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Arrive
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Day 1 Travel to the South Downs
Meet your driver and travel through the glorious countryside of the Surrey Hills and magnificent vistas of the South Downs. Check into Amberley Castle, dating back over 900 years. Having played host to King Henry VIII and indeed his daughter Elizabeth I, the castle boasts significant links to the Tudor Court. Spend the rest of your day at leisure to explore the castle and grounds.
Overnight: Amberley Castle
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Day 2 Great Castles of Southern England
Enjoy breakfast at Amberley Castle, after which you will meet your driver guide and set out to explore two of England's most significant castles. Start at the magnificent moated Bodiam Castle which has been lovingly restored to its 14th century glory and is positioned in a picturesque setting that is sure to inspire. In the afternoon, travel to Leeds Castle, often referred to as one of England's loveliest strongholds, which was acquired by King Henry VIII for his first wife, Queen Katherine of Aragon. Your guide will recount the rich history surrounding these enchanting castles, before returning you to your base at Amberley for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Amberley Castle
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Day 3 Homes of Henry VIII
Today's explorations will take you to some of the most extraordinary strongholds in England, each with strong ties to the great Tudor King, Henry VIII. Begin at the impressive defensive castle of Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife, and later passing in ownership to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. From here, a short journey will bring you to Penshurst Place, a medieval manor house and former hunting lodge of Henry's from which he would visit Anne before their marriage. Time permitting, you might like to visit the grounds of Otford Palace, another of Henry's lodges, which also provided refuge to Mary Tudor after the end of Henry's marriage to her mother. You will then continue on towards London and check into The Mitre, with a riverside setting that directly faces the sprawling rooftops of Hampton Court Palace.
Overnight: The Mitre Hampton Court
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Day 4 Visit Hampton Court Palace
After a leisurely breakfast, delve into the heart of Hampton Court Palace, the former home of the Tudor court and principal home of King Henry VIII. Amongst the attractions to discover here are the Queens' private apartments, including the poignant location of Queen Catherine Howard's arrest. The palace was much expanded by subsequent monarchs during the 17th Century, creating baroque wings for lavish banquets and entertaining. Be sure to visit The Great Kitchens where some 1600 meals were created a day to feed the impressive Tudor Court.
Option: Take a private cruise along the River Thames in a traditional wooden cruiser with Champagne and a picnic lunch or afternoon tea.
Overnight: The Mitre Hampton Court
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Day 5 Explore Tudor London
Following check-out from the Mitre you will travel into the heart of Central London with your driver guide. Begin your explorations at the Tower of London, the mighty millennium-old fortress that dominates the London skyline and has served as a palace, a prison, a zoo and a Royal Mint. During your visit you'll learn of the role the Tudors took in modernising the Tower, including providing the venue for Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's pre-coronation feast. Discover the tragic life and death of Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen whose reign was cut short by 'Bloody Mary', as well as the downfall of Thomas Cromwell, at one time, Henry VIII's most faithful advisor. You will then travel westwards to the magnificent Westminster Abbey, whose history enshrines that of the nation. Here you'll find the Coronation Chair which was used in the coronation of all the Tudor monarchs. You will also find the tombs of the Tudor Queens, Elizabeth I and her rival and sister Mary Tudor. Leaving London behind, travel westwards, through the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, arriving at Thornbury Castle, a remarkable Tudor Castle and luxury hotel.
Overnight: Thornbury Castle
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Day 6 Visit Berkeley Castle
Enjoy a leisurely morning at Thornbury Castle - you might like to take a tour of the castle to explore its extensive history and perfectly preserved architecture. This afternoon you will visit nearby Berkeley Castle, whose exceptional Tudor links are clear to see as you explore the historic Keep, The King's Gallery, the armoury and the medieval kitchens. Elizabeth I was a frequent visitor and you'll find her bedspread on display, whilst Francis Drake - her famed sea captain who circumnavigated the Globe - left his chest at Berkeley for future generations to enjoy.
Overnight: Thornbury Castle
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Day 7 Explore the Tudors of the Cotswolds
Today you will travel northwards to Sudeley Castle, the home of Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's surviving wife. Continue on to the pretty market town of Cirencester for a leisurely lunch and be sure to call into the impressive church, where visitors will find the Boleyn Cup on display, a gift from Anne Boleyn. You might like to spend your afternoon further exploring some of the charming villages and beautiful scenery of the Cotswolds, or else return to Thornbury to enjoy your final evening at leisure.
Option : Explore behind the scenes of Sudeley Castle on a private tour, and enjoy afternoon tea with the castle's present day owner.
Overnight: Thornbury Castle
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Day 8 Depart
This morning bid farewell to Thornbury Castle, from where you will be transferred to London's Heathrow Airport.
Option: time permitting, visit Windsor Castle en route to the airport to explore the world's oldest inhabited castle.
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Depart
