Arrive in cosmopolitan London; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore all of the delights of this sophisticated and energetic city. Tonight, join your Tour Manager for a Welcome Drink and briefing on the extraordinary tour of Southern England that lies ahead.

Overnight: London

Today, discover the history, pageantry, and sights of the city with a half-day tour of London's West End. Begin with a drive through fashionable Kensington with its elegant squares and parks. Pass Harrods store and continue to view Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and the famous Big Ben. Continue to view Buckingham Palace, the London residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Your tour ends in the heart of town to explore this afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, join the optional tour of the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. Visit the Tower of London, a former fortress and Royal Palace that has witnessed 1,000 years of history including a viewing the Crown Jewels and continue with a photo stop outside St Paul's Cathedral. Tonight, continue to discover London at your own pace.

Optional: Tower of London & St. Paul's Cathedral (PM)
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

On your drive toward Stratford-upon-Avon, stop to visit Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world, home to over 39 monarchs in the last 1,000 years. You will tour the splendidly furnished State Apartments that include art from the Royal Collection. Or, if the Queen is in residence, you will visit St. George's Chapel with its resplendent ceilings and Royal Tombs. Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, a thriving market town on the River Avon. The town is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, England's greatest poet, and playwright. You will visit Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley Street, followed by a view of Anne Hathaway's cottage. Enjoy some free time to explore. Later this evening, dinner together at your hotel.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Morning drive through the pretty Cotswolds region of outstanding natural beauty, characterized by attractive small towns and thatched villages of yellow Cotswold stone made prosperous by the historic wool trade. Visit Blenheim Palace. This birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough is a true masterpiece of 18th-century Baroque architecture that was built in celebration of the English victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim. Time to enjoy this glorious UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on over 2,000 acres with stunning formal gardens. Next, travel to the university town of Oxford, housing the second oldest university in the world. The ivy-clad colleges that make up the university are renowned for some of the finest architecture in Europe. View Christ Church College, used in many of the Harry Potter movies, with its impressive landmark tower designed by Christopher Wren. Return to Stratford-upon-Avon for an evening at leisure. Tonight, choose the optional cruise with dinner on the River Avon.

Optional: Dinner Cruise on River Avon (PM)
Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals: Breakfast

Travel to the charming city of Bath, founded by the Romans as a thermal spa. Admire the Georgian architecture of the imposing 18th-century terraced houses of the Royal Crescent, graceful Poultney Bridge, and the preserved 2,000-year-old Roman Baths with its natural mineral springs. Then stop in the small Somerset town of Glastonbury brimming with history, myths and colorful legends of King Arthur. It is believed that King Arthur is buried in the Glastonbury medieval Abbey, an early center of pilgrimage. Now, this new age city with its bohemian culture is known primarily for its annual music festival. Travel to Exeter and enjoy some free time to explore. Later this evening, dinner together at your hotel.

Overnight: Exeter
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your day begins with a journey along the picturesque Cornish coast dotted with quiet coves and quaint villages to Cornwall. Here view mighty St. Michael's Mount near Penzance, the jewel in Cornwall's crown; it is steeped in both legend and folklore. This spectacular castle perched atop a granite crag dates from the 14th century. Stop in the trendy artist's town of St. Ives before heading back to Exeter for overnight.

Overnight: Exeter
Meals: Breakfast

This morning travel to Salisbury Cathedral where you view a copy of the Magna Carta, signed in 1215 by King John and land barons of medieval England. After time for lunch, on your own, visit the most mysterious prehistoric monument in the world, Stonehenge; named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the middle of the Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is unique among stone circles and its construction still defies belief. The first stone was placed here 5,000 years ago with the structure finally completed 1,400 years later. Continue on to London and arrive early evening. Enjoy free time tonight for last minute shopping, theater going or dining at some of the city's chic restaurants.

Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast