Day 1

Arrival at London Airport (LHR or LGW). Your local guide will meet and welcome the group. Transfer by private motorcoach to the hotel, with some orientation en route and on arrival. Check into the hotel for a stay of five nights.

Welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: London (-/-/D)

Day 6

Depart London for the transfer to Stratford-upon-Avon. En route stop in Oxford with guided tour of this ancient university town including a visit to Christchurch. Christ Church is the essential place to visit in Oxford. Two of its famous landmarks, Tom Tower, by Christopher Wren, and Oxford's Cathedral spire, contribute to the city's celebrated skyline. Many famous writers and poets are also associated with the college including Lewis Caroll, W.H Auden and John Locke .

Afternoon visit to Blenheim Palace, the stately home of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the magnificent palace was the masterpiece of John Vanbrugh. The extensive grounds were landscaped by 'Capability Brown'.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon (B/-/D)

Day 2

This morning there will be a literary highlights tour of London including the Dickens Museum, Bloomsbury and Westminster Abbey where many famous writers and poets are buried.

This afternoon enjoy some more London sightseeing including the London Eye and/or Thames cruise followed by visit to Tower of London

Overnight: London (B/-/D)

Day 7

This morning there will be a guided tour of the little town where Shakespeare was born in 1564 - we visit the Birthplace in the heart of the old town, then the Church of the Holy Trinity, where Shakespeare's baptism and burial are recorded, and where he and his family are buried.

This afternoon visit Warwick Castle, former home of the Earls of Warwick, one of the country's most spectacular fortified castles.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon (B/-/D)

Day 3

Visit to British Museum in the morning. Founded in 1753, the British Museum's remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history. Visitors enjoy a unique comparison of the treasures of world cultures under one roof, centred around the magnificent Great Court.

This afternoon visit St Paul's Cathedral then cross the Millennium Bridge to the Southbank for a visit to Shakespeare's Globe theatre for theatre tour

Themed walking tour of this evening (e.g. Jack the Ripper).

Overnight: London (B/-/D)

Day 8

Depart Stratford for airport and return flight home.

(B/-/-)

Day 4

Depart from by private motorcoach to Chawton, near Alston. Visit Jane Austen's House and St Nicholas' Church, Chawton (Jane Austen's mother and sister are buried in the churchyard). Continue to Winchester, walking tour of the city centre, visit the Cathedral and cathedral close, walk through College Street by Winchester College, view the exterior of the house where Jane Austen died. Free time for shopping and optional visit to the Great Hall of Winchester Castle (Round Table). Return to London.

Overnight: London (B/-/-)

Day 5

Today there will be an excursion to Canterbury. Follow in the footsteps of Geoffrey Chaucer and his colourful cast of characters on their pilgrimage from London to the shrine of St. Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.

On arrival in Canterbury there will be a guided tour including the Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey Also visit The Canterbury Tales visitor attraction in St Margaret's Church, a stunningly accurate recreation of medieval life providing an excellent introduction to the City and its famous literary connections.

Overnight: London (B/-/D)