There’s never enough time to take in all the wonders of Europe’s largest city, but you’ll have the chance to scratch the surface during this week- at your own pace in London. Stroll through Kensington Gardens, gaze at Big Ben and see the city from the London Eye.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - London

Depart from the U.S. on an overnight transatlantic flight bound for Great Britain.

Day 2 - London

Touch down in London. After clearing customs and collecting your bags, look for the SkyShuttle Transfer desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel.

Day 3 - London

There’s never enough time to take in all the wonders of Europe’s largest city, but you’ll have the chance to scratch the surface in the next few days—at your own pace. Today you might visit the British Museum, which houses an astonishing collection of antiquities, including the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone. You may also choose to begin your exploration of the city with an optional sightseeing tour. This afternoon, opt to visit Windsor Castle, the world’s largest inhabited castle. (B)

$99 USD

London Sightseeing A local guide leads you on a guided sightseeing tour of London, highlighting Westminster Abbey, Big Ben Clock tower, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus and more.

$85 USD

Windsor Castle A half-day excursion takes you to Windsor for a guided visit to the world’s largest inhabited castle.

Day 4 - London

Today, you can stroll through Kensington Gardens to view some of London’s most famous statues, or enjoy a taste of nostalgia at Pollock’s Toy Museum. Alternatively, embark on a full-day optional excursion to see Stonehenge, one of England’s most mysterious landmarks, followed by a stop in Bath, England’s most restorative city. (B)

$115 USD

Stonehenge & Bath Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. Next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. After your tour director shows you the town’s major sights, visit the public baths for which the town is named.

Day 5 - London

If London’s literary side interests you, plan a stop at the Dickens House Museum and tour the newly reconstructed Globe Theater, a replica of where Shakespeare himself often appeared on stage. Or you might wish to join our optional excursion to the Tower of London, followed by a cruise on the River Thames. (B)

$99 USD

Tower of London and Thames River Cruise Take a tour through the dark side of British history with a visit to the Tower of London, where royals once lived and plotted, held prisoners and executed enemies. Then take an invigorating river cruise down the Thames River, around which the city of London was constructed.

Day 6 - London

For shoppers, a leisurely visit to Harrods—15 acres of tempting merchandise, ranging from silk scarves and soap to the world’s most meticulously decorated cakes—is a must. Alternatively, you can opt to join an excursion to the intellectual bastion of Oxford to immerse yourself in its centuries of learning and discovery before traveling to Stratford, the town where Shakespeare spent his formative years. (B)

$119 USD

Oxford & Stratford Oxford is not only the home of Britain’s oldest university, it is also one of England’s most interesting cities. Then continue through the rolling English countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. Here, you’ll visit Shakespeare’s birthplace.

Day 7 - London

Explore London’s burgeoning culinary scene today, and sample London’s dazzling array of ethnic cuisine, from Greek to Indian, as well as the basic but ever-popular English pub food. Or you can opt to explore England’s medieval heritage on a tour of Canterbury, one of England’s most mystical cities. Visit the famed Canterbury cathedral and Leeds Castle on this excursion. (B)

$99 USD

Canterbury and Leeds Castle Leave London for a day to tour the charming city of Canterbury, where you'll visit the magnificent cathedral of Canterbury and the spectacular Leeds Castle.

Day 8 - London

Round out your tour of London by taking in the exhibits at the National Gallery and the Tate Galleries today, or opt to spend the day on an optional excursion to Brighton, one of England’s most famous seaside resorts, and the Royal Pavilion, King George IV’s seaside retreat. Tonight, opt for a bird’s-eye view of London from atop one of its most stunning attractions, the London Eye. (B)

$155 USD

Brighton and the Royal Pavilion Brighton transformed into one of the United Kingdom's most famous seaside resorts. With its exotic beaches and lavishly-influenced architecture, this full-day excursion is sure to be memorable!

$115 USD

London Eye and Dinner Experience one of Britain’s newest attractions, the London Eye Ferris wheel! The world’s highest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles! After your ride, continue on to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner.

Day 9 - London

A Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Great Britain, U.S. citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return to the United States.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must contact the U.K. consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no recommended immunizations for travel to London.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Your transfer upon arrival in London is provided by Dot2Dot transfer service, and you can find them at a desk when you make your way through customs and baggage.  View airport map: http://www.goaheadtours.com/pdf/LHR_LGW_Terminal_Map.pdf
 
Most sightseeing is conducted by private motorcoach. For some included visits and optional excursions, be prepared for walking through elaborate monuments and museums with steps.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised.

If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.

Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this
basis).

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitters for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!”

Currency

The British pound is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in your destination countries rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We strongly advise that you take credit cards and traveler’s checks, which can be exchanged for cash at local banks, as needed.

We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your tour director and driver a gratuity. We recommend $2 per person per day for your driver and $4 to $6 per person per day for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend $1 per local guide. Tips may only be paid in cash.