Saint Elizabeth’s Jolly Old England July 2023

This tour around some of the loveliest spots in England aims to inform, entertain and delight travelers. By way of some world-famous locations as well as places off the beaten path, you will be taken on journey through the history, culture and character of a country with strong links to the US and resonance throughout the world. Each day has been given a ‘light touch’ theme to help layer the experience into a rich and rewarding sojourn.

Day 1 – July 1

Fly in from USA to Heathrow

Day 2 – July 2

Settling in Royal Windsor

After transferring from the airport you will visit Windsor Castle - where the Queen has called home! Within the castle walls lies St George’s Chapel where Harry and Meghan were married, and many royals are buried including Henry VIII. Tonight a ‘Welcome to England’ dinner is included. Hotel Windsor

Theme of the day: Royalty

Day 3 – July 3

Beautiful People, Beautiful Places

A short jaunt takes you to Richmond a delightful little town on the river Thames that offers an eclectic range of interest. From the Rolling Stones to Ted Lasso; Tudor queens to the great naturalist, David Attenborough and Victorian murders to boot. This evening revel in a quintessentially English experience, sailing along for a night at the Windsor horse races. Hotel Windsor

Theme of the day: Rock n’ roll and other sports.

Day 4 – July 4

Weird and Wonderful West Country

Head out towards the West Country, an area steeped in fascinating prehistory, ancient wisdom and magic. Visit world famous Stonehenge, subject of recent revelations providing a tantalisingly powerful perspective on the neolithic world. Anon to Salisbury- a smashing medieval city whose sublime cathedral houses one of the four surviving copies of Magna Carta. Included dinner tonight. Hotel Dorset Countryside

Theme of the day: History, mythology and eternal powers.

Day 5 – July 5

A game of thrones and a walk with the dinosaurs

A game of thrones and a walk with the dinosaurs You are now in the depths of the English countryside. Exceptionally beautiful and yet off the beaten path of most itineraries. Its Jurassic coast is littered with fossils, and you shall go on a guided foraging for ammonites as well as commodities more comestible. There is a visit to Corfe Castle where you will learn about the days of knights in shining armour. This evening offers an included night down the local pub for dinner. Hotel Dorset Countryside

Theme of the day: The culinary arts of England, beside the seaside.
 

Day 6 – July 6

Dawdling in deepest Dorset

Dorset’s landscape is bucolic and deeply romantic. It has inspired some of England’s greatest writers and poets. Sometimes known as ‘Hardy Country’ it is equally celebrated in more recent literary circles for its connection to Chesil Beach. The winding rural roads link charming villages which you will visit. Nestled in the rolling hillocks lie extraordinary surprises such as the Cerne Abbas giant and, on the coast, Durdle Door. Hotel Dorset Countryside

Theme of the day: Go mad for English comedy.

Day 7 – July 7

Gorgeous Georgians

A classic of a day brings you to Stourhead, one of England’s most magnificent stately homes with landscaped gardens. A guided tour will introduce you to the opulence of 18th century aristocratic life. This afternoon continues to the most picturesque of villages, Lacock, where many a series has been filmed including Harry Potter. This evening, glide gracefully into Bath. Architecturally elegant and undeniably classy, in Georgian times this was the seasonal destination for high society and the fashionistas. This will be your base for two nights. Hotel Bath

Theme of the day: Class and etiquette in England.

Day 8 – July 8

A day in the Bath

Today you will follow a walking tour in the footsteps of Jane Austen. This most brilliant of Georgian novelists was a regular visitor to Bath and set many a storyline here. Your skills in English etiquette will be embellished at an included afternoon tea and for those of you more interested in Lady Whistledown than Elizabeth Bennet, there will be mention of Bridgerton and other shows filmed around town. In free time explore the ancient Roman baths or check out the modern spas, both of which are supplied by geothermal springs. Bring your bathers! Hotel Bath

Theme of the day: Accent, language, and literature.

Day 9 – July 9

Wending a way through the Cotswolds

This gently rolling arcadia is dotted with idyllic villages, stately homes and sumptuous gardens. You will pick a meandering route through the fields, encountering old fashioned English eccentrics and many breeds of sheep. After stopping off to dawdle and perhaps take tea in a historic castle still occupied by the lord and lady of the manor, your route takes you across to one of the most famous varsity towns on Earth, Cambridge. Hotel Cambridge

Theme of the day: Gloucestershire Old Spots, Cotswold Lions and 16th century economics.
 

Day 10 – July 10

Cambridge

A day in Cambridge takes in a locally guided walking tour incorporating a visit to one of the most historic colleges. There will be a chauffeured punt along the river and a chance to follow in the footsteps of many of England’s most exalted scholars, actors and comedians such as Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson and most of Monty Python! This evening you may choose to attend evensong at King’s College, home to the world-famous choir. Hotel Cambridge

Theme of the day: 21st Century and old varsity, where we’re at.

Day 11 – July 11

Stirring and spiritual Kent

Head off to the county of Kent known as the Garden of England for its fertile beauty. A skirmish with the coastal idyll of Whitstable allows for a stroll on the sands and some great pub grub. This afternoon good pilgrims (as Chaucer would say) continue to Canterbury, mother city of the Anglican church and visit the stunning Cathedral whose roots go back to the 6th century! This evening repose in the countryside. Hotel Kent

Theme of the day: Pilgrimage and the dramatic arts.

Day 12 – July 12

Poetry, wine and a scandal in the gardens

This morning visit Sissinghurst Castle and one of the most iconic gardens in the world. Originally created by Vita Sackville-West, a mesmeric woman pivotal in a particularly bohemian strand of English history. Later on, you will rather gloriously visit one of the most feted vineyards in Europe. There will be a stroll through the fields and a chance to sample the product. Tonight, an included farewell dinner unites all travelers once last time. Hotel Kent

Theme of the day: In vino veritas.

Day 13 – July 13

Fly Home from LHR

Joel accompanies you to the airport and waves cheerio as you set off for the flight home.

What’s included?

Transportation:

All group ground transportation from arrival at Heathrow airport to drop off at Heathrow airport including private luxury tour buses, parking fees and tour bus permits, city taxes, boats, punts, and travel by public transportation for include group activities.

Meals and lodging:

Bed and Breakfast 8 nights in 3-star or 4-star hotels

Bed and Breakfast 3 nights in a rural retreat venue.

4 dinners with wine.

1 afternoon tea.

1 winery tour with tasting.

Guiding and entrances:

24-hour services of Easy Going tour leader.

3 locally guided tours.

1 local led hike.

Use of Vox machines.

Entrance fees to all sites / events mentioned as included in itinerary