A week from now we will be on our way to London, England! I'm thrilled beyond words as I've been doing last-minute preparations including packing for the past few weeks. We are all set up with our hotel information from Go Ahead Tours. Additionally, our final package with a gift from our tour company arrived in the mail about a week ago!
With all of that being said, I think it's about time I finally post about our itinerary. I'll be splitting this into two posts so that one is dedicated to the first half of our trip in London and the other to Paris. First I'd like to start out by saying that our trip to London is starting out a day earlier than what is outlined by ve been doing last-minute preparations including packing for the past few weeks. We are all set up with our hotel information from Go Ahead Tours' itinerary. Friday, April 5th, is our "Day 0" as that is when we'll be leaving on a plane for our overnight flight to London. Then we'll have all day Saturday, April 6th, to ourselves in order to settle into our hotel and meet up with my long-time friend Jenny, who is currently studying in England for her Masters degree.
On Sunday, April 7th, Tom and I will be venturing to Cardiff Bay to The Doctor Who Experience museum! It'll be adventure trying to figure out how we'll get there but I'm ecstatic to get the chance to explore Cardiff and experience the museum first-hand. :D Afterwards, we'll head back to London to align ourselves with the itinerary as outlined by Go Ahead Tours to meet our fellow travelers for an included Welcome Dinner. Hopefully timing goes well in our favor.
Now I'll be snagging in the itinerary information directly Go Ahead Tours, which I suppose is my disclaimer of sorts.
[day 3] TODAY’S MISSION: GET TO KNOW THE CITY LIKE A LOCAL, WITH A LOCAL
Embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of London this morning. You’ll see Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and more. This afternoon, consider joining our optional excursion to Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II’s weekend home when she’s in London.
[optional excursion] Windsor Castle: Led by a Blue Badge Guide, you’ll travel to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest and longest-inhabited castle. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the British Royal Family’s preferred retreat for the past 900 years. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school attended by Princes William and Harry. Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.
[day 4] CITY OR COUNTRYSIDE, ROSETTA STONE OR STONEHENGE—OH, THE POSSIBILITIES
Linger in the city today or take our optional journey to the British countryside. Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates back 4,000 years, remains a mystery, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. The next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture.
[optional excursion] Stonehenge & Bath: Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (an estimated 5,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Then, continue on to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath. Once a Roman town, now it's famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. Your Tour Director will show you the town’s major sights, including the wonderfully preserved Roman baths for which the town is named.
[day 5] STAND 450 FEET ABOVE THE THAMES OR WANDER INTO THE WHISPERING ROOM
Spend a final free day in London. Or, join our optional excursion to St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey today. Tonight, you might also opt to get a bird’s-eye view of London atop its newest and one of its most stunning attractions, the London Eye.
[optional excursion] St. Paul's Cathedral & Westminster Abbey: Compare and constrast two of Britain's most famous churches, whose rich history provide an unparalleled look into the country's past. First, visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the second largest church building in the United Kingdom and seat of the Bishop of London. The English-Baroque style cathedral is globally renowned for its magnificent dome and glittering mosaics. Continue on to Westminster Abbey, a Gothic church located near the Houses of Parliament. Since 1066, every royal coronation, with the exception of Edward V and Edward VIII, has taken place at Westminster Abbey. The abbey also serves as the burial ground for Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton.
[optional excursion] London Eye & Pub Dinner: Glide through London's skyline on the London Eye. As the world’s third-tallest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames on a 30-minute ride in an enclosed gondola. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles around the city center. Afterward, take a brief tour of London’s West End before venturing to a local pub for dinner.
So the first half our trip promises to keep us on the run, exploring all parts of London and more! Therefore I can only imagine that first 5 days of our trip will no doubt fly by. Be on the look out for the next post detailing our planned days in Paris.
Until then, au revoir!
