OVERVIEW

Depart quayside by coach and drive towards London towards Windsor Castle. Upon arrival you will have a visit of the largest and oldest castle in the world and which is one of the official residences of her Majesty The Queen. The Castle’s dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 26 acres and contains, as well as a Royal Palace, a magnificent chapel and the homes and workplaces of a large number of people. On completion of the tour you will have a short transfer from the Castle to ‘The Savill Garden’, one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens. It never fails to charm visitors who come to explore its 35 acres of contemporary and classically designed gardens and woodland. Lunch will be served in the Savill Building, the most eye-catching new addition to the Royal Landscape, opened in June 2006, with its undulating roof, shaped like a leaf, merging with the tall trees surrounding it. On completion of lunch guests will have approx 1 hour free time to enjoy the gardens before re-embarking the coach for a trip back down to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit to Windsor Castle and Savil Gardens with lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Travel to medieval Canterbury, one of England's most revered cities, considered to be the city of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. See how the medieval atmosphere blends with the modern amenities. You’ll get to visit Canterbury Cathedral after a brief guided narration. This is one of the oldest and most famous gothic style Christian structures in England, dating back to the XII century, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As guiding is not allowed inside, your guide will detail the main aspects of the Cathedral before you enter and visit on your own.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Canterbury, a historic medieval city.
• Discover the legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales.
• Explore Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy free time to explore the cathedral at your own pace.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is moderate walking.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites

OVERVIEW

Take a panoramic drive to the picturesque town of Tenterden. This town's charming, tree-lined High Street offers a variety of shops and boutiques. Tenterden is also the town center for a number of local villages. Proceed to the steam train station for a comfortable train ride with typical English afternoon tea while you enjoy the picturesque countryside passing Bodiam Castle. On the return to your ship, enjoy a drive through the small city of Rye.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a traditional steam train through the English countryside.
• Enjoy a classic English afternoon tea onboard
• Pass by scenic landmarks including Bodiam Castle

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is some walking on uneven surfaces.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, as part of the visit is outdoors.

OVERVIEW

Your tour starts with a drive directly to Leeds Castle - one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the United Kingdom. In the 9th century, Leeds was the site of a manor belonging to the Saxon royal family. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence to six of England's medieval queens, a playground and palace to Henry VIII, and a private home. Today, lovingly restored, it is the seat of a magnificent collection of medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures, and visitors of the present mingle with the ghosts of lives past. You will pass through the 13th-century Gate Tower, which stolidly guards the only access to the castle's interior. As you pass from room to room, well-informed castle guides are stationed to answer your questions. Situated on two small islands in the middle of an encircling lake, it is surrounded by a green arc of parkland, thick with trees and hills that tumble gently down to the water's edge. Take a delightful walk along a flat path, which follows a meandering stream through a belt of stately trees. A series of small lakes are the natural habitat for a fine collection of unusual and exotic waterfowl. You'll see the many glorious views. Monarchs and seasons may change, but Leeds Castle's enchanting and very English beauty is everlasting.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Leeds Castle, one of England’s most historic and picturesque castles.
• Explore richly furnished interiors filled with medieval art and artifacts.
• Learn about its royal connections, including Henry VIII.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is some walking on uneven surfaces.
• Dress appropriately for the weather, as part of the visit is outdoors.

OVERVIEW

If you prefer exploring London on your own, this private motorcoach transfer is ideal. You will be dropped off at a convenient location in the heart of the city, and your return transfer will depart hours later from the same place. A host will travel with you to and from the ship to answer any questions you may have about sightseeing or shopping. You will also be given pamphlets about the most popular attractions and important phone numbers if you need assistance during your travels. Where you go will be entirely up to you, a luxury that encourages you to concentrate on the attractions that interest you the most. With no schedule to follow, you can stay at your chosen attractions as long as you want, allowing you to thoroughly explore them.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive to a central location in London and explore the city independently.
• Focus solely on the attractions that you find most interesting.
• Browse the attractions at your own pace and stay at them as long as you like.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.