Delightfully Dark London

Journey with RTT on a spooky 4-day, 3-night special Halloween 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.  In addition to seeing these and many other beloved British sites, we’ve built in some chilly thrills to some haunted hot spots including the famous Tower of London and Dungeons for Halloween Night!

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. 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.  

In the evening we meet at the London Dungeons, right around the corner of the famous London Eye for a special All Hallows Eve Event! We will descent below the river docks of the Thames sinking into London’s rough and turbulent past for an adventure that is packed with thrills and chills.  No evening is better suited to be introduced to the Tower of London’s Torture Chamber or wander the age-old streets of London that bore witness to the grisly Black Plague of 1349 and the raging Great Plague of 1665 . As we get lost in the labyrinth of London’s Whitechapel District, where Jack The Ripper stalked his victims, we’ll learn the gruesome details of his crimes as the first documented serial killer in history. If you survive this bone chilling escapade through the city’s underbelly, we find ourselves at a dodgy Victorian Pub for a nightcap.  From here you are free to independently venture into the night and experience the amazing sights and nightlife that London is famous for.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, have your Oyster Card* ready as we set out to meet our local guide at the Tower of London for a guided tour of downtown using the London Underground, affectionally referred to as “The Tube” by the Brits. 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 the entire day is yours continue exploring London with your Oyster Card* putting every part of the city within easy reach.  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 4

After breakfast at the hotel it is time to check out and retrace our steps to the English coast of Dover. 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. After a thorough visit and some ample free time, we board our ferry and return to France for an evening arrival in Ramstein.