Explore both cosmopolitan London and the quintessentially British countryside in the Cotswold’s, admiring a variety of popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the elegant city of Bath including a visit to the ancient Roman Baths.
Operational Note: Venues and sites in London are not able to be confirmed for groups until we are much closer to operation dates. For this reason, should a venue or site not be available during your voyage or needs to be moved to another date, guests will be advised prior to departing for the program. Guests should refer to their final cruise documents received 21 days before sailing for the most up to date itinerary for their voyage.
DAY 1
Disembark from your ship in the morning. A transfer will be provided to your Central London hotel, via Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Entry to the site is included and you will be able to explore the site with an audio guide.
Arrival at your hotel will be at approximately 3:00pm, in time for check in.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure for independent exploration of the city. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Your day begins in a Royal Palace after breakfast at your hotel and a short drive outside the city.
On the banks of the river Thames, Hampton Court Palace started life in 1515 as a magnificent brick stately home for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Seized by Henry VIII at Wolsey's downfall, the Palace was enlarged and became home for Henry and wife number two, Anne Boleyn.
Explore with a Hampton Court guide the Tudor bedrooms, oak panelled corridors, and extensive Royal kitchens. Visit the magnificent chapel and banqueting hall. See how the Palace received a makeover by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century reign of William and Mary. Enjoy the works of art from the Royal Collection on display throughout the building and take time to stroll around the grounds, admiring the fountains and getting yourself lost in the famous Hampton Court maze!
Return to the city for a 2-course lunch in a London restaurant to enjoy a ‘Taste of Britain’ menu followed by a cruise along the Thames River. Sip a glass of champagne as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Palace of Westminster. (Boat is not exclusive to RSSC).
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city's famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with a journey to England's West Country, to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its therapeutic hot springs, a long and varied Roman history plus the beautiful terraces, crescents and circuses of the 18th Century that adorn the residential area of the city.
Bath's foundations go back to Celtic times when the springs were first discovered, and the healing properties realized. Enjoying the warm waters, the Roman invaders soon arrived in the first century and called this place Aquae Sulis turning it into one of the most important religious centers and military settlements in the northern part of the empire.
Through the Saxon era and the Mediaeval period up to the city's new foundation as a resort for Georgian aristocrats, making the three-day journey from the capital, the wealthy elite would take the waters to cure themselves of rheumatic diseases, stiffness of the joints and gout.
On arrival in Bath there will be a guided tour where you will walk along the original Roman pavement, before entering the Roman Baths to see the hot baths and remains of the temple of Sulis Minerva.
Next, take a drive though the delightful rolling hills and meandering streams of the Cotswolds, to honey-coloured stone villages down narrow country lanes. Time seems to have been given very little chance to march forward around these parts. Cottages of 17th century weavers’ homes stand next to chuckling streams, gentle rolling green hills and hidden valleys that stretch across these limestone uplands. With an expert guide on board your coach you will set about exploring this area and meander through this wonderful landscape.
Visit Burford where the old weavers’ houses cascade down to the valley of the river Windrush below and see Stow on the Wold with its ancient marketplace and hilltop views. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in an old English hostelry during your journey around the Cotswold Hills as well as photo stops and guided walks in each of the villages you call into.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Back in London at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast, the morning is free for independent sight-seeing or perhaps a spot of last-minute shopping in some of London’s famous stores.
Room check-out is at 12:00pm, however arrangements can be made for the hotel to securely store your luggage should you need longer. Late check can also be arranged, but this may incur additional charges depending on the length of time required. Late check out can only be booked at the hotel while you are there. For a guaranteed late check-out in advance guests would have to purchase an additional night.
A transfer will be provided to your departure airport (LHR or LGW) to suit the flight departure details that were provided.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:30am Disembark the ship in Southampton and transfer to Central London hotel via historic Stonehenge
10:45am Arrive at Stonehenge, explore with audio-guide
12:45pm Depart Stonehenge
3:15pm Arrive at your hotel
Room check-in time is at 3:00pm
Afternoon at leisure, lunch, and dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Full English breakfast
8:45am Depart hotel
10:00am Arrive at Hampton Court - guided tour with expert guide
12:30pm Depart Hampton Court - drive to lunch venue
1:30pm Lunch in London
3:00pm Cruise along the Thames River with Champagne
3:45pm Panoramic coach tour
6:00pm Approximate arrival at your hotel
Dinner on your own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel
8:00am Depart hotel by executive coach
11:00am Arrive Bath. Guided walking tour ending with entry to Roman Baths
12:45pm Depart Bath
2:15pm Two course lunch in a Cotswold’s local village pub or restaurant
3:30pm Cotswold’s Village tour with photo stops
5:30pm Depart the Cotswold’s
7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Full English breakfast
12:00pm Check out
TBA Transfer to London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport for your return flight based on your flight details
Extra Nights:
All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Dietary Requests:
Any specific dietary requirements should be relayed to RSSC at the time of booking and noted for your land program. If you have not done so, please contact RSSC right away with these details. Late requests may not be able to be confirmed by the venues used.
Expected Weather:
Summers in London are generally mild and pleasant, but not without the occasional rain showers. Average high temperatures are around 70°F (21°C) to 73°F (23°C) degrees and average lows are around 59°F (15°C).
What to Bring:
Prepare for moderately mild weather at all times and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats, umbrellas, sunglasses, cameras, and chargers.
Local Currency:
Pound Sterling. USD are not accepted however all major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity:
230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required. Please check with your local British Embassy for any up-to-date visa information for your nationality.
Accessibility:
NOTE: For guests who utilize a wheelchair or with accessibility needs, lifts are typically available and 90% of the sites are accessible to wheelchair users. Guests need to be able to walk up and down the steps of the tour coach with little to no assistance. Visitors with hearing or visual impairments are able to enjoy the sites using sign language audio guides and tactile displays. Any guests using a scooter or wheelchair should contact the cruise line and have their booking noted. Wheelchairs must fold and scooters need to come apart in order to fit in the coaches. Accessible rooms in the hotel need to be requested in advance and are subject to availability.
Accommodation:
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7629 7777
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes:
Three night’s accommodation at The May Fair Hotel or similar (superior room).
Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two days of sight-seeing and all associated expenses.
Taste of Britain 2 course meal with a drink in a top London restaurant
Entry to Hampton Court with guided tour by expert Hampton Court guide
River cruise with Champagne
Two course meal and a drink in a Cotswold’s village pub
Entry to Roman Baths and Bath guided walking tour
Day 1, transfer, and professional tour guide from the cruise terminal to your London hotel
Entry to Stonehenge with audio guide
Airport transfer to London Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick Hotel on Day 4
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
Meals or beverages not listed above
Gratuities to drivers or tour guides
Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $2,899 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
