An Insider’s Perspective - London
April 18-24, 2012
London, one of the world’s oldest cities, still begets new chapters in history, breakthroughs in science, an everblossoming arts community and an eternal fascination from this side of the pond. Even today, a new vitality is
palpable as the city prepares to host the 2012 Summer Olympics. This specially planned journey allows you to
discover London behind the scenes. Stay at The Lansdowne Club, a private club in Mayfair, the city’s most
exclusive neighborhood. Each day brings new adventures. Tour time-honored Windsor Castle and Oxford
University, and experience Dickens’ London. Gain insights from those inside venerable world –renowned
institutions such as the BBC and National Theatre. Limited to 25 passengers
Itinerary
DAY 1
IN TRANSIT
Depart your gateway city for London aboard scheduled jet service. * (Meals aloft)
DAY 2
LONDON
Upon arrival, transfer* to The Lansdowne Club. En route, see some of London’s most distinguished landmarks,
including Westminster Abbey, the Palace of Westminster and Trafalgar Square. Educational Focus: Life with
The Royal Family. Local Flavor: This afternoon, participate in the national pastime, a traditional English Tea.
This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at The Lansdowne Club. Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club
(Meals aloft, D)
DAY 3
WINDSOR & LONDON
Excursion: Windsor Castle. This grand castle gears little resemblance to the 11th century motte-and-bailey
structure built by William the Conqueror. See St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the State
Apartments. Independent Exploration: Explore the village of Windsor and enjoy lunch on your own.
Excursion: The BBC. Visit the BBC studios for a behind-the-cameras look at the British Broadcasting Corp.
Buglielmo Marconi, the wireless communications trailblazer, helped establish this pioneering network in 1922.
Since then, the BBC has become one of the world’s largest news organizations. ON this side of the pond, of
course, many people look forward to watching the BBC’s dramatic productions. Accommodations: The
Lansdowne Club (B)
DAY 4
BLENHEIM PALACE/COTSWOLDS/OXFORD
Excursion: Churchill’s Boyhood Home and Dreaming Spires. Blenheim Palace is the home of the Dukes of
Marlborough and Winston Churchill’s birthplace. Estate archivist John Forster shares the history of the family
and the palace with you. Continue through the Cotswolds, where pretty villages are nestled in the limestone
hills. Arrive in Oxford, described by poet Matthew Arnold as “The City of Dreaming Spires” because of its
magnificent architecture. Visit one of the University of Oxfords’ colleges. Founded din the late 11th century,
Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club (B, L)
DAY 5
LONDON
Excursion: London Theatre. Go behind the scenes at the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and
National Theatre, England’s oldest acting school. Many celebrated actors, including Anthony Hopkins, Alan
Rickman and Helen Mirren, graduated from RADA. Meet current students and discover how actors learn their
craft. At the National Theatre, tour the backstage and workshops where sets, costumes and props are created.
The rest of the day is for exploration on your own. Discover world-class museums such as the British Museum,
home of the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. Or continue the morning’s theatrical theme and take in a
performance. Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club (B)
DAY 6
LONDON
Excursion: Dickensian London. No other author characterizes London quite like Charles Dickens. Today’s
excursion takes you to the sites associated with the beloved author’s novels. You may choose to stroll through
Hyde Park and Listen to the colorful orators at Speakers’ Corner. Ride the London Eye. Explore the Victoria
and Albert Museum or the Tate Modern. Discover the dark history of the Tower of London. The choices are
yours! This evening, attend a Farewell to London Dinner at the Club. Accommodations: The Lansdowne Club
(B, D)
DAY 7
IN TRANSIT
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city.
• Provided for Air – inclusive participants.
NOTE: Itinerary schedule may change due to local conditions. Many excursions in this program involve an
element of walking.
PLEASE NOTE
We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles, and
opportunities, may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be
open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline schedules
are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.
For Land Only Guests
When you purchase An Insider’s Perspective - London as “land only,” airport transfers and luggage handling
at the arrival and departure airports at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. However, you can
make advance arrangements with the tour operator, for a nominal fee to join the transfers should your flights
coincide with that of the group. However, please note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be
aboard when the coach is leaving. If your flights do not coincide with that of the group, the tour operator can
advise and sometimes provide for purchase a transfer option.