London, Oxford & The Cotswolds with Spike (May 9-14, 2026)

Most flights depart in the evening. Delta offers a direct non-stop flight to Heathrow airport. American Airlines and others offer reasonable alternatives.

Most flights arrive early in the morning. A classic British taxi will take you from the airport to the hotel where you can drop your bags and shake off the jet lag (or go exploring if you wish!). Early check-in has been arranged in case you just need a nap. We will have an early Welcome Dinner for the group.

Possible highlights this morning: The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. Then after a group lunch, we will visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and other sites to be announced. At night, we will have a group dinner and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of The West End and Soho neighborhoods

After breakfast, we will visit the Tower of London the Crown Jewels as well as the iconic Tower Bridge. Relax with a group lunch. Then we will walk along the Southbank and enjoy views Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye. or maybe even take a Thames River Cruise. Later, we will explore Covent Garden for shopping, bars and street performers, and a group dinner. Option for anyone who still has energy: (supplemental charge) to see a West End Show.

Today, our group boards a private coach to visit visit the medieval town of Oxford and its famous University. Known for stunning architecture and literary connections, you’ll also see Radcliffe Camera, the Bodleian Library and Christ Church College. Oxford was also used as a filming location in many of the early Harry Potter movies. Lunch will be in a 14th Century Pub. Then we visit the postcard-perfect Cotswolds! A quintessentially English area of rolling hills, picturesque villages, and old, honey-colored cottages. We will visit villages like Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bourton-on-the-Water. Enjoy tea in a cozy café and maybe see where Shakespeare lived. This was my absolute favorite place on my last visit of England!

You can enjoy a free day in London on your own today at a relaxed pace, maybe do some souvenir shopping or check out the British Museum or Abbey Road & a music tour. OR you will have the option to take a day-trip (for a supplemental cost). One option is to visit the iconic Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the medieval city of Salisbury with its stunning Salisbury Cathedral. The other option is to explore Home Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family. You’ll see the castle’s State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the beautiful grounds. Everyone is on your own for lunch and dinner today (or you’re welcome to join me!) and I will help you arrange any day-trips or extra activities you want to plan while in England.

Today, you’ll enjoy a last few hours in London before heading to the airport to return home. OR if you are combining your London visit with my Scotland tour, then you will head take the scenic train to Edinburgh with me today!