Independent London: Story of a City

After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.

A passport is required for this program. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

This information about travel documents pertains to participants holding U.S. passports. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.

United Kingdom

• Your passport must have 1 blank passport page(s) for entry/exit visas in this country.

• A travel visa is required and it must be obtained in advance.

• The cost of this visa is not included in the cost of your trip.

• Your visa can be secured electronically. You may use the services of our designated visa service, Passport Visa Express, please see details on the process and the price at Passport Visa Express. If you prefer you may secure your electronic visa on your own, see the notes below for details.

Please note: American & Canadian passport holders traveling to or through the United Kingdom will need authorization via the UK Government's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Visa. The application is available online and via the UK ETA App at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta. You will need your passport information to complete the form. Once received, the application is expected to be processed within three business days. Once you have received confirmation, it will be valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever occurs first). You must apply before entering the UK.

If Road Scholar is arranging your air travel to and from the program, and you travel on the scheduled start and end dates, you’ll receive free round-trip transfers from the airport to the hotel.

Arrival day is on October 25, 2026

Meet the group at The Tower Hotel in London, England

Start of Trip:  3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 5:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting & Orientation; 6:00 p.m. Welcome Dinner.

Getting to the site: Taxis are available at the airport. Follow signs as you leave the terminal. A taxi to the hotel should typically be a journey of 20 miles. Heathrow Express trains run directly from the airport terminals to London Paddington rail station, four departures per hour between approximately 5:15 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending upon arrival terminal. Single tickets and lower fares are available if booked ahead online at https://www.heathrowexpress.com/tickets-deals/prices-fares. Taxis from Paddington Station to the hotel should be a journey of about 6 miles. Using the London Underground is not recommended at busier times of day if you are travelling with bulky luggage, as trains can be quite crowded. If you do wish to travel by London Underground to the hotel, the most straightforward approach is to take a Circle line train directly from Paddington to Tower Hill (11 stops). The hotel is located approximately 1800 feet from the station. If you are arriving from London Gatwick airport, take the Gatwick Express train to London Victoria rail station; 4 trains per hour between approximately 5:40 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. From Victoria, take a taxi to the hotel (about 5 miles) or take a District or Circle London Underground train to Tower Hill (9 stops).

Getting to the site by train or bus: Yes, public transportation is available.

Your trip ends on: Sunday, November 1, 2026 in London, England at The Tower Hotel

End of Trip: 8:00 a.m. after breakfast; 11:00 a.m. hotel check-out.

Getting to the airport: Taxis are available to the airport and can be arranged via the hotel concierge. Using the London Underground is not recommended at busier times of day if you are travelling with bulky luggage, as trains can be quite crowded. If you do wish to travel by London Underground to the airport, the most straightforward approach is to take a Circle line train directly from Tower Hill to Paddington(11 stops). From Paddington, Heathrow Express trains run directly to the airport terminals, four departures per hour between approximately 5:15 a.m. and 11:40 p.m. The journey takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending upon arrival terminal. Single tickets and lower fares are available if booked ahead online at https://www.heathrowexpress.com/tickets-deals/prices-fares.

Information if you are purchasing your own airfare: Participants who have not purchased airfare through Road Scholar are responsible for making their own transfer arrangements to the first site at the beginning of the program, as well as from the last site at the end of the program. The Information Packet Road Scholar sends in advance of the program includes details needed to make your transfer arrangements. If you wish to purchase airfare through Road Scholar, please call (800) 241-1404. Please note: In the unlikely event Road Scholar must make changes to the program's arrival or departure details, we will notify all participants as soon as possible. Participants who have purchased Road Scholar airfare are protected against airline change fees; however, anyone who has not purchased Road Scholar airfare will be required to make their own adjustments and may incur fees imposed by the airline.