8 Days December 20 - 27, 1996
Selfridges and the lights ot Oxford Street.
INCLUDED MEALS
Departure day
Friday - Dec. 20
Christmas in London brings to mind scenes of strolling carolers, Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge and Christmas dinner of a plump goose and plum pudding.With an evening flight you're on your way to London.
London, England
Saturday Dec. 21 D
Arrive at Heathrow Airport and take the morning or afternoon group transfer to the Westbury Hotel in Mayfair. The restof the day is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Join your tour manager and fellow travelers for a get-acquainted reception and dinner. Your hotel for the next six nights is London's WESTBURY HOTEL.
Leeds Castle Home dinner
Sunday Dec. 22 BLD
Enjoy a guided visit to Dickens' home this morning then on to County Kent to visit Leeds Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Have lunch in a 14th-century coaching inn - The Chequers Inn in Smarden. The open fireplace and beamed ceiling will have you wondering if Dickens himself is dining in the next room. Return to London for a special treat - dinner is served in the home of a London family.
London 9 Theatre
Monday Dec. 23 BL
This morning's sightseeing of London includes Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral, miraculously spared during World War 11. Drive through Mayfair and stop for a delightful pub lunch at the Prospect of Whitby. Dating back to 1520, this tavern was known as "The Devil's Tavern," for the thieves and smugglers who congregated here. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. The elite shopping district of Mayfair has an air of wealth and leisure. Bounded by Piccadilly, Park Lane, Oxford Street and Regent Street, Mayfair is laid out in a grid pattern so it is easy to find your way around. The Christmas lights and decorations create a festive mood. Look for the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, a Norway spruce donated annually by the people of Oslo to the citizens of London in gratitude for Britain's assistance during World War 11. Tonight, attend a London theatre performance.
Trafalgar Square lit up for the holiday season.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Tuesday Dec. 24 BD
The morning is free to relax. It's Christmas Eve and the festivities begin this afternoon with the singing of Christmas carols at St. Paul's Cathedral. Tonight venture into the heart of Chelsea, former bohemian village of artists and writers and home to King's Road. Dinner is served at the typically "British" formal restaurant, Waltons of Walton Street, known for its elegance and fine food.
Christmas Day Cotswolds
Wednesday Dec. 25 BLD
Merry Christmas! A late morning drive takes you through the fashionable West End to Marlow. An elegant Christmas lunch is served at the Danesfield House, set on 65 acres of gardens and park land overlooking the River Thames. Continue on your way to the rolling hills and mellow-colored stone villages of the Cotswolds. Late this afternoon, return to the hotel for dinner.
Boxing Day races
Thursday Dec. 26 BLD
Tally ho! The day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day and traditionally is spent at the horse races. Spend a full day outside of London beginning with lunch at Pennyhill Park. Then it's off to the races at Kempton Park. Pick a winner and cheer it all the way to the finish. Return to London and enjoy a relaxing farewell dinner at the Westbury Hotel.
Return home
Friday Dec. 27 B
After breakfast, a morning transfer to the airport is provided for your return flight on British Airways. Thank you for joining us for a Christmas in London. We hope you've enjoyed your British holiday. Travel with us again soon.
LAND TOUR RATE per person is $2135 twin and $2465 single basis, without airfare.
AIRFARE EXAMPLE: $721 from New York. Airfares are subject to change until ticketed. British Airways offers non-stop flights to London's Heathrow from New York, Newark, Boston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. Please see your travel agent for additional gateways.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT per person is $350 plus (optional) $100 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection.
FULL REFUND when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Please see the For Your Information section.
Average temperature: Hi 45, Low 38
TOUR NUMBER: CEN-570