Big Ben.
Continue to Westminster Abbey. See the Coronation Chair, the monument of the Unknown Warrior
, and Poet's Corner with tributes to Chaucer, Milton, and Longfellow.
Tour the British Museum, home to artifacts and cultural memorabilia from the dawn of time, including the Rosetta Stone. Then cross an actual drawbridge to the Tower of London. Originally constructed by William the Conqueror (William I) in 1067, the Tower fortress was intended to dissuade citizens from revolution. The Tower has also housed the Royal Mint and served as a prison. Today it houses a noteworthy collection of royal and historical artifacts. Meet the Beefeaters, in their Tudor uniforms, hear the legend of the ravens and some spine-tingling tales from the Tower's 900-history. They say the headless apparition of
Anne Boleyn stalks the Tower grounds at night. See the fabulous
Crown Jewels, some of which date back to the 12th century. Also on display is the
Star of Africa in the Royal Sceptre. At 530 carats, the Star of Africa is the largest diamond in the world.
Tonight, follow the path of the famous British "bad guy" on the Jack the Ripper walking tour. He came silently out of the midnight shadows of August 31, 1888, Striking terror in the heart of East End London, the White Chapel murderer was never caught and has been the subject of incredible speculation since. Your expert guide evokes that autumn of gaslight and fog, of menacing shadows and stealthy footsteps as you inspect the murder sites, sift through evidence and get to grips, so to speak with the main suspects. You will explore intriguing backstreet London as your guide helps you unravel the truth about the mystery - some of which may truly astonish you.
LONDON - Visit Windsor Castle, the country home of the Queen and weekend retreat of the royal family. It is the largest castle in Europe still occupied. William the Conqueror chose the site, high above the River Thames and on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. See Queen Mary's Dolls' House, The Gallery, The State Apartments, St. George's Chapel and the Albert Memorial Chapel.
The tour also includes a visit to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum , famous for uncanny reality of its wax figures. During the French Revolution, she made the death masks of such notables as Jean Paul Marat and Robespierre. Her marriage to Francois Tussaud took her to England where she traveled about the country for 30 years presenting her exhibit. Over the last two hundred years, thousands of wax characters have been modeled. Five themed areas introduce visitors to today's celebrities and yesterday's personalities: 400 Years of English History, 200 Years of Madame Tussaud's, Grand Hall, Chamber of Horrors, and Hollywood Legends.
LONDON EVENING - Attend a West End London Theatre performance. London theatre review
Day 7 DEPART LONDON for EDINBURGH - On the trip through English countryside, you will stop to visit the Globe Theatre. The original theatre (1599) enjoyed its heyday during Shakespeare's time, but burned down when a cannon heralding the arrival of Henry VIII ignited the thatched roof. Today you can visit the Globe Museum which houses a unique collection of material, including scale models, on the evolution of the Bankside Elizabethan theatre.
Travel through the English countryside on a four-hour highspeed train to Edinburgh.
Welcome to Edinburgh. Depending on scheduling, you will either arrive in Edinburgh in the afternoon and take the Edinburgh City tour or will take the tour to Trossachs. The Trossachs tour includes the picturesque Lake Katrine, the lake and landscapes associated with Sir Walter Scott's poem The Lady of the Lake and Stirling Castle, looming majestically above the plains where the Wars of Independence were fought. The Scottish forces of William Wallace, "Braveheart," beat the English army in battle at Stirling Bridge, 1297.
Day 8 EDINBURGH - Edinburgh is sometimes called the "Athens of the North" by virtue of its rich cultural tradition. In Edinburgh you will see:
Day 9 DEPART - Transfer to the airport for your journey home, with excellent memories of three stunningly beautiful cities.
Please note that the itinerary for the trip has been reversed with the tour beginning in Paris. The order of the itinerary may be adjusted further depending upon travel schedules. Itinerary and text provided by Travel Selections and edited by M. Silgals.
