2026 Gems of Southern England - 8 Days/7 Nights

2026 Gems of Southern England - 8 Days/7 Nights

Day 1: Arrival & Windsor Castle
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM to see the splendors of Windsor Castle, a residence of the King, and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group, then dine and explore this intriguing medieval town as you wish this evening. 

Day 2: Blenheim Palace, Cotswolds & Bath
Travel to Blenheim Palace, the magnificent country house once home to Winston Churchill and often seen as the setting for popular TV shows and movies; tour the house and explore the gardens. Set off on a drive through the rolling hills of the quintessentially English Cotswolds, with charming villages and colorful gardens.  Arrive in Bath, a striking city of honey-colored Georgian buildings with an ancient heritage. Take a walking tour of the city before visiting the famed Roman Baths. Dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D) 

Day 3: Stonehenge & Salisbury
Visit prehistoric Stonehenge and marvel at the vast monoliths mysteriously erected 5,000 years ago. Enjoy free time for lunch and sightseeing in the medieval city of Salisbury. Along with charming local shops, Salisbury boasts a splendid 13th-century cathedral housing the world’s oldest working clock. Back at your hotel in Bath, your evening is free to do as you wish.
(B) 

Day 4: Winchester & Portsmouth
Visit Winchester, where some say the legendary King Arthur had his roundtable. Then, delve into nautical life at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can step aboard some of Britain’s most notable ships, and see the Mary Rose, King Henry VIII’s favorite. This 16th-century warship was sunk in battle in 1545 but was raised from the seabed after 400 years; it’s now a fascinating time capsule of maritime history, offering insight into the daily life of the era. Head on to your country house hotel and enjoy dinner with your group.
(B, D)  

Day 5: Kent & Canterbury Cathedral
Drive through the picturesque Kent countryside, known as the “Garden of England” with its rolling hills and charming villages. Arrive in the beautiful city of Canterbury. Take time to explore its medieval center before visiting its imposing cathedral and hearing its enthralling tales. Then go to your hotel for dinner. 
(B, D) 

Day 6: Leeds Castle & London
At romantic Leeds Castle in Kent, once called “the loveliest castle in the world,” tour the storybook structure complete with a moat and colorful gardens. Travel on to London for a panoramic tour viewing some of London’s highlights on the way to your centrally located hotel. Say farewell to your group over a drink and enjoy the rest of your evening independently.
(B) 

Day 7: Kensington Palace & London Exploring
Visit Kensington Palace, the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. The rest of the day is yours to explore the amazing city of London as you wish. You might go shopping on Oxford Street, see a show in the West End, or visit a classic pub.
(B) 

Day 8: Your Tour Ends in London
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Visit Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Winston Churchill, it gives insight into the real world that inspired Downton Abbey.
• Explore Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard; at the height of the British Empire, it was the world’s greatest naval port.
• Visit Kensington Palace, the childhood home of Queen Victoria and home to many notable royals over the last 300 years.

Dining Experiences:

• 7 hot breakfasts (B) and 3 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• Blenheim Palace
• Canterbury Cathedral 
• Kensington Palace
• Leeds Castle
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• Roman Baths
• Stonehenge
• Windsor Castle
   

Hotels:

• Castle Hotel Windsor, Windsor (1)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Bath, Bath (2) 
• Buxted Park Hotel, East Sussex (1)
• Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone (1)
• The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton, London (2)