Yuletide 2009

Springtime 2010

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SEE 400 YEARS OF THEATRE IN ONE WEEK

Join us on in celebrating our 39th anniversy and let us show you why London has become America's most favorite European city.

YULETIDE...2009
A fog-shrouded morning is slowly giving way to a misty rain in Hyde Park. Just over the road the sound of a marching band announces the pomp and splendor of the "Changing of the Guard" at Buckingham Palace. Big Ben tolls in the distance. Covent Garden is abuzz with laughter as crowds watch a "Punch and Judy Show." In Trafalgar Square, thousands are gathered to ring in the New Year on a festive New Year's Eve.

SPRINGTIME...2010
A magical transformation takes place in the Spring: trees adorned in pink and white blossoms brighten the boulevards; carpets of wild daffodils and patterns of tulips adorn every park; the aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns permeates the air; street vendors with recognizable "Cockney" accents bark the price of their fresh fruit; colorful barges chug along the canal by Regents Park skirted by weeping willows along the bank.

ALL THE TIME
The many and varied appeals of London-its history, culture, warm and friendly people, bustling street markets, pageantry, and famous landmarks-are the highlights of this remarkable city. London also hosts the absolute finest theatre, from epic performances at the Royal National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Theatre to lavish musicals on the West End. All this, together with some of the most treasured sights in the world such as Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, the new Tate Modern and the British Museum, make a trip to London a truly unforgettable experience.

Spoil yourself...come join us in London!

THE TOUR INCLUDES:

Sample itinerary

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DAY 1
You will be departing from your choice of city on a scheduled flight, arriving into London the next morning or afternoon.

DAY 2
Upon arrival, you will be met by a private motorcoach which will take you the short distance into London. Enroute, you will be taking an excursion around the city in order to get your bearings of the main sights. After checking into the first-class Copthorne-Tara Hotel, located just a few blocks from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the rest of the afternoon and evening will be free, giving time to relax and get over any jet lag.

DAY 3
In the morning you will divide into your small touring groups and meet with your guides. The first thing on your list of sights will be the "Changing of the Guard" at Buckingham Palace, afterward, take a short walk to Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Trafalgar Square. The perfect place for lunch is the newly renovated Covent Garden. This once old produce market area has been converted into one of the nicest outdoor spots in London. In the afternoon a walking tour of the "West End Theatre District" "Chinatown" and "Soho" is scheduled. Afterwards, it is off to the Theatre Royal-Drury Lane for a private backstage tour of this magnificent theatre. Tonight's show will be a new West End Drama or Comedy.

DAY 4
In the morning you'll meet with your guides again and then it's off to the oldest part of London to get acquainted with some of the major historical sights of the city, such as St. Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. Wander in and out of these older streets and lanes and get a feeling for the way London used to be in the time of Dickens. In the afternoon, there will be a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and exhibition, newly recreated on its original site along the River Thames. Later in the afternoon, you will take a backstage tour of London’s Royal National Theatre followed by a production in one of its three theatres.

DAY 5
Today it’s off to Stratford-upon-Avon, home of William Shakespeare. After passing through the beautiful scenery just outside London, you will immediately feel how England’s countryside is different from the hectic pace of the capital. There will be a guided walking tour of this beautiful historic town, visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace, Ann Hathaway’s Cottage and Stratford’s secluded and quiet church. There will also be time to have lunch and take your time enjoying this unique town. You will return to London in the early evening.

DAY 6
Today can be set aside to visit a few of London’s magnificent museums: The British Museum, with its new addition "The Great Hall" and the "Egyptian Collection"; the new Tate Modern Museum just across the Thames; the Victoria & Albert Museum’s grand costume section; the newly renovated "Somerset House"; the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery…or even the Cabinet War Rooms, where Winston Churchill lived and ran England’s WWII operations. Tonight is free.

DAY 7
Today is a perfect time to explore some of the "hidden areas" of London. These lesser known places are unique
for such a cosmopolitan city. Take a short barge tour on the "Regents Park Canal" or recreate the Beatles' album cover by strolling across Abbey Road. Wander over to Camden Lock Market, a huge weekend tourist attraction with a variety of colorful markets and shops, as interesting for its diversity of people as for the wide array of goods on display, ranging from antiques to clothing (vintage and new), crafts, accessories and multicultural foods. It overflows in a sea of entertainment. Your final production will be a new

DAY 8
You will depart in the morning for the airport and your flight back home.