Welcome to London, a city celebrated as much for its innovative flair as it is for its history. Once your flight lands at your airport of choice, it’s up to you to make your own way to your hotel in Bloomsbury – a neighbourhood renowned for its publishing houses, prestigious institutions (including the world-class British Museum) and leafy green squares. Exuding a relaxed intellectual charm, Bloomsbury feels secluded from the hubbub of Central London; yet you’ll find the glittering lights of the West End all within a stone’s throw. Meet your fellow travellers and guide at the hotel, then, in true British fashion, you’ll enjoy a traditional Sunday roast at a nearby pub.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’re off to Piccadilly Circus. Here, you’ll meet with local photographer Polly, for a mobile photography tour of Central London’s landmarks. Then, it’s time to board a public boat and sail downriver to Borough Market. At roughly a thousand years old, Borough Market is one of London’s most vibrant foodie neighbourhoods. Take your pick from the array of lunch options available, then it’s up to Camden Town. Explore the neighbourhood at your own leisure, slowly making your way to Primrose Hill – where you can enjoy vast views of the London skyline. You’ll then reconvene with your group for a kayaking session along the canal, followed by an evening of gin-making at an independent distillery. Learn how to craft bespoke gins from a range of ingredients, with a bottle of your hand-made spirit to take home with you. The rest of the evening is yours to explore Camden’s lively nightlife with your fellow travellers.

This morning, you’re off to Portobello Road in Notting Hill, a West London neighbourhood with a distinctive charm of its own. All along Portobello Road, you’ll find market stalls selling everything from valuable antiques to vintage clothing and food. Having explored one of London’s prettiest towns, you’ll then head further along the Thames to Oxford, where an afternoon of punting awaits. Settle into your gondola with a spread of champagne and strawberries, as your chauffeur punts you through the picturesque river landscape. This evening, the restaurants and bars of Oxford are all yours to explore.

Begin the day with a scenic cycling tour of Oxford. This is one of England’s most beautiful cities, with its sepia-hued colleges and old-world grandeur (‘Hogwarts-esque’ springs to mind). From the Bridge of Sighs to the Bodleian Library, cycle through the cobbled streets that have inspired great thinkers down the ages. Then, you’ll head west into the Cotswolds, a region of rolling hills, stone bridges and charming thatched cottages – a classic image of the English countryside. First, you’re off to the village of Bibury, where you’ll enjoy a scenic walk along the River Coln. Later tonight, you’ll be staying at Ellenborough Park, a former girls’ school which has since been converted into one of the most luxurious hotels in the Cotswolds.

Enjoy a true English countryside experience this morning, as you turn your hand to clay pigeon shooting and archery – a favourite of the British royals. Spend a few hours channeling your inner Robin Hood, then you’ll enjoy a private tour and craft beer tasting at the Elements Brewing Company. After a taste of this local craft, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore the Cotswolds villages at your own leisure. Make your way over to the Slaughters (one of the many hidden gems the Cotswolds has to offer), then you’ll reconvene with your group for a hearty pub dinner in Lower Slaughter.

After breakfast at your countryside lodge, it’s onto Bourton-on-the-Water, where you’ll have some time to wander along the riverside or enjoy a hot drink in one of the tea rooms. Then, it’s onwards to Windsor, which you’ll explore on a morning walking tour. Just west of London, the town has plenty of Southern English charm, and is also home to Windsor Castle: the official royal residence. You’ll have the option to visit the castle at your own leisure, before reconvening with your group for lunch. We’ll then drive you back to London, where you’ll have a free afternoon to spend as you please. As evening falls, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner in a surprise location.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then it’s over to you to make your way to your preferred airport. Take a look at our popular Scotland trip as the perfect introduction to the British Isles, which can be enjoyed as the first part of this adventure. Alternatively, why not browse our European escapes to see how you could extend your adventure?