August 29 - September 4, 2016

Behind the façade of modern city life lie many hidden and little known gems that are nestled amidst the bustling streets of London. From impressive National Trust places and quirky homes to tranquil English gardens, this tour uncovers the history of the capital of England through exploring an eclectic mix of properties and green spaces, each with its own fascinating story to tell.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival
Upon arrival to Heathrow airport, a private transfers whisks guests to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, the hotel for the duration of the tour.

Day 2 | Ham House & Garden and Strawberry Hill House
Take a scenic drive to Ham House & Gardens, a beautiful and grand 17th century home nestled on the banks of the River Thames, for a guided house tour. The journey continues with a guided visit to Strawberry Hill House, a Gothic Revival villa built by author Horace Walpole in the 18th century.

Day 3 | Red House, Rainham Hall, St. Dunstan in the East, and Dennis Severs’ House
The morning begins with a visit to Red House, the home of Arts and Crafts Movement founder William Morris, and is followed by a tour of Rainham Hall, a house built in 1729 that serves as a fine example of Queen Ann architecture. In the afternoon, guests tour St. Dunstain in the East Garden, a unique city garden built amongst the ruins of a medieval church that was destroyed during World War II. The day concludes with a visit to Dennis Severs’ House.

Day 4 | Dr. Johnson’s House, ‘Hidden Gardens of the City’ Walk, Somerset House & Courtauld Gallery, and Kensington Roof Gardens
Start the day at a charming Georgian townhouse, Dr. Johnson’s House, nestled in the midst of the City of London before exploring the beautiful gardens on the ‘Hidden Gardens of the City’ Walk. In the afternoon, view the extensive art collection of Courtauld Gallery in the Neo-classical Somerset House. Enjoy light refreshments at Kensington Roof Gardens, which opened in 1938 on top of the former Derry and Toms department store.

Day 5 | Leighton House, 18 Stafford Terrace, Carlyle’s House, and Kyoto Garden
Visit Leighton House and its extraordinary Arab Hall, followed by a tour of the well-preserved late Victorian townhouse 18 Stafford Terrace. Next on the day’s agenda is a tour of 19th-century writer and historian Thomas Carlyle’s home. Finally, visit the immaculate Japanese Kyoto Garden within Holland Park.

Day 6 | Southside House, Frogmore House, and The Savill Garden
Explore the eccentric Southside House, the Frogmore House, and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park before enjoying a farewell dinner at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel.

Day 7 | Departure
Guests are taken back to Heathrow airport for their return flights home.

Tour Price

From $3,500 per person*
*Deposit of $500 required at time of booking.

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour, please contact our tour VIP desk by calling +1 202 772 8000 or emailing scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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Terms & Conditions

The itinerary information may vary slightly based on specific departures. The itinerary is subject to change.
Included in tour cost: airport transfers; six (6) nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel; welcome drink and canapés; full English breakfast and three-course table d’hóte dinner daily; after dinner tea and coffee; services of a tour director throughout your stay; travel by comfortable motor coach; all entrance fees; and porterage.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.