Travel Impressions Vacation Packages

1. Private tour of the Tower of London before it opens to the public. View Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace followed by a panoramic tour to see the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square followed by a Thames River Cruise. Tour finishes at 1.30

2. Plus time for a pub lunch (not included) followed by a visit to Westminster Abbey, a photo-stop at St.Paul’s Cathedral and champagne, tea, and scones at the Orangery within the walls of Kensington Palace, with a chance to stroll around the gardens.

Meeting Point: Departs from Gate 6 Victoria Coach station or call Premium Tours for the nearest pick-up point.
Departure Time: Daily all year round (EXCEPT Dec 25/26 Jan 1, 7)

Includes free transfers in the morning and evening, plus a guide throughout the day including on board Eurostar making the tour fully escorted.

After your free hotel transfer (6:00am pick up from central London hotel) we connect you with your guide for the day at St Pancras Station, the new home of Eurostar. They will then escort you onboard Eurostar and throughout the day in Paris. Traveling at speeds up to 186mph you will be in Paris in just 2 hours 15 minutes.

Upon arrival you will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city taking in most major sites including Nortre Dame, Champs Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe before arriving at the Eiffel Tower.

What better way to enjoy lunch than on the Eiffel Tower itself, one of the world's most famous monuments. Our fast entry ticket means we have priority access and our reserved seats in the Altitude 95 restaurant boasts fabulous viewsacross the city. Sit back and enjoy a glass of Champagne followed by a fabulous meal while soaking up the atmosphere of arguably the world's most beautiful and romantic city.

In the afternoon we take a cruise on the River Seine with spectacular views of the Notre Dame. After this you can explore the Louvre independently and see the world famous Mona Lisa**.

In the early evening we head back to Gard du Nord for our return journey to London where you will be met and escorted back to your central London hotel, making the tour completely fully escorted!

*Don't forget your passport! **Optional extras not included in the price

HIGHLIGHTS:
-Hotel transfer to and from central London hotel
-Reserved seats on the Eurostar
-Panoramic Tour of Paris
-Champagne lunch on the Eiffel Tower - beat the queues
-One hour cruise on the River Seine
-Optional visit to Le Louvre
-Guided throughout the day

PARIS TRAIN TIMES:
Out - Train 9004 departs at 6:55am St Pancras, arrive Gare Du Nord at 10:17am
Return - Train 9055 departs at 7:13pm Gare Du Nord, arrive at St Pancras Station at 8:28pm
Operates:Summer and March - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
Winter (November through February) - Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday

HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES – 3 Palace PassAllows entrance to 3 of London’s Royal establishments: The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace.

TOWER OF LONDON: March 1 - October 31: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 .pm., Sunday: 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. ( Last admission 5:00 p.m.) November 1- February 28. Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Sunday - Monday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ( Last admission: 4:00 p.m.) All internal buildings close 30 minutes after the last admission. The Tower closes one hour after the last admission. The Tower is closed December 24-26 and January 1 (inclusive).

HAMPTON COURT PALACE: March 30 - October 26: Monday: 10:15 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ( Last admission: 5:15 p.m.) October 27 - March 29: 10:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ( Last admission: 3:45 p.m.) Hampton Court Palace is closed December 24-26 (inclusive). The gardens are open all year round from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.

KENSINGTON PALACE: March 1- October 31: Open daily: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Last admission: 5:00 November 1- February 28: Open daily: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Last admission: 4:00 p.m.. Kensington Palace is closed December 24-26 (inclusive).
In winter, Kensington Gardens close at dusk. Validity: Valid for up to 3 months.

DA VINCI TRAIL IN EDINBURGH Day 1 - You will depart from London's Kings Cross Station at 7.00am, with reserved seats for the train to Edinburgh, arriving at 11.36am. On arrival you should make the short journey to your centrally located hotel. All rooms have private facilities. Your guide will collect you from your hotel at 12:30 p.m. for a panoramic tour of Edinburgh followed by visit to Edinburgh Castle.

We then head to one of the most amazing places you will ever visit - Rosslyn Chapel is unique and famed worldwide for the beauty of its carvings and the aura of mystery and magic that surrounds it, as featured in the best sellers “The Da Vinci Code” and 'The Hiram Key'. We will hear stories about Freemasonry, Knights Templars, The Holy Grail, Gypsies, Solomon, Babylon and much more, even a Scotsman in America before Columbus; all this within a 15th Century Chapel that will totally captivate you. A visit to the souvenir shop, although not compulsory, is a must. This tour will normally be in an 18-seater luxury coach making it more personal and making it easier to tour these marvelous sites.

DAY 2 - After breakfast, you will be taken to the train station for your journey to Lincoln. Your train will depart midday for the 3 hour’s journey to Newark. Your driver-guide will meet you at the train station and take you on your trail.

LINCOLN CATHEDRAL – This magnificent Gothic cathedral is surrounded by medieval cobbled streets in a beautiful city which dates back over 2,000 years. The Chapter House and Nave were used to recreate Westminster Abbey in the film, and there is now an exhibition featuring photographs, drawings and props from the filming including actual set pieces used to film the scene involving Sir Isaac Newton’s tomb. Our tour will give you the inside track on this part of the making of the movie. After this short visit, you will be returned to Newark station for your return journey to London, arriving in Kings X at approx 8.45pm. Your guide will than drop you off at Peterborough Station for your journey to London

DEPARTURE TIME:: Mondays June 5th to Sept 25th. Departs London at 7:00 a.m. on Monday
This tour is unescorted.

JOURNEY TO BRUSSELS - Please check-in at Waterloo station by 07.30 for your departure at 08.39 and meet the Golden Tours representative at the welcome desk on the main Eurostar departure concourse who will exchange your Golden Tours voucher for your welcome pack. Journey to Brussels takes just 2 hours 30 minutes with train speed reaching up to 186mph and passing en route, through the 31 mile-long Channel Tunnel.

BRUSSELS- On arrival please make your way by taxi or the metro to the Central station (5 minutes) and you will find the departure point for De Boeck ‘Visit Brussels Line’ outside the station. Your open top bus tour is valid for 24 hours and departs every 30 minutes so you can hop on and off as often as you like and enjoy Brussels at your own leisure. You will be able to see the EEC building, Art Nouveau architecture and many more attractions before returning to the Central station. Belgium is famed for its chocolate and beer and there are many opportunities to sample both in the many shopping arcades & cafes around the magnificent Grand-Place. English is widely spoken.

RETURN JOURNEY - You should ensure that you arrive at the Eurostar Check in at Brussels Midi station at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Note: Once booked this tour cannot be cancelled. 100% cancellation charges apply Passports are required - you may also need a visa. This tour is unescorted.

Meeting Point: Location TBD
Departure Time: Mon/Fri. till 10/30/06. Start time 12:00 p.m.

JACK THE RIPPER TOURFollow the footsteps of Jack the Ripper and re-live the nightmare, stalk the murder sites where Jack the Ripper butchered his victims and grapple with the question which has baffled the police for more than a hundred years – Who was Jack the Ripper? * this tour is unsuitable for children

Meeting: Traders Gate Souvenir Shop Tower Hill Nearest Underground Station Tower Hill
Departs: Daily 6:00 P.M.

During the Christmas Holiday season, which runs from the 24th of December until the 6th of January, only the following tours will operate.

Christmas Paris dates are as follows:
• Tour 29 and 29A: Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower will operate December 24th and 26th
• Tour 29: Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower will operate on December 28th
• First Class is not available
• On December 29th only the unescorted tour 26 and 26A will operate. No other tours to Paris will operate
• December 30th only tour 29 and 29A Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower will operate

No tours from the 1st of January until the 5th of January:
• January 5, 2010 - only the unescorted tour 26 will operate. No other tours to Paris will operate
• January 6, 2010 - only Tour 29 and 29A, Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower will operate

No overnight tours (Tour 27 & 27A) will operate over this period of December 24th through the 6th of January.

Normal service resumes January 7th.

From a metropolis to a city of dreaming spires to the picturesque Cotswolds, from Shakespeare to Churchill - this makes an unforgettable Christmas.

After your morning pick-up we begin our Christmas tour with a panoramic tour of London, taking in all the major highlights - Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London and more.

Next head off to Oxford for a festive walk through this ancient University town passing by the ivy-clad colleges and picturesque honey colored buildings. We will pass Christ Church where Lewis Caroll wrote his enchanting tales of Alice in Wonderland and more recently Harry Potter was filmed. Your guide will explain to you the traditions of college life as you take in such famous buildings as the mighty Romanesque Radcliffe Camera and The Ashmolean, the oldest museum in the UK.

Next we journey into the limestone hills of the Cotswolds a region of picture book villages made famous by the wool merchants in the 14th century who helped build some of the magnificent manor houses and perpendicular Churches that we will pass. There will be time to stop for photos outside Blenheim Palace where Sir Winston Churchill was born before heading to the charming village of Newbold-on-Stour for our Christmas lunch.

Sit back and enjoy delicious Roast Turkey with all the trimmings followed by traditional Christmas pudding served in this charming Elizabethan pub while the Christmas festivities of the local village begin to take place. The Inn boasts a superb collection of real ales and fine wines and for those in the mood why not relax in front of the log fire with a brandy or two?! Well it is Christmas!

In the afternoon we journey to Stratford-upon-Avon passing by Anne Hathaway's cottage before arriving in this picturesque market town. It is famous of course for William Shakespeare, Britain's most famous writer who was both born and lies buried here. We stop for photos on our short walk at both his birthplace and the delightful Holy Trinity Church where the great man finally came to rest.

Please note that Christchurch College and Shakespeare's Birthplace will be closed on Christmas Day but the tour still provides a comprehensive overview of each attraction and includes Christmas lunch in the Cotswolds.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-Panoramic tour of London -Walking tour and driving tour of Oxford the city of dreaming spires

-Hear about the traditions of college life and hear about some of the famous students including Albert Einstein and Bill Clinton

-Walk past some of the worlds most famous colleges including Christ Church where Harry Potter was filmed and the setting of Alice in Wonderland -Photo stop at the entrance to Blenheim Palace

-Christmas lunch served in a traditional English pub in the picturesque Cotswolds

-Driving tour of the Cotswolds visiting quintessentially English villages

-See Anne Hathaway's cottage

-Driving and walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon

-Photo stop of Shakespeare's birthplace

OPERATES: December 25, 2009

See Windsor, Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath in a day!

After the morning pick-up we head off to Windsor Castle for a guided walking tour of the old market town taking in the charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings including the house that William Shakespeare lived in when he wrote the Merry Wives of Windsor. You will also see the warrant for Charles I execution signed by Oliver Cromwell and Sir Christopher Wrens intriguing Guildhall before heading to the long walk that boasts the most impressive views of Windsor Castle. Your professional guide will pause here explaining to you the dramatic history of the oldest working Castle in the world. The walk will continue around the perimeter of the Castle before heading down across Windsor Bridge into Eton where we can see the college that Prince William and Harry attended.

Journeying south-west we pass through Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 before heading to Stonehenge the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Step back in time 5,000 years while your guide explains the remarkable sequence of events that have surrounded these ancient monoliths.

We visit a charming village pub for lunch.

Finally we head to the spa town of Bath for a walking and panoramic driving tour of the old Roman and Georgian town visiting the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and Pulteney Bridge boasting fine views of the River Avon cascading down over the weir.

Please note that the Roman Baths and Windsor Castle will be closed on Boxing Day but the tour will still provide a comprehensive overview of each attraction.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-Visit Royal Windsor for a guided walking tour

-Spectacular views of the Castle including the official Royal residence of the Queen

-Entrance to Stonehenge

-Visit Bath for a panoramic driving tour and a walking tour of the old Roman town

-Lunch in charming English pub included

OPERATES: December 26, 2009

Private viewing of Leeds Castle plus Champagne Cruise on the River Thames.

After the morning pick up we drive straight to Leeds Castle for a unique private viewing before the castle opens to the public. From here we travel to the coast to have lunch in a charming inn overlooking the White Cliffs of Dover and with breathtaking views of the English Channel. Our afternoon is spent enjoying the delights of Canterbury with its magnificent Cathedral, before heading to Greenwich for some free time to enjoy the markets, or an optional walking tour of this historic town. As the sun begins to set we board our boat for a Champagne cruise along the river Thames taking us all the way back to London. What a day!

Leeds Castle:
Described as the "loveliest castle in the world", Leeds Castle was once a Royal residence for six of England's medieval queens, a palace of Henry VIII, and a retreat for the rich and powerful. The setting is simply idyllic. The Norman castle was built on two small islands, in the middle of a lake, and is surrounded by a vast estate. Our day begins with a private viewing prior to the castle opening to the public. We will explore the chapel, galleries, courtyards and banqueting hall before taking time to enjoy the setting and wildlife, which includes wildfowl, black swans and the birds of the aviary.

Dover:
You've heard of the famous White Cliffs of Dover? This is your chance to see them. Following our scenic drive along the old coastal road overlooking the cliffs. On a clear day you can even see France. Dover itself is an historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle.

Canterbury:
After lunch we then enjoy a festive visit to the ancient city of Canterbury. The city has been the center of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral, infamous as the setting for the brutal murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170. When Henry II snapped "Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?", four of his knights fode to the cathedral and sliced Becketts head off. Canterbury became the center of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalized by Geoffrey Chaucer in The Canterbury Tales. Your ticket includes entrance to the Cathedral and also allows some free time to explore the atmospheric old town.

Greenwich and Thames Cruise:
Packed with exquisite parks, gardens, and architecture, Greenwich has strong connections with the sea, science, sovereigns and time. As the early evening approaches we enjoy an exclusive Champagne reception, as we gently cruise back to the center of London. We will pass by historic sights such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before arriving at Westminster pier where our tour ends.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-A tour of the "loveliest castle in the world"

-Festive visit to Canterbury Cathedral

-Leisurely cruise on the River Thames

-Visit the maritime city of Greenwich

-Lunch included

OPERATES: December 26, 2009

Oxford:
Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, boasts one of the world's greatest - and oldest - universities, as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe. The colleges themselves, which make up the university, are amongst the architectural hightlights, their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapes, halls and libraries. The grandest of all the colleges is Christ Church, home to Oxfords cathedral and the university's largest quad. So atmospheric is the colleges dining hall that it was chosen as a key location in the Harry Potter film Hall. Here we will linger so you can relive the magic of the film and learn about the traditions of college life. Your guide will tell you about the colleges famous students, which include Albert Einstein and Lewis Carroll, who wrote his enchanting tales of Alice in Wonderland here. Before visiting Christ Church you can even take tea in the shop where the real-life Alice bought her sweets! Our trip to Oxford promises an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

Stratford-Upon-Avon:
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language, and home to the theaters of the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford is a charming market town set in the heart of rural England. A delightful river winds its way through the town, pst the beautiful Holy Trinity church, where Shakespeare lies buried. There are some wonderful half-wooden buildings that date back to Shakespeare's time, including the famous cottage of Anne Hathaway, who married the great writer in 1582. You can even see the school Shakespeare attended. Our tour includes a visit to Shakespeare's birthplace, before we enjoy lunch in a 15th century inn in picturesque Cotswolds* not included.

Warwick Castle:
This is, quite simply, the greatest medieval castle in Britain. With a history that dates back over 1,000 years, Warwick Castle will take you back in time - to a world of sumptuous banquets, bloody battles and royal splendor. Enter over the footbridge and explore the castles ramparts, towers and gardens. The castle really brings history to life. Visit the waxwork displays of Madame Tussauds, where you can watch, and hear, the Earl of Warwick's preparations for battle. Feeling brave? Then take a look at the ghostly dungeons where prisoners were tortured. Alternatively, relax with a stroll through the castles beautiful gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-Private tour of Christchurch where Harry Potter was filmed

-Visit to Warwick Castle - the greatest medieval site in Britain

-Shakespeare's Birth Place Museum in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon

-Lunch stop at 15th century inn followed by a drive through the Cotswolds * not included

-Soak up the atmosphere at Oxford and hear about life in the university town

OPERATES: January 1, 2010