London & The Royal Windsor Steam Express

London

We meet in London at our hotel, the 4-Star Best Western, The Boltons', in Earl's Court. Nestled on a quiet street amidst the delightful cafés, boutiques and parks of London's Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, this is a superb base for exploring the English capital.

The rich and proud heritage of London dates back thousands of years. As England's political and economic hub, the city is home to the Queen and Royal Family as well as the Houses of Parliament, and bursts with an abundance of culture, enthralling history and artistic delights. Famous landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace and the brooding Tower of London offer a mere glimpse into what this exciting city has to offer; delve just a little further and you will also discover world-class restaurants, quaint pubs, bustling markets and a myriad of architectural treasures. We head out into the city this evening for our first meal together, dining in a local restaurant.

The Royal Windsor Steam Express and Windsor Castle

After breakfast, we transfer to Waterloo Station for our journey on the Royal Windsor Steam Express. The first regular steam service from London to Windsor, the Royal Windsor Steam Express harks back to a bygone era of rail travel at its very finest, transporting us back in time on a charming journey filled with wonderful scenery and an undeniable air of vintage romance.

A journey of wonderful visual contrasts, we relax in our comfortable Pullman Class seats as we steam through the bustling centre of the city, passing iconic landmarks including the London Eye and Big Ben, before reaching the quieter suburbs. From here, the landscapes open up, becoming ever greener as we are treated to views across woodlands, rivers and lakes. Our journey ends at the royal, Grade II listed Windsor & Eton Riverside Station in Windsor, where we have a little free time for lunch and to wander the quaint streets.

A charming riverside town synonymous with the Royal Family, Windsor is crowned by historic Windsor Castle, a favourite weekend residence of the Queen, which we have the chance to explore today.

Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in the world, having served as the home to many reigning monarchs over the centuries, including Henry VIII, George IV - who is responsible for the lavish furnishings of the State Apartments - and Queen Victoria. We take in over 900 years of history as we soak up the regal splendour of the interiors, seeing opulent rooms with gilded walls, extravagant chandeliers, elaborate china and incredible works of art.

We return to London by rail, where you are at leisure for dinner. With an incredible selection of eateries, from lavish Michelin-starred restaurants to bohemian pop-ups, all spanning an incredible range of cuisines, this is a marvellous city in which to indulge in world-class food.

The Tower of London

This morning we discover the Tower of London, arriving in time to witness the famous Opening Ceremony. An exclusive talk by a Yeoman Warder before seeing the ceremony first-hand, followed by time to explore this iconic landmark at your own pace. Established in 1066 after the Norman Conquest of England, the Tower has served a number of purposes, being utilised as a prison and most recently, home of the Crown Jewels. Fascinatingly, an assortment of exotic animals including tigers, elephants and a polar bear have called the Tower's Royal Menagerie home over the years - the result of a long-standing tradition of monarchs keeping wild beasts as extravagant status symbols. Discover this rich and engrossing British history through intriguing exhibits before we head to the water for a cruise along the Thames, with lunch served on board.

The rest of the day is at leisure in the capital. London is home to some wonderful museums and galleries which are well worth exploring, including the fantastic Natural History Museum and the ever-popular British Museum, both of which possess a collection of some of the finest archaeological finds in world history.

Exploring London

This morning we embark on a guided sightseeing tour, by open-top bus and on foot, discovering many of the monuments and landmarks which have helped to secure London's place as an innovative, world-leading city. Our tour takes in London's vibrant West End, an area notable for its distinguished theatre district, and the bustling government area of Westminster, home to important historic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Parliament. We continue to the mighty River Thames, where we see the emblematic sights that line its banks, including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the imposing Shard, and Tate Modern, one of the world's most revered modern art galleries.

Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the wealth of attractions London has to offer. From its compelling museums and art galleries to its impressive shopping streets and enticing food scene, there is something here to appeal to every visitor. You may choose to sightsee further with a visit to Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the British monarchy since 1837. Or, perhaps indulge in some retail therapy at the shops and luxurious boutiques of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. For those seeking a spot of tranquillity, London boasts a number of serene green spaces. Grade I listed Hyde Park, the largest of 4 Royal Parks surrounding Kensington Palace, is a calm oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. You could also visit the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew where you can admire a wide array of exotic plants on display.

This evening, we head to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner; the perfect opportunity to reflect on our time in the English capital.

Homeward bound

After a final breakfast together at the hotel, you are free to depart at leisure.

Departure Times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.