​

PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

​

​

See the best of London & Southeast England in 7 days with your very own private chauffeur-guide! Visit the area's must-see historical sites, charming towns, gardens, spectacular scenery and medieval churches — including Leeds Castle, once home of Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, the White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle, England’s largest and most significant fortification, and Canterbury, the site of the murder of Thomas Becket. You'll also visit Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey during your very own private guided tour of London. You’ll enjoy elegant and stylish accommodations and be driven door to door by your own driver.

​

Day 1:  Arrive London & leave for Leeds Castle & Rye

Arrive London Airport where you will be met by your chauffeur/guide for your journey to Leeds Castle, once home to Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, before arriving in Rye, a picturesque mediaeval town a short distance from the south coast, for a 3-night stay at The Mermaid Inn. Visit the Castle, also known as Ypres Tower, and explore

the cobbled lanes and medieval half-timbered buildings.  Rye is also a filming location of the third series of The Crown. Dating from the 15th century, The Mermaid Inn offers a truly unique experience of history and rich tradition, all under the careful stewardship of the hotel’s owner. Lined with crooked cottages and half-timbered houses, the narrow, cobbled Mermaid Street is one of Rye's most photographed views. The inn is 100 yards from Lamb House, former home and walled garden of author, Henry James, and a four-minute walk from the 13th-century Rye Castle. There are 31 individually-styled vintage rooms, and an award winning restaurant. Tonight dinner is included at the inn.

 

Day 2:  Dover Castle & St. Margaret’s Bay

Depart for England’s largest and most significant fortification, Dover Castle, sitting proudly above the White Cliffs and the Port of Dover, founded by the Romans. The site includes the Roman Lighthouse, the oldest building in England, the World War II war rooms and tunnels, not to mention the magnificent castle itself. Continue to St. Margaret’s Bay to admire the best views of the White Cliffs, and to the pretty coastal town of Deal. Visit Deal Castle built by the order of King Henry VIII, one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England. Tonight, you are free to choose from one of several excellent restaurants in Rye.

 

Day 3: Rolling hills of East Sussex

Enjoy a whole day excursion through the attractive countryside and rolling hills of East Sussex, Visit the beautifully landscaped gardens of Scotney Castle, the greatest of all medieval moated castles, Bodiam, and Great Dixter House & Gardens, a fine 15th-century timber-framed house, and former home of famed garden designer, Christopher Lloyd. Return to Rye through the rural landscape of Romney Marsh; admire the landscape and the early medieval Church of St. Thomas à Becket Church; and stop at the Military Canal, built in defense of Napoleon.

 

Day 4: Canterbury & Chartwell House 

Depart Rye for Canterbury to discover the history and world-class heritage of this Cathedral city through a private-guided walking tour. Explore the magnificent cathedral, an important center of pilgrimage in Medieval England and the site of the murder of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1170. After an opportunity for lunch, leave for a visit to Chartwell House, former home of Winston Churchill. Enjoy a guided tour of the house and some time to explore the gardens. Continue to London for a 3-night stay at the Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia, a delightful neighborhood on the west side of the city.

 

Day 5: Private guided tour of London

Today, meet your local guide for a whole-day private guided sightseeing tour of London, including the Change of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben, to mention a few. In the afternoon, visit the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, 

and cruise along the River Thames between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge. Then, arrive at Fortnum & Mason for a late afternoon tea including finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and more.

​

Day 6: Westminster Abbey & Churchill War Rooms

This morning, take a private-guided tour of Westminster Abbey where so much of British history is told. This afternoon, visit the Churchill War Rooms where you will discover the secrets hidden beneath the streets of Westminster in the underground nerve center where Winston Churchill and his inner circle directed the Second World War, which also includes the excellent Churchill Museum.

​

Day 7: Windsor Castle 

Depart London for a visit to Windsor Palace, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and The Queen's favorite weekend home. Lunch in Windsor, before continuing to London Airport for your onward journey.