Day 1: London and Kensington Palace Gardens
Arrive in London before 1.00 pm today and be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, take a tour of Kensington Palace, whose grounds include the Sunken Garden, featuring a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. The statue was commissioned by Prince William and Prince Harry, and was unveiled in 2021, on what would have been her 60th birthday. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Great Park and The Savill Garden
Travel to Hampton Court Palace this morning for a private tour before the palace opens to the public. While here, our guide recounts various stories regarding some of the British monarchs who once lived here. View a replica of the original Imperial State Crown that was used in the coronation ceremony for every king of England from Edward VI to Charles I. And see the famed Abraham tapestries, which adorn the walls of the Great Hall. Then discover the palace gardens, which extend across 60 acres of grounds and showcase a variety of styles, from the Tudor era to the Baroque period. Continue to Windsor Estate and take a royal heritage tour. Explore the grounds of Windsor Great Park and visit The Savill Garden. Its themed gardens touch on decades of Royal history, from the original weeping willow tree to the magnificent Rose Garden opened by Queen Elizabeth II. We then return to London for an evening at leisure.
Day 3: Sandringham Estate and Norfolk Lavender
Depart London this morning and travel to Norfolk to visit Sandringham Estate, a favourite country retreat of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and now one of King Charles’ many royal residences. Tour the formal gardens, which include the recent addition of a climate friendly Topiary Garden. Afterwards, visit Norfolk Lavender, England’s premiere lavender farm, which features nearly 100 acres of lavender fields. Finish the day in the university city of Cambridge.
Day 4: Cambridge Walking Tour, King's and Trinity Colleges, and Tetbury
Enjoy a walking tour of Cambridge, during which you will see architectural highlights of some of its most famous universities, including Kings College and Trinity College. King Charles studied at Cambridge University and became the first British heir to earn a university degree. Depart Cambridge, stopping at a private garden as we head toward Tetbury.
Day 5: Highgrove House and Gardens and Westonbirt Arboretum
Explore the delightful village of Tetbury, and visit Highgrove House and Gardens*, the private residence of King Charles. This property’s organic garden has a wonderful wildflower meadow, as well as an amazing collection of plants. Afterwards, enjoy the chance to spot wildflowers at nearby Westonbirt Arboretum.
Day 6: Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
Our day is spent at what is considered England’s largest and finest garden show, The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival*, held for the first time at Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire. The festival’s show gardens, floral marquees and pavilions are awash with colour, while a range of talks and demonstrations provoke thought and inspiration. Return to London late today.
Day 7: London
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning.
