Legendary London

Journey with RTT on a 5-day, 4-night special adventure to London where we explore the popular and hidden sites of this iconic 2000-year-old city!  This magnificent metropolis, on the River Thames, is celebrated as one of the most exciting and vibrant city’s in Europe, rich in history that infatuates visitors with a uniquely turbulent and regal past. Best known as home of the British Monarch, including the infamous Henry the VIII, London boasts numerous attractions including the London Eye one of the world’s largest Ferris Wheels, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and countless other landmarks. 

Day 1

We travel from Ramstein, through Belgium into France to the port of Calais where board our ferry boat to cross the English Channel and enjoy the views of the famous White Cliffs of Dover as we approach the English coast. In additional to the mighty chalk cliffs, Dover is home to one of the largest castles in England and a must see for castle connoisseurs.  This iron age hilltop castle towers above the port and has kept watch over the Strait of Dover for centuries. With settlements dating back to the Iron Age, it wasn’t until the Roman invasion that enhancements of today’s medieval castle took shape. Wrapped in a long and turbulent history, todays castle showcases Roman walls and Light House, a beautiful Anglo-Saxon Church and artillery fortifications installed by no other than Henry Tudor (King Henry VIII of England). The castle housed many members of international royalty on their travels to the capitol, including the famous Ann of Cleve, 5^th wife of Henry VIII.  

From here we travel to London for an early afternoon and check-in to our 4-star hotel, with a chance to freshen up before taking advantage of some free time to get your first glimpse of the city.  

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to meet our local guide for a guided tour of downtown. Amongst the highlights we will see is Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

With your mind full of suggestions from your guide the remainder of the day is yours to freely explore whatever catches your fancy. The list of places to visit is endless!  If you are a history buff consider visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Crown Jewels at the Tower, or the 14^th century Leadenhall Market.  If royal roots are what you seek, a visit to the gates of Buckingham Palace or tour of Hampton Court are sure to satisfy.  For a great snack on the go, be sure to try a scotch egg, Corish pasty, meat pie, amazing fish chips and variety of other edible English classics along the way.

Day 3

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on another adventure. Today we visit Stonehenge, the magical stone circle with its mystical aura. Just south of Stonehenge is the famous town of Salisbury, home to the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral. The beautiful town is made up of typical English red brick houses. Here we enjoy some British small town charm, perhaps lunch and some unique shopping before returning to the big city for the rest of the day.   

Day 4

After breakfast at the hotel the entire day is yours continue exploring London.  Take a trip to Harrod’s Department store for some classic English fare, discover Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, the liveliest squares in the UK, comparable to America’s very own Time Square. Stroll the charming high streets of Chelsea and Notting Hill just like Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant did on the silver screen. Visit the Portobello Road Market, famous to the SOHO district of London’s West End known for the upmarket restaurants, exclusive shops, traditional pubs, jazz clubs and theatres. To see the city from a completely different and relaxing vantage point, enjoy a river cruise on the Thames or a spin on the London Eye.  Whatever your interests, the bustling streets of London are filled with a wonderful vibe and truly offer something for everyone. 

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel it is time to check out and retrace our steps to the English coast of Dover. We board our ferry and return to France for an evening arrival in Ramstein