Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 13 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking and standing during field trips. Tower of London is an historic building with difficult stairs, passageways, cobbles in some areas. Jewel House accessible. Elevator to basement level of White Tower.
Hotel buffet.
We will trace the history of a country and a city at the Tower of London, the city’s ancient defensive centre. Built at the behest of William the Conqueror in 1078, the White Tower still stands guard over the Thames. It is here that monarchs, importunate princes and lesser mortals were imprisoned, two kings murdered, and three queens beheaded. Now the Tower is best known as the repository of the world-famous Crown Jewels, including the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan I Diamonds — two of the world’s largest cut diamonds — and the world’s most comprehensive collection of coronation vestments and regalia. The Crown Jewels were remade for Charles II after the originals were melted down in the Civil War and provide a spectacular insight into the power of the Royal Family throughout history.
At the New Armouries Café in the Tower of London, with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Our Study Leader will then take us on a Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Medieval walk to All Hallows by the Tower, the City's oldest church, founded in 675 CE. We’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to the Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament that comprise the House of Commons and the House of Lords. This centre of British political power has stunning architectural features and we will enter the chambers of the Commons and Lords, and Westminster — all more than 1,000 years old. We’ll then return to the hotel by motorcoach, starting with a journey at a leisurely pace through Whitehall, another area of power in the city. With expert commentary from our Study Leader, we will see the Treasury, the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices, the Cenotaph memorial to the war dead, Downing Street (the gated street on which the homes of the Prime Minister and other high-level Members of Parliament are located), the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence, and Horse Guards Parade.
Hotel plated meal.
At leisure.