Spotlight on London

Get ready for a festive getaway to London. “The Big Smoke” glistens during the holidays and makes for a timeless setting for your Christmas journey.
Hotel Name: DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London

Welcome to London at Christmastime! There’s nothing like the city when it’s bursting with the excitement of the season. Feel the holiday spirit as you shop the Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations. Bask in the scent of warm, mulled wine and cinnamon – a drink that warms the soul on a wintery night in London. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Buckingham Palace
His Majesty the King's residence in London, Buckingham Palace is the ornate icing on the cake of England's capital city. Serving Britain's sovereigns since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the end point for parades and special events in the city as well as the daily Changing of the Guard. Hundreds gather daily to watch the official changing of the King's Guards in the area outside of the palace gates and to get a glimpse of the palace itself.

A local expert leads a panoramic and walking city tour. See Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. End your tour in the bustling Covent Garden, one of London’s oldest marketplaces. Perhaps you’ll be entertained by a street performer - after all, Covent Garden has a popular artistic scene. With some free time, explore Covent Garden before returning to the hotel via a route that showcases the magnificent Christmas Lights of London.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Big Ben
Standing at 315' tall, Big Ben is located in London near the Halls of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. An iconic image of London, Big Ben's clock dials are some of the largest in the world at 23' high. The current structure was built in 1858 after the previous clock tower was destroyed in a fire in the 1830s.

Climb aboard the local transport river bus en route to Greenwich, seeing the Tower of London from the river. Dock in Greenwich, known as the village of London. Shop the local stalls (perhaps bargaining like a local) or use your included Freedom Pass to pop into local attractions. This afternoon, join a local to experience some traditional and ethnic culinary delights on a progressive foodie walking tour through the town. Later you can choose to take the Clipper boat back to the west end, or further explore Greenwich. No matter where you spend your free evening, the festive atmosphere will add joy to your discoveries.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Christmas Markets
London at Christmas time is truly magical and the city is transformed at every corner and in many of the shop fronts including Harrods which is an attraction in itself.

Visit Blenheim Palace, one of England’s most magnificent homes and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. At Christmas, this UNESCO World Heritage site becomes a true winter wonderland. After an included Christmas Afternoon Tea, spend some time in the afternoon perusing the many market stalls or take some time to wander the beautifully manicured garden. Arriving back in London early evening, you still have time to see the city in all its glory.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a bustling market square filled with captivating shops, delicious restaurants, and meandering locals. Stroll along outside and perhaps you’ll glimpse a street performing group or head inside where rows of stalls sell their food and crafts.

Today, set off to visit the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral. With its world- famous dome, this is one of the most iconic features in the London skyline. After some free time for lunch, join a local expert on a two hour walking tour along London’s Southbank. Walk across the Millenium Bridge for some wonderful views of the city and see Shakespeare’s Globe, ending the tour at the wonderful Borough Market. This evening, go with your new friends to a traditional English restaurant, for a farewell dinner. Toast the end of a festive trip to an amazing city.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Greenwich

It’s time to head home, full of warmth and memories of your Christmastime London adventure.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Culinary Walking Tour