Magical Christmas Wonderland and Markets
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for London.
We arrive at our centrally located hotel for a 5-night stay.
Today we’ll meander through the Cotswolds, a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stopping in a quintessential local village. We’ll visit Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill—and see this Baroque masterpiece transformed into a Christmas wonderland—with plenty of time to explore, and enjoy a delectable Christmas lunch. This evening we attend a performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Our guided walking tour begins at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, where we immerse ourselves in 16th-century Stratford. Afterwards, we’ll have time on our own for strolling, shopping and photos. Then we’re off to Judith’s Tasting Room (named for Shakespeare’s daughter) for a tutored gin tasting.
A day at leisure in one of Britain’s Heritage Cities. Explore the delightful shops and side streets, stroll along the river, and take in the history and traditional holiday ambiance.
At Cadbury’s World, we’ll learn about the Cadbury family and learn about traditional chocolate making techniques. Next is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, the largest authentic German-style Christmas market outside Germany or Austria. Choose from a vast selection of traditional goods, gifts and all the pretzels, schnitzels and bratwursts you can eat, washed down with gluhwein (hot spiced wine) or weissbier (wheat beer).
Newmarket has been the home of horse racing for over 2,000 years. Learn how Charles II fared in the first recorded horse race in history, why two royal palaces were built here, and what Queen Elizabeth did on her frequent visits here. Lunch and a festive cream tea are included, then we head to our Georgian ivy-clad boutique hotel in the heart of Bury St. Edmunds, for a 3-night stay.
This city of discovery is home to more Nobel Prize winners than any other place—and it boasts magnificent architecture and plenty of historic charm. We’ll see the River Cam and King’s College Cathedral (a Gothic masterpiece), then have time to explore on our own.
Today, we’ll enjoy an unforgettable performance: the Christmas Spectacular, England’s largest holiday show with mechanical organs, carousels, and a cast of hundreds. The 3-hour experience is an extravaganza of singing, dancing, humour and variety.
Today we’re off to London, with a city tour of iconic sites including the Royal Albert Hall, where we’ll hear the royal love story that inspired its construction. Then we head to Winchester and our lovingly restored manor house hotel in the glorious Hampshire countryside.
In the vast and ancient New Forest, we step back in time. We’ll start at 800-year-old Beau- lieu, visiting its stately home, the world-famous motor museum and 13th-century abbey. A sumptuous Christmas lunch, served in the magical Beaulieu Abbey Domus, is included.
We will explore England’s ancient capital on foot, seeing the statue of King Alfred, the Great Hall with its Round Table (and connection to King Arthur!), and the site of Winchester Castle and Winchester Cathedral, with free time to dis- cover on our own.
On to Salisbury, where we’ll visit Salisbury Cathedral, home to an original Magna Carta manuscript and Britain’s tallest spire, with some free time to explore the historic city centre. Then it’s time for our Farewell Dinner—where we will raise a glass of cheer to celebrate an amazing holiday!
Air Canada flies us back to Canada.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
