Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.
Explore both cosmopolitan London and the quintessentially British countryside in the Cotswolds, admiring a variety of popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the historic city of Oxford.
DAY 1
Fly into London Heathrow or London Gatwick Airport. Here you will be met and transferred to The May Fair Hotel.
Although every effort will be made to have your room available prior to the 3:00pm check in, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee early availability of your room.
Note: Once you have gone through Customs and Immigration you will collect your luggage at the carousel, walk through the “nothing to declare” channel and then exit into the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a sign with the cruise line logo. Should you not be able to locate your driver within a few minutes, as he may be assisting other guests, please contact the local agent via the phone number listed below.
The remainder of the day and meals are on your own, after which you will overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Your day begins in a Royal Palace after breakfast at your hotel and a short drive outside the city.
On the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace started life in 1515 as a magnificent brick stately home for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Seized by Henry VIII at Wolsey's downfall, the Palace was enlarged and became home for Henry and wife number two, Anne Boleyn.
Explore with a Hampton Court guide the Tudor bedrooms, oak panelled corridors and extensive Royal kitchens. Visit the magnificent chapel and banqueting hall. See how the Palace received a makeover by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century reign of William and Mary. Enjoy the works of art from the Royal Collection on display throughout the building and take time to stroll around the grounds, admiring the fountains and getting yourself lost in the famous Hampton Court maze!
Return to the city for a superb 2-course lunch in a top London restaurant to enjoy a ‘Taste of Britain’ menu followed by a cruise on the River Thames. Sip a glass of Champagne as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city's famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
Today you will delight in a rewarding and informative tour of the great city of learning, Oxford, with its majestic University buildings and colleges followed by a traditional pub lunch and tour of the wonderfully beautiful Cotswold Hills with its bucolic landscapes and attractive old stone villages.
To begin the day there will be an eye opening and educational tour of Oxford University which will include a visit to one of its most prestigious colleges, Christ Church. Oxford is made up of 38 colleges, where students live and take tutorials, and one University, providing lectures and exams for students attending those colleges.
Learn of the famous names that attended Oxford, politicians, writers, artists and inventors. Explore the cobbled streets that link libraries to chapels, lecture rooms to exam halls then visit Christ Church itself where the great dining hall and college buildings have links to Alice In Wonderland, Harry Potter and the undergraduate career of at least thirteen British Prime Ministers. Visit the college chapel which also serves as Oxford's cathedral.
Next, take a drive though the delightful rolling hills and meandering streams of the Cotswolds, to honey-coloured stone villages down narrow country lanes. Time seems to have been given very little chance to march forward around these parts. Cottages of 17th century weavers’ homes stand next to chuckling streams, gentle rolling green hills and hidden valleys that stretch across these limestone uplands. With an expert guide on board your coach you will set about exploring this area and meander through this wonderful landscape.
Visit Burford where the old weavers’ houses cascade down to the valley of the River Windrush below and see Stow on the Wold with its ancient market place and hilltop views. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in an old English hostelry during your journey around the Cotswold Hills as well as photo stops and guided walks in each of the villages you call into.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Back in London at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast and check out, begin your journey to the ship via one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe ‘Stonehenge’.
Entry to the site is included, with an audio guide. Kindly be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to departure, having settled any incidentals, where you will be met by a local representative.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Fly into either London Heathrow or London Gatwick Airport.
Transfer to your hotel for 3:00pm check in.
The remainder of the day and all meals are on your own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Depart hotel by executive coach
10:00am Arrive Hampton Court for entry and guided tour with expert guide
12:30pm Depart Hampton Court, short drive and arrive lunch venue
1:15pm Lunch
3:00pm Thames cruise with Champagne
3:45pm Panoramic coach tour with photo stop
6:00pm Approximate return to your hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Depart hotel by executive coach
9:30am Arrive Oxford. Guided walking tour ending with entry to Christ Church Oxford
12:30pm Depart Oxford
1:15pm Two course lunch in a Cotswold’s local village pub or restaurant
2:30pm Cotswold’s Village tour with photo stops
5:30pm Depart the Cotswold’s
7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel followed by check out
8:45am Depart hotel for Stonehenge
11:15am Arrive Stonehenge
1:15pm Depart Stonehenge
2:30pm Approximate arrival at the ship in Southampton for embarkation
Dietary Requests:
Should you have any specific dietary requirements please advise RSSC no later than 30 days before program operation so your land program booking can be noted.
Expected Weather:
Weather in the United Kingdom is very unpredictable. You may experience rain at any time.
What to Bring: Prepare for moderately mild weather at all time and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats and sunglasses.
Local Currency: Pound Sterling. USD are not accepted however all major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity: 230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. We recommend brining a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements: Please check with your embassy for up-to-date visa information for your nationality. A valid passport is also required.
Accessibility
NOTE: For guests who utilize a wheelchair or with accessibility needs, lifts are available and 90% of the sites are accessible to wheelchair users. Guests need to be able to walk up and down the steps of the tour coach with little to no assistance. Visitors with hearing or visual impairments are able to enjoy the sites using sign language audio guides and tactile displays. Any guests using a scooter or wheelchair should contact the cruise line and have their booking noted. Wheelchairs must fold and scooters need to come apart in order to fit in the coaches. Accessible rooms in the hotel need to be requested in advance and are subject to availability.
Hotel address:
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7629 7777
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes:
•3 nights at the May Fair Hotel (superior room) or similar hotel
•Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two days of sight-seeing and all associated expenses
•Taste of Britain 2 course meal with a drink in a top London restaurant
•Entry to Hampton Court with guided tour by expert Hampton Court guide
•River Thames cruise with commentary glass of champagne
•Two course meal and a drink in a Cotswold’s village pub
•Entry to Christ Church Oxford and Oxford guided walking tour
*Entry and audio-guide at Stonehenge
•Transfers
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
•Meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers or tour guides
•Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Explore both cosmopolitan London and the quintessentially British countryside in the Cotswold’s, admiring a variety of popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the historic city of Oxford.
DAY 1
Disembark from your ship in the morning. A transfer will be provided to your Central London hotel, via Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Entry to the site is included and you will be able to explore the site with an audio guide.
Arrival at your hotel will be at approximately 3:00pm, in time for check in.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure for independent exploration of the city. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Your day begins in a Royal Palace after breakfast at your hotel and a short drive outside the city.
On the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace started life in 1515 as a magnificent brick stately home for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Seized by Henry VIII at Wolsey's downfall, the Palace was enlarged and became home for Henry and wife number two, Anne Boleyn.
Explore with a Hampton Court guide the Tudor bedrooms, oak panelled corridors and extensive Royal kitchens. Visit the magnificent chapel and banqueting hall. See how the Palace received a makeover by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century reign of William and Mary. Enjoy the works of art from the Royal Collection on display throughout the building and take time to stroll around the grounds, admiring the fountains and getting yourself lost in the famous Hampton Court maze!
Return to the city for a superb 2-course lunch in a top London restaurant to enjoy a ‘Taste of Britain’ menu followed by a cruise on the River Thames. Sip a glass of champagne as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city's famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
Today you will delight in a rewarding and informative tour of the great city of learning, Oxford, with its majestic University buildings and colleges followed by a traditional pub lunch and tour of the wonderfully beautiful Cotswold Hills with its bucolic landscapes and attractive old stone villages.
To begin the day there will be an eye opening and educational tour of Oxford University which will include a visit to one of its most prestigious colleges, Christ Church. Oxford is made up of 38 colleges, where students live and take tutorials, and one University, providing lectures and exams for students attending those colleges.
Learn of the famous names that attended Oxford, politicians, writers, artists and inventors. Explore the cobbled streets that link libraries to chapels, lecture rooms to exam halls then visit Christ Church itself where the great dining hall and college buildings have links to Alice In Wonderland, Harry Potter and the undergraduate career of at least thirteen British Prime Ministers. Visit the college chapel which also serves as Oxford's cathedral.
Next, take a drive though the delightful rolling hills and meandering streams of the Cotswolds, to honey-coloured stone villages down narrow country lanes. Time seems to have been given very little chance to march forward around these parts. Cottages of 17th century weavers’ homes stand next to chuckling streams, gentle rolling green hills and hidden valleys that stretch across these limestone uplands. With an expert guide on board your coach you will set about exploring this area and meander through this wonderful landscape.
Visit Burford where the old weavers’ houses cascade down to the valley of the River Windrush below and see Stow on the Wold with its ancient market place and hilltop views. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in an old English hostelry during your journey around the Cotswold Hills as well as photo stops and guided walks in each of the villages you call into.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Back in London at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast, the morning is free for independent sight-seeing or perhaps a spot of last-minute shopping in some of London’s famous stores.
Room check out is at 12:00pm, however arrangements can be made for the hotel to securely store your luggage should you need longer. Late check can also be arranged, but this may incur additional charges depending on the length of time required. Late check out can only be booked at the hotel while you are there. For a guaranteed late check-out in advance guests would have to purchase an additional night.
A transfer will be provided to your departure airport (LHR or LGW) to suit the flight departure details that were provided.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:30am Disembark the ship and transfer to Central London hotel via historic Stonehenge
10:45am Arrive at Stonehenge
12:45pm Depart Stonehenge
3:15pm Arrive at your hotel
Room check in time is at 3:00pm
Afternoon at leisure, lunch and dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Full English breakfast
8:45am Depart hotel
10:00am Arrive at Hampton Court - guided tour with expert guide
12:30pm Depart Hampton Court - short drive to lunch venue
1:15pm Lunch
3:00pm Thames River cruise with Champagne
3:45pm Panoramic coach tour
6:00pm Approximate arrival at your hotel
Dinner on your own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Full English breakfast
7:30am Depart hotel
9:30am Arrive in Oxford - guided walking tour
12:30pm Depart Oxford
1:15pm Two course lunch in a Cotswold’s local village pub or restaurant
2:30pm Cotswold’s Village tour with photo stops
5:30pm Depart the Cotswold’s
7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the hotel
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Full English breakfast
12:00pm Check out
TBA Transfer to London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport for your return flight based on your flight details
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Dietary Requests:
Should you have any specific dietary requirements please advise RSSC no later than 30 days before program operation so your land program booking can be noted.
Expected Weather:
Weather in the United Kingdom is unpredictable and you may experience rain at any time.
What to Bring:
Prepare for moderately mild weather at all times and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats and sunglasses.
Local Currency:
Pound Sterling. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity:
230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. Some hotels will have adaptors available, although this cannot be guaranteed. We recommend brining a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Please check with your embassy for up-to-date visa information for your nationality. A valid passport is also required.
Hotel address:
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7629 7777
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes:
•3 nights at the May Fair Hotel (superior room) or similar hotel
•Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two days of sight-seeing and all associated expenses
•Taste of Britain 2 course meal with a drink in a top London restaurant
•Entry to Hampton Court with guided tour by expert Hampton Court guide
•River Thames cruise with commentary glass of champagne
•Two course meal and a drink in a Cotswold’s village pub
•Entry to Christ Church Oxford and Oxford guided walking tour
*Entry and audioguide at Stonehenge
•Transfers
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
•Meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers or tour guides
•Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore both cosmopolitan London and a deeply fascinating corner or Britain, the beautiful countryside of Kent. Admire a variety of popular attractions such as the Tower of London and it’s Crown Jewels, the Battle of Britain Monument, Dover Castle and the surrounding area that is referred to as “the Garden of England”.
DAY 1
Fly into London Heathrow or London Gatwick Airport. Here you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Although every effort will be made to have your room available prior to the 3:00pm check in, this cannot be guaranteed.
Note: Once you have gone through Customs and Immigration you will collect your luggage at the carousel, walk through the “nothing to declare” channel and then exit into the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a sign with the cruise line logo.
The remainder of the day and meals are on your own, after which you will overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Start this day of discovery with an exclusive private tour of the Crown Jewels within the historic Tower of London.
You'll be met by one of the guardians of this royal fortress upon arrival - a magnificently dressed Yeoman Warder, or 'Beefeater' who will show you symbols of over 800 years of monarchy. Marvel at the Imperial State Crown and gaze in wonder at the Cullinan diamond, the largest clear-cut diamond in the world. An amazing collection of intricate jewellery and precious metals which are still in use today for coronations and special events.
There is plenty of time to explore the rest of this ancient fortress, see the site of executions at the scaffold, visit the Beauchamp Tower adorned with the graffiti of prisoners over 500 years ago. Climb the thousand-year-old White Tower and learn the gruesome history of the Bloody Tower.
This is followed by a 2-course lunch in a top London restaurant to enjoy a ‘Taste of Britain’ menu followed by a champagne cruise on the River Thames as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city's famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
Travel to a surprisingly unique and deeply fascinating corner of Britain, the beautiful county of Kent, with its lush green landscape, bountiful orchards, fruit markets and bustling vegetable farms it is known, quite rightly, as The Garden of England.
But Kent is not just a collection of charming villages and narrow country lanes, its proximity to the continent has made it both a rewarding and dangerous place to be. Whether it be Roman or Norman invaders, the arrival of Christianity through St Augustine, or French Huguenot refugees escaping persecution, the county of Kent has seen it all.
More recently, though, it was in the firing line from Luftwaffe during World War Two, specifically the Battle of Britain in 1940. The sky over the county echoed to the sound of dogfights between the Royal Air Force and the enemy.
Enjoy a drive into the heart of the region, through fields of market produce, tomatoes, onions, orchards of apples and the ever-present hop fields. We pause in the delightful village of Chilham. With its timber framed cottages huddled below the stately Manor House at the head of the old square. Visit the church and see the ancient Yew tree which took root way back in 690AD.
Pay a visit to the Battle of Britain memorial that overlooks the famous White Cliffs of the South Coast. From here, as we look out to the French coast, we make the short journey to Dover Castle, the largest castle in England. Visit the 2,000-year-old Roman lighthouse, Henry II's magnificent 12th century stone keep and explore the extensive range of tunnels dating from the Napoleonic Wars and World War Two.
The next stop is the award winning Gusbourne Vineyard. As a founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, Gusbourne carries an accreditation that reflects the most exacting environmental standards. The visit begins with a glass of sparkling wine on arrival followed by an exclusive vineyard tour. Learn the processes and methods to transform fruit into great wines, all while taking in the stunning views. The tour concludes with a 2- course, locally sourced lunch and tutored wine tasting.
Once the visit ends, begin the journey back to London where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast and check out, begin your journey to the ship via one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe ‘Stonehenge’. Entry to the site is included but the tour is self-guided.
Please meet in the lobby 15-minutes prior to departure, having settled any incidentals, where you will be met by a representative who will accompany you on the drive. Once at the port you will embark the ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Fly into either London Heathrow or London Gatwick Airport
Transfer to your hotel for a 3:00pm check in
The remainder of the day and all meals are at your leisure
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
Full English breakfast.
7:00am Depart hotel by executive coach.
7:30am Arrive Tower of London for private Crown Jewels tour followed by time to visit Tower
8:00am Private Crown Jewels tour begins followed by free time
10:30am Thames River Cruise with Champagne
12:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Panoramic coach tour with photo stops ending at the hotel at approximately 3:00pm
Remainder of the day at leisure, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
Full English breakfast.
7:30am Depart hotel by executive coach.
9:30am Photo stop at Chilham
10:30am Arrive Dover Castle
12:00pm Depart Dover Castle
12:15pm Arrive Battle of Britain Memorial site
1:15pm Lunch at Gusbourne Vineyard followed by wine tasting guided tour
6:30pm Approx arrival back at the hotel
DAY 4
AM Full English breakfast
8:45am Depart hotel for Stonehenge
11:15am Arrive at Stonehenge
1:15pm Depart Stonehenge
2:30pm Approximate arrival at the ship for embarkation
Dietary Requests:
Should you have any specific dietary requirements please advise RSSC no later than 30 days before program operation so your land program booking can be noted.
Expected Weather:
Weather in the United Kingdom is very unpredictable. You may experience rain at any time.
What to Bring:
Prepare for moderately mild weather at all times and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats and sunglasses.
Local Currency:
Pound Sterling. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity: 230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Please check with your embassy for up-to-date visa information for your nationality.
A valid passport is required.
Hotel address:
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7629 7777
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes:
•3 nights at the May Fair Hotel (superior room) or similar hotel
•Transfers
•Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two days of sight-seeing and all associated expenses
•Taste of Britain 2 course meal with a drink in a top London restaurant
•Entry to Tower of London with viewing of the Crown Jewels
•River Thames cruise with commentary with glass of champagne
•Two course meal and a drink followed by tutored Wine Tasting Tour at Gusbourne Vineyard
•Entry to Dover Castle and photo stop at Battle of Britain memorial site
•Visit to Stonehenge, entry and audio guide included
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers or tour guides
•Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
Explore both cosmopolitan London and the quintessentially British countryside in the Cotswolds, admiring a variety of popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the elegant city of Bath including a visit to the ancient Roman Baths.
Operational Note: Venues and sites in London are not able to be confirmed for groups until we are much closer to operation dates. For this reason, should a venue or site not be available during your voyage, guests will be advised prior to departing for the program. Guests should refer to their final cruise documents received 21 days before sailing for the most up to date itinerary for their voyage.
DAY 1
Disembark from your ship in the morning. A transfer will be provided to your Central London hotel, via Stonehenge, one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Entry to the site is included and you will be able to explore the site with an audio guide.
Arrival at your hotel will be at approximately 3:00pm, in time for check in.
The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure for independent exploration of the city. Lunch and dinner are on your own.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Your day begins in a Royal Palace after breakfast at your hotel and a short drive outside the city.
On the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace started life in 1515 as a magnificent brick stately home for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Seized by Henry VIII at Wolsey's downfall, the Palace was enlarged and became home for Henry and wife number two, Anne Boleyn.
Explore with a Hampton Court guide the Tudor bedrooms, oak panelled corridors and extensive Royal kitchens. Visit the magnificent chapel and banqueting hall. See how the Palace received a makeover by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century reign of William and Mary. Enjoy the works of art from the Royal Collection on display throughout the building and take time to stroll around the grounds, admiring the fountains and getting yourself lost in the famous Hampton Court maze!
Return to the city for a 2-course ‘Taste of Britain’ lunch followed by a cruise along the Thames River. Sip a glass of Champagne as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city's famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with a journey to England's West Country, to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its therapeutic hot springs, a long and varied Roman history plus the beautiful terraces, crescents and circuses of the 18th Century that adorn the residential area of the city.
Bath's foundations go back to Celtic times when the springs were first discovered, and the healing properties realized. Enjoying the warm waters, the Roman invaders soon arrived in the first century and called this place Aquae Sulis turning it into one of the most important religious centers and military settlements in the northern part of the empire.
Through the Saxon era and the Mediaeval period up to the city's new foundation as a resort for Georgian aristocrats, making the three-day journey from the capital, the wealthy elite would take the waters to cure themselves of rheumatic diseases, stiffness of the joints and gout.
On arrival in Bath there will be a guided tour where you will walk along the original Roman pavement, before entering the Roman Baths to see the hot baths and remains of the temple of Sulis Minerva.
Next, take a drive though the delightful rolling hills and meandering streams of the Cotswolds, to honey-coloured stone villages down narrow country lanes. Time seems to have been given very little chance to march forward around these parts. Cottages of 17th century weavers’ homes stand next to chuckling streams, gentle rolling green hills and hidden valleys that stretch across these limestone uplands. With an expert guide on board your coach you will set about exploring this area and meander through this wonderful landscape.
Visit Burford where the old weavers’ houses cascade down to the valley of the River Windrush below and see Stow on the Wold with its ancient marketplace and hilltop views. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in an old English hostelry during your journey around the Cotswold Hills as well as photo stops and guided walks in each of the villages you call into.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Back in London at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast, the morning is free for independent sight-seeing or perhaps a spot of last-minute shopping in some of London’s famous stores.
Room check-out is at 12:00pm, however arrangements can be made for the hotel to securely store your luggage should you need longer. Late check can also be arranged, but this may incur additional charges depending on the length of time required. Late check out can only be booked at the hotel while you are there. For a guaranteed late check-out in advance guests would have to purchase an additional night.
A transfer will be provided to your departure airport (LHR or LGW) to suit the flight departure details that were provided.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:30am Disembark the ship in Southampton and transfer to Central London hotel via historic Stonehenge
10:45am Arrive at Stonehenge, explore with audio-guide
12:45pm Depart Stonehenge
3:15pm Arrive at your hotel
Room check in time is at 3:00pm
Afternoon at leisure, lunch and dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Full English breakfast
8:45am Depart hotel
10:00am Arrive at Hampton Court - guided tour with expert guide
12:30pm Depart Hampton Court - short drive to lunch venue
1:15pm Lunch
3:00pm River cruise with glass of Champagne
3:45pm Panoramic coach tour
6:00pm Approximate arrival at your hotel
Dinner on your own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Depart hotel by executive coach
10:30am Arrive Bath. Guided walking tour ending with entry to Roman Baths
1:00pm Depart Bath
1:45pm Two course lunch in a Cotswold’s local village pub or restaurant
3:00pm Cotswold’s Village tour with photo stops
5:30pm Depart the Cotswold’s
7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Full English breakfast
12:00pm Check out
TBA Transfer to London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport for your return flight based on your flight details
Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Dietary Requests:
Should you have any specific dietary requirements please advise RSSC no later than 30 days before program operation so your land program booking can be noted.
Expected Weather:
Weather in the United Kingdom is unpredictable, and you may experience rain at any time.
What to Bring:
Prepare for moderately mild weather at all times and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats and sunglasses.
Local Currency:
Pound Sterling. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity:
230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. Some hotels will have adaptors available, although this cannot be guaranteed. We recommend brining a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Please check with your embassy for up-to-date visa information for your nationality. A valid passport is also required.
Hotel address:
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7629 7777
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes:
3 nights at the May Fair Hotel (superior room) or similar hotel
Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two days of sight-seeing and all associated expenses
Taste of Britain 2 course meal with a drink in a London restaurant
Entry to Hampton Court with guided tour by expert Hampton Court guide
River cruise with complimentary glass of Champagne
Two course meal and a drink in a Cotswold’s village pub
Entry to Roman Baths and Bath guided walking tour
Entry and audio-guide at Stonehenge
Transfers
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
Meals or beverages not listed above
Gratuities to drivers or tour guides
Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Explore both cosmopolitan London and the quintessentially British countryside in the Cotswolds, admiring a variety of popular attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the elegant city of Bath including a visit to the ancient Roman Baths.
Operational Note: Venues and sites in London are not able to be confirmed for groups until we are much closer to operation dates. For this reason, should a venue or site not be available during your voyage, guests will be advised prior to departing for the program. Guests should refer to their final cruise documents received 21 days before sailing for the most up to date itinerary for their voyage.
DAY 1
Fly into London Heathrow or London Gatwick Airport. Here you will be met and transferred to The May Fair Hotel.
Although every effort will be made to have your room available prior to the 3:00pm check in, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night to guarantee early availability of your room.
Note: Once you have gone through Customs and Immigration you will collect your luggage at the carousel, walk through the “nothing to declare” channel and then exit into the arrivals hall where your driver will be waiting with a sign with the cruise line logo. Should you not be able to locate your driver within a few minutes, as he may be assisting other guests, please contact the local agent via the emergency phone number listed below.
The remainder of the day and meals are on your own, after which you will overnight at the hotel.
DAY 2
London is a city that inspires and amazes! A capital that basks in its rich history where around every corner there is something new, yet something very familiar. We take you on a tour of this majestic city, fully guided by a London expert.
Your day begins in a Royal Palace after breakfast at your hotel and a short drive outside the city.
On the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace started life in 1515 as a magnificent brick stately home for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Seized by Henry VIII at Wolsey's downfall, the Palace was enlarged and became home for Henry and wife number two, Anne Boleyn.
Explore with a Hampton Court guide the Tudor bedrooms, oak panelled corridors and extensive Royal kitchens. Visit the magnificent chapel and banqueting hall. See how the Palace received a makeover by Sir Christopher Wren during the late 17th century reign of William and Mary. Enjoy the works of art from the Royal Collection on display throughout the building and take time to stroll around the grounds, admiring the fountains and getting yourself lost in the famous Hampton Court maze!
Return to the city for a superb 2-course lunch in a top London restaurant to enjoy a ‘Taste of Britain’ menu followed by a cruise on the River Thames. Sip a glass of Champagne as you pass by the iconic Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.
In the afternoon enjoy a guided panoramic tour of the city, starting from Parliament and Westminster Abbey, peer along Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister, circle around Trafalgar Square, see vibrant Piccadilly Circus and the opulent Albert Memorial and view the city's famous museums such as the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum. Head into Knightsbridge to drive by Harrods and then take a short walk for a photo stop outside Buckingham Palace before returning to your hotel at the end of this entertaining and rewarding day.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Upon returning to your hotel, the evening is at spent at your leisure, dinner is on your own.
DAY 3
After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with a journey to England's West Country, to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its therapeutic hot springs, a long and varied Roman history plus the beautiful terraces, crescents and circuses of the 18th Century that adorn the residential area of the city.
Bath's foundations go back to Celtic times when the springs were first discovered, and the healing properties realized. Enjoying the warm waters, the Roman invaders soon arrived in the first century and called this place Aquae Sulis turning it into one of the most important religious centers and military settlements in the northern part of the empire.
Through the Saxon era and the Mediaeval period up to the city's new foundation as a resort for Georgian aristocrats, making the three-day journey from the capital, the wealthy elite would take the waters to cure themselves of rheumatic diseases, stiffness of the joints and gout.
On arrival in Bath there will be a guided tour where you will walk along the original Roman pavement, before entering the Roman Baths to see the hot baths and remains of the temple of Sulis Minerva.
Next, take a drive though the delightful rolling hills and meandering streams of the Cotswolds, to honey-coloured stone villages down narrow country lanes. Time seems to have been given very little chance to march forward around these parts. Cottages of 17th century weavers’ homes stand next to chuckling streams, gentle rolling green hills and hidden valleys that stretch across these limestone uplands. With an expert guide on board your coach you will set about exploring this area and meander through this wonderful landscape.
Visit Burford where the old weavers’ houses cascade down to the valley of the River Windrush below and see Stow on the Wold with its ancient marketplace and hilltop views. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in an old English hostelry during your journey around the Cotswold Hills as well as photo stops and guided walks in each of the villages you call into.
Please note: Parts of the itinerary may be reversed depending on local traffic conditions.
Back in London at your hotel, the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
After breakfast and check out, begin your journey to the ship via one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe ‘Stonehenge’.
Entry to the site is included, with an audio guide. Kindly be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to departure, having settled any incidentals, where you will be met by a local representative.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Fly into either London Heathrow or London Gatwick Airport.
Transfer to your hotel for 3:00pm check in.
The remainder of the day and all meals are on your own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Depart hotel by executive coach
10:00am Arrive Hampton Court for entry and guided tour with expert guide
12:30pm Depart Hampton Court, short drive and arrive lunch venue
1:15pm Lunch
3:00pm River cruise with glass of Champagne
3:45pm Panoramic coach tour with photo stop
6:00pm Approximate return to your hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Depart hotel by executive coach
10:30am Arrive Bath. Guided walking tour ending with entry to Roman Baths
1:00pm Depart Bath
1:45pm Two course lunch in a Cotswold’s local village pub or restaurant
3:00pm Cotswold’s Village tour with photo stops
5:30pm Depart the Cotswold’s
7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
AM Full English breakfast at your hotel followed by check out
8:45am Depart hotel for Stonehenge
11:15am Arrive Stonehenge, explore with audio-guide
1:15pm Depart Stonehenge
2:30pm Approximate arrival at the ship in Southampton for embarkation
Dietary Requests:
Should you have any specific dietary requirements please advise RSSC no later than 30 days before program operation so your land program booking can be noted.
Expected Weather:
Weather in the United Kingdom is very unpredictable. You may experience rain at any time.
What to Bring:
Prepare for moderately mild weather at all time and be able to supplement basic dress with a warm sweater and/or a rainproof top. Pack sensible footwear, as most rural attractions and even some urban areas are best described as “rugged terrain,” and the ground is wet occasionally. Also bring hats and sunglasses.
Local Currency:
Pound Sterling. USD are not accepted however all major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity:
230v / 50hz (plugs are 3 square pins). An adjacent switch typically controls outlets. We recommend brining a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
Please check with your embassy for up-to-date visa information for your nationality. A valid passport is also required.
Accessibility
NOTE: For guests who utilize a wheelchair or with accessibility needs, lifts are available and 90% of the sites are accessible to wheelchair users. Guests need to be able to walk up and down the steps of the tour coach with little to no assistance. Visitors with hearing or visual impairments are able to enjoy the sites using sign language audio guides and tactile displays. Any guests using a scooter or wheelchair should contact the cruise line and have their booking noted. Wheelchairs must fold and scooters need to come apart in order to fit in the coaches. Accessible rooms in the hotel need to be requested in advance and are subject to availability.
Hotel address:
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7629 7777
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.
Program Includes:
Three nights at The May Fair Hotel or similar (superior room)
Airport transfer from LHR or LGW to hotel on Day 1
Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two days of sight-seeing and all associated expenses.
Taste of Britain 2 course meal with a drink in a top London restaurant.
Entry to Hampton Court with guided tour by expert Hampton Court guide.
River cruise with complimentary glass of champagne
Two course meal and a drink in a Cotswold’s village pub
Entry to Roman Baths and Bath guided walking tour
Day 4, transfer and professional tour guide from the London hotel to cruise terminal
Entry to Stonehenge with audio guide
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes:
Meals or beverages not listed above
Gratuities to drivers or tour guides
Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service
Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
