Trip Type: Cultural Connection
Physical Activity Level: Moderately Active
Highlights:
- Enjoy a behind-the-cameras look at the British Broadcasting Corp., one of the world’s largest news organizations
- Visit the Blenheim Palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough and Winston Churchill’s birthplace, and hear the history of the family and palace
- Go behind the scenes at the renowned Royal Academy of dramatic Arts and National Theatre, England’s oldest acting school
Day 1: U.S.
Depart your gateway city for London aboard scheduled jet service.
Day 2: London
Upon arrival, transfer to The Lansdowne Club. En route, see some of London’s most distinguished landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster and Trafalgar Square.
Educational Focus: Inside the Palace Walls. A former royal bodyguard shares his experiences protecting the royal family. Special Air Service trained Ken Warfe was the bodyguard of Princess Diana and Princes William and Harry.
Local Flavor: This afternoon, gather with your fellow travelers to participate in the national pastime, a traditional English Tea.
This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at The Lansdowne Club.
Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Windsor & London
Excursion: Windsor Castle. This grand castle bears little resemblance to the 11th-century motte-and-bailey structure built by William the Conqueror. See St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the State Apartments.
Independent Exploration: Explore the village of Windsor. There is time to have lunch and shop for souvenirs.
Excursion: The BBC. Visit the BBC studios for a behind-the-cameras look at the British Broadcasting Corp. Guglielmo Marconi, the wireless communications trailblazer, helped establish this pioneering network in 1922. Since then, the BBC has become one of the world’s largest news organizations. On this side of the pond, of course, many people look forward to watching the BBC’s dramatic productions.
Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: London
Excursion: London Theatre. Go behind the scenes at the renowned Royal Academy of dramatic Arts and National Theatre, England’s oldest acting school. Many celebrated actors, including Anthony Hopkins, Alan Rickman and Helen Mirren, graduated from RADA. Meet current students and discover how actors learn their craft. At the National Theatre, tour the backstage and workshops where sets, costumes and props are created.
Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure. Discover world-class museums such as the British Museum, home of the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. Or continue the morning’s theatrical theme and take in a performance.
Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Blenheim Palace/Cotswolds/Oxford
Excursion: Churchill’s Boyhood Home and Dreaming Spires. Blenheim Palace is the home of the Dukes of Marlborough and Winston Churchill’s birthplace. Estate archivist John Forster shares the history of the family and the palace with you. Continue through the Cotswolds, where pretty villages are nestled in the limestone hills. Arrive in Oxford, described by poet Matthew Arnold as The City of Dreaming Spires because of its magnificent architecture. Visit one of the University of Oxford’s colleges. Founded in the late 11th century, Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.London
Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: London
Excursion: Dickensian London. No other author characterizes London quite like Charles Dickens. Today’s excursion takes you to the sites associated with the beloved author’s novels.
Local Flavor: Follow in Dickens’ footsteps and enjoy lunch at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, an ancient pub dating back to the 13th century, where the author was known to imbibe.
Independent Exploration: You may choose to stroll through Hyde Park and listen to the colorful orators at Speaker’s Corner. Ride the London Eye. Explore the Victoria and Albert Museum or the Tate Modern. Discover the dark history of the Tower of London. The choices are yours!
This evening, attend a Farewell Dinner at the Club.
Accommodations: The Lansdowne Clube
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Return to the U.S.
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.
Meals: Breakfast
