Canterbury & the Capital
London landmarks & Canterbury classics
Gear up for the vacation of a lifetime! Kick off your trip in the stylish capital of London, then journey to the storybook city of Canterbury. With your very own rental car, you'll be able to take scenic drives, make special stops, and map your own route! With included bike and riverboat tours in London, you'll experience the city in style. Say "cheers" in traditional pubs, feast your eyes on iconic landmarks, and stroll through cute cobblestone streets. England awaits!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 3 nights in London at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge (formerly Grange Tower Bridge Hotel) or similar
- Thames Clippers River Roamer Pass
- Cutty Sark Tea Clipper & Royal Observatory Admissions
- The Classic London Bicycle Tour
- Manual rental car – upgrade to automatic available
- Pick-up city center location on day 4, drop-off LHR on day 7
- 3 nights in the Canterbury area (Maidstone) at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
- Breakfast Daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Treat yourself to afternoon tea at a traditional English tea house.
- Feel like a local on your included London Bike Tour!
-
Pair fish and chips with a pint of ale at a local pub.
-
Drench yourself in the beauty and history that fills the Canterbury area.
-
Head to Greenwich and take advantage of your included tours.
Prepare for an unforgettable road trip through England! Venture from the stylish capital of London to the hilly green countryside near Canterbury. This itinerary is inspired by the England Originals products, bringing you fun vacations for a low price. From royal sites and trendy restaurants to local markets and medieval architecture, this vacation is the best of both worlds.
Experience London from unique perspectives as you glide through the streets on an exciting bike tour! Then, float by postcard-worthy sites as you sit back and relax with your Thames River Roamer Pass. Take a mini day trip to Greenwich, where you'll use your included admissions to Cutty Sark Tea Clipper and the Royal Observatory!
Following a fun few days in London, pick up your rental car and continue to Canterbury. Spend three nights in nearby Maidstone and take in the stunning landscapes that fill the area. Explore Canterbury Castle, meander through Canterbury's medieval streets, and roam around the area at your own pace.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR)
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- 3 nights in London at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge (formerly Grange Tower Bridge Hotel) or similar
- Thames Clippers River Roamer Pass
- Cutty Sark Tea Clipper & Royal Observatory Admissions
- The Classic London Bicycle Tour
- Manual rental car – upgrade to automatic available
- Pick-up city center location on day 4, drop-off LHR on day 7
- 3 nights in the Canterbury area (Maidstone) at the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
- Breakfast Daily
-
Treat yourself to afternoon tea at a traditional English tea house.
- Feel like a local on your included London Bike Tour!
-
Pair fish and chips with a pint of ale at a local pub.
-
Drench yourself in the beauty and history that fills the Canterbury area.
-
Head to Greenwich and take advantage of your included tours.
Prepare for an unforgettable road trip through England! Venture from the stylish capital of London to the hilly green countryside near Canterbury. This itinerary is inspired by the England Originals products, bringing you fun vacations for a low price. From royal sites and trendy restaurants to local markets and medieval architecture, this vacation is the best of both worlds.
Experience London from unique perspectives as you glide through the streets on an exciting bike tour! Then, float by postcard-worthy sites as you sit back and relax with your Thames River Roamer Pass. Take a mini day trip to Greenwich, where you'll use your included admissions to Cutty Sark Tea Clipper and the Royal Observatory!
Following a fun few days in London, pick up your rental car and continue to Canterbury. Spend three nights in nearby Maidstone and take in the stunning landscapes that fill the area. Explore Canterbury Castle, meander through Canterbury's medieval streets, and roam around the area at your own pace.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to London!
Touch down in London, where classy sophistication meets artsy cool. Upon arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your first hotel. Once you settle in, begin exploring the city on your own!
During your stay in London, be sure to take advantage of your included tours & admissions. Visit the UNESCO-recognized Royal Observatory Greenwich and the iconic Cutty Sark sailing ship. Next, hop on the MBNA Thames Clippers River Roamer and see the city of London from a whole new perspective. Did someone say Instagram?
This evening, treat yourself to a celebratory first-night meal of fish n' chips at a local pub! Cheers!
Shared transfer to London hotel
Drinking and dining options at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge (formerly Grange Tower Bridge Hotel) include a vibrant in-house Tower Bar and Grill restaurant and grill room serving both lunch and dinner, complemented by Knight's bar serving the very best wines, spirits and cocktails. Situated on 14 luxurious floors, each guest room at Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge offers an iPod dock, Bluetooth-enabled media hubs, and satellite channels on the 3D-enabled TV. A free daily newspaper is available, and the sleek, private bathroom includes luxury toiletries. Signature facilities at the hotel include a luxurious Wellness Centre offering an extensive range of beauty and holistic treatments. The Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge incorporates renewable solar and photovoltaic panels, and has an on-site borehole to reduce water consumption - making it one of the most energy-efficient hotels to open in recent years.
Located in the heart of London's financial district, Dorsett City London is a 13-story hotel with 267 rooms boasting modern architecture and design. The hotel is within walking distance to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Leadenhall Market, Tate Modern, Spitalfields Markets, Brick Lane, Borough Market and Columbia Road Flower Market. You'll be adjacent to Aldgate Station providing easy access in and around London and just minutes from Tower Gateway for the 02 Arena, Canary Wharf, Excel and London City Airport. The hotel features two restaurants, a 24 hour gym, 4 meeting rooms and a destination rooftop terrace bar with a 360 degree panoramic view of London's iconic skyline.
Nestled between the River Thames and St Katharine’s Dock, The Tower enjoys one of the most sought-after locations in the heart of London. Located alongside the iconic Tower of London, guests are treated to incredible views of the Tower Bridge, The Shard and the River Thames.
The 801 guestrooms were designed to reflect the building’s individual architecture, style and character, and feature such amenities as a Bose iPod docking station, Nespresso coffee machine, flatscreen LCD television with Freeview, and complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site fitness center access, toiletries and still and sparkling water. Guests can enjoy a bite at the on-site Brasserie Restaurant, which offers a menu of freshly prepared modern fusion cuisine as well as fantastic panoramic views. Or, after a long day of exploring, guests can unwind at the Xi Bar & Lounge, also with stunning views.
Beautifully appointed suites provide all the amenities sought by today’s most discerning international travelers. Each of the 273 individual suites feature wireless and fixed high-speed internet and state-of-the-art LED flat-screen smart TVs.
Guests can enjoy independent living inside elegant suites with fully equipped kitchens and lounges whilst having access to the myriad of facilities & services of a five-star hotel.
Located in the middle of the City’s famous business district and with easy access to Canary Wharf, the Square Mile, financial heartland and London’s most vibrant tourist attractions, Tower Suites provides a convenient location in the bustling city. Commanding sweeping views over the River Thames and the Tower of London, Tower Suites offers a diverse range of accommodation, hospitality and events services. Located in the heart of the City’s famous business district and with easy access to Canary Wharf, the Square Mile, financial heartland and London’s most vibrant tourist attractions, Tower Suites is a perfect base for a productive stay in the capital.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers: River Roamer Pass
See London in style! The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers River Roamer pass is the perfect way to explore London, whether you’re looking for a day out on the river or a way to reach your destination with a view. Travel anywhere in the Central and East Zones with these tickets; piers include Battersea Power Station London Eye, Embankment, Bankside, Tower, Greenwich and North Greenwich. Once activated, your ticket is valid for the entire day until the end of service.
Cutty Sark Tea Clipper and Royal Observatory Admissions
A top visitor attraction in the UK, the UNESCO-certified Royal Museums Greenwich is home to the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the iconic historic sailing ship Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s House art gallery. All attractions are located within easy walking distance of each other.
Visit Cutty Sark, the celebrated historic sailing ship and fastest of its time. Stand on the world's Prime Meridian, discover the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and explore space at London's planetarium at the Royal Observatory. Discover the extraordinary art and fascinating royal history of the Queen's House, and discover the treasures of the National Maritime Museum.
Your ticket includes admission to Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory (excluding special exhibits and planetarium shows). Entry to the National Maritime Museum and The Queen's House is free (excluding special exhibits).
Day 2. London
Fuel up with breakfast, then see the city like a local! Pedal away on your Classic London Bicycle Tour. What better way to feel like a local than cruisin' through the city by bike?
If time allows, today might be a great day to use your included admission to Cutty Sark Tea Clipper & Royal Observatory. Make the most of the day in Greenwich and experience the "Home of Time!" Did you know that Greenwich is where the eastern and western hemispheres meet? That means the area sits at zero longitude! Aside from its unique geography, Greenwich is filled with culture and historic sites.
The Classic Gold London Bicycle Tour
This bicycle tour of central London covers the classic sights that light up the capital's skyline, from Westminster to the City of London. Your journey starts from Gabriel’s Wharf, conveniently located near Waterloo station. Equipped with a bike, your guide will lead you across Blackfriars Bridge and onto Victoria Embankment along the East-West Cycle Superhighway - London’s latest exciting initiative to improve cycle safety. The first stop on the boundary of the City of London and the Metropolitan capital. Be enlightened on how the river became slimmer in the 1800s.
Then comes Cleopatra’s Needle and spectacular riverside views of the Southbank with its iconic London Eye. Cycle right under Elizabeth Tower, with Big Ben towering over you. Stop in Parliament Square to enjoy great views of Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, right under the gaze of Winston Churchill, before heading off to Buckingham Palace via St James’s Park in time to catch the Changing of the Guard (subject to Changing of the Guard schedule). From there, it’s straight to Trafalgar Square to see Lord Nelson on his pedestal guarded by bronze lions not far from elegant fountains.
Next, you'll head to the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, an area renowned for its high-quality restaurants and lively street performers. Then, it's time to head towards London's oldest quarter as you enter the heart of the legal district and make your way past Lincoln's Inn Fields. Follow the old cattle routes to Smithfield Market, where you will hear of its turbulent past and gruesome medieval history. A pedal ride later and you're at the penultimate stop, taking a moment to admire St Paul’s Cathedral before crossing over Blackfriars Bridge and heading back to the wharf.
***The only experience required is that all participants can ride a bicycle. If a participant is unable to ride a bicycle safely then they may be asked to stop riding and will not be refunded. The route does not include any highly trafficked roads; it goes along bike paths and backstreets.
Day 3. London
Enjoy a scrumptious English breakfast! If you feel like an adventure today, consider climbing the 257 steps up to the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. Get ready for thrilling fun and incredible postcard-worthy views of the city. Be sure to discover the intriguing Whispering Gallery along the way! If you haven't already, you'll want to do some sightseeing around Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, as well.
While in London, you might want to treat yourself to afternoon tea at a pretty restaurant or hotel. If you're interested, make reservations before your trip!
Looking for London's punk music scene? Check out Camden Lock, filled with food markets, local vendors, and funky record shops. You may also want to stop off at Abbey Road for a cool photo-op! For more foodie fun, you may want to check out Borough Market or Leadenhall Market.
In the mood for somewhere trendy and colorful? Head to Notting Hill, famous for its pretty pastel-painted houses, chic cafes, and quirky antique shops. Strut down Portobello Road for a lovely English afternoon!
Day 4. London - Canterbury area
Rise and shine! Fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then pick up your rental car. It's time to write your own Canterbury Tale!
Check into your lovely hotel in historic Maidstone, then explore the area. Roam through the picturesque countryside of nearby Kent Downs, or immerse yourself in fascinating history at Leeds Castle!
Check-in - Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel
Just steps from impressive Leeds Castle, this beautiful hotel boasts luxurious amenities with a laid-back feel. Nestled on 26 acres of well-manicured gardens, Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel offers onsite dining, an extensive health club, comfortable rooms, and much more. Upon arrival, check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then head up to your spacious room! Find complimentary Wi-Fi, plush bedding, flat-screen TV, and luxurious bath amenities!
Once you're all settled in, make a splash in the sparkling pool or work all your stresses away in the fitness center! When you work up an appetite, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the onsite restaurant and unwind with a drink from the bar. Too cozy to leave your room? Order room service! At this stylish hotel, comfort is key.
Day 5. Canterbury area
It's time to take on the city! Known as "The Jewel in Kent's Crown," Canterbury is alive with cobbled streets, world-famous medieval structures, and tons of special hidden gems. While Canterbury was once a great place of pilgrimage, today it serves as a unique university city with a vibrant cosmopolitan feel.
Today, you may want to visit the one and only Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Christian structures in England. Known as the Mother Church, Canterbury Cathedral is home to one of the largest collections of early medieval stained glass and holds an incredible historical past.
Day 6. Canterbury area
Make the most of your last full day in the Canterbury area! After a delightful breakfast, consider a visit to the legendary Marlowe Theatre. Why not see a show?
Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering around like a local. Check out Canterbury's renowned restaurants, cafes, and shops. Try to catch a live musical performance at a local pub or venue!
Day 7. Depart England
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your suitcase and say "see ya" to England. Make your way to the airport. Your final hotel is about an hour from Heathrow, so be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to return your rental car and check in for your flight home!!
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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