A ROYAL TOUR OF ENGLAND

Though it would be difficult to overlook the heritage of the British royal family on any visit to the United Kingdom, those with a particular interest in this most iconic of institutions will find great reward on this week-long exploration, which focuses not only on the most notable royal venues in London, but also on some of the country's most significant royal estates and gardens, set in picturesque English countryside.

In London itself, emblematic experiences such as the Changing of the Guard and stepping back in time at the Tower of London are enhanced by the accompaniment of the finest private guides, who will ensure you gain the very best vantage points and opportunities for exclusive access to areas not usually covered in regular visits. Outside the capital, the exquisite Cotswolds play host to notable castles and estates, as well as quintessential English countryside. Concluding your visit in the coastal county of Norfolk adds another dimension to your explorations, uncovering childhood estates and holiday venues favoured by the royal family for their exceptional beauty and serenity.

Visit in June and consider including a day at Royal Ascot, one of the most notable social events of the 'British summer season', noted for world class racing and high fashion.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the gardens of Highgrove, King Charles' beloved private home in the Cotswolds
Get up close to Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
Visit Kensington Palace, home of the most fashionable of royals from Princess Margaret to Princess Diana and Princess Kate
Travel to the royal family's beloved Norfolk home, where they celebrate Christmas annually
Step back into Her Majesty The Late Queen's childhood with a visit to Holkham Hall where she spent much of her youth during the Second World War.

Arrive
Day 1 Arrive and travel to the Cotswolds via Windsor Castle

Upon arrival into London's Heathrow Airport, meet your private driver guide who will whisk you the short distance to royal Windsor. Explore the magnificent castle with your guide, including visits to the State Rooms, Semi State Rooms and St. George's Chapel, where Her Late Majesty The Queen was laid to rest. From here, travel through the picturesque Cotswolds, stopping off at some of the picture-postcard villages of the region to see beautiful honey coloured stone cottages, cobbled lanes and rolling countryside. Check into your delightful country manor hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Overnight: Calcot & Spa
Day 2 Highgrove visit

After a reviving breakfast, meet your private driver guide and travel to Highgrove to embark on a guided tour of the glorious gardens, designed with some of the world's greatest horticulturalists to be as sustainable as possible. You might like to visit one of the notable castles in the area this afternoon, Sudeley Castle, home of King Henry VIII's last wife, Katherine Parr. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the serene spa and environs of Calcot.
Option: Time your visit to coincide with the Horse Trials at either Badminton, where Her Late Majesty The Queen was a frequent visitor, or Gatcombe, home of The Princess Royal.

Overnight: Calcot & Spa
Day 3 Visit Blenheim Palace and travel to London

Depart Calcot and travel with your driver guide to Blenheim Palace, the only non-royal palace in England, famed as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and seat of the Dukes of Marlborough. Explore the magnificent State Rooms and enjoy a visit to the extensive gardens, including the fiendish maze. This afternoon, you might like to explore the 'dreaming spires' of the university town of Oxford, or else enjoy a longer visit to Blenheim before travelling on to London. On arrival in England's capital, check into The Goring. London's last family owned 5-star hotel was also where the now Princess of Wales chose to spend her final night as a commoner before marrying Prince William in 2011.

Overnight: The Goring
Day 4 A day of royal London highlights

Meet your guide this morning and begin your day at the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace, to see the royal family's impressive collection of carriages, cars, barges and even some friendly horses. From here, continue onwards to watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Wellington Barracks - your expert guide will ensure you get the very best vantage point. You will then walk the very short distance to nearby Westminster Abbey for a privately guided tour of England's most famous church and scene of His Majesty The King's coronation in May 2023. Complete your day with an afternoon tea fit for a king or a queen at one of London's most prestigious five star hotels.

Overnight: The Goring
Day 5 A day in East London’s royal palaces and cathedrals

After breakfast this morning you will take to the water with your guide, travelling by Thames Clipper eastwards along the River Thames. Arriving at Tower Pier, snap some photos to remember in front of the majestic Tower Bridge before heading into the Tower of London. Here, your guide will help you uncover nearly a millennium of history, and recount legends of the fortress such as significance of its resident ravens. This afternoon visit St Paul's Cathedral, where King Charles married his first wife, Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The cathedral's dome is an icon of the London skyline, and the ascent to the Whispering Gallery is well worth the effort.
Option: Enhance your time at the Tower of London for a private pre-opening audience with the Crown Jewels. Alternatively, opt for an exclusive tour taking in areas never normally open to the public, such as the King's House, home of the Constable of the Tower of London.

Overnight: The Goring
Day 6 Explore the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Today, the delights of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea await. Together with your guide explore Kensington Palace, birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to some of the royal family's most fashionable princesses - from Princess Margaret, fashion doyenne sister of Her Late Majesty; Princess Diana, and the now Princess of Wales, Catherine, whose stylish outfit choices make headlines every week. Complete your morning with a tour of fashionable Chelsea, whose charming pastel coloured houses and chic boutiques are always worth a visit. Your guide will be able to make a range of recommendations for lunch, after which you will be able to enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore - or shop for gifts - at your own pace.
Time your visit in early July and you could spend the afternoon at the All England Lawn Tennis Club to enjoy Wimbledon, the world's oldest and arguably best known tennis championship. The tournament dates back to 1877; since 1922, the Royal Box has welcomed special guests of the Chairman of the All England Club. A keen sportswoman, the Princess of Wales is a regular attendee.

Overnight: The Goring
Day 7 Travel to Norfolk and visit Sandringham

Today you will leave the bustle of London behind and travel with your driver guide to the county of Norfolk on England's south-eastern coast. This county is beloved of the royal family and it is here that they celebrate Christmas each year. Explore Sandringham, visiting the rooms used by the current royal family for their festive celebrations, as well as the glorious gardens. At the end of your explorations check in to a warm and welcoming country house hotel.
Option: Tour Sandringham on private basis, rounded off with Champagne afternoon tea.

Overnight: Country house hotel
Day 8 Explore Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall

Your second day in Norfolk takes you to some of England's most beloved stately homes. You will begin at Houghton Hall, built for England's first Prime Minister, Walpole, and now the home of the Marquess of Cholmondeley, a close friend of the current Prince of Wales. Until recently William and Catherine resided at nearby Anmer Hall, their private Norfolk residence. This afternoon travel to Holkham Hall, the seat of the Earls of Leicester where Her Late Majesty The Queen and her sister Princess Margaret spent much of their childhood. Time permitting, you might wish to take a bracing walk on Brancaster Beach which boasts some of the most impressive sand dunes in England.

Overnight: Country house hotel
Day 9 Depart

Check out of the Gunton Arms, and take a private transfer to London's Heathrow airport, in plenty of time for your onward flight.
Depart

GUIDELINE PRICE - Per Person

Mid season	$ 14,903
High season	$ 15,652

BOOKING NOTES

Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room.
If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
Changing of the Guard does not take place every day and is subject to cancellation based on weather conditions or state occasions.
Highgrove, Sandringham, Holkham and Houghton are all closed during the winter months. Dates vary year on year, but generally this itinerary can only take place between mid-April and mid-October.

INCLUSIONS

2 nights in a Generous room at Calcot & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis, based on 2 people sharing
4 nights in an Executive room at The Goring on a bed and breakfast basis, based on 2 people sharing
2 nights in a superior room in a Norfolk country house hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, based on 2 people sharing
Full day driver guide with admissions to Windsor Castle [day 1]
Half day driver guide with admissions to Highgrove [day 2]
Full day driver guide with admissions to Blenheim Palace [day 3]
Full day guide with admissions to the Royal Mews and Westminster Abbey [day 4]
Full day guide with Tower of London admissions; flexible Thames Clipper tickets and admissions to St Paul's Cathedral [day 5]
Half day guide with admissions to Kensington Palace
Full day driver guide with admission to Sandringham
Full day driver guide with admissions to Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall and Gardens
Airport transfer from Norfolk to London's Heathrow Airport

EXTRAS

Suggested upgrades
Wimbledon tickets (can be arranged on request)
Afternoon tea
Spa appointments, meals (unless otherwise specified), laundry and other items of a personal nature

CAMILLA DAVIDSON

UK Travel Specialist

+44 (0)1242 787 807
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