Personalised Luxury Tours - Contemporary London ULGB18

Personal Highlights:

• Visiting Kensington Palace where Diana lived and seeing the glass coach used at her wedding.
• Lunch at Harrod’s and a chance to explore the food court.
• The eclectic communities of Camden Locks and Soho.
• A farewell dinner at an “ of the moment” dining spot.

Day 1 Depart USA

You board your Business Class flight for the overnight journey to London.

Day 2 Welcome to London

Upon arrival in London you will be met by your driver who will take you on a brief tour through the countryside and into London where you will see all the major sights in a brief orientation tour before arriving at your hotel. We have booked you a table for lunch which gives you the chance to unwind and discuss your upcoming experience. After lunch you have the option of taking a walk in the neighborhood (Buckingham Palace is close by) or taking a leisurely bath to re-hydrate from the flight. The evening has been left open since many people opt for a light snack and an early sleep.

Day 3 Diana’s London

In recent times, no person has such an association with London as Diana, Princess of Wales, particularly in America. Many remember with joy, her marriage to Prince Charles at St. Paul's Cathedral and even more remember with sadness her funeral at Westminster Abbey. Today we take you to many of the areas associated with Diana. Your first stop will be Westminster Abbey. While there you will have the chance to visit Poet's Corner where the greats of British Literature are interred or honored. Your next stop is the Royal Mews, home to the Royal Carriages and vehicles used daily by the Queen and other members of the royal family including Diana when she was married to Charles. You will see the Glass Coach that Diana rode in to her wedding and the Golden Carriage used by Queen Elizabeth on her coronation. After lunch you walk in Hyde Park and view the Diana Memorial fountain before continuing on to Kensington Palace where Diana lived up until her death.. You will end the day in the Brompton Road area site of one of Diana's favorite restaurants and Harrod's which is, ironically, owned by the father of Dodi Fayed who perished with Diana in that Paris Tunnel.

Day 4 Little America, Hyde Park and the Harrod’s Experience

Your exploration today starts in elegant, fashionable and intricate Mayfair which has a long association with America (including the location of the American Embassy) and through its memorials, buildings and past inhabitants. You'll see where American servicemen lived and prayed during WWII, where they took their recreation and where Teddy Roosevelt married Edith Carow. From Mayfair you will stroll with your guide along Park Lane before entering Hyde Park where you are likely to see riders on "Rotten Row" and the boaters on the Serpentine. Crossing the Park, enjoy the Rose Garden and the wide stretches of grass before exiting on the other side in Knightsbridge. From here it is a pleasant stroll to Harrod's the grand dame of department stores. You will have lunch in the store. After lunch feel free to browse. The food court is definitely a must see. Tonight an opportunity to enjoy of of London's fine restaurants.

Day 5 Soho, Covent Garden and a Taste of West End Theatre

Today you will start your day visiting a city within a city, an area renowned for being open 24 hours. With its cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, pubs and sex shops, Soho is an area not to be missed. While normally visited at night we are being contrarian and visiting in the morning to understand its history and culture. It has a unique character, made all the more interesting by the people who have settled here over the centuries, immigrants from Greece, French Huguenots, Irish Catholics, Poles and Russian Jews and, more recently, the Chinese. The ambiance is enhanced by the many artists and writers in residence and the gay community. you will then travel to Covent Garden where the Royal Opera House is located. This was formerly the site of London's flower market and the place where Professor Higgins first encounters Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. You will have lunch in the Covent Garden area before attending a matinee performance in London's celebrated theatre district.

Day 6 London’s Hidden Gems

Today you will visit some little known or rarely visited corners of London which will expand your understanding of the diversity this city offers. You will start with a visit to "Little Venice" a beautiful leafy village of London. The village was home to Robert Browning and many current celebrities still live here. During your visit we will tell you who and, perhaps, where. From here you will take a boat trip down the Regent's canal to Camden Lock, a very lively area of town with its colorful market, clothing and food stalls. After taking time to explore the area, and have some lunch, the rest of the day is free. Maybe a return to Soho by night?

Day 7 A Day at Leisure, a Night of Dining

We have left today open for you to pursue your own activities within London. Whether it is shopping the stores in Knightsbridge and Bond Street or taking time to visit one of London's justly famous museums and art galleries the choice is yours. You might decide to wonder through London's many parks and take out a pedal boat on the Serpentine. Your options are many. This evening your host will meet you at the hotel for a contemporary meal. Based on your input and restaurant availability you will have a chance to dine at one of London's hottest restaurants. It may be the latest creation of Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver or the varied restaurants owned by Michael Caine but it will be different and, who knows... is that Guy and Madonna across the Room?

Day 8 Return to USA

After breakfast your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport for your return flight to the US.

Services Included

• 1st Class rail travel as indicated on the itinerary.
• Superior Rooms at the properties indicated in the accommodations area (We reserve the right to substitute a property of equal quality in advance of departure should the designated hotel be unavailable).
• Private Transfers to and from the airport or rail station at destination.
• All meals as indicated on the itinerary by B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
• Private guides for city explorations and private driver/guide while traveling.
• Entrance fees to all museums, attractions and other venues as indicated on the daily itinerary.
• Baggage handling at all hotels.
• All applicable taxes and service fees.

Services Included

• International airfare (round-trip from hometown departure gateway to destination)
• Beverages with included meals (unless otherwise indicated on itinerary page)
• Any meals not indicated on the Itinerary page
• Items of a personal nature e.g. minibar, film, postcards etc.
• Gratuities to Guides and Driver/Guides (we provide suggested guidelines for your selected destination in your pre-departure material)
• Any passport or visa fees or government departure taxes (It is the traveler’s responsibility to secure the latest information regarding passports and visa requirements)
  

Available Year Round