biggest touriest attractions. The Guards are not just ceremonial but serving soldiers, some of the most skilled soldiers in the British Army.

The Household Division is made up of seven regiments; the Cavalry Regiment, ‘The Life Guards’ and ‘The Blues and Royal’s and five foot Guards, ‘The Grenadier Guards’, ‘The Coldstream Guards’, ‘The Scots Guards’, ‘The Irish Guards’ and ‘The Welsh Guards’.

It is a spectacular ceremony, full of colour and pomp and seeped in tradition. And don’t worry about trying to get photos during the ceremony as the best time is either before or after at various locations including Wellington Barracks (just after). How about getting photographed with one of the Guards? Go to St James’ Palace, walk past the courtyard and turn the corner into Pall Mall and you can stand next to the solitary Guard!

At the Household Cavalry Museum, get to meet a Trooper from the Household Guards and feel free to ask any questions. NB On Sundays, meeting the Tropper is subject to Guard Change.

Finally get to see inside Buckingham Palace which has been the official home to British Sovereigns since 1837. You will be allowed to visit its’ 19 Staterooms which are used by the Queen to entertain on auspicious or official occasions. Get to see the Throne Room which is where the Queen presides ‘in Majesty’ on such occasions as awarding high honours, or to grant an audience or to hold council. You can also see the stunning Ballroom which is the largest multi purpose room in Buckingham Palace and is used by the Queen for State Banquets. After seeing inside, enjoy a walk through the South Garden.

This 4.5 hour tour finishes here so you can relax and really appreciate the splendour of the Palace.

BOOK PANORAMIC LONDON AND BUCKINGHAM PALACE

BOOK TOUR P9 – FREE AND EASY DAY TRIP TO YORK

This tour departs by National Express train from Kings Cross station at 8am. If you arrive at 7.15 and meet the tour representative by the ticket office, they will escort you to your train where your seat has been reserved. You will arrive in York at 9.51am.

Your ticket includes an open top bus tour and this departs from outside the station every 20 minutes. This tour will give you a glimpse of York’s stunning, historical architecture as well as the stunning York Minster, the impressive Gothic Cathedral with fabulous stained glass windows and the medieval shopping streets of the shambles.

Included in this package is entry to Jorvik Viking Centre which is a reconstructed Viking settlement. Constructed on the actual site where the original City would have been over a 1000 years ago and where numerous artifacts have been discovered by archaeologists. It is a fascinating insight into the Viking world as you get to walk the streets as they would have been and get to meet some Vikings too!

York has so much to offer the visitor and once you have enjoyed your tours, why not take some time to explore some of the numerous galleries and museums or go shopping in its’ fabulous traffic free centre. You will find an abundance of fascinating shops, including craft shops, elegant boutiques, book and antique dealers. Maybe you will get time to have a cruise on the River Ouse.

This riverside walled City is waiting for you to explore it and we can guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Your return train departs 7.14pm and arrives back in London at 9.17pm.

Available Days: Monday to Thursday.

BOOK TOUR P9 – FREE AND EASY DAY TRIP TO YORK

BOOK FREE AND EASY BEATLES AND LIVERPOOL

The Beatles are synonymous with Liverpool and this tour will take you from Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street on board a Virgin Train. You should meet the tour representative by the ticket office at 6.30am, ready for 7.13 departure.

Once you arrive at 9.47, we suggest you make your way to Matthew Street where it all began in The Cavern, the cellar club where the Beatles were discovered by Brian Epstein. Visit The Beatles Shop here and the Matthew Street Gallery. Why not visit the Cavern Pub which opens at 11am and is situated opposite the Cavern Club. Enjoy some fabulous Beatles memorabilia here.

Then head towards Albert Dock which is left into North John Street. Once there, enjoy The Beatles Story Exhibition which gives you a glimpse into the lives of John, Paul, Ringo and Paul; from their early days to their solo careers.

You are booked onto the Magical Mystery Bus Tour in the afternoon. It departs from the Beatles Story Exhibition and finishes at the famous Cavern Club two hours later. You will be escorted by an expert guide and your tour will be on a bus identical to the one used in the 1967 film ‘The Magical Mystery Tour’. Get to see birthplaces, schools and homes of the Beatles’ also see Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields with some photo opportunities.

The Beatles have become such legends that you can find evidence of them everywhere you go on this tour and if you have any interest in these icons of music, this free and easy trip is for you.

The train back to London departs at 6.15pm, arriving at 8.48pm.

* In the unlikely event the Magical Mystery Bus Tour is cancelled, you will receive a £10 discount.

BOOK FREE AND EASY BEATLES AND LIVERPOOL

BOOK 3 STAR TWIN EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT FIRST CLASS

Edinburgh is a city rich in culture and we can offer a tour that begins and ends in style. Traveling First Class upon National Express will ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Refreshments will be provided for you.

You will meet a representative by the ticket office at Kings Cross Station where you will be escorted to your reserved seat at 6.30am for 7am departure. You will arrive in Edinburgh at 11.32am.

On your arrival, your ticket gives you the chance to enjoy the city on the Open Top Bus tour. Marvel at the Medieval Old Town or Georgian New Town and learn about the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Greyfriars Bobby; the loyal Skye Terrier who maintained his post on his dead master’s grave for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. The little dog caught the attention of the local people of the time. They  would gather to watch at the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard where his master lay. At the one o’clock gun signal, the little dog would leave for his midday meal before returning to his post. The gun salute is still a tradition and can be heard daily except for Sundays.

Entry to Edinburgh Castle is included and no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without seeing this imposing and wonderful building. Over a million visitors a year travel to see Edinburgh Castle. The rock on which it has stood for over a thousand years was formed 70 million years ago and recent archaeological excavations on the site have discovered that Iron Age man inhabited the rock as long ago as 850BC.

The Castle was home to King Robert the Bruce who won the Castle back from the English in 1314. It was during this period of the Wars of Independence (1296 1342) that the Castle changed hands four times. You can visit the Royal Apartments and see the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to a son who became King James VI of Scotland (James I of England).

The views from the Castle are quite breathtaking and must be experienced and enjoyed as part of the experience. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of the Kingdom of Fife to the North.

The Castle Esplanade is the venue for the Edinburgh Military Tatoo which takes place over 3 weeks in August. The Army marches and re-enacts historical moments bathed in floodlights. There is an iron wall fountain In the north-east corner of the Esplanade which is known as the Witches Well. Eerily, it is the spot where centuries ago, women who were found guilty of witchcraft, were put to death.

DAY 2

With no scheduled tours, you can enjoy Edinburgh at your leisure. Whether you are looking for something traditional or contemporary, you will find it in Edinburgh. There are galleries to enjoy, shops, fabulous bars and restaurants or even the city zoo!

Departure from Edinburgh will be on the 5.30pm train.

Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Tour includes overnight accommodation in 3 star twin with Scottish breakfast

BOOK 3 STAR TWIN EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT FIRST CLASS

BOOK EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT 3 STAR TWIN

Take advantage of this overnight tour and enjoy a City rich in culture. Whether you prefer the Medieval Old Town or Georgian New Town, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

DAY 1

The tour begins at Kings Cross station at 6.30am (7am departure) on the National Express. You will meet a representative by the ticket office who will then escort you to your reserved seat. You arrive in Edinburgh at 11.32am.

Once you arrive in Edinburgh, you can join the Open Top Bus which will take you on a tour of this fascinating City.  You will get to see sights such as the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Greyfriars Bobby. The loyal Skye Terrier maintained his post on his dead master’s grave for fourteen years until his own death in 1872. The little dog really caught the attention of the people who would gather to watch at the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard where his master lay. At the one o’clock gun signal, the little dog would leave for his midday meal before returning to his post.

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the castle which is included in this package. Over a million visitors a year travel to see Edinburgh Castle. Steeped in history, it has stood on Edinburgh Rock for over a thousand years and has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens including King Robert the Bruce who won the Castle back from the English in 1314 and Mary Queen of Scots. Get to see the Royal Apartments and the tiny room where Mary gave birth to her son King James VI of Scotland (James I of England). During the Wars of Independence between Scotland and England, (1296 – 1342), the Castle changed hands four times.

The ancient honours of Scotland, the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State are kept in the Crown Room. And today, you can still hear the 1 o’clock gun salute (except on Sundays).

The rock on which the castle stands was formed 70 million years ago and recent archaeological excavations on the site have discovered that Iron Age man inhabited the rock as long ago as 850BC.

The structure and grandeur of this magnificent building is the epitome of what a castle should be and the panoramic views over Edinburgh are unbeatable. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of the Kingdom of Fife to the North.

Visit the Castle Esplanade which is the venue for the Edinburgh Military Tatoo which takes place over 3 weeks in August. The Army march and re-enact historical moments under floodlight. In the north-east corner of the Esplanade, there is an iron wall fountain, known locally as the Witches Well and it is the spot where, centuries agao, women found guilty of witchcraft, were put to death.

DAY 2

Enjoy at your leisure! Take advantage of the fabulous shopping in Edinburgh or visit some of the famous sights. Whether you are looking for something traditional or contemporary, it can be found in Edinburgh. With a wealth of art galleries, shops, the city zoo and fabulous bars and restaurants, there is plenty to do.

Departure will be on the 5.30pm train.

Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Tour includes overnight accommodation in 3 star twin with Scottish breakfast

BOOK EDINBURGH OVERNIGHT 3 STAR TWIN

BOOK YOUR THAMES CRUISE WITH DINNER IN GREENWICH

Greenwich is a world heritage site and is a really unique part of London with some fascinating architecture and historical monuments.

The tour begins at Embankment Pier where you board the luxury Thames Clipper at 5.30pm for departure at 5.40pm. The trip down the Thames to Greenwich takes you past some of London’s monumental landmarks and a complimentary glass of champagne will help you enjoy yourself.

Greenwich is known for the Royal Naval College which dominates the waterfront. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and a series of famous architects worked on it until its’ complete in 1751. The Royal Observatory is also located in Greenwich and is the home of Greenwich Mean Time and Prime Meridean Line. It is located in Greenwich Park which you will have a chance to explore as well as having a look at some of the unusual and fascinating shops found in the area.

Your dinner will be in the Bar du Musee a French Bistro in the heart of Greenwich. With its’ relaxing environment, you are sure to enjoy your 3 course meal with a glass of wine.

The journey back to Embankment will give you the opportunity to see London at night where you can enjoy some of the famous floodlit landmarks.

BOOK YOUR THAMES CRUISE WITH DINNER IN GREENWICH

TOUR DURATION: 4 HOURS

CHILDREN POLICY: CHILDREN CHARGED AT ADULT RATE

DRESS CODE: SMART/FORMAL – NO JEANS OR TRAINERS

BOOK THE COTSWOLDS WITH LUNCH AND BLENHEIM PALACE

DESCRIPTION

This is a relaxed and wonderful tour that incorporates some stunning Cotswolds villages. You also get to see the magnificence of Bleinheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

For the price of this tour, enjoy a fabulous lunch at a traditional English pub which will be chosen for its’ locality and quality of food as well as the building itself.

You depart London at 8.45am from Victoria and travel in air conditioned comfort to The Cotswolds, one of the most photographed places in the whole of England. We stop at Burford, known as the Southern Gateway to The Cotswolds. The quirky high street gently slopes down to the River Windrush where a Medieval Bridge crosses the river and offers a great photo opportunity. Go back in time as you stroll down this high street where many of the shops and cottages remain unchanged since Tudor times.

Next stop is Bourton on the Water, which is a pretty and idyllic little village. It straddles the River Windrush and has a series of unusual low stone bridges. Standing back from the river are a series of traditional Cotswold buildings. Bourton on the Water has been labeled the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’.

Stow-On-The-Wold is a delightful and ancient wool town that was once a bustling and important market town. At the height of the Wool Industry, as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at its’ huge annual fairs. There is an ancient cross here which originally dates back to the 15th Century and the town stocks still exist too. They would have been used to punish petty criminals until the 19th Century. There are antique shops, art gallery’s and gifts and craft shops available here, as well as the usual fine Cotswold buildings.

Lunch will be an experience at a traditional English pub.

The last part of this great tour is entry to Blenheim Palace which was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the enigmatic Prime Minister of England. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland, with beautiful gardens and a magnificent lake. Inside you can stroll through buildings with hand painted ceilings and some fabulous tapestries and paintings, as well as a unique porcelain collection. Blenheim palace was created as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

AVAILABLE DAYS: WED, FRI AND SUN

DURATION: DEPARTURE FROM VICTORIA AT 8.45AM AND RETURN LONDON 6.00PM (APROXIMATE TIMES)

BOOK THE COTSWOLDS WITH LUNCH AND BLENHEIM PALACE

BOOK BLENHEIM PALACE AND THE COTSWOLDS

DESCRIPTION

This wonderful tour incorporates various stunning villages in The Cotswolds aswell as entry to Blenheim Palace, Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace.

After departing from London around 8.45am in one of our air conditioned coaches, we journey to The Cotswolds, definitely one of the most picturesque places in England. First stop is Burford which is known as the Southern Gateway to The Cotswolds. With stunning views, it has a high street that slopes gently down the River Windrush where a Medieval Bridges is a great photo opportunity. Go back in time as you stroll down this high street where many of the shops and cottages remain unchanged since Tudor times.

On to Bourton on the Water, which is possibly even more pretty and idyllic. This little village straddles the River Windrush and you get to cross the river via one of many archaic low bridges. Standing back from the river are a series of traditional Cotswold buildings. Bourton on the Water has been labelled as ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ and is a truly lovely little village.

Then we go to Stow-On-The-Wold which is a delightful and ancient wool town. The vast market square there is testimony to how important this market town used to be many years ago. At the height of the Wool Industry, as many as 20,000 sheep were sold at its’ huge annual fairs. At one end of the square there stands an ancient cross which originally dates back to the 15th Century. At the other end and equally as old, are  the town stocks which were used to punish petty criminals up to sometime during the 19th Century. There are antique shops, art gallerys and gifts and craft shops available here, as well as the usual fine Cotswold buildings.

Lunch will be at a traditional English pub. You can book Tour 16B with lunch, Tour 16BL.

The last part of this great tour is entry to Blenheim Palace which was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the enigmatic Prime Minister of England. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful gardens and a magnificent lake. Inside you can stroll through buildings with hand painted ceilings and some fabulous tapestries and paintings, as well as a unique porcelain collection. Blenheim palace was created as a World Heritage Site in 1987.

AVAILABLE DAYS: WED, FRI AND SUN

DURATION: DEPARTURE FROM VICTORIA AT 8.45AM AND RETURN LONDON 6.00PM (APROXIMATE TIMES)

BOOK BLENHEIM PALACE AND THE COTSWOLDS