Seven days in London and the cotswolds
Day 1 - arrival in london
Upon arrival in London, a private chauffeur will greet you at the airport, handle your luggage, and whisk you into the city in comfort. Along the drive, enjoy your first glimpses of London’s skyline, a striking blend of historic spires and contemporary glass towers. Take a leisurely walk to Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park, passing the palace gates and imagining the grandeur of royal ceremonies. In the park, swans glide across the lake, vibrant flowerbeds bloom with seasonal color, and views toward Westminster provide a serene introduction to the city’s elegance. In the evening, dine in Mayfair or St James’s, where refined restaurants, polished service, and understated luxury set the perfect tone for your London journey.
Day 2 - Historic London: Crowns, Abbey, Tea
Begin your day at the Tower of London, stepping into a fortress of intrigue where your guide brings to life tales of monarchs, prisoners, and the glittering Crown Jewels. The medieval stone walls echo with centuries of drama and history. Next, visit Westminster Abbey, walking the same aisles as kings and queens during coronations and weddings. Soaring Gothic arches, intricate stained glass, and memorials to poets and scientists make the history of this iconic site feel immediate and alive. In the afternoon, enjoy traditional tea at Fortnum & Mason, with silver teapots, delicate china, and towers of scones, pastries, and finger sandwiches—a ritual of elegance that has defined London society for centuries. Conclude the day with dinner in Westminster, where refined restaurants offer a convenient and elegant setting after a day immersed in royal and historic grandeur.
Day 3 - A Day of London’s Treasures
Begin your day at the British Museum, marveling at treasures such as the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, and Egyptian mummies. Your guide brings the collection to life, weaving stories that connect ancient civilizations to the present and making the vast history feel personal and vivid. In the afternoon, choose between the National Gallery or the V&A Museum. Admire Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Turner’s seascapes at the National Gallery, or explore fashion, jewelry, and design masterpieces at the V&A, each offering a unique perspective on human creativity. Conclude your day with dinner in Kensington, conveniently close to the V&A, for a relaxed and elegant evening after a day immersed in art and culture.
Day 4 - a full day of exploration
Begin at St Paul’s Cathedral, stepping beneath Wren’s magnificent dome, whispering across the Whispering Gallery, and climbing to the Golden Gallery for sweeping views of London’s skyline. Visit the Churchill War Rooms, descending into the underground bunker where Churchill directed WWII strategy, with maps, telephones, and preserved rooms bringing wartime London vividly to life. Pause at Trafalgar Square, standing beneath Nelson’s Column amid fountains and the grand façade of the National Gallery. Take a Covent Garden walking tour, wandering cobbled streets once filled with flower stalls and now alive with boutiques, cafés, and performers. Enjoy dinner in Covent Garden, where elegant restaurants offer a lively atmosphere spilling onto the piazza. Conclude the day with a West End theatre performance, whether a dazzling musical or a gripping play, providing the perfect crescendo to your London immersion.
Day 5 - onwards to the cotswold with a pit stop in windsor
Enjoy a private chauffeured transfer to Windsor, relaxing as you leave London behind and pass through leafy lanes and historic villages. Visit Windsor Castle, exploring the regal State Apartments, admiring St George’s Chapel, and hearing captivating stories of royal intrigue, then pause for a meal in Windsor town where charming pubs and riverside settings offer a quintessentially English atmosphere. Continue on to the Cotswolds, approximately a two-hour drive, arriving at your serene countryside retreat where rolling hills and honey-colored stone villages provide a tranquil backdrop. Check in to the Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, a 5* luxury country historic manor, where timeless charm meets modern comfort for a perfect introduction to the English countryside.
Day 6 - Cotswold Countryside Charm
Explore the idyllic villages of the Cotswolds, beginning with Bibury, where you can stroll past Arlington Row, often called “the most beautiful village in England,” with its storybook cottages. Continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, a picturesque village with stone bridges arching gracefully over the River Windrush. Visit Stow-on-the-Wold, where antique shops and a historic market square reflect the town’s medieval roots. Conclude with Upper and Lower Slaughter, where quintessential stone cottages and tranquil streams create perfect moments for photography and quiet reflection, capturing the timeless charm of the English countryside.
Day 7 - departure day
Your chauffeur will ensure a seamless farewell, handling your luggage and guiding you to the London airport, bringing your journey to a close with the same elegance with which it began.