Road Scholar : Home
Walking the Thames Path

Program Number: 20101RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/18/2013 - 9/30/2013; 5/7/2014 - 5/19/2014; 9/3/2014 - 9/15/2014;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: England, UK:England
Price starting at: $3,939.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 28; 11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Follow England’s Thames for 184 miles through the idyllic Cotswolds, passing through unspoiled rural villages and historic towns, and finally cutting through the heart of London to Richmond-on-Thames and the Thames Barrier in Greenwich. On pastoral riverside walks, trace the English countryside before seeing the London villas of famous and influential people of the past and the royal residences of Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace.




Highlights

• Walk the Thames Path from the home of the Royal Regatta, Henley-on-Thames to Hambledon Mill, one of the most photographed landmarks on the river.
• Enjoy a river boat excursion from Westminster to the Thames Barrier and Greenwich.
• Walk through Windsor Great Park and explore Windsor Castle and Runnymede, home to the Magna Carta Memorial and John F. Kennedy Memorial.



Activity Particulars

Walking 2-7 miles a day on level riverside paths and city streets, a few hills.




Date Specific Information

5-7-2014, 9-3-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival London, private cars to Oxford, 6 nights; coach to Richmond-on-Thames, 5 nights; departure London.



Overnight flight from U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival London
Private cars to Oxford
6 nights

From Iron Age Forts to Norman churches, the path of the River Thames traces a nation’s history. Enjoy gentle riverside walks as you pass the romantic ruin of Medmenham Abbey —the home of the “Hellfire Club” — and Runnymede, the site of the signing of the Magna Carta. Meander through quaint villages such as Sutton Courtenay and Clifton Hampton. Field trips explore Christ Church Oxford, Windsor Castle and Kelmscott Manor.



Coach to Richmond-on-Thames
5 nights
Departure London

Delight in the landscape of hills, woodland gardens and grasslands set among ancient trees that are part of Richmond-on-Thames, and marvel at the magnificent Marble Hill House and the gardens at Syon House that evoke past grandeur. Embrace the ambiance of Royal retreats as you visit Hampton Court Palace, Richmond Palace and Kew Palace, and enjoy a special introduction to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Field trips to London allow you to explore landmarks from Tower Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge and Westminster Abbey. From the Thames Barrier, journey by boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Greenwich, one of the river’s most distinctive landmarks and home to the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Observatory and Royal Naval College.




England

It was the seat of an empire on which the sun never set. It has been Merry, Dickensian and Victorian. It has given us common law, Shakespeare, tennis, the Rolls-Royce and the Beatles. England and its people have played an outsize role in shaping world history. It is a country whose past, politics, culture and characters never cease to captivate.
Accommodations
Oxford: Comfortable modern hotel next to the Thames. Richmond-on-Thames: Former Georgian mansion overlooking the royal park with views of the Thames.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Ian Newman
Ian Newman grew up in England’s Tamar Valley, where the proximity of Dartmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor and the coasts of Cornwall and Devon inspired a love of the outdoors. Ian served in the military for more than 10 years, during which time he traveled extensively, climbed in the Alps and Himalayas and gained a number of formal outdoor leadership qualifications. He and his wife Suzanne now lead walking and hiking programs for Road Scholar participants through their company, Footpath Holidays.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
  Oxford, UK:England 6 nights
   Richmond Hill Hotel
  Richmond-upon-Thames, UK:England 5 nights
 Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Nestling in 40 acres of magnificent Thames-side parkland, which is home to a horse sanctuary, the hotel has a truly idyllic setting.The historic heart of Oxford is less than half a mile away with a short riverside walk to Oxford’s colleges, museums, shops and theatres.
  Contact info: Abingdon Road.
Oxford.,  OX1 4PS UK:England
phone: +44 1865 324324
web: www.four-pillars.co.uk/Spires/home.html
  Room amenities: There are 115 bedrooms and suites that include complimentary hospitality trays, trouser presses, hairdryers, iron and ironing boards, safes, digital television and communications technology. Some rooms have balconies.
  Facility amenities: Built in Cotswold stone, the Oxford Spires blends seamlessly into its historic setting and is decorated and furnished in a classically elegant style. The Spires facilities include a swimming pool, fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, spa bath, and beauty therapy room. Restaurants and bars.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  For additional pre and post program accommodations, please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at (800) 241-1404 or via email to travelinfo@roadscholar.org
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Richmond Hill Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Richmond Hill Hotel has magnificent views across the River Thames and Richmond Park, home to herds of red and fallow deer. Steeped in history, character and charm, the oldest part of this 17th Century Georgian manor dates back to 1726. Much of the original character in this Grade II listed building has been retained to present an interior of grandeur, elegance and comfort.
  Contact info: 144-150 Richmond Hill
Richmond-upon-Thames
Surrey,  TW10 6RW UK:England
phone: +44 20 8940 2247
web: www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk/
  Room amenities: Controllable air-conditioning, in room safes, direct dial telephone and digital TV, in room tea and coffee making facilities. Complimentary WIFI* in all rooms for the first 20 minutes. £4.95 for 1 hour, £9.95 for 24 hours. You will receive a complimentary 20 minutes per day of your stay.
  Facility amenities: Pembrokes Restaurant and Bar. Complimentary access to Cedars Health and Leisure Club 20 x 8 metre, 6 lane indoor pool, Sauna, Steam room, gym, health and beauty treatments, sun decks, gardens, Conservatory café bar.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after:  For additional pre and post program accommodations, please contact Road Scholar Travel Services at (800) 241-1404 or via email to travelinfo@roadscholar.org
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Lunch in the hotel at 12:30pm on arrival day if arriving in time. Walk in the late afternoon followed by a welcome meeting. You will be staying at Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast on departure day. Breakfast ends at 10:00am and check out is by 11:00am. You will be staying at Richmond Hill Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
No parking.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: See above. Trains available.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Oxford
  Nearest city or town:  Oxford
  Nearest airport:  London Heathrow
  Transportation to site: From Heathrow: we suggest you take the Heathrow Express train to London Paddington. The train departs from Heathrow every 15 minutes, and the journey to London Paddington takes 15 minutes and costs £14 one way. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office, ticket machines or on the train (allow £16 per ticket if purchasing on the train). Change at London Paddington for trains to Oxford. The total journey time excluding connections is around 1 hour 30 minutes. From Gatwick: we suggest you take the Gatwick Express to Victoria. The Gatwick Express departs at 15 minute intervals, takes 30 minutes to reach Victoria Station and costs around £12 for a one way ticket. At Victoria, exit the station and join the underground Victoria Station. Travel northbound on the Circle Line to Paddington underground station. Exit the tube station and transfer to the Paddington main line station. Take a First Great Western or Thames Train service from Paddington to Oxford. The journey will be around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Oxford Tube: You may also like to consider taking the 'Oxford Tube', which is a coach service which runs between London Victoria Grosvenor Gardens and Gloucester Green in Oxford. The journey can take about 100 minutes but you should allow much longer in case of heavy traffic. Tickets cost between £7 and £9 one way. On arrival at Oxford take a taxi from the train station to the hotel. The fare will be around £6.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Richmond-upon-Thames
  Nearest city or town:  Richmond-upon-Thames
  Nearest airport:  London Heathrow
  Transportation from site: Heathrow Airport is 7 miles from the Richmond hotel. a taxi is the easiest route and costs approximately £20. Richmond Station is 1 mile to Waterloo Station.
Equipment Requirements: Rucksack/day bag Walking boots (Participants may be asked to purchase a pair of boots if the guides think that the shoes/sneakers brought over are deemed inadequate) Windproof, waterproof coat/jacket/anorak Water bottle or Thermos flask. Small first aid kit.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1:
(Wednesday, September 18)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight to London.

Day 2: Thames Path to Iffley village.
(Thursday, September 19)
   
 Arrive To: London and transfer to Oxford.
 Lunch: A light lunch is served in the hotel at 12:30pm.
 Afternoon: Late afternoon stroll along the Thames Path to the picturesque village of Iffley and back.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: Presentation "Oxford Past and Present".
   
Accommodations: Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Christ Church Oxford.
(Friday, September 20)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Walk from the hotel into Oxford. Oxford was originally settled during Saxon times, at a point at which the River Thames could be easily forded. The settlement quickly grew in terms of both size and influence, and has played an important role throughout Britain’s history. Nowadays Oxford is best known as the oldest seat of learning in the English-speaking world, home to many fine museums and libraries, and for its wealth of superb architecture. A tour of Christ Church provides an insight into both academic life in Oxford and Oxford’s role in the history of Britain. A custodian leads you around Henry VIII's Christ Church, one of Oxford's largest colleges and uniquely the Cathedral seat of Oxford. Discover the Great Hall, the stairs leading to the hall and cloisters as seen in the Harry Potter films, the secret garden from Alice in Wonderland and the Jabberwocky tree. Walk in the Meadows , a tranquil pasture area bounded by the Rivers Isis and Cherwell.
 Lunch: In Christ Church.
 Afternoon: Free time before returning independently to the hotel.
 Dinner: Excluded.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Lechlade to Kelmscott.
(Saturday, September 21)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Walk along the Thames Path from Radcot Bridge to Lechlade, via St John’s Lock, Buscot and Kelmscott (6 miles). A pastoral riverside walk from St John’s Lock at Lechlade-on-Thames, marks the highest navigable point on the River Thames, to Radcot Bridge. Beside the lock is a reclining statue of ‘Old Father Thames’. The statue was originally made in 1851 for the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park and stood, until quite recently, at the river’s source 20 miles up stream. Built by Cistercian monks in the early years of the 13th century, during the reign of King John, Radcot Bridge is the oldest bridge on the river. It was built as a toll bridge and during medieval times the wharf at Radcot was of immense commercial importance to the Cotswold wool trade. Radcot Wharf went into decline when the Thames and Severn Canal was constructed in 1787 and the bridge and its nearby inn now stand alone amongst the picturesque meadow scenery.
 Lunch: Taken out in the Plough Inn in Kelmscott.
 Afternoon: The field trip continues to the 16th century manor house, Kelmscott Manor that was the country home to William Morris, 19th century leader of the Arts and Crafts movement. Half way between Lechlade and Radcot Bridge lies Kelmscott Manor, the summer home of William Morris, the 19th century artist, writer and socialist who was a leading member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and a founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Kelmscott Manor was built from Cotswold stone in around 1580 and contains a wonderful collection of artworks and possessions associated with Morris and his contemporaries.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Henley-on-Thames.
(Sunday, September 22)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Guided tour of Henley-on-Thames and visit to the Museum of the River and Rowing. The day will begin with a visit to Henley-on-Thames a market town world renowned as the home of rowing. Each June the Henley Royal Regatta attracts rowing crews from around the world for a week of stiff competition on Henley Reach, a straight 1.5 miles of river to the east of the town bridge. Henley Reach was the venue for the first ever Oxford v Cambridge university boat race in 1829, before moving to its present course in central London. The excellent ‘Museum of the River and Rowing’ houses a number of themed exhibitions, the most important of which is an interpretation of the River Thames from the source to the sea.
 Lunch: In the Museum of River and Rowing.
 Afternoon: Walk the Thames Path from Henley-on-Thames to Hurley via Hambleden Loch. The walk from Henley to Hurley follows the length of Henley Reach to Hambleden Lock and Hambleden Mill, one of one most photographed landmarks on the River Thames. Take tea and scones with the Loch Keeper's wife at Hurley Loch. The next stretch of the leads across meadows and past the romantic ruins of Medmenham Abbey, notorious during the 17th century as home of Sir Francis Dashwood and the scandalous Hellfire Club, to reach the picturesque Hurley Lock.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Wind in the Willows river cruise.
(Monday, September 23)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: River cruise from Folly Bridge; “In the footsteps of Wind in the Willows, Narnia and Alice in Wonderland”. This is the transfer day between Oxford and Richmond on the outskirts of London. The morning, prior to the transfer, will be taken up with a relaxing cruise on the River Thames.
 Lunch: In the hotel.
 Afternoon: Choice of a walk out to Godstow Abbey or free time in Oxford. the Benedictines raised Godstow Abbey in 1133. In 1176 King Henry II endowed the grounds with “£258 - which includede £100 for the Cherche, 40,000 Scingles, 4,000 Laths, and much Timbre,” in return for hiding his mistress, Rosamund Clifford. The legend goes that the killers hired by Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry’s wife, eventually found Rosamund and stabbed her to death in the Godstow church. Henry paid for Rosamund’s mausoleum, which became a popular shrine until Henry VIII razed the abbey during the Dissolution of the Monasteries around 1540.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Dorchester-on-Thames.
(Tuesday, September 24)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Walk along the Thames Path from Sutton Courtenay to Dorchester-on-Thames, via Clifton Hampden (7 miles). This walk starts in the picturesque village of Sutton Courtenay. Buildings in the village include a Norman hall built during the reign of Richard Coeur de Lion, an abbey building which dates from the early years of the 14th century, a fine manor house the core of which is a medieval once regularly frequented by King Henry I, and a church which contains Norman carvings, and inscriptions made by crusaders heading for the Holy Land. George Orwell, author of ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’ and ‘animal Farm’, is buried in the churchyard. The level riverside path provides an easy route across the fields to the village of Clifton Hampden and the thatched Barley Mow Inn which found favourable mention in Jerome K. Jerome’s classic ‘Three Men in a Boat’, a humorous account of a 19th century boating holiday on the River Thames. Beyond Clifton Hampden a long sweeping bend in the river leads round to Day’s Lock at the foot of the Sinodun Hills. One of the hills is topped by an Iron Age hill fort. Just beyond Day’s Lock a path leads into the village of Dorchester-on- Thames once the site of a Saxon cathedral and later a great Norman abbey church. The abbey, which survived the Dissolution and now serves as the parish church, contains some wonderful 14th century stained glass
 Lunch: Packed lunch.
 Afternoon: The walk continues.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Windsor Castle and Runnymede.
(Wednesday, September 25)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Visit to Windsor Castle, followed by a walk through Windsor Great Park - along the Long Walk to Snow Hill and the Copper Horse, then down to the River Thames at Runnymede Meadow and the Runnymede Memorials (6 miles). Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, the oldest continually occupied castle in Europe, and a favourite of monarchs down the ages. The original castle was built by William the Conqueror to dominate a strategically important stretch of the River Thames. Throughout medieval and Tudor times it provided the perfect retreat away from the plague which was rife in London, but close enough to the capital to maintain effective control over the affairs of state. The River Thames provided a fast and safe route between Windsor and London, and Windsor Forest provided sport for the king and his entourage. Successive monarchs have left their mark on the castle which incorporates architectural features from every period of history.
 Lunch: Packed lunch.
 Afternoon: Following a tour of the castle we shall walk through the landscaped parkland which surrounds the castle and along the Long Walk to Snow Hill, a wonderful viewpoint from which to look back at the castle. Henry VIII is said to have waited on the summit of the hill for news of Ann Boleyn’s execution. The hill is now topped by a statue of George III on horseback. From Snow Hill paths descend to Runnymede Meadows, site of one of the most significant moments in history when, in 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta. The charter passed into English law and subsequently became the basis for the American Constitution. There are a number of significant monuments at Runnymede, including the Magna Carta Memorial erected by the American Bar Association; The John F. Kennedy Memorial which stands in an acre of land granted to the USA in perpetuity; and the RAF Memorial on Cooper’s Hill. Transfer to Richmond by motorcoach. Check in and welome meeting.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Richmond Hill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Hampton Court Palace and Marble Hill House.
(Thursday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to Hampton Court Palace and gardens. Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey during the reign of Henry VIII, and was later taken over by the king for whom the palace was a favourite residence. The palace was witness to the most significant happenings of the kind’s reign. Like Windsor Castle, Hampton Court had all the advantages of being relatively close to London with the river providing easy access to the capital, but away from the crowds and disease. The palace was extended and altered by successive monarchs until George III came to the throne in the 1730s and the royal family ceased to live at Hampton Court. The result is a magnificent palace which incorporates a number of different architectural styles and the work of such famous architects as Sir Christopher Wren and John Vanburgh. Highlights of a tour around the palace include the massive Tudor kitchens (built to feed a household of 600 courtiers and staff), the Chapel Royal with its fabulous vaulted ceiling, the Great Hall with its hammer-beam roof and the formal Privy Garden .
 Lunch: In the Tiltyard Cafe at Hampton Court Palace.
 Afternoon: Walk the Thames Path from Hampton Court Palace to Richmond via Teddington Lock, Eel Pie Island and Marble Hill House (7 miles). The first part of the walk along the River Thames from Hampton Court Palace to Richmond follow the Barge Walk which skirts the palace grounds and provides excellent views of the exterior of the palace and all of the different architectural styles. The next point of interest is Teddington Lock, the largest lock system on the river and the upper limit of the tidal Thames. Beyond Teddington Lock lies a surprisingly rural landscape where cows graze on the watermeadows and verdant lawns roll down to the riverbank. Handsome villas such as Marble Hill House (home to the mistress of king George II), Ham House and York House sit back from the river, but in full view of the passing public. These were the London residences of the rich, famous and influential during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Finally a visit to Petersham Church where participants travelling from Canada will find the grave of George Vancouver.
 Dinner: Excluded.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Richmond Hill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Kew Gardens and Syon House Gardens.
(Friday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Walk along the Thames Path from Richmond Hill to Kew, via Richmond Lock and Syon House Gardens (3 miles). The day begins with a level walk along the riverbank, past the site of Richmond Palace (where Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603 and Syon Reach (where the tidal meadows are flooded twice a day), to the Old Deer Park at Kew. Kew Palace and Gardens now come into view. Kew Gardens is home to the world’s largest collection of living plants, with one in eight of all known species housed within its glasshouses and gardens. The collection of preserved specimens in the herbarium includes some seven million species. An introductory talk detailing the history of Kew, and pointing out the highlights of the season,will be followed by open-ended free time to explore independently.
 Lunch: Excluded.
 Afternoon: Free to continue at Kew. Return to hotel independently (frequent public buses).
 Dinner: Excluded.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Richmond Hill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Tower Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge and Southwark.
(Saturday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Field trip to the Tower Bridge side of the Thames . Option to visit the Tower of London (at own expense) or walk to Rotherhithe to see the chuch where pews are made from timbers of the Mayflower.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch of your own choice around the riverside Hay's Galleria, next to HMS Belfast. Choices from sandwiches to pubs and carvery restaurant.
 Afternoon: Walk along the Thames Path from Tower Bridge to Lambeth Palace and Westminster Abbey (3.5 miles). The walk from Tower Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge will pass HMS Belfast; he replica of the Golden Hinde in St Mary Overie Dock (St Mary Overie Dock is one of the oldest in Southwark and dates from the 16th century); Southwark Cathedral; Clink Prison; the Globe Theatre; the Tate Modern; the Millennium Bridge (built as a project for the Millennium, this is London’s newest bridge over the Thames and links the Tate Modern with St Paul’s Cathedral); Somerset House; Cleopatra’s Needle; the Victoria ( built by Sir Joseph Bazalgette as part of the project to clean up the Thames and build an underground system of sewers for the city; the bronze statue of Queen Boudicca and her daughters; the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey where all bar one of our monarchs since the time of Edward the Confessor have been crowned and where many are buried. Many other notable historical, political and literary figures are either buried or commemorated within the Abbey, and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior stands in the nave.
 Dinner: In the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Richmond Hill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Greenwich.
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: River boat from Westminster to the Thames Barrier, and back to Greenwich. Visit to Greenwich Park, the Royal Naval College complex and the Old Royal Observatory. The day will start with a boat ride along the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Thames Barrier. Built between 1974 and 1982, the Thames Barrier is the second largest movable flood barrier in the world and weighs over four thousand tonnes. It was built to protect London from the possibility of disastrous floods in the event of a North Sea tidal surge, the result of which could be the devastation of the London Underground, the City’s fresh water supply, power, sewage and communication systems. Greenwich is famous as the home of the Old Royal Observatory, the Royal Naval College (previously Greenwich Hospital) and the National Maritime Museum. The complex is one of the most distinctive landmarks on the River Thames and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Royal Observatory was established in 1675 by King Charles II for the express purpose of making detailed observations which would lead to the discovery of an accurate method of establishing longitude and perfecting navigation at sea. Success led to the adoption of Greenwich as the prime meridian. The handsome Baroque buildings of the Royal Hospital for Seamen in Greenwich were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built in the late 1600s. In 1805 the body of Lord Nelson lay in the Painted Chapel in Greenwich Hospital after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. The buildings were taken over by the Royal Naval College in 1873. The National Maritime Museum contains exhibits and interpretative displays dealing with all things seafaring from the 16th century through to the present day.
 Lunch: Excluded so that you can explore Greenwich Village or Greenwich Market.
 Afternoon: Field trip to the National Maritime Museum. Return to Westminster by boat.
 Dinner: Farewell meeting and dinner in the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Richmond Hill Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13:
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Depart From: London for return flights to North America.
 Breakfast: Full English and continental breakfast in the hotel.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Oxford Book of Oxford


Author: Jan Morris


Description: 'Few cities,' Jan Morris observes, 'have been much more loved, loathed, and celebrated.' This book has become a classic account of the character, history, mores, buildings, climate, and people of one of Britain's most fascinating cities. 'A book of outstanding excellence, with a sweep of knowledge and a distinction of style such as I have never before encountered in a work of this sort ... Brilliant alike in observation and imagination ... brings the very stones of Oxford to life' Sunday Telegraph



Oxford Insight Compact Guide


Author: Apa


Description: This Insight Compact Guide is the ideal companion for your trip to the famous university city of Oxford. The top 10 sights are highlighted to help you plan your visit and include Christ Church College, the Botanic Garden and the Sheldonian Theatre. Clear, colour-coded sections cover everything from history and culture, to entertainment, food and drink in an easy-to-read format. Sights are cross-referenced on detailed full-colour maps throughout, providing instant orientation and allowing you to tailor your chosen routes exactly to the places you most want to visit. Full-colour photographs throughout the guide provide a visual introduction to this architecturally attractive city and enable you to recognise sights, such as the famous colleges, whilst out and about.



Oxford – An Architectural Guide


Author: Geoffrey Tyack


Description: Few cities have a greater concentration of significant architecture than Oxford. Within a city of only 130,000 inhabitants there are important buildings, many of them of great beauty, from every period from the 11th century down to the present. Geoffrey Tyack chronicles the architectural development of Oxford - both University and City - from its origins to the late-20th century, explaining the idiosyncracies of Oxford's architectural history, and placing the buildings within their historical context. His approach is chronological, and his emphasis on what can actually be seen





You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768