Visit England and Scotland, seeing the highlights of London; exploring the musical heritage of Liverpool, the home of the Beatles; traveling through the Lake District which inspired Beatrix Potter. Visit Edinburgh; enjoy a festive traditional dinner and Scottish ceilidh; taste whisky in the distillery where it is made, and more!

2025 Gems of Southern England - 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Arrival & Windsor Castle
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM to see the splendors of Windsor Castle, a residence of the King, and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group, then dine and explore this intriguing medieval town as you wish this evening.
 

 

Day 2: Blenheim Palace, Cotswolds & Bath
Travel to Blenheim Palace, the magnificent country house once home to Winston Churchill and often seen as the setting for popular TV shows and movies; tour the house and explore the gardens. Set off on a drive through the rolling hills of the quintessentially English Cotswolds, with charming villages and colorful gardens. Arrive in Bath, a striking city of honey-colored Georgian buildings with an ancient heritage. Take a walking tour of the city before visiting the famed Roman Baths. Dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

 

Day 3: Stonehenge & Salisbury
Visit prehistoric Stonehenge and marvel at the vast monoliths mysteriously erected 5,000 years ago. Enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing in the medieval city of Salisbury. Along with charming local shops, Salisbury boasts a splendid 13th-century cathedral housing the world’s oldest working clock. Back at your hotel in Bath, your evening is free to do as you wish.
(B)

 

Day 4: Winchester & Portsmouth
Visit Winchester, where some say the legendary King Arthur had his roundtable. Then, delve into nautical life at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can step aboard some of Britain’s most notable ships, and see the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII’s favorite. This 16th-century warship was sunk in battle in 1545 but raised from the seabed after 400 years; it’s now a fascinating time capsule of maritime history, offering insight into the daily life of the era. Head on to your country house hotel and enjoy dinner with your group.
(B, D)

 

Day 5: Kent & Canterbury Cathedral
Drive through the picturesque Kent countryside, known as the “Garden of England” with its rolling hills and charming villages. Arrive in the beautiful city of Canterbury. Take time to explore its medieval center before visiting its imposing cathedral and hearing of its enthralling tales. Then go on to your hotel for dinner.
(B, D)

 

Day 6: Leeds Castle & London
At romantic Leeds Castle in Kent, once called “the loveliest castle in the world”, tour the storybook structure complete with a moat and colorful gardens. Travel on to London for a panoramic tour viewing some of London’s highlights: the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Parliament and Big Ben. Say farewell to your group over a drink at the hotel and enjoy the rest of your evening independently.
(B)

 

Day 7: Kensington Palace & London Exploring
Visit Kensington Palace, the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. Next, savor a light lunch, and then the rest of the day is yours to explore the amazing city of London as you wish.
(B, L)

 

Day 8: Your Tour Ends in London
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Visit Blenheim Palace - the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it gives insight into the real world that inspired Downton Abbey.
  • Explore Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard; at the height of the British Empire, it was the world's greatest naval port.
  • Visit Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Queen Victoria and home to many notable royals over the last 300 years.

Trip Highlights:

  • Stonehenge
  • Kensington Palace
  • Blenheim Palace
  • Roman Baths
  • Canterbury Cathedral
  • Windsor Castle

Dining Experiences:

  • 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunches (L) and 3 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • Castle Hotel Windsor | Windsor (1)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Bath | Bath (2)
  • Buxted Park | East Sussex (1)
  • Chilston Park Hotel | Maidstone (1)
  • 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection | London (2)

Gems of Southern England - 8 days/7 nights

Windsor Castle

Portsmouth HMS Victory

Canterbury Cathedral

Cotswolds Village

Not included

Hotels

Gems of Southern England - 8 days/7 nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Castle Hotel WindsorSupplierRating **** Castle Hotel is a characterful and harmonious building, with a unifying palette and design features. The concept of how history and people have made their mark permeates the entirety of the property's new creative interior design. Immerse yourself in history in a unique location. Castle Hotel Windsor is an elegant Georgian building with a rich past and an enviable address: directly opposite Windsor Castle. Walk through the doors and walk back in time, as you discover fascinating authentic features and lovingly restored décor, before you retire to your gloriously relaxing room. The town's cobbled streets offer much to explore, and you'll have the best view possible for the pomp and grandeur of the Changing of the Guard.
SupplierName DoubleTree by Hilton BathSupplierRating ****
SupplierName DoubleTree by Hilton BathSupplierRating ****
SupplierName Buxted Park HotelSupplierRating ****
SupplierName Chilston Park HotelSupplierRating **** Set back from tree-lined lanes, the manor house at Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham, Kent sits in 22 acres of parkland, featuring a two AA Rosette restaurant. The Grade I listed hotel offers a wide variety of unique feature bedrooms, from mews Classic double rooms to the Manor House master suite. You are more than a number when you stay at Chilston Park – each of the 53 bedrooms is known by a name, not a digit, and has its own unique history and feel. There are romantic four posters, large family bedrooms, a range of superior bedrooms and many feature stunning views across the gardens and lake. The period charm of this traditional Kentish country housel sets the tone for an authentic and memorable dining experience in the heart of the county. For formal yet relaxed evening dining, Culpeper’s award-winning restaurant near Maidstone offers a menu of seasonal modern British dishes. The elegant Marble Lounge offers an idyllic setting for traditional Afternoon Tea, with plenty of contemporary touches, and in the summer enjoy a light bite out on the terraces.
SupplierName 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by HiltonSupplierRating **** Boasting a prime location in the prestigious Kensington area, 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton sits on the doorstep of the iconic Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. The hotel’s traditional regency-style façade compliments its contemporary interior, reflecting the elegant Kensington style. Enjoy easy access to Harrods, the designer boutiques of Knightsbridge and Portobello Market. Kensington Palace, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall are just short stroll away.