7 Day Royal London, Windsor & Cotswolds Explorer 

Day 1: Arrival in London

Upon arriving at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), meet your driver in the arrival hall for a transfer to your hotel in London. After checking in (available from 14:00), you’ll have free time to explore your hotel at your leisure. Please note that early check-in is subject to availability upon arrival.

Day 2: Amazing London Walking Tour 

After breakfast, set out to explore London and the United Kingdom on an expertly guided walking tour. Discover iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and fascinating history as knowledgeable local guides bring each destination to life with engaging stories and insights. Whether you're strolling through London's famous streets or exploring historic towns, each tour offers an authentic and immersive experience.

Day 3: Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds and Warwick Castle 

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at Golden Tours, Bulleid Way Departure Point, Stop 1, Bulleid Way, London SW1W 9SR, United Kingdom.

Duration: Approx. 10 hours

Departure Time: Check in at 8:15am

Highlights:

• Visit the medieval Warwick Castle and enjoy a guided tour of its hidden chambers
• Soak in picturesque sights of the thatched-roofed cottages in the Cotswolds
• Follow in the Bard’s footsteps by visiting Shakespeare’s childhood home
• Discover Oxford with a walking tour

Inclusion

• Entry to Shakespeare's Birthplace (if selected)
• Entry to Warwick Castle (if selected)
• Drive through the Cotswolds
• Guided walking tour of Oxford
• *Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach, with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers
• Professional guide

Exclusion

• Food and drinks
• Transport to and from the meeting point

Description

The Cotswolds
Covering an area of 800 square miles and running through five counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire), the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) famous for its honey-coloured stone and rolling hills. As you drive through, you will see quintessential English countryside as well as picturesque chocolate box villages and lively market towns dotting the landscape as far as the eye can see. 

Warwick Castle
Get to grips with everything medieval at the fabulously interactive Warwick Castle! Enjoy a guided tour through the Castle's hidden chambers, exclusive to Golden Tours. Usually exempt from the public, you can hear secrets and stories of the fortress. 

Built by William the Conqueror, the fortress dates back to 1068 and still gives a thoroughly authentic medieval experience in the 21st century. Feel the weight of a sword and become a knight, see the State Dining Room, decked out for a Victorian dinner party, or venture inside Warwick Castle Dungeons to learn about the gruesome 300-year-old local history. There are a host of attractions, live shows and entertainment for all the family and friends. 

Stratford-Upon-Avon & Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Set on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford-Upon-Avon is a beautiful market town in the Warwickshire countryside. Steeped in culture and history, it is known for being the birthplace and home of the renowned English poet, playwright and actor, William Shakespeare. Walk through the house he grew up in and uncover tales of the Shakespeare family life as well as original objects including cooking pots, an oak cradle, a boarded chest and more. 

Walking Tour of Oxford
Oxford is famous for being home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world – countless bright young things have wandered the town’s cobbled streets over the years! During this guided walking tour, you will see the stunning Bodleian Library and furtively discover unspoilt narrow alleyways, ancient squares and towering spires. See the 13th-century University Church of St Mary the Virgin. Soak in the spectacular sights of the unique baroque design and architecture as you explore the centre of the University of Oxford. After visiting Oxford, you will leave the university city and return to London.

Day 4: Free Day

After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure to explore London at your own pace. Wander through its vibrant neighborhoods, browse world-class shopping districts, relax in one of the city's beautiful parks, or visit renowned museums and galleries. You may also choose to experience local cafés, traditional pubs, or discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems, making the most of your free time in England's dynamic capital.

Day 5: Buckingham Palace Tickets and Royal Mews

After breakfast, make your way to Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1A 1AA, located a short distance from your hotel. Visit Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews, where you can explore the magnificent royal residence and discover the historic collection of state coaches, ceremonial carriages, and working royal horses. Enjoy an unforgettable glimpse into the traditions and heritage of the British monarchy.

Highlights

• Visit the Royal Mews and State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
• See the state vehicles including horse drawn carriages and motor cars
• Explore the rooms used by the King for state, ceremonial and official occasions
• Discover the Picture Gallery, Ballroom and Throne Room

Inclusion

• Entry to Buckingham Palace
• Entry to the Royal Mews

Not Included

• Transfers
• Food and drink

Description

Royal Mews
Look at the beautiful State vehicles in the Royal Mews. These recognisable vehicles are used for coronations, State visits, royal weddings, the State Opening of Parliament and official engagements. See the Gold State Coach, which has been used at every coronation from George IV onwards, including King Charles III in 2023! 

The Diamond Jubilee State Coach is a highlight of the Royal Mews. This stunning vehicle was built to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. During your visit to the Royal Mews, you may also see some working royal horses.

Buckingham Palace
A visit to the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace is a unique experience. Open to the public each year for a limited time only, the State Rooms give visitors a behind-the-scenes look into one of the world’s most famous residences.

Members of the Royal Family use the State Rooms for official occasions, and each of the 19 rooms is splendidly decorated. You can walk through the 47 metre-long Picture Gallery and view some of the greatest paintings in the Royal Collection! Here you will find paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Claude. Other rooms to visit include the beautiful ballroom and throne room.

Experience the history and splendour of Buckingham Palace and reserve your tickets to guarantee a visit to this treasured Royal home. After visiting Buckingham Palace, please make your way to the Royal Mews in time for your entry slot.

Day 6: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at Victoria, SW1W 0DH.

Duration: Approx. 12 hours

Departure Time: Check in at 7:30am

Highlights

• Experience 3 of the UK’s most popular attractions
• Visit the King’s royal residence Windsor Castle including St George's Chapel
• Test your theories at the historic, must-see Stonehenge
• Enjoy the charming city of Bath with entrance to the Roman Baths

Inclusion

• Professional guide
• Entries to chosen attractions
• 25% discount on guidebooks at Stonehenge!*
• Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers**

Exclusion

• Food and drinks

Description

Windsor Castle
Start your British adventure in Windsor Castle. As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been home to the British monarchy for over 900 years.

Venture into the opulent State Apartments to discover a statue of Queen Victoria, the Waterloo Chamber, the King’s Rooms, Queen’s Rooms and world-famous masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt. You’ll also get to explore St George’s Chapel — the setting for many royal weddings, including that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II. 

If you’re visiting on a Thursday or Saturday, listen out for the triumphant tunes of troops in red uniforms and bearskin caps at the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Please be aware that Windsor Castle is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday. If you are travelling on one of these days, please select an option that does not include Windsor Castle entry. A guided walking tour of Windsor will operate every Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. A guided walking tour around Windsor town will operate instead.

Stonehenge
The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world. Visit the Neolithic stones that have stood on the Salisbury Plains for around 5,000 years and discover the fascinating theories surrounding this prehistoric monument. Attempt to piece together how, who and why they came to rest there — it promises to be an unforgettable experience. Make sure to visit the award-winning visitor centre where you can see 250 archaeological objects discovered in the landscape, contemporary art, photographs, the large shop and café. Just outside the visitor centre, you'll also find a recreation of the Neolithic houses found during excavations in 2006 and 2007.

Bath
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath is a stunning Georgian city with exceptional architecture. It’s home to the world-famous Roman Baths, one of the best historic attractions in the country. Although you can no longer take a dip in these waters, you can soak in the glorious views of the hot springs and the gorgeous area that surrounds them. Why not sip Bath’s waters in the Pump Room and give your verdict on the taste? If there’s time to spare, wander the cobbled streets of the idyllic city, making sure to visit Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and the spectacular Pulteney Bridge. You may also want to pop into the Jane Austen Centre for a spot of Regency afternoon tea. 

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to the London Heathrow Airport (LHR). We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability. 

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

• 6 nights accommodation in London.
• Daily breakfast.
• Private arrival transfer from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to your hotel.
• Private departure transfer from your hotel to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
• Amazing London Walking Tour with a professional English-speaking guide.
• Full-day guided tour to Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, the Cotswolds & Warwick Castle (tour inclusions subject to the selected option).
• Admission to Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews.
• Full-day guided tour to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath, including transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports (attractions included according to the selected option).
• One full day at leisure to explore London independently.
• Professional English-speaking guides during the included guided tours.
• Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach for applicable day tours.

• Flight tickets are not included in the tour price. However, we would be happy to provide you with a flight offer upon request.
• Travel insurance is excluded in our program but we recommend to purchase a Travel Insurance from your home country before travel