Uncover the soul of Britain on a journey that blends London’s vibrant energy with the serene beauty of the Cotswolds. Stroll through royal palaces steeped in intrigue, glide along the Thames on a River cruise, and wander Oxford’s storied lanes before escaping to countryside villages frozen in time. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this post-cruise experience is crafted for travelers who crave culture, history, and the thrill of discovery, culminating at the legendary Stonehenge, a timeless wonder that crowns your adventure.

DAY 1: Arrival & Stonehenge

Disembark from your ship in the morning and begin your journey to London. En route, pause at Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enigmatic monuments in the world. Built over 4,500 years ago, this prehistoric circle of stones remains a mystery, its alignment with the solstices suggests it was an ancient ceremonial site. Explore with an audio guide and imagine the rituals that once took place here.

Arrive at your hotel at approximately 3:00pm for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps a stroll through London’s elegant streets or a quiet moment to savour the anticipation of the days ahead.

Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 2: Hampton Court & London Icons

After breakfast, depart for Hampton Court Palace, a masterpiece of Tudor architecture. Originally built for Cardinal Wolsey in 1515, it became the favored residence of King Henry VIII after Wolsey’s fall from grace. Here, history whispers through oak-paneled corridors and vast kitchens that once prepared feasts for the Tudor court. Visit the magnificent chapel, the Great Hall, and the famous maze that has delighted visitors for centuries.

Return to London for a Taste of Britain two-course lunch in a top restaurant, then toast your adventure with champagne aboard a River Thames cruise, gliding past Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Palace of Westminster—symbols of Britain’s enduring legacy.

Continue with a panoramic city tour featuring Westminster Abbey, where monarchs have been crowned since 1066, Trafalgar Square, commemorating Admiral Nelson’s victory, and Piccadilly Circus, the beating heart of London’s entertainment district. Pause for a photo at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch.

Evening at leisure; dinner on your own.

Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3: Oxford & The Cotswolds

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Oxford, the “City of Dreaming Spires.” Founded in the 12th century, Oxford University is the oldest in the English-speaking world. Your guided walking tour includes entry to New College, established in 1379 and renowned for its medieval cloisters and quadrangle, the first of its kind. Stroll the cobbled lanes where literary giants like J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde once walked.

Continue to the Cotswolds, a region frozen in time. Its honey-colored limestone villages and rolling hills evoke the charm of 17th-century England. Visit Burford, where ancient weavers’ cottages cascade toward the River Windrush, and Stow-on-the-Wold, a historic market town perched on a hilltop. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch in a centuries-old hostelry before meandering through landscapes dotted with stone cottages and tranquil streams.

Return to London in the early evening. Dinner on your own.

Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel.

DAY 4: Farewell to London

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning for independent sightseeing or perhaps indulge in some last-minute shopping at London’s world-famous stores.

Room check-out is at 12:00pm. Should you require more time, the hotel can securely store your luggage. Late check-out may be arranged directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges. For guaranteed late check-out in advance, guests would need to purchase an extra night.

A transfer will be provided to London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW), scheduled according to the flight details you have supplied.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

DAY 1:

Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest

9:30am Disembark the ship in Southampton and transfer to Central London hotel via historic Stonehenge

10:45am Arrive at Stonehenge, entry and audio guide included

12:45pm Depart Stonehenge

3:15pm Arrive at your hotel – room check-in time is 3:00pm

Afternoon at leisure, lunch and dinner on own

Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 2:

Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest

AM Full English breakfast

8:45am Depart hotel

10:00am Arrive at Hampton Court – guided tour with expert guide

12:30pm Depart Hampton Court – short drive to lunch venue

1:15pm Lunch

3:00pm Thames River cruise

3:45pm Panoramic coach tour

6:00pm Approximate arrival at your hotel

Dinner on your own

Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3:

Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest

AM Full English breakfast

7:30am Depart hotel

9:30am Arrive Oxford – guided walking tour ending with entry to New College

12:30pm Depart Oxford

1:15pm Two-course lunch in a Cotswolds local village pub or restaurant

2:30pm Cotswolds village tour with photo stops

5:30pm Depart the Cotswolds

7:00pm Approximate arrival back at the hotel

Overnight at The May Fair Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 4:

Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest

AM Full English breakfast

12:00pm Check-out

TBATransfer to London Heathrow or London Gatwick airport for your return flight based on your flight details

General Information

Electricity

The local current is 230V / 50Hz, and outlets use three square pins. Most sockets have an adjacent switch to control power. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for your electronic devices.

Expected Weather:

Weather in the United Kingdom is highly unpredictable, and rain can occur at any time. Average daytime temperatures typically range from 60–70°F (15–21°C), with cooler evenings around 50–55°F (10–13°C). Prepare for moderately mild conditions and bring layers to adapt to changing temperatures.

What to Bring:

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for mild weather and supplement with a warm sweater or rainproof jacket. Sensible footwear is essential, as rural attractions and even some urban areas feature uneven terrain that can be wet. Include a hat and sunglasses for outdoor excursions.

Currency:

The official currency is Pound Sterling (£). U.S. dollars are not accepted; however, all major credit cards are widely recognized.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A valid passport is required. Please check with your local embassy for the most up-to-date visa information for your nationality.

Hotel Address & Contact:

The May Fair Hotel

Stratton St, London W1J 8LT, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 20 7629 7777

Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.

Program Includes:

•3 nights at the May Fair Hotel (Superior Room) or similar

•Transportation and the services of an English-speaking tour guide for two full days of sightseeing, including the associated expenses

•A “Taste of Britain” two-course meal with a drink at a top London restaurant

•Entry to Hampton Court Palace with a guided tour led by an expert Hampton Court guide

•River Thames cruise with live commentary

•A two-course meal with a drink in a traditional Cotswolds village pub

•Entry to New College and a guided walking tour of Oxford

•Entry to Stonehenge with an audio guide

•Transfers as per itinerary

Program Excludes:

•Meals or services not mentioned above

•Gratuities

•Hotel incidentals, including mini bar and room service

•Personal expenses

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Hints & Restrictions

•For guests who utilize a wheelchair or have accessibility needs, lifts are available, and approximately 90% of the sites are wheelchair accessible. Guests must be able to walk up and down the steps of the tour coach with little to no assistance.

•Visitors with hearing or visual impairments can enjoy the sites using sign language audio guides and tactile displays. Guests using a scooter or wheelchair should contact the cruise line in advance to have their booking noted.

•Please note: Wheelchairs must fold, and scooters need to be disassembled to fit in the coaches. Accessible rooms in the hotel must be requested in advance and are subject to availability.

•This program includes periods of extended walking and standing. Guests must be able to independently board and disembark coaches and other modes of transport. Those requiring assistance should travel with a companion.

•Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable flat walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Pre & Post Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experie