Off-The-Beaten-Path: London
Exclusive private tours to hidden treasures
This captivating journey through the heart of London allows you to savor the city's charm with comfortable accommodations and private tours to the city's best-kept secrets and hidden gems included. With the perfect mix of free time and guided exploration, this London vacation promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to London (LHR)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 4 nights in London at the Thistle Trafalgar Square Hotel, or similar
- Churchill War Rooms: Westminster Underground Bunkers Private Tour
- Warhol to Banksy: Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
Embark on an included tour of London's Southbank District, a cultural and artistic haven.
Take a step back into history at the Churchill War Rooms.
Explore the charming streets of London's Little Venice.
Walk through the majestic Sky Garden, London's highest public garden.
Taste authentic English foods such as Fish n' Chips and Black Pudding.
Ready yourself for a London escapade like none other! Unveil the city's hidden treasures and set forth on unique adventures that extend further than the conventional tourist path. Your home away from home will be a strategically positioned hotel, offering proximity to London's iconic landmarks such as the captivating Piccadilly Circus, the majestic Big Ben, and the world-renowned London Eye.
But this exceptional package goes beyond the ordinary, treating you to two exclusive private tours that will immerse you in London's soul. Delve into the enigmatic history of the Westminster Underground Bunkers with a personalized tour, and then venture to Southbank, an artistic and avant-garde haven celebrated for its vibrant street art, musical scene, theatrical performances, striking brutalist architecture, and the acclaimed Tate Modern Museum.
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)
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 4 nights in London at the Thistle Trafalgar Square Hotel, or similar
- Churchill War Rooms: Westminster Underground Bunkers Private Tour
- Warhol to Banksy: Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour
- Breakfast daily
Embark on an included tour of London's Southbank District, a cultural and artistic haven.
Take a step back into history at the Churchill War Rooms.
Explore the charming streets of London's Little Venice.
Walk through the majestic Sky Garden, London's highest public garden.
Taste authentic English foods such as Fish n' Chips and Black Pudding.
Ready yourself for a London escapade like none other! Unveil the city's hidden treasures and set forth on unique adventures that extend further than the conventional tourist path. Your home away from home will be a strategically positioned hotel, offering proximity to London's iconic landmarks such as the captivating Piccadilly Circus, the majestic Big Ben, and the world-renowned London Eye.
But this exceptional package goes beyond the ordinary, treating you to two exclusive private tours that will immerse you in London's soul. Delve into the enigmatic history of the Westminster Underground Bunkers with a personalized tour, and then venture to Southbank, an artistic and avant-garde haven celebrated for its vibrant street art, musical scene, theatrical performances, striking brutalist architecture, and the acclaimed Tate Modern Museum.
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.
Prices From:
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to London!
Welcome to London! Collect your belongings then take your transfer over to the hotel. Check in, get settled, and treat yourself to some self-guided exploration. Finish off the evening by spending time at one of London's famous libraries, or, indulge in an evening cup of tea at a local shop.
Transfer from airport to hotel
Welcome to the Thistle Trafalgar Square Hotel! Located just 15 miles away from London City Airport and Heathrow Airport, this hotel is conveniently situated near Leicester Square. Guests have close access to some of London's prime destinations including Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, and the West End Theatres! Feel free to explore London at your own leisure, as the hotel is located within walking distance of various restaurants and bars.Â
On the premises, this hotel offers a wide range of amenities. Visitors have access to 24-hour room service, fast and free unlimited wifi, and car parking. Additionally, there is a restaurant and bar conveniently located on-site. Standard guest rooms feature a contemporary design and offer coffee & tea making facilities, hairdryers, ironing materials, a work desk, an air-conditioning unit, a beautiful Samsung HD Smart TV, and complimentary toiletries! Other room options include mini-fridges with complimentary beverages, complimentary bathrobes & slippers, and a Nespresso Coffee machine, among other luxuries.Â
Just a 4 minute walk from Holborn Underground Station the Thistle London Holborn stands proud with a beautiful Edwardian facade that ties traditional and contemporary styles together. Guests can enjoy two on-site restaurants, a bar and lounge, and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms have sleek furnishings as well as satellite flat-screen TVs, a safe, air conditioning, a desk, ironing facilities, and a private bathroom complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Settling in London's Bloomsbury area, the British Museum, Theatreland, Covent Garden, and Oxford Street can all be reached in about 20 minutes of walking, and St. Pancras International is a 25-minute walk away, and offers access to the Eurostar link.
Recently refurbished to the highest standards, the Thistle London Hyde Park Kensington Gardens has the best of London right on the doorstep. Hyde Park is literally across the road from the hotel, while the West End shops and theaters are just a short cab ride away. Close to the hotel is Kensington Palace, which was home to Diana, Princess of Wales, and the famous Gardens that give the hotel its name. Fashionable and stylish Kensington High Street is a short stroll away. The Thistle Kensington Gardens hotel has 175 rooms, including spacious executive bedrooms offering wonderful views over Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Located in the bustling Holland Park district is the accommodating Hilton London Kensington Hotel. Just 10 miles away from Heathrow Airport, this modern hotel is situated near a retail city center and a few of London's most popular tourist attractions. Some of which include Kensington Palace and Gardens, Battersea Park, and the Chelsea Football Club.
During your stay at this wonderful accommodation, enjoy access to a fitness center, room and concierge services, and an on-site restaurant. Within the guest rooms, visitors are provided complimentary beverages, bathrobes, slippers, and an array of elegant bedding accessories. The rooms are crafted in a contemporary style that features flat-screen televisions, a work desk, a mini-refrigerator, and air-conditioning!Â
Welcome to the sleek and ultra-modern Holiday Inn Bloomsbury! This hotel is situated right in the Bloomsbury area and is conveniently located near several attractions including the British Museum, Charles Dickens Museum, and the Grant Museum of Zoology. With a wide array of restaurants and bars within walking distance, visitors can also explore other popular areas of London such as Covent Garden, Soho, and even Westminster!Â
The Holiday Inn Bloomsbury offers guests several in-room and onsite amenities. Guests will stay in smart rooms that are equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and complimentary tea and coffee makers. Those staying in executive rooms and suites can opt for room service as well. For hotel dining options, visitors are able to enjoy meals at the Callaghan's Pub or hot and cold beverages at the Junction Bar. Other amenities include access to business services for those on work trips!
Day 2. London
Your first full day in London is jam-packed with exciting things to do. First, wake up early to get fueled for the day by way of complimentary breakfast at your hotel. Next, meet up with your guide to embark on an included private tour of the Churchill War Rooms over in Westminster. Keep an eye out for the hidden notes located at this historical landmark (that served as a base for ex-prime minister Winston Churchill in WWII), you never know what you'll uncover!
Afterwards, feast on an authentic Fish n Chips meal at a local restaurant.Â
Churchill War Rooms: Westminster Underground Bunkers Private Tour
Begin your exploration within the heart of London's parliamentary district, the epicenter of British and Allied operations across Europe and beyond. Learn about Churchill's formative years, personal life, and remarkable ascent to governance as you encounter the Winston Churchill memorial. Engage with remnants of structures scarred by the blitz, visit landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and the Prime Minister's residence, and pay homage at the iconic Cenotaph war memorial, special service headquarters, and Ghurka memorial.
Following your enlightening walking tour, delve into the depths of the Churchill War Rooms, an intricate network of subterranean bunkers that housed British wartime activities, strategic planning, and cartography. These war rooms served as a haven for government officials during the blitz and facilitated the discussions and plotting of Allied intelligence and strategies during WWII.
As you navigate through the expansive "Slab," discover that the Churchill War Rooms encompass two distinct museums. The Cabinet War Rooms, anchored by the mesmerizing Map Room, illuminate the strategic and tactical maneuvers of the war command. It was here that Churchill presided over 115 cabinet meetings, shaping the course of Allied offensives across Europe. The Churchill Museum, on the other hand, unravels the life and legacy of this eminent figure, tracing his journey from early childhood to his state funeral. Of particular intrigue is the extensive collection of deeply affectionate letters penned by Churchill to his wife Clementine, unveiling the tender facets of this resolute statesman.
Concluding your tour within the War Rooms, you're free to continue your exploration at your own pace or seek recommendations from your guide, perhaps including a visit to Churchill's local pub for sustenance.
Day 3. London
Resume your adventures in London with an included tour of the district of Southbank. Retrace history with a dive into the area's famous culture, where you can learn more about art, music, and diverse architecture.Â
Come nighttime, head out to Camden Town to enjoy London's alternative nightlife scene.
Warhol to Banksy: Tate Modern & Street Art Private Tour
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of London's creative epicenter, Southbank, as you traverse from Warhol to Banksy, with a private tour that unveils the vibrant tapestry of art, culture, and architectural marvels, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Tate Modern museum.
Commence your exploration at the Millennium Bridge, offering breathtaking panoramas along the serene River Thames. Proceed to the Tate Modern, where you'll be treated to a 1.5-hour guided tour of this renowned repository of contemporary art. Marvel at the former power station's imposing presence, highlighted by its 99-meter-tall brick tower, standing just shy of St. Paul's Cathedral in stature. Within its expansive turbine hall, you'll encounter a treasure trove of world-famous art, spanning paintings, sculptures, installations, performances, and video pieces created by an illustrious array of artists, including Picasso, Rothko, Warhol, Dali, Chiriko, Beuys, Fontana, Hirst, Barlow, Gallagher, and many others.
Following your art immersion, amble along the riverbanks, reveling in awe-inspiring vistas of London, en route to the Southbank Centre. Here, you'll explore Europe's largest arts complex, a sprawling and lively hub of artistic and performance venues celebrated for its iconic Brutalist architecture. Venture into the vibrant Undercroft of Southbank, a hallowed birthplace of British skateboarding and a canvas for political street art. Feast your eyes on the street art adorning Hungerford Bridge, and as you continue toward Waterloo, encounter the remarkable Covid tribute to the NHS, a superhero mural crafted by the acclaimed artist Lionel Stanhope.
Conclude your expedition by descending beneath the bustling streets and rumbling train platforms of London's Waterloo Station to discover Southbank's concealed treasure trove of street art and graffiti: the Leake Street Arches and Street Art tunnels, an initiative kickstarted by none other than Banksy in 2008.
Day 4. London
Embrace the last day of your London odyssey by delving deeper into the city's hidden treasures. Explore the captivating street art of the eccentric Waterloo Vaults or crafting your own Instagram masterpiece amidst the enchanting Tulip Stairs at the 17th-century Queen's House in Greenwich. Don't forget to visit Sky Garden, nestled atop Fenchurch Street.
Otherwise, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Neal's Yard, a charming micro-village tucked away in the heart of London. This hidden gem, often heralded as one of the city's most enchanting streets, beckons to those with a knack for unique, locally crafted treasures.
Day 5. Depart London
Indulge in one last complimentary English breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Make sure all your belongings are set in place before you take the transfer to the airport. Wave goodbye to London as you remember all the memories you made along this journey!
Transfer from hotel to airport
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.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Aer Lingus Vacation Store website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid Aer Lingus transatlantic services as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
Air fares are based on a 14-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare, including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees, and the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees. Other departure dates and origins are available at slightly higher rates and may be operated by our partner airline, JetBlue, our codeshare partner, United Airlines, or interline partners American Airlines and USAirways. Travel to Britain / Continental Europe are via connecting service in Dublin, Ireland and may be operated by our partners Stobart Air (operating Aer Lingus Regional) and Flybe. Fares apply to North American originating passengers only, and are not eligible for accrual of frequent flyer points/mileage. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. Child/infant discounts are not available, and stopovers are not permitted. Advance seat selection may not be available on all flights.
Optional Bag and Service Fees: A second checked bag fee applies. Click here for optional bag and service fees.
Vacation packages are subject to availability, are capacity controlled, may not be available on every date or on all flights, and may be restricted to certain hotel room and car categories. Higher rates may also be available throughout travel period. Full payment is required at the time of reservation. Rates cannot be combined with any other discount/promotion, and are valid for new bookings only. Offers may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Website contains special pricing that is exclusively for Internet sale only. Bookings made through our call center may incur a concierge fee of up to $25 per person.
Escorted vacation packages are per person based on two travelers (unless otherwise specified), and typically include hotel accommodations; transportation with professional driver/guide; sightseeing as listed, some meals, local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage of one (1) suitcase per person, due to limited capacity on motor coaches. Space is limited and prices may be restricted to certain travel dates, length of stay or room type. Driver and guide gratuities are not included, and are at the discretion of the traveler. Terms and conditions apply. Minimum child ages and handicapped traveler restrictions may apply on escorted tours; please call for details.Â
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