Best of British Literary Legends Tour

From afternoon tea to “God Save the Queen,” there is no place like Great Britain. You’ll begin and end in mighty London, where you’ll visit some of the most iconic structures in the country, from the beautiful gardens near Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster. Explore the glorious scenery of southern England though Winchester, Stonehenge, Glastonbury and the ancient spa town of Bath. Take in the scene at Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and buried, then walk the gorgeous grounds of Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of the Churchills. Make your way to Oxford, home of the oldest university in the world, before finishing back in London for more literary sightseeing and a show at the city’s famous West End.

ITINERARY

(Day 1): London - Welcome to the United Kingdom!
(Day 2): South England - Winchester, Stonehenge, and Bath
(Day 3): Bath - A Day in the City of Northanger Abbey
(Day 4): Stratford upon Avon - The Home of England’s Greatest Playwright
(Day 5): Oxfordshire - A Palatial Country House and the World’s Most Famous University
(Day 6): London - The Best of London’s Booksellers and a Night in the West End
(Day 7): London - Returning Home

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the United Kingdom!

You will land this morning on the outskirts of London, the largest city in Europe and one of the great cities of the world. You will be met on arrival by your driver and transferred by limousine to your central London hotel for check-in. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and enjoy some of the endless sightseeing options throughout London. Must-see are the venerated halls of Westminster Abbey, one of the most important buildings in the UK and the resting place for some of Britain’s great poets, patriots, artists and statesmen. You’ll see the monument to Churchill, plus the tombs of many of Britain’s greatest monarchs, and a wall plaque dedicated to Jane Austen. After your visit to Westminster, head to nearby Chelsea to grab some dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Day 2: Winchester, Stonehenge and Bath

After a delicious British breakfast, you leave lively London for the breathtaking scenery of southern England, journeying your way to the ancient spa town of Bath. On the way you can stop a magnificent cathedral in the town of Winchester, one of the largest in Europe. The cathedral served as the host for two royal funerals, two coronations, two royal marriages, and now serves as the resting place of Jane Austen. Then explore the mystique of Stonehenge, one of the most captivating and enigmatic spots on Earth. Finally, cruise by the ruined walls of 7th Century Glastonbury Abbey, before making your way into the decadent center of Bath, fringed by monuments to the city’s Roman and Georgian history.

Day 3: A Day in the City of Northanger Abbey

You’ll head to the famous Roman baths that have been the hallmark of the city of Bath since 70 AD today as you Jane Austen’s home city for the latter part of her life. The remarkable Bath Abbey, notable for its gorgeous fan vaulting and impeccable stained glass windows proceeds Jane Austen-based tour of Bath showing the places where she lived and worked, to the spots that gave her special inspiration.

Following a delightful lunch, you can visit Number 1, Royal Crescent, a late-18th century former Georgian townhouse, before heading to the Jane Austen Centre to learn about Austen’s continuing influence on literature. The evening is at your leisure.

Day 4: The Home of England’s Greatest Playwright

This morning you are bound for the birthplace of one of the greatest writers in history, William Shakespeare. You’ll journey through the magnificent English countryside to the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Explore each milestone of his life, from the restored house where he was born and grew up, to the cottage where he wooed his wife Ann Hathaway, to the Holy Trinity Church where he is now at rest and accompanied by his striking monument. Then, enjoy a late lunch before seeing a play by the famous Royal Shakespeare Company at the modern and inspiring Royal Shakespeare Theatre. After the show you can meet members of the cast at The Black Swan, where many of them frequent after the show.

Day 5: A Palatial Country House and the World’s Most Famous University

Your first stop today is at the remarkable Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of the Churchills since the Duke of Marlborough’s military victory in the Battle of Blenheim. From the library to the staterooms, you’ll be stunned by the elegant and sumptuous interior. The home is a true work of art, and the surrounding gardens are maintained meticulously around the Great Lake, which many describe as one of the finest views in England.

In the afternoon, make your way to Oxford, the home of higher learning and one of the most prestigious research institutions since the 12th century. Enjoy historical landmarks, such as Balliol College, Somerville College, oldest botanic garden in Great Britain or the Ashmolean Museum – the oldest museum in the country.

At night, enjoy dinner at one of the neighborhood bistros before hitting up a pub, like the Turf Tavern, considered by many to be the best in the city, or the Eagle and Child, a favorite haunt of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

Day 6: The Best of London’s Booksellers and a Night in the West End

After breakfast in Oxford, make the short guided drive back to London for some of the city’s highlights. From the towering dome of St. Paul’s to the glowing wheel of the London Eye, from the stately courtyard and immense edifice of Buckingham Palace to the monuments to the nation at Trafalgar Square.

Then, head out to visit some of London’s best booksellers, such as Daunt Books, Hatchards, or Waterstone’s, before you return to your hotel to prepare for a show at London’s famous West End, the best theater district this side of the Great White Way. You can take in every type of acting from Shakespeare to Sondheim. After the show, grab a nightcap at the famous Henry Craddock bar at The Savoy Hotel, where he first concocted some of the world’s best cocktails.

Day 7: Returning Home

This morning sees you say goodbye to fascinating England as you leave your luxury hotel and private transfer to the airport. With its marvelous cathedrals, striking state buildings, breathtaking countryside and inspirational scenery, this one-of-a kind journey will leave you in awe as you follow in the footsteps of Churchill, Shakespeare and Jane Austen.

Hotels listed below are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used. 

London
5 Star Deluxe – The Langham London

When the Prince of Wales opened the Langham on Regent Street in 1865, it was London’s first grand hotel. Through its doors have passed such literary greats as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde. The hotel has preserved its distinguished reputation, aided by a renovation in 2010 that included the addition of the new Regent Suite with expansive views of Regent’s Park, and a luxury health and wellness center, the Chuan Spa. The traditional meal served in the Palm Court, on the ground floor, consists of delicate finger sandwiches, miniature pastries and thirty blends of tea. The glamorous cocktail bar, Artesian offers martinis made by a mixologist.

 

4 Star Luxury - The Montague on The Gardens

This beautiful Georgian townhouse hotel in the heart of literary Bloomsbury, is steps from The British Museum and minutes from London's theatreland. Enjoy the ambience of a fine country hotel located on a London side street. Proud of its AA Four-Star Deluxe status, the Montague Hotel London offers an unbeatable combination of superb value, excellent Central London location, and the fabled Red Carnation attention to the all-important details that transform a good hotel into a great one.

 

Stratford-Upon-Avon
5-Star Deluxe – Arden Hotel

Located in the heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, directly opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatres, The Arden Hotel is an elegant and sophisticated 45 bedroom boutique hotel in the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The star of Stratford-upon-Avon’s hotel scene, The Arden's sophisticated and contemporary take on a boutique hotel has won her admirers from across the globe

 

4-Star Luxury – Hotel du Vin

Located in the historic Shakespearean town of Stratford-upon-Avon, this stylish boutique hotel comes with 46 bedrooms, a bar and bistro with al fresco dining space available in the private courtyard, two private dining rooms and event space, that can accommodate up to 70 people.

Built in 1798 the listed building located on Rother Street is perfectly located in the centre of town, and has been sensitively transformed. It has been used in many ways over the years, from a doctor’s surgery during and after WW2, a gentleman’s club, and more recently registry office. Now the perfect place for after work drinks, a spot of afternoon tea or relaxed bistro dining, served along wines perfectly matched by our years of experience.

 

Bath
5 Star Deluxe – Royal Crescent Hotel

The world's finest crescent is one of the great set piece masterpieces of European architecture, the most breathtaking feature in one of the world's most elegant and enchanting cities. It's hard to imagine a more splendid setting for an elegant hotel that harks back to a time of extravagant luxury and exemplary refinement. The Royal Crescent Hotel occupies the two central buildings in the entire crescent. Both are Grade I listed, and were built by John Wood the Younger himself. The stunning setting and magnificent architecture have remained unchanged since the 18th century. The Hotel is far more than a remarkable collection of buildings. It gives you an opportunity to experience a style of gracious living from the age when Bath was the very centre of the civilised world.

 

4 Star Luxury – The Abbey Hotel

Named as one of Bath's best loved boutique hotels, Abbey Hotel is formed of three Georgian townhouses on the west end of John Wood's North Parade - a wide promenade in Bath's older quarters which overlooks Parade Gardens and is a stone's throw from the spectacular Pulteney Bridge.The hotel is the ideal choice for visitors and residents alike with many of Bath's top attractions right on the doorstep.

 

Oxford
5 Star Deluxe - Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons is one of the country's most cherished manor house hotels. Tucked away in the picturesque countryside, this 15th-century manor critics also proclaim that sets the standard for haute cuisine. The establishment received two Michelin stars in 1984, within the first year of opening, and, remarkably, have held them ever since.

 

4 Star Luxury – MacDonald Randolph Hotel

Situated in the heart of Oxford, and just a short walk from the Oxford Station, the Macdonald Randolph Hotel provides guests with the perfect space from which to explore the attractions, shops, and entertainment in the area. The hotel offers plush rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The on-site restaurant features traditional meals, while the dining room serves afternoon tea. The hotel also has a spa with a sauna, hot tub, and steam room.