Join a very special tour of London's magnificent royal palaces and learn about the history within their walls, from Henry VIII's tumultuous reign to the highs and lows of the Windsor family.
The palaces and castles along the Thames have seen great romances, grand banquets, political intrigue and deadly betrayals play out within their walls, and you'll learn more about these historic events from Tudor historian Dr Tracy Borman, who'll give an illuminating talk during the trip.
A highlight of the tour is a visit to splendid Windsor Castle, where you'll take a private 'out-of-hours' tour which includes a glass of English sparkling wine and a guidebook. You'll also get to see further areas not included in the tour such as St George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls House.
Also included is a guided tour of the impressive Westminster Abbey, the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English monarchs, where King Charles III was crowned and where the Prince and Princess of Wales were married.
You can also look forward to guided tours of Kensington Palace, where you'll guided tour of the Queen's State Apartments and the lavish King's Apartments, the Tower of London, where you'll see the Crown Jewels and discover the history of the tower, and Hampton Court Palace, where you'll get the chance to enjoy the sprawling formal gardens at their colourful best.
Throughout this tour, you'll be based at the four-star Park Plaza hotel beside Westminster Bridge, where you'll enjoy breakfast each morning, setting you up for your busy days visiting the finest properties with royal links in and around London.
Additional information
Meeting point
Park Plaza Hotel, WestminsterSingle supplement
£499Accommodation
Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster
*This information is indicative and subject to change*
After making your own way to four-star Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge this morning, you'll drop your bags with the concierge and meet your group at 11am to depart by coach to Hampton Court Palace.
On arrival, you will have free time to explore the extensive manicured gardens at the palace, which are fabulous during spring, with over a million flowering bulbs creating a riot of colour in The Wilderness Garden. Dr Tracy Borman will join you here to give an illuminating talk, drawing from her deep knowledge of Tudor history.
Next is a guided tour, which encomasses the beautiful state apartments and private rooms of William and Mary to the masterpieces by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Van Dyck in the Cumberland Art Gallery.
You'll also stop by at the Chapel Royal, where you can see Ann Boleyn's "Book of Hours", and Chapel Court in the Tudor Pleasure Grounds. Henry Vlll's crown is on display in the State Apartments, and you can gain a fascinating insight into Tudor feasting and festivities in Henry Vlll's kitchens.
This evening you'll return to the hotel to freshen up before an offical welcome from your tour leader followed by a three-course dinner with wine or soft drinks.
After breakfast at your hotel today, set off to Kensington Palace, where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the Queen's State Apartments and the lavish King's Apartments Rooms.
While here, you'll get the chance to see the current exhibition and some of the finest paintings from the Royal Collection on display, as well as gems commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria In the jewel room.
Nexy you'll continue to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The town of Windsor is dominated by Windsor Castle - the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of His Majesty The King. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century this impressive castle has been home to 40 monarchs.
On arrival, your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk, after which you'll have some free time to explore Windsor.
Mid-afternoon, your group will assemble at Windsor Castle to visit St George's Chapel, Queen Mary's Dolls House and areas not included in the private evening tour which you will take later in the evening, and which includes a glass of English sparkling wine and a guidebook. In between, you will have time to enjoy an early dinner at your own expense.
Today you'll head out on a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, the traditional coronation and burial site for English monarchs, where King Charles III was crowned and where the Prince and Princess of Wales were married.
Afterwards, we'll head to The Tower of London with some free time for lunch at your own expense before exploring this historic site. See the Crown Jewels and discover the history of the tower from its early years as a formidable fortress and prison for Royal Kings, including Charles I and James II.
Marvel at the guards and sentries posted outside the Jewel House and Kings House. You'll also see St John's Chapel, built as a place of worship for William the Conqueror and later for medieval kings and queens, is a unique example of early Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical architecture.
This evening you'll return to the hotel and can spend the evening at your leisure.
Today you'll check out of your hotel, perhaps taking some time to enjoy your central London surroundings before making your journey home.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £499. Deposit 30%. Windsor Castle tour is subject to availability. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd.