An English Christmas - Traditions & Beauty from London to the Cotswolds (2024)

December 3 - 8, 2024

England at the holidays is tranquil, elegant, and beautiful. During this tour, we’ll go behind-the-scenes of many wonderful traditions - from mince pies and mulled wine, to fires in the Cotswolds and open-air Christmas markets.

Welcome!

There is a certain magic that takes over London and the Cotswolds at this time of the year.

Along with many itinerary highlights, we’ll enjoy a very special holiday performance amongst the beauty and elegance of a decorated London, as well as the charming shops and architecture in small villages.

I’ve spent many years discovering the best places to see during this festive time, and that’s why I am so proud to introduce this special tour. This is a curated travel experience that you’ll never forget.

Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year, and I look forward to sharing with you: An English Christmas!

See you in December,

Andrew Lannerd Tour Director | Transcendent Travel

Tour Highlights:

10 superior meals
5 nights of deluxe accommodations divided between London,
Broadway, and Bath
Superior motor coach transportation between tour destinations
Guides, tours and admission fees at tour venues

SPECIAL EXTRAS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITINERARY

Curator/expert led tours at various times
Wine included with all group dinners
Snacks at various points throughout the tour
Welcome goodie bag with various gifts/niceties

Day 1 - Tuesday

Arrivals to Central London
Afternoon walking tour of the St. James’s & Mayfair neighborhoods Including Jermyn Street, a Yuletide market, decorated shopping arcades, as well as Bond Street and The Ritz
A special visit to Fortnum & Mason
London’s most iconic department store, decked out for the holidays
A special tasting experience at the late Queen’s chocolatier
A candlelit Welcome to London dinner in a festive location
Overnight accommodations at the luxurious and well-situated The Cavendish London, St. James's

After being welcomed and settling into your luxurious accommodations, guests will enjoy an expert-led walking tour of the elegant St. James’s & Mayfair neighborhoods. You’ll marvel at the elegant décor of Fortnum & Mason, grocer to the nobility since 1707, and enjoy the lights of Bond Street, Jermyn Street, and of London’s most charming Christmas markets.

We’ll also have a special tasting experience at the chocolatier of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and later, a Welcome to London reception and candlelit dinner to remember in an atmospheric location – the perfect way to start this special English Christmas tour.

Day 2 - Wednesday

A delicious breakfast at The Cavendish London, St. James's
A Victorian Christmas Tour of London
Step back in time for an expert-led tour of London’s best holiday scenes & historic sights
A fabulous holiday luncheon in Mayfair
At a renowned restaurant, famous for its holiday decorations
Evening at your leisure for theatre or shopping
Overnight accommodations at The Cavendish London, St. James's

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll take a very special Victorian-themed Christmas tour of London, which will bring guests to many of the most iconic spots in London – all renowned for holiday decorations. We’ll also hear about how Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert shaped many of the ways we celebrate today.

After all that exploring, we’ll enjoy a fabulous luncheon at one of Mayfair’s most festive establishments. The evening can be at your leisure for theatre, or perhaps a little more Christmas shopping.

Day 3 - Thursday

A full English or Continental Breakfast in London
Coach journey to The Cotswolds
Exploration of the best Cotswolds villages
Lunch and time for shopping
A traditional holiday afternoon tea in Castle Combe
Time to explore the beautiful village of Broadway
Three-course dinner in Broadway
Overnight accommodations in Broadway

Today’s the day you’ve been waiting for: a chance to see villages in The Cotswolds decked out for Christmas! We have carefully chosen the BEST villages for this tour, all of which combine Christmas charm and beautiful architecture, as well as high-quality sights and shopping. But, shhhh...We’re keeping them a secret as many are off the beaten path, and we want to keep them a secret for you. Consider it an early Christmas surprise.

You’ll absolutely love soaking up the charm of these picturesque villages. Later in the day, we’ll have a full afternoon tea in a Castle Combe manor house. After tea, we’ll head for Broadway village and check into our charming hotel. An unforgettable dinner awaits you in Broadway, prepared by one of the best culinary teams in The Cotswolds.

Day 4 - Friday

Breakfast in charming Broadway
Coach journey to Bath
Lunch
A traditional holiday baking class with notable French baker, Richard Bertinet
A visit to the iconic Bath Christmas Markets
Overnight accommodations at the fabulous Francis Hotel, Bath

Today after breakfast we will head to Bath to take part in a very special holiday baking class with notable French baker, Richard Bertinet. During this interactive experience, you’ll see first-hand how to create traditional Christmas goodies – followed by an unforgettable sampling experience.

Later in the day, we will explore the renowned delights of the Bath Christmas Market, featuring hundreds of artisan craftsman, foods, and items for sale. While strolling, you’ll hear live music and carolling – all adding to the festive atmosphere of Bath at this time of year. We’ll be staying in the top-rated Francis Hotel, located on beautiful Queen's Square in Bath.

Day 5 - Saturday

Gourmet breakfast at Francis Hotel, Bath
Very special tour of Badminton House
One of England’s finest country houses, not open to the public
Coach journey to London
Christmas Doors of London Tour
Candlelit Christmas Concert in a gorgeous setting
Farewell to London dinner
Overnight accommodations at The Cavendish London, St. James's (London)

Although not open to the public, we’ll get to take a very special tour of Badminton House – one of England’s great treasure houses. This magnificent estate is the private home of the Duke & Duchess of Beaufort. Not only will you marvel at the art and architecture, but you’ll also see the house decorated for the holidays. Truly, one of England’s great treasure houses opening just for us. An unforgettable experience awaits!

Later, we’ll head back into London for a unique Christmas Doors of London Tour, and see some of the finest decorated doors in the city. In the evening, we will enjoy a LIVE candlelit Christmas performance in one of London’s great churches, followed by another special dinner to remember.

Day 6 - Sunday

Breakfast at The Cavendish London, St. James's
Departures or optional morning Matins service at The Chapel Royal, St. James’s Palace
A special opportunity to attend a choral service inside St. James’s Palace