UK Connection

Day One:

Start your explorations of the city with a close look at the hub of British politics. Starting in Trafalgar Square, stroll down the magnificent Mall to Buckingham Palace. On many days of the year you can witness the Changing of the Queen's Guards at 1130. From the Palace, stroll through St James Park with its wildfowl, many of them gifts to the monarch, and into Horseguards Parade, site of the annual Trooping of the Colour. Walk down Whitehall to Downing Street, and on to the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, venue for Coronations and royal weddings and funerals.

This afternoon, from Westminster Bridge we cruise down the River Thames passing many interesting and historic buildings including the Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, The Tower of London and on to Greenwich and the Thames Flood Barrier with full commentary.

Dinner this evening in a central London restaurant or at your accommodation.

Day Two:

After breakfast, we make a visit to the National Gallery Britain's premier art gallery and home to one of the finest international collections of Art. From here it is a short walk across the Charing Cross Footbridge to the London Eye, the largest Ferris wheel in the world.

This afternoon we travel across the city to Knightsbridge to visit a choice of The Natural History, the Science and/or The Victoria and Albert Museums. Time then for a visit to Britain's finest store at Harrods and/or some less expensive shopping in Oxford Street.

Tonight, after dinner, you have a seat for one of London's top a West End plays such as The Lion King, Oliver, or Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat.

Day Three:

Finish your London stay in style with a morning in The Tower of London with a close up viewing of the awesome Crown Jewels. During its 1000-year history this impressive fortress has been a royal palace, a prison, the Royal Mint and even a zoo. It has seen three Queens of England beheaded, and the torture of numerous prisoners, stretched on the rack and crushed in the Scavenger's Daughter. You will also see the famous Crown Jewels including the Coronation Crown, the dazzling Cullinan diamonds and the exquisite Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Perhaps some last minute shopping before your return transfer to your London airport for your return flight home.

NB Tailor Made. As with all UK Connection itineraries, this programme is entirely flexible and visits can be amended or exchanged according to your wishes and the special requirements of your group. (See also London Tailor-Made)

Highlights:

• Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guards
• St James Park and Whitehall
• Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament
• River Thames Boat Trip
• The Tower of London
• The National Gallery
• The London Eye
• The Natural History Museum
• The Science Museum
• London Shopping

Your Programme Includes:

• 2 nights Full Board accommodation (see Accommodation Choices) with continental breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal.
• Students in multi-bedded rooms. Adults in twins.
• Excursions and entrances as set out in the Itinerary.

And what is extra?

• Single rooms. Prices vary with accommodation and will be quoted on request.
• Drinks with meals other than breakfast. NB a drink is provided in packed lunches and tap water will be provided with evening meals.
• Any excursions or entrances not included in the itinerary.
• Tips to Drivers and Guide/Couriers.
• Personal spending money.

Accommodation choices

HOSTELS AND STUDENT RESIDENCES
The cheapest option, our hostels are chosen for their safety and cleanliness and to offer simple, no-frills accommodation. They vary in design and style but basically offer multi-bedded, single gender dormitories for students almost invariably in bunk beds for between 4 and 12 students. Adults are usually accommodated in separate twins and triple rooms. Single rooms are limited and strictly subject to availability. Some hostels offer rooms with en-suite WC's and/or showers but not all. In others there are always sufficient shared single-gender communal facilities. Meals are served, usually self-service or buffet style in their own dining rooms. Packed lunches are provided every day. Most hostels have space in the evening suitable for study purposes.

HOTELS
We work with a range of Tourist Class 2 and 3 Star standard hotels in many parts of London. They invariably offer simple, clean rooms for 2-4 students, all rooms with private bathrooms and TV. Adults are accommodated in Twin Rooms with limited singles available at a supplement. All Hotels provide a continental breakfast but many do not provide evening meals, which are therefore booked in private restaurants. Packed lunches, provided by the hotel or a professional service, are collected from the hotel every morning. Study space is often limited and may only be available at a charge, quoted on request.

LOCATIONS
All Hostels and Hotels offered in London are located within walking distance of a London underground station. Central accommodations in both categories book extremely early, especially in High Season. If you would like to secure centrally located accommodation, you must book with deposits as early as possible, ideally at least 6 months in advance.