Hidden Treasures of Southern England
From capital to countryside
Embark on a 5-night adventure to England's spectacular south! Explore London's vibrant city streets, then head out to the postcard-worthy countryside on a fascinating guided tour. Visit popular destinations like Oxford, Southampton, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Stonehenge, and the Isle of Wright, and enjoy plenty of off-the-beaten path stops along the way! With guided tours and convenient transportation, this vacation is no work and all play.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in London at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
- 1 night in Stratford-upon-Avon at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon
- 1 night in Bath at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bath
- 1 night in Southampton at the Hilton Southampton
- 1 night in London at the Hilton London Metropole
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Walking tours of Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Visit to the Cotswolds villages
- Sightseeing tour of the Osborne House
- Visit to Salisbury Cathedral
- Visit to Stonehenge
- Full English breakfast daily and 2 dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Headsets throughout the tour (except while in London)
- Ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth and East Cowes to Southampton
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
*Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
Great Ways to Explore
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With easy transportation and a guide by your side, this vacation is completely stress-free.
- Enjoy plenty of leisure time to explore on your own! Get lost in the beauty of Bath and treat yourself to a show in London's colorful West End.
-
Breathe in salty sea air as you enjoy a ferry ride to the picturesque Isle of Wight.
-
Stroll through the countryside Cotswolds! This charming area of hilly greenery and stone villages was used to film many scenes in Downton Abbey.
-
Follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare as you visit his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Discover the beauty of Southern England on this 5-night adventure that spans from London to the countryside. Your journey will begin in England's capital city, where you'll have free time to roam about. Consider a ride on the London Eye, say "hello" to Big Ben, and walk along the impressive Tower Bridge. Check all the "must-see" sites off your list, enjoy a pint at a traditional pub, and don't forget to take a photo in an iconic red telephone booth!
On Day two, your guided journey through Southern England will begin! Meet your tour group and get ready for days of memories, adventures, and larger-than-life moments. Your first stay will be in Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown and final resting place of William Shakespeare! After a lovely morning visit to the Cotswolds, you will arrive in the charming city of Bath. Investigate incredible architecture and immerse yourself in the historic beauty that surrounds you!
From Bath, you will set sail on a short ferry ride to the breathtaking Isle of Wight, where you will visit the royal Osborne House. Take in stunning sea views and get an intimate glimpse into the life of Queen Victoria and her family. Enjoy an overnight in Southampton, then visit the splendid Salisbury Cathedral, a striking Early English Gothic structure, home to the original Magna Carta! Last, but certainly not least, you will visit the legendary site of Stonehenge before returning to London.
With included tours, meals, and transportation, this quintessentially English vacation package makes adventuring easy. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and take in the beauty!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Accommodation in hotels listed, or similar:
- 1 night in London at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
- 1 night in Stratford-upon-Avon at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon
- 1 night in Bath at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bath
- 1 night in Southampton at the Hilton Southampton
- 1 night in London at the Hilton London Metropole
- Guided sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Walking tours of Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon
- Visit to the Cotswolds villages
- Sightseeing tour of the Osborne House
- Visit to Salisbury Cathedral
- Visit to Stonehenge
- Full English breakfast daily and 2 dinners
- Services of a Professional Travel Director
- Headsets throughout the tour (except while in London)
- Ferries from Lymington to Yarmouth and East Cowes to Southampton
- Transportation by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach (with complimentary Wi-Fi)
- Hotel tips, taxes, porterage and service charges
*Note: Children must be 8 years or older at time of travel.
-
With easy transportation and a guide by your side, this vacation is completely stress-free.
- Enjoy plenty of leisure time to explore on your own! Get lost in the beauty of Bath and treat yourself to a show in London's colorful West End.
-
Breathe in salty sea air as you enjoy a ferry ride to the picturesque Isle of Wight.
-
Stroll through the countryside Cotswolds! This charming area of hilly greenery and stone villages was used to film many scenes in Downton Abbey.
-
Follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare as you visit his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
Discover the beauty of Southern England on this 5-night adventure that spans from London to the countryside. Your journey will begin in England's capital city, where you'll have free time to roam about. Consider a ride on the London Eye, say "hello" to Big Ben, and walk along the impressive Tower Bridge. Check all the "must-see" sites off your list, enjoy a pint at a traditional pub, and don't forget to take a photo in an iconic red telephone booth!
On Day two, your guided journey through Southern England will begin! Meet your tour group and get ready for days of memories, adventures, and larger-than-life moments. Your first stay will be in Stratford-upon-Avon, the hometown and final resting place of William Shakespeare! After a lovely morning visit to the Cotswolds, you will arrive in the charming city of Bath. Investigate incredible architecture and immerse yourself in the historic beauty that surrounds you!
From Bath, you will set sail on a short ferry ride to the breathtaking Isle of Wight, where you will visit the royal Osborne House. Take in stunning sea views and get an intimate glimpse into the life of Queen Victoria and her family. Enjoy an overnight in Southampton, then visit the splendid Salisbury Cathedral, a striking Early English Gothic structure, home to the original Magna Carta! Last, but certainly not least, you will visit the legendary site of Stonehenge before returning to London.
With included tours, meals, and transportation, this quintessentially English vacation package makes adventuring easy. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and take in the beauty!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to London!
Touch down in the land of class and countryside! Upon arrival in London, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first luxurious accommodation. Once you're all settled in, grab your camera and get to know the city!Â
Be sure to visit all the must-see sites: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower Bridge. Unwind with a pint at a traditional English pub and treat yourself to a celebratory first-night dinner of fish and chips!
Transfer to London hotel
Check-in - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Elegance, luxury, and sophistication - everything that makes the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London so quintessentially English. Relax in this swanky hotel that boasts chic decor, modern amenities, and stunning city views. Settle into your room and find large comfortable beds, free WiFi, a refrigerator, a flat screen TV, and much more. Its central London location makes this hotel your ideal base. Yes, it's true, you can see Big Ben from the hotel entrance!
After a fun day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel and take a dip in the large indoor pool. Didn't do enough walking during the day? Work all your stresses away in the on-site fitness center. Did too much walking? Not to worry. A relaxing massage at the on-site Mandara Spa should do the trick. Pampering yourself is what vacation is all about.
When you work up an appetite, indulge in mouthwatering French cuisine at the on-site Brasserie Joel. Feeling something a bit more exotic? Try the delicious on-site Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar. Be sure to check out the Patisserie for some tasty teas and treats. Spend your evening unwinding at the trendy Primo Bar. Dance the night away, sing along to the live music, and enjoy a delicious craft cocktail. Don't worry, the Espressamente Illy Coffee Bar will be there to make sure you're recharged for your next day of English adventure.Â
Day 2. London - Stratford-upon-Avon
Rise and shine! Enjoy an early English breakfast, then meet your tour director and traveling companions around 8:00 AM for a delightful day of sightseeing!Â
First, drive through Runnymede, site of the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, until you reach the elite university city of Oxford. After a lovely walking tour, you'll move on to the scenic hometown and final resting place of England's most beloved playwright, William Shakespeare! Enjoy a guided walk through Stratford-upon-Avon, then say "cheers" during a welcome dinner at your hotel.Â
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon
Relax at the comfortable, contemporary Crown Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon, nestled right beside the River Avon. Check into your spacious room and admire its stylish decor and modern amenities. Sprawl out on your large bed, surf the web on the hotel's WiFi, then freshen up in your luxurious bathroom. Start your day with an energizing workout in the fitness center or feel all your stresses float away in the sauna. Why not take a dip in the heated indoor swimming pool? When it's time to explore Stratford-Upon-Avon, take just steps and find yourself in front of the city's main sights and attractions!
After an exciting day in Shakespeare's hometown, indulge in delicious cuisine at the hotel's elegant Riverside Restaurant. Enjoy carvery and buffet style dining while feasting your eyes on the banks of the River Avon. Relax with an after-dinner drink at the Terrace Lounge and Bar, where you can take your drink out onto the patio and watch an unforgettable sunset over the river.
Day 3. Stratford-upon-Avon - Bath
After a pleasant breakfast, get ready for a day of scenery! Discover charming villages, rolling hills, and stone cottages on your visit to the Cotswolds today. Walking through this idyllic area is like walking through a postcard of the English countryside.
After the Cotswolds, you'll stop in Tetbury, a historic town known for its wool-making and architecture. In the afternoon, you'll continue onto Bath, famous for its Roman excavations and Georgian buildings! Enjoy some time roaming around on your own. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere with visits to the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and other noteworthy sites.Â
Check-in - DoubleTree by Hilton Bath
Ease your stress away at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bath. Enjoy views of the stunning Pulteney Bridge, rolling hills, and lovely skyline from one of the four beautifully decorated suites. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, 200-capacity meeting rooms, a 24-hour front desk, daily breakfast, coffee and newspapers in the lobby, an on-site restaurant, a bar, and concierge services.
Rooms are spacious and stylish, and feature air conditioning, complimentary mineral water, a desk, a safe, ironing facilities, and private bathrooms including a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Deluxe rooms also feature sitting areas, and suites also include a separate bath and power shower.
Day 4. Bath - Southampton
After breakfast, enjoy a morning at sea! Feel the wind in your hair as you take a short ferry ride to the Isle of Wight, an area of spectacular scenery and rich historical heritage located off England's south coast. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the Osborne House, Queen Victoria's magnificent vacation home, where you will get a true glimpse of royal family life. See Victoria and Albert's private apartments, as well as their bathing beach, their children's play cottage, and their well-manicured garden terraces.
In the afternoon, you will take a beautiful ferry ride back to the mainland for a cozy overnight stay in Southampton.
Check-in - Hilton Southampton
Indulge in a warm chocolate chip cookie as you check into DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Southampton. Located only four miles from the city center, you'll be within easy reach of all the city's top attractions as well as area highlights such as Paultons Park and Marwell Zoo!
The hotel offers a variety of rooms, including family rooms, accessible rooms, and suites. All rooms come equipped with television, free WiFi, a desk, and coffee/tea making facilities.Bracken Place Restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, and the accompanying bar and lounge offers Starbucks Coffee. Afternoon tea is served at the hotel seven days a week. 24-hour room service is available for all guests.
Day 5. Southampton - London
Today may be your last full day in England, but the fun is far from over! Enjoy a full English breakfast, then pay a visit to the splendid Salisbury Cathedral, one of the greatest examples of Early English Gothic architecture. Take a break with some tea and pastries, then move on the the mysterious, prehistoric site of Stonehenge! First, you will explore the visitor center's fascinating exhibitions, then you will venture off to admire the magnificence of the monument up close.Â
In the afternoon, you will return to London for one last city night. How will you spend it? You may want to experience London's theatre scene in the West End, or you may want to treat yourself to a sunset ride on the London Eye.
Check-in - Hilton London Metropole
This hotel in London offers bright and spacious guest rooms, all with WiFi and modern comforting amenities. Choose a Suite or Executive Room for complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, with continental breakfast and refreshments. Superior Family Rooms, the largest double-double rooms in London, offer adjoining rooms and a babysitting service.
Dine on international cuisine at Fiamma Restaurant. Savor Asian Fusion favorites and breathtaking views of London at Minako at the Met on the 23rd floor or enjoy exciting sports events in the Sports Bar. Send emails from the WiFi enabled Lounge Bar (charges apply) or sip a latte in the lobby-level Caffe Cino. Work out in the LivingWell Health Club gym and take advantage of Hilton Fitness by Precor weight machines and cardio equipment. Take a swim in the 12.5 meter heated indoor pool. Unwind in the sauna or steam room and treat yourself at Contrasti, the beauty salon.
Day 6. Depart England
Savor one last English breakfast, then give London the royal wave goodbye. Pack up all your souvenirs and enjoy a comfortable ride to the airport. Spend your flight home replaying wonderful memories and dreaming about your next adventure!