Compare Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction vs London Like A Royal – A Deluxe Journey by Sky Vacations

 DAY 1 – Welcome to London

Arrive into London Heathrow and meet your Sky Vacations ambassador for transfer to your hotel in London City Center. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. 

DAY 2 – London

Today you will meet with your private guide for sightseeing in London. Depending on the time of year you will have the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace State rooms before exploring the Westminster area and they famous Abbey. Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace is the London home and the administrative centre of the British royal family. The enormous building and extensive gardens are an important site of ceremonial and political affairs in the United Kingdom, as well as a major tourist attraction. But for a monarchy that dates back almost a thousand years, Buckingham Palace is a relatively new home. Westminster Abbey The Gothic masterpiece of Westminster Abbey has been at the heart of British history since the formation of the Abbey by Edward the Confessor in 1065. The Abbey became the coronation church for the English monarchy in 1066, was transformed into the modern stone Abbey in the reign of Henry III and has since been the venue for countless magnificent, joyous and sometimes unfortunate royal events. In modern times the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and funerals of the Queen Mother and Princess Diana have etched the Abbey into the common memory of billions around the globe. A visit of Westminster Abbey takes in such highlights as the Coronation Chair, the medieval Lady Chapel, museum containing a collection of royal effigies, and the Abbey Gardens, which whisk you away from the hubbub of the city. There is also a café and shop onsite.

DAY 3 – London

Today you will visit Kensington Palace along with the Tower of London with your private guide. Kensington Palace Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. Walk in the footsteps of royalty in Victoria’s re–imagined childhood rooms and the magnificent King’s State Apartments and Queen’s State Apartments. Tower of London On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands the Tower of London and nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. The Tower of London has been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, Zoo and most famously as a prison incarcerating famous names like Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. During a visit to the Tower visitors can see crown jewels worth over £20 billion, meet the ravens who legends say have the fate of the Kingdom in their claws, talk to the distinctive Yoeman guards with their white ruffs, and learn about the gruesome torture that went on within the walls. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. At the Tower there are also cafes and a shop. 

DAY 4 – London

Meet with your driver guide today for a tour out to Kew Gardens & Palace along with Hampton Court Palace. Kew Palace Kew Palace is the smallest of all the royal palaces.  It was originally built as a fashionable mansion for wealthy London silk merchant, Samuel Fortrey in 1631. George II (r 1727-60) and Queen Caroline were first attracted to little Kew, thinking it a perfect lodging for their three eldest daughters.  After them, several generations of Georgian royalty used Kew and nearby Richmond Lodge as weekend retreats from an intensely public life in town. Kew reflects the intimate personal and domestic life of Georgian kings and queens for much of the 18th century. Today the interior of this tiny, atmospheric palace tells the powerful story of George III, his mental illness and the members of his family who lived and died there. Hampton Court Palace Discover the magnificence of Henry VIII’s favourite royal residence. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bustling Base Court and marvel at the breath-taking grandeur of Henry’s State Rooms. Tickle your taste buds in the vast Tudor kitchens, stroll through over 60 acres of enchanting gardens, lose yourself in the famous maze and appreciate the beauty of one of the greatest palaces on earth. Creep along the Haunted Gallery and discover another palace, the Baroque Palace, full of intrigue and gossip from the Stuart and Georgian era.

DAY 5 – London

Spend today at leisure in London, why not do some legendary shopping or visit one of the many free museums within the city. In the evening you will enjoy a dinner river cruise on the Thames. Bateaux London The crème de la crème of our cruise experiences: let us seat you at your table on the river in preparation for an evening that’ll take your breath away. As we depart from the dock and the sun begins to slowly set, sip on an aperitif, soak up the sounds of our talented live musicians and take in the unmatched scenery as we serve up dishes from our seasonal five-course à la carte menu complimented by free-flowing selected wines. As day turns to night, we journey further down the river, floating past majestic architecture, illuminated skylines, divine river lights and ever-changing scenes of a city from a beautifully unique perspective.

DAY 6 – Kent

Meet your driver guide again today for a full day tour out to Kent where you will visit Leeds Castle & Chartwell House. Leeds Castle Leeds Castle in Kent, England, has been called the “loveliest castle in the world”. Listed in the Domesday Book, this castle has been a Norman stronghold, a royal residence and a royal palace. It’s situation is stunning, set on two islands in a magnificent lake. The Royal Manor was originally built in 857AD and owned by a Saxon royal family. After the Norman Conquest, work began on building the first stone castle on the site. In 1278 the Castle became a royal palace for Edward I and his Queen, Eleanor of Castile. Major improvements were made to the castle during the reign of Edward I. The Barbican, constructed during this time, is unique in that it is made up of three parts, each having its own entrance, drawbridge, gateway and portcullis. The medieval Keep, incorporating the Great Hall, is called the Gloriette, in honour of Queen Eleanor. Perhaps the Castle’s most famous owner was King Henry VIII, who transformed the castle for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The stunning painting of the ‘Field of the Cloth of Gold’, which commemorates the meeting between King Henry VIII and the French King Francis I in 1520, hangs here at Leeds Castle. Chartwell House Discover the house that Churchill called home, where he brought up his young family. Decorated as it was in the 1930s, make your way through rooms like the library, study, sitting room and dining room displayed as if the family have only just left the room. Explore the museum rooms filled with gifts that Churchill received and see the personal possessions that Churchill and the family kept at Chartwell. As you make your way around the house uncover the home and family man behind the statesman.

DAY 7  – Farewell

Transfer to London Heathrow airport for your onward journey.