This Southern England tour highlights some of the historical monuments and beautiful towns found throughout Southern England. Your tour starts with a short drive from London to Oxford to see the colleges where Britain’s elite receives its outstanding education. History buffs are sure to be delighted to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare and a town that brings 16th-century England to life; mysterious Stonehenge and the Georgian city of Bath. You will also visit magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, consecrated in 1258 and home to the best preserved original Magna Carta. Discover the Isle of Wight with its rich historical heritage and visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s palatial holiday home.
Throughout this tour of Southern England, you will be accompanied and guided by local experts who will bring these destinations to life with first-hand, in-depth knowledge of southern England’s history, treasures, and secrets. Plus, to give you authentic experiences, your tour guide has included special adventures, such as tea and and pastries in the Refectory restaurant in Salisbury and Shakespeare's Schoolroom where the Bard was educated and inspired to become a writer.
From the vibrant city of London to the relaxing, unspoiled Isle of Wight, this Southern England tour is a vacation of a lifetime!
Highlights:
- Oxford
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- City of Bath
- Stonehenge
Day 1: Arrive in London, England
Welcome to London! Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 2: London–Oxford–Stratford-upon-Avon
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and depart at 8 am for a lovely day of sightseeing. Drive through Runnymede, site of the sealing of the Magna Carta in 1215, and enjoy a walking tour through Oxford to see the colleges where Britain’s elite receives its outstanding education. Then, discover the beautiful hometown and final resting place of Stratford’s most famous son, William Shakespeare. Your Tour Director will take you on a stroll ending at SHAKESPEARE’S SCHOOLROOM. It was here that William was educated and inspired to become one of the world’s greatest playwrights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Stratford–Upon–Avon–Cotswold–Bath
A particularly scenic day. Enjoy a lovely, relaxed sightseeing morning through the Cotswolds’ idyllic rolling hills and discover its charming villages. Stop in Tetbury, a historic wool town and architectural gem, before continuing on to elegant Bath, famous for the Roman excavations and its stunning Georgian buildings. You will have time to discover the town on your own and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Later, consider an optional excursion to the picturesque, 13th-century village of Castle Combe.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Bath–Isle of Wight–Southampton
Take a short FERRY ride and discover the Isle of Wight, situated off England’s south coast, with unspoiled and spectacular scenery and a rich historical heritage. OSBORNE HOUSE, Queen Victoria’s palatial holiday home, invites you to visit Victoria and Albert’s private apartments, their bathing beach, and children’s play-cottage for an intimate glimpse of royal family life. Then stroll through the garden terraces where the fabulous views across the Solent reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. Return by FERRY to the mainland for overnight in Southampton.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Southampton–Salisbury–Stonehenge–Brighton
Today, visit the splendid Salisbury CATHEDRAL, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture and home to the best-preserved, original Magna Carta. Enjoy Globus Local Favorite TEA and PASTRIES in the Refectory restaurant. Then, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric STONEHENGE. First, explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take the shuttle to the stone circle and admire the magnificence of the monument up close. Return to London around 3:30 pm. How about celebrating your vacation by taking in one of the great West End shows?
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Brighton–Hever Castle–London
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meal: Breakfast
