Compare The Gardens of England & Wales with Chelsea Flower Show - 2022 by Insight Vacations vs Churchill’s Finest Hour: A Transatlantic Voyage on QM2 by Road Scholar

Day 1: Arrive London

On arrival you are transferred from London Heathrow Airport to your hotel, Rubens at the Palace. Your base for the next four nights, this five-star hotel celebrates the very best of British culture, from the red tail-coated doormen to themed bedrooms. Ideally located by Buckingham Palace you have free time to explore, maybe visit the nearby Royal Mews? This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome drink and trip briefing at your hotel.

Day 2: Chelsea Flower Show

A transfer in the morning takes you to the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show. Bringing together the very best show gardens, flowers, and gardening from around the world, lose yourself amongst the magnificent floral displays and model gardens. Enjoy elaborate displays featuring courtyard, city and roof gardens, and hear from the experts. This evening dine on a spectacular Thames River Dinner Cruise, the perfect way to toast your travel companions and complete your memorable journey! (Dress code for the dinner cruise: Smart attire – dinner jacket recommended)

Day 3: London Sightseeing

With a Local Expert, explore the iconic sights and streets of London. See famous landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. Admire the Royal residence of Buckingham Palace and savor a taste of British pageantry as you watch the Changing of the Guard (if operating) before lunch in a typical English pub. Later, sip a glass of champagne with a bird’s-eye view of London from the London Eye.

Day 4: Kew Gardens & Hampton Court Palace

This morning visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. Explore inside the vast Victorian glasshouses and see the indoor galleries. Later, discover the wonders of majestic Hampton Court Palace, home to the Kings and Queens of Britain since the time of Henry VIII. Discover the magnificent State Apartments and explore the riverside gardens.

Day 5: Wisley Gardens to Cornwall

Today travel to the gardens of Wisley, renowned as the flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society. The gardens are proud to showcase inspirational gardening throughout their 240 acres. Most famous is the Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden and the naturalistic Rock Garden, one of Wisley’s oldest and most magnificent features. Then continue to the idyllic county of Cornwall.

Day 6: Lost Garden of Heligan & The Cornish Coast

We visit Heligan, one of the most mysterious estates in England. Unveiled in 1992 from under decades of overgrowth, the Lost Gardens were restored on a shoestring budget and hailed by The Times as “the garden restoration of the century”. Today the mysterious gardens and estate offer over 200 acres for exploration! This afternoon is then free for you to relax at our hotel.

Day 7: Cornwall to Cheltenham

Our journey takes us through the English countryside to Bath. Visit the 18th Century Pump Room and the ancient Baths, then enjoy some free time to browse the quaint streets. Then it’s on to the town of Cheltenham where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 8: Cotswolds Excursion

A full day of sightseeing of the Cotswolds begins with a visit to Hidcote Manor Gardens, once of the greatest arts and crafts gardens in England. Our drive through the Cotswolds brings us to Bibury described as the ‘prettiest village in Britain’.Enjoy a delicious included lunch, before returning to our hotel.

Day 9: Cheltenham to Powis Castle & onto North Wales

Explore the magnificent Trentham Gardens. Enjoy glorious ancient woodland, and discover the Italian Gardens, the Rivers of Grass, and the Floral Labyrinth. At its heart is the spectacular, mile long Trentham Lake, a wildlife haven studded with small islands.

Day 10: Bodnant Garden Excursion

The day starts with a visit to the beautiful Bodnant Gardens, world famous for its botanical collections. Later move onto the village of Llanberis which sits at the foot of Mount Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa, which, at 3,560 feet, is the highest peak in Wales. Enjoy a fabulous trip onboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway, for stunning views of the mountain and surrounding vistas.

Day 11: North Wales to English Lake District

We bid farewell to Wales and continue north to the picturesque English Lake District where you see some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. We visit the village of Hawkshead, famous for its whitewashed cottages and cobbled lanes. Continue to our hotel close to Lake Windermere.

Day 12: English Lake District Experience

Today is devoted to this scenic Lake District wonderland, beginning with a visit to Hill Top, the home of author Beatrix Potter, famed for her beloved animal tales. Here she spent much of her life and wrote 13 of her 23 books. Next admire the finest, oldest and most extensive Topiary Gardens in the world at Levens Hall. Later, perhaps take a cruise on Lake Windermere?

Day 13: Lake District to Chatsworth & onto Nottingham

Heading through the rolling Derbyshire countryside we arrive at the Chatsworth Estate, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Visiting the house, we see the elegant interiors and admire the art collection of 16 generations of the Cavendish family. Our guided walking tour of the gardens provides an insight into the principle historic features of the garden before an included lunch. Later continue to the historic city of Nottingham.

Day 14: Blenheim Palace to Bampton Village, then onto London

This morning explore the magnificent house and gardens of Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Continue to the village of Bampton to see the street where many scenes from the “Downton Abbey” TV series* were filmed. Later, return to London to enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. *Disclaimer: This sightseeing is an unlicensed and unauthorized tour of sites featured in the television series "Downton Abbey" produced by Carnival Film and Television and NBC Universal International Limited. Insight Vacations Limited and this trip do not have association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of the television series "Downton Abbey", Carnival Film and Television or NBC Universal International Limited.

Day 15: Farewell London

After breakfast bid your Travel Director and fellow travel companions farewell, and transfer to London Heathrow Airport to meet your ongoing flight.

Day 1 Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Reception New York City

Hotel check-in available by 3:00 p.m.

Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, meet your Road Scholar Group Leader in the lobby to register and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and to learn where the Orientation session will take place at 5:00 p.m. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a Study Leader who will lecture, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. Dining aboard the Queen Mary 2, breakfast and lunch are in the venue of your choosing. Traditional afternoon tea is served each day in the Queens Room. Road Scholars are invited to have dinner together in the Britannia Restaurant. Snacks along with juice, tea, coffee, water are available 24 hours a day at the buffet restaurants; and there is 24-hour room service. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 2 Embark Queen Mary 2 At Sea

Embarkation expected by approximately 2:00 p.m.

This morning we will have the opportunity to visit the Ground Zero 9/11 Memorial and Museum, where we will examine authentic artifacts and learn about how people responded in the aftermath of the attack. We will depart for the pier early afternoon, complete embarkation procedures, and board the Queen Mary 2.

After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to freshen up and begin to familiarize yourself with the ship. We will participate with the rest of the passengers in the required Safety Drill before departure, so please listen for the announcement.

At leisure. You might like to see a show in the ballroom, watch a movie in the theatre, have a beverage and a chat in one of the bars, or find a book in the library — one of the best shipboard libraries available — and curl up in that perfect reading chair. The choice is yours.

In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers a variety of hot and cold items such as eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, cereals, toast, pastries, fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, yogurts, juices, tea, coffee, water.

Aboard the Queen Mary 2, we’ll have a late lunch. Meal Service: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the main restaurants; alternative fine dining options available at additional cost. Water during meals and tea/coffee after meals are complimentary; alcoholic drinks, specialty teas, and coffees available for purchase. Afternoon tea with sandwiches, cakes, and pastries served each day. 24 hour room service.

Aboard the ship in the Britannia Restaurant, choose what you like from the menu with choices of appetizers and soups, salads, entrées, and desserts, plus coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 At Sea, Our Lecture Series Begins At Sea

Full day at sea.

We’ll gather with our Study Leader in a private meeting room for our first in a series of on-board lectures. Topics covered throughout the program will include Churchill in the Boer War, the tragedy of Gallipoli, Churchill in the trenches, the First Finest Hour, Churchill and his generals, and the Big Three.

Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You’ll have a variety of shipboard enrichment activities from which to choose. You might like to take a class such as watercolor painting or ballroom dancing, enjoy one of the ship's swimming pools, take a brisk walk around the decks, or continue reading that book. The history of the Cunard Line is displayed in an exhibition running through the halls of the ship.

At leisure.

In the venue of your choosing. The Britannia Restaurant offers a variety of plated breakfast entrées, pancakes and waffles, hot and cold cereals, cold cuts and cheese, yogurts, and a variety of baked goods, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. The King’s Court has casual breakfast on Deck 7, or relax with breakfast in your room as you watch the televised descriptions of the day’s on-board activities.

In the venue of your choosing. The Britannia Restaurant offers appetizers and soups, salads and sandwiches, main dish entrées, and desserts. The Kings Court has buffet dining, while the Boardwalk Café (weather permitting) has light lunch choices.

Aboard ship.

Day 4 At Sea, Lectures Continue At Sea

Full day at sea.

Our lecture series following a thematic progression will continue with our Study Leader.

Free time to enjoy the variety of shipboard enrichment activities. Later in the afternoon, we’ll gather for an exclusive Road Scholar cocktail party.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 5 At Sea, Lectures Continue At Sea

Full day at sea.

Gathering in our lecture room, we’ll continue to explore the life and times of Winston Churchill.

Free time. You may want to take advantage of the many educational, social, and physical activities available on board, or simply relax in one of the deck chairs with a view of the Atlantic, glistening when the sun shines.

At leisure. You may wish to visit the Queen Mary 2’s beautiful theatre, home to nightly productions from stars of stage and screen alike.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 6 At Sea, Lectures Continue At Sea

Full day at sea.

We join our Study Leader for today's illuminating lecture.

Free Time. You might grab a ticket for the planetarium show, polish your bridge skills during a tournament, or perhaps retreat to the spa for a massage.

At leisure. You may wish to visit The Golden Lion, a traditional English pub, as it runs a competitive pub quiz each evening.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 7 At Sea, Lectures Continue At Sea

Full day at sea.

Joining our Study Leader, we’ll engage in another lively discussion.

Free Time. When not performing, members of the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts host daily acting workshops that give passengers the opportunity to flex their acting muscles.

At leisure.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 8 At Sea, Final Onboard Lecture At Sea

Full day at sea.

Gathering with our Study Leader, we’ll settle in for the final lecture before we dock at our destination tomorrow.

Free Time. You may wish to explore the history of the Cunard Line at a unique exhibition running through the halls of the ship.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out, disembarkation, and transfer in the morning.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Aboard ship.

Day 9 Disembarkation, Blenheim Palace, Transfer to London London, England

Disembarkation by approximately 9:00 a.m. Getting on/off motorcoach; total driving about 141 miles, approximately 3.5 hours with stops for field trips. Minimal walking for group activities, more dependent on personal interest; some periods of standing; seating available at Blenheim Palace.

After completing disembarkation procedures, we’ll make our way onto the motorcoach for transfer onwards to Blenheim Palace, where we’ll enjoy an expert-led field trip through the estate and its remarkable gardens that were designed by the famous landscape gardener, Lancelot “Capability” Brown. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, just outside of Oxford, was initially a gift given to the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. Queen Anne recognized him thusly for his triumph in battle over French and Bavarian forces in 1704, and the palace was built between 1705 and 1722. Eventually, Blenheim’s recognition grew further when Winston Churchill was born there in 1874.

Following Blenheim Palace, we'll continue the transfer to our London hotel, but not before making a stop at Bladon – the burial place of Winston Churchill. Once off the motorcoach, we’ll have a look around with our Study Leader as they illuminate the significance of the churchyard and surrounding area.

At leisure.

Early aboard the ship.

At Blenheim Palace we'll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

In the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served dinner including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 The Imperial War Museum London, England

We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the Imperial War Museum. The vast museum chronicles Britain’s involvement in wars from 1914 to the present day, keeping a very human perspective on the immense turmoil that both Britain and the wider world as a whole have endured over the last century. Of particular importance are its First World War galleries, and its new Witnesses to War exhibition. Presented in a state-of-the-art atrium, the exhibition includes a Harrier Jet, a Spitfire, and a V2 rocket.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the delights of London.

At leisure.

In the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as eggs, breakfast meats and potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, cereals, pastries, toast, jams and marmalade, juices, milk, tea, coffee, water.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 11 Chartwell London, England

Getting on/off motorcoach; total driving about 86 miles, approximately 2.5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day; about 6 hours on our feet; paved pathways, some inclines and steps; welcome map shows step-free routes. Wheelchair access only to sitting room, hall, and library; electric wheelchairs not suitable for house.

We’ll begin the morning with some free time, to relax or explore the area near the hotel. Mid-morning, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to Westerham for our afternoon field trip.

Chartwell, the adult home of Sir Winston Churchill, is located just outside Westerham. Our Study Leader will lead us on a field trip through its rooms and corridors while explaining the significance of each. On-site volunteers will also be available to answer any questions. Chartwell has been preserved to appear exactly as it would have when Churchill lived there, and houses a great number of his personal effects including paintings, books, honors, and medals. It is also home to some beautifully landscaped gardens, which provided inspiration for many of Churchill’s paintings.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At Chartwell we’ll have a 2-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a plated 3-course meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 12 Houses of Parliament, Churchill War Rooms London, England

Please note that access to the Houses of Parliament is subject to availability, as they are a working place of government.

This morning we’ll ride to the Houses of Parliament, the site of some of Churchill's greatest victories. An expert will take us through the corridors of power, including the Queen's Robing Room, the Members' Lobby, Westminster Hall, the Lords' Chamber and the Commons' Chamber.

Following our visit, we'll walk iconic Horseguards Parade before visiting the Churchill War Rooms. It was here that Churchill’s government sheltered during the worst of the bombing, and the conditions of the time are faithfully recreated in this subterranean maze. The facility also houses the Churchill Museum, which brings to life the exciting story of Churchill’s life – from his childhood to his “finest hour”.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated and served farewell dinner including coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 13 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet, depending on departure times. This concludes our program.