United States/England

Churchill’s Finest Hour: A Transatlantic Voyage on QM2

Program No. 23191RJ
The Russians nicknamed him the “British Bulldog.” Learn about Winston Churchill’s fighting spirit as you study his life and work on a Transatlantic voyage aboard the QM2.

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At a Glance

“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour.’” A leader who brought hope to England during its darkest times, Winston Churchill may very well be one of the most admired, controversial and inspirational politicians of the modern era. Study Churchill’s life and career on a transatlantic voyage from New York City to Southampton, England, and delve further into his legacy during expert-led field trips to his home, Westminster and more.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking 2-3 miles daily on field trips; paved streets with some cobblestones, gravel paths, grass lawns. Extent of walking and other activities aboard ship according to personal preference.

What You'll Learn

  • Join experts on board the QM2 for insightful lectures into the political and military career of Winston Churchill, including his roles during the Boer War, Gallipoli and World War II.
  • Trace Churchill’s life during field trips to his birthplace at Blenheim Palace, his beloved home of Chartwell, and St. Martin’s Church in Bladon where he was buried.
  • Gain a sense of Churchill’s “finest hours” as you explore the Churchill War Rooms and Museum, Westminster and the Imperial War Museum.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Spencer Jones
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Darkest Year: The British Army on the Western Front 1917' (Helion and Company, 2021).

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones View biography
Dr. Spencer Jones is an award-winning historian and author with a special interest in the First and Second World Wars and the life of Sir Winston Churchill. He is a senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton, and serves in the British Army as the regimental historian of the Royal Artillery. His most recent publication is 'The Darkest Year: The British Army on the Western Front 1917' (Helion and Company, 2021).
Profile Image of Ruth Polling
Ruth Polling View biography
Ruth graduated at the top of her class as the London Blue Badge Travel Educator of the Year and has been sharing her knowledge of England with curious travelers for three years. London born and bred, she is energetic and passionate about the United Kingdom. Ruth graduated from the London School of Economics with a degree in International History with an emphasis on Military History. She previously worked in London politics for eleven years including working in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
Date and Direction
Dec 02 - Dec 14 (New York City to London, England)
  • Jul 26 - Aug 08 (New York City to London, England)
  • Dec 02 - Dec 14 (New York City to London, England)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Dec 02 - Dec 14 (New York City to London, England)
  • Jul 26 - Aug 08 (New York City to London, England)
  • Dec 02 - Dec 14 (New York City to London, England)
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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13 days
12 nights
32 meals
12 B 9 L 11 D
DAY
1
Arrive New York, Check-in, Orientation
New York City
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Afternoon: Orientation & Welcome: 5:00 p.m. We will gather for Orientation followed by a Welcome Reception. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Adventures Afloat program. Port stops are subject to change as weather and ocean conditions could affect the progress of the vessel. The cruise itinerary should therefore be regarded as provisional. The time in each port is set by the cruise line. The cruise line reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. Our program is staffed with both a Study Leader who will lecture, conduct field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics, and a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics. Aboard the Queen Mary 2, breakfast and lunch are in the venue of your choosing. Afternoon tea is served in the Queens Room. Road Scholars are invited to have dinner together in the Britannia Restaurant. Snacks, juice, tea, coffee, water are available 24 hours a day in the buffet restaurants and there is 24-hour room service. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
Embark Queen Mary 2
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Embarkation expected by approximately 2:00 p.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Free time. We will board our motorcoach and ride to the pier in the early afternoon, complete embarkation procedures, and board the Queen Mary 2.

Lunch: Aboard the Queen Mary 2, we’ll have a late lunch.

Afternoon: After getting our cabins, we will take some time to settle in and begin to familiarize ourselves with the ship. We will participate with everyone on board in the ship’s mandatory muster/safety drill when announced.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The Queen Mary 2 is a floating city. The options for activities and entertainment are many and varied. You might like to see a show in the ballroom, go dancing, listen to music, watch a movie in the theatre, have a beverage and a chat with new Road Scholar friends in one of the bars, or wander through the library — one of the best shipboard libraries anywhere — to find a book and curl up in that perfect reading chair.

DAY
3
At Sea, Our Lecture Series Begins
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll gather with our Study Leader in a private meeting room for our first in a series of on-board lectures. Topics covered throughout the program will include Churchill in the Boer War, the tragedy of Gallipoli, Churchill in the trenches, the First Finest Hour, Churchill and his generals, and the Big Three.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free Time. You’ll have a variety of shipboard enrichment activities from which to choose. You might like to take a class such as watercolor painting or ballroom dancing, enjoy one of the ship's swimming pools, take a brisk walk around the decks, or continue reading that book. The history of the Cunard Line is displayed in an exhibition running through the halls of the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
At Sea, Lectures Continue
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Our lecture series following a thematic progression will continue with our Study Leader.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time to enjoy the variety of shipboard enrichment activities.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
At Sea, Lectures Continue
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Gathering in our lecture room, we’ll continue to explore the life and times of Winston Churchill.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. You may want to take advantage of the many educational, social, and physical activities available on board, or simply relax in one of the deck chairs with a view of the Atlantic, glistening when the sun shines.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to visit the Queen Mary 2’s beautiful theatre, home to nightly productions from stars of stage and screen alike.

DAY
6
At Sea, Lectures Continue
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We join our Study Leader for today's illuminating lecture.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free Time. You might grab a ticket for the planetarium show, polish your bridge skills during a tournament, or perhaps retreat to the spa for a massage.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to visit The Golden Lion, a traditional English pub, as it runs a competitive pub quiz each evening.

DAY
7
At Sea, Lectures Continue
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Joining our Study Leader, we’ll engage in another lively discussion.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free Time. When not performing, members of the Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts host daily acting workshops that give passengers the opportunity to flex their acting muscles.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
At Sea, Final Onboard Lecture
At Sea
B,L,D
Queen Mary 2

Activity note: Full day at sea.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Gathering with our Study Leader, we’ll settle in for the final lecture before we dock at our destination tomorrow.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free Time. You may wish to explore the history of the Cunard Line at a unique exhibition running through the halls of the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out, disembarkation, and transfer in the morning.

DAY
9
Disembarkation, Chartwell, Biggin Hill, Transfer to London
London, England
B,L,D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Activity note: Disembarkation by approximately 9:00 a.m. Getting on/off motorcoach; total driving about 141 miles, approximately 3.5 hours with stops for field trips.

Breakfast: Early aboard the ship.

Morning: After completing disembarkation procedures in Southampton, we’ll make our way onto the motorcoach for transfer onwards to Chartwell, the adult home of Sir Winston Churchill, located just outside Westerham. Due to emergency maintenance, the inside of the house may be unavailable. On-site volunteers will also be available to answer any questions. Chartwell is also home to some beautifully landscaped gardens, which provided inspiration for many of Churchill’s paintings.

Lunch: At Chartwell House.

Afternoon: Following Chartwell our transfer will continue to Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, which tells the story of Britain’s most famous fighter station through the personal experiences of those who served there, and the community that supported them. The museum is situated on the same site as St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, built in 1951 to preserve the legacy of those who served and died at Biggin Hill during the Second World War. We will then transfer to London.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
St. Paul's Cathedral, Churchill War Rooms
London, England
B,L,D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Activity note: Walking and standing up to 2 -3 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an unmissable silhouette on the London skyline and often considered to be Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece. It has been standing in its current form since 1711 and its tranquil interior is majestic in its Baroque splendor. Our Instructor will take us through its turbulent and fascinating history as we explore its magnificent three-domed structure.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the Churchill War Rooms. It was here that Churchill’s government sheltered during the worst of the bombing, and the conditions of the time are faithfully recreated in this subterranean maze. The facility also houses the Churchill Museum, which brings to life the exciting story of Churchill’s life – from his childhood to his “finest hour”.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Blenheim Palace, Bladon
London, England
B,D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; total driving about 130 miles, approximately 4.5 hours. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day; about 6 hours on our feet; paved pathways, some inclines and steps; welcome map shows step-free routes. Wheelchair access only to sitting room, hall, and library; electric wheelchairs not suitable for house.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We begin our full day field trip to Blenheim Palace, where we’ll enjoy an expert-led exploration through the estate and its remarkable gardens that were designed by the famous landscape gardener, Lancelot “Capability” Brown. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, just outside of Oxford, was initially a gift given to the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. Queen Anne recognized him for his triumph in battle over French and Bavarian forces in 1704, and the palace was built between 1705 and 1722. Eventually, Blenheim’s recognition grew further when Winston Churchill was born there in 1874.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: This afternoon starts with a visit to Bladon and a visit to Winston Churchill's grave before transferring on to London.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Free Time, Imperial War Museum.
London, England
B,D
Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton Hotel

Activity note: Walking and standing up to 2 -3 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: The morning is free for you to explore the delights of London.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: We’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the Imperial War Museum. The vast museum chronicles Britain’s involvement in wars from 1914 to the present day, keeping a very human perspective on the immense turmoil that both Britain and the wider world as a whole have endured over the last century. Of particular importance are its First World War galleries, and its new Witnesses to War exhibition. Presented in a state-of-the-art atrium, the exhibition includes a Harrier Jet, a Spitfire, and a V2 rocket.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
13
Program Concludes
In Flight
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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