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London
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Windsor CastleWindsor Castle is the most historic castle in Britain and contains a priceless collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain and tapestries handed down from many generations of monarchs who lived there. The State Apartments are a highlight of a visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The Dorchester HotelFor afternoon tea, why not nip over to the Dorchester? Winner of the 2000 Tea Council's award for Finest Afternoon Tea, this hotel definitely keeps with tradition. Remember, the dress code is smart. Vinopolis: City of WineInteractive learning at its best. Wander the airy vaults of this old cellar and listen to the history of wine while sipping on the matter at hand. A museum never tasted so good. The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb GarretClimb a creaky spiral staircase to a church attic for a look at Britain's only surviving operating theatre, where limbs were sawed off in front of a live, viewing audience. Tour an assemblage of other Victorian medical devices, and you'll be glad to step soundly back into the 21st century. Bluebird MarketThis chic Chelsea establishment is an Art Deco garage that has been recently converted into a food-lover's delight, including an award-winning restaurant, gourmet grocery, and flower market. Light filtering in from the steel and glass roof create an ethereal air as you overlook fashionable King's Road. Red RoseIt'd be a shame to leave London without sampling its celebrated Indian cuisine. From tandooris to saffron fish tikka, there's something for everyone at the Red Rose, smack dab in the middle of town. To test your tongue's pain tolerance, try the hotter than hot Harry Mirch Chicken. Bramah Tea and Coffee MuseumTea and coffee connoisseurs will find this small museum fascinating, in which the story of London's premier caffeinated beverages unfolds. Stop by the museum café for a wide selection of the museum's subjects. Hampstead HeathTake a vacation from the city without leaving it. Meadows, hills, woods and ponds sprawl across this 791-acre park. Wander nearby cobblestone streets to lose all sense of time as pristine Georgian cottages and gas lamps galore light your path. The DoveThis charming 17th-century inn is one of West London's favorite watering holes. Tucked away down a tiny alley, this historical pub serves excellent fish and chips and is an ideal place to while away a lazy afternoon. A Taste of LondonIdeal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a tasty four-course dinner with wine followed by an illumination cruise on the River Thames taking in many famous landmarks. The Lion King ShownightDine first at a renowned English restaurant, then at the nearby Lyceum Theatre see the spectacular London staging of Disney's Lion King. A price supplement applies on Fridays and Saturdays for premium seat allocations. Phantom of the Opera ShownightDine first at the 5-star Sofitel Hotel's Brasserie Roux; then it's a two-minute walk to Her Majesty's Theatre where best seats have been reserved for a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's original London production of the thrilling musical Phantom of the Opera. Buckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. Today it is The Queen's official residence. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitor during July and August. Paris by Eurostar Day ExcursionIncluded transfer to Waterloo International Station to join an early morning Eurostar express train arriving in Paris in just 2 hours 35 minutes. After a two hour guided city orientation tour you'll be free to explore Paris on your own before returning to London in the evening. On the train back to London a supplement for first class is available and includes a three course dinner, wine and coffee. Tower of LondonThe Tower of London has been part of English history for nearly 1000 years, and is the oldest palace, fortress and prison in Europe. Today it houses the Crown Jewels and is keeper to the Royal Ravens. The ravens are flightless birds due to the fact their wings are clipped and this tradition points to the superstition that the English still believe dating back from time of Charles II that when there are no longer ravens in the Tower both the White Tower and the Commonwealth of England would fall. BathThe golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for over 2,000 years. Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe. The surrounding seven hills, the river Avon running through the heart of the city, and the towers of Bath Abbey combine to create a wonderful impression. StonehengeNobody knows why the mysterious stone circle of Stonehenge was built, but it is none the less one of the world's most important and intriguing pre-historic sites and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Murder Mystery Theatre EveningPre-theatre dining is at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, one of London's few remaining 17th century Chop Houses. After dinner, it's front stalls seats at the Gielgud Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue for "And Then There Were None", a new West End production of the best selling thriller by Agatha Christie. |
