Blooms and Bridges in Royal London

Day 1-2

Away you go to London on a trans-Atlantic, overnight flight landing mid-morning where we meet our local guide. A peaceful day is planned starting with a ride on the London Eye. The massive observation wheel reaches 135-meters into the sky and provides stunning views of many iconic sites including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace on the 30-minute adventure. On a nearby pier you’ll take a ride on the River Thames cruising under the famous Tower and Westminster Bridges as you pass the Globe Theatre, the Tower of London and the futuristic City Hall. Your home away from home is the historic Strand Palace offering location, location, location, plus all the modern amenities you’d expect in a world-class hotel. A Welcome Dinner brings the day to a close. Strand Palace Hotel – 7 nights (D)

Day 3

A daytrip to Kent features Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens, a lovely Arts & Crafts-style home set amidst the ruins of a centuries-old Elizabethan manor, and Great Dixter House & Gardens, constructed in 1450. Our springtime visit assures that both gardens will offer a wonderland of variety and color. (FB,L)

Day 4

In Stratford-upon-Avon visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace where the Bard was born in 1564 and later spent the first 5-years of his married life, also flanked by lovely gardens. After lunch tour Hidcote Manor Garden, considered amongst the best in England for its prized rare shrubs and trees, and outstanding design features created by the great horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston. (FB,L)

Day 5

A short ride into suburban London begins with Hampton Court, the oldest Tudor Palace in England built in 1514 and “procured” by none other than King Henry VIII in 1529. Here you’ll learn of his storied reign, along with the fortunes (and misfortunes) of his famous wives as you walk through century upon century of development leading up to the era of the Georges. Royal inhabitation ended in 1737 when living here became a prize awarded those in the king or queen’s favor. We can thank Queen Victoria who opened it for public viewing in 1838. Kew Gardens, our afternoon feature, is a World Heritage Site and considered to hold one of the finest plant collections on earth. Tonight starts with dinner and ends with your first night of West End theatre (show to be announced soon)! (FB,D) 

Day 6

The time has come at last for London’s most prestigious annual event, the Chelsea Flower Show, showcasing the best in garden design, plants and horticulture. Shaped by the country’s deep-rooted traditions in garden and landscape design, the Chelsea Flower Show is contemporary in nature and serves as an important platform for introducing new plant varieties and garden trends not just in England, but all over Europe and beyond. Organized by the Royal Horticultural Society and held annually since 1913, it is considered the most famous and important flower and garden show in the world. (FB,D)

Day 7

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle on earth. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11^th Century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs, featuring most recently and prominently for its important role in royal weddings and funerals. Later visit Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden, famous for the imagination of its richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and start-of-the-art new greenhouse. After dinner, take a seat for your second night of theatre in the West End. (FB,D)

Day 8

Armed with your Visitor Oyster Card allowing full access to public transit – yes, we’re talking double-decker buses and “The Tube” – see the London sites and attractions that most interest you. Perhaps a visit to Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London or a shopping spree at Harrod’s or Selfridges. You’ll certainly want to be at Harrod’s at midday for the grand tradition of afternoon tea in the Georgian Restaurant featuring a wonderful assortment of savory and sweet bites. A traditional pub dinner is an appropriate ending to our marvelous adventure in England’s Royal City of London. Maybe, just maybe, we’ll have more than one pint tonight and get a bit raucous! Who’s in? (FB,HT,D)

Day 9

Return to California in the late morning from Heathrow International Airport. (FB)