Christmas in London

Get ready for a festive getaway to London. “The Big Smoke” glistens during the holidays and makes for a timeless setting for your Christmas journey.

Welcome to London at Christmastime! There’s nothing like the city when it’s bursting with the excitement of the season. Feel the holiday spirit as you shop the Christmas markets for handmade gifts and colorful decorations. Bask in the scent of warm, mulled wine and cinnamon – a drink that warms the soul on a wintery night in London. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

A local expert leads a panoramic and walking city tour. See Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. End your tour in the bustling Covent Garden, one of London’s oldest marketplaces. Perhaps you’ll be entertained by a street performer - after all, Covent Garden has a popular artistic scene. With some free time, explore Covent Garden before returning to the hotel via a route that showcases the magnificent Christmas Lights of London.

Climb aboard the local transport river bus en route to Greenwich, seeing the Tower of London from t the river. Dock in Greenwich, known as the village of London. Shop the local stalls (perhaps bargaining like a local) or use your included Freedom Pass to pop into local attractions. This afternoon, join a local to experience some traditional and ethnic culinary delights on a progressive foodie walking tour through the town. Later you can choose to take the Clipper boat back to the west end, or further explore Greenwich. No matter where you spend your free evening, the festive atmosphere will add joy to your discoveries.

Visit Blenheim Palace, one of England’s most magnificent homes and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. At Christmas, this UNESCO World Heritage site becomes a true winter wonderland. After an included Christmas Afternoon Tea, spend some time in the afternoon perusing the many market stalls or take some time to wander the beautifully manicured garden. Arriving back in London early evening, you still have time to see the city in all its glory.

Today, set off to visit the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral. With its world- famous dome, this is one of the most iconic features in the London skyline. After some free time for lunch, join a local expert on a two hour walking tour along London’s Southbank. Walk across the Millenium Bridge for some wonderful views of the city and see Shakespeare’s Globe, ending the tour at the wonderful Borough Market. This evening, go with your new friends to a traditional English restaurant, for a farewell dinner. Toast the end of a festive trip to an amazing city.

It’s time to head home, full of warmth and memories of your Christmastime London adventure.