On arrival into London's Heathrow Airport, you are transferred to your hotel, and have the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Travel Director.

This morning our sightseeing tour acquaints us with the vibrant West End of London. We explore Marble Arch, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Cenotaph, Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. We see historic Westminster Abbey and also Buckingham Palace, home of the Queen. A highlight of our tour is a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world's greatest museum of art and design, with collections unrivalled in their scope and diversity. Our guide will show us just some of the 3000 years' worth of amazing artefacts, ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, metalwork, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.  After our excursion, Harrods is only a short stroll away. (BB)

Today we visit the Hampton Court Flower show, the world's most vibrant flower show which welcomes us with colour and fragrance. The idyllic setting of Henry VIII's favourite palace is transformed for six sumptuous summer days. (BB)

This morning you are transferred to Waterloo Station for our Eurostar Express train to Paris. On arrival in the French capital, join your Parisian guide who will show you all the fabulous sights. See Notre Dame Cathedral, drive through the courtyard of the Louvre to the Palace de la Concorde and the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower where you ascend to the second-level viewing platforms which give a spectacular view over Paris. Dinner tonight is at a typical Parisian Bistro followed by a glittering illuminations tour, to view Paris by night. (BB, HD)

This morning, a lovely drive takes you along the Seine to the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for the last 43 years of his life. The décor of the house itself is fascinating for its blend of colours, but it is the garden where the spirit of the artist is revealed. A spectacular array of colour is created by poppies, delphiniums, lupins, irises and roses, while the water garden is a wistful dream of bamboo, willow and rustic bridges sweeping over waterlilies which were one of Monet’s favourite subjects. Back in Paris, tonight is free for you to relax at a café on the Champs Elysees, or by night why not try one of the world-famous cabaret shows? (BB)

This morning we visit the beautiful Jardins de Bagatelle. Thematic gardens reveal the art of gardening through the centuries - the rose gardens in particular are sublime. Used as a hunting lodge by Napoleon, the château was built in 66 days by the Comte d'Artois, following a wager with his sister-in-law, Marie Antoinette. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps ascend the hill of Montemarte by mini-train for superb panoramic views of the city, visit the Louvre or maybe take some time to shop in the Galleries Lafayette or the elegant designer boutiques of the Left Bank. (BB)

Farewell to the romantic city of Paris as we head southwards towards Chateaux Country passing Orleans, where Joan of Arc relieved the siege by the English Army. We view the Chateau at Chambord, set in rich hunting forests, and then return to the Loire River stopping to see the Chateau at Blois, a magnificent royal fortress with memories of intrigue and assassination. Then a scenic drive along the valley, past Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci was to spend his final years, and on to the enchanting "Ladies Castle" at Chenonceau, the home of Diane de Poitiers (tragic mistress of Henri II) and later of his vengeful wife Catherine of Medici. After visiting the chateau we continue on to the beautiful Chateau de Rochecotte, once the home of Tallyrand, and now ours for a night! This evening we enjoy a highlight dinner with wine at the hotel. (BB, HD)

Southwards today, we pass Poitiers, an old town associated with the “Black Prince” and birthplace to the notorious beauty Diane de Poitiers. We continue to the town of Limoges, famous for its pottery and enamels, where we visit a porcelain showroom. Now we go onto our hotel in Brive-la-Gaillard. (BB, D)

This morning’s drive takes us into the stunning Valley of the Dordogne where we visit the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda with its fine historic golden limestone houses. Now on to the historic town of Cahors, located on a peninsula formed by a meander of the River Lot and famous for its ‘Black Wine’. There is time here to stroll along Boulevard Gambetta, the town's main street and lined with its principal buildings.  We then continue to the pretty town of Albi on the River Tarn, famous for its Cathedral and the birthplace of Toulouse Lautrec. (BB, D)

Today we visit the unspoilt medieval city of Carcassonne. Entering Carcassonne is like stepping back in time; the city has a complete set of ramparts, a medieval keep, even a sports ground for jousting! After time here we continue to the bustling port of Barcelona. (BB, D)

The lively and vibrant city of Barcelona boasts an impressive old town, but it’s the daring architecture from the modernist period (1890-1920) that sets it apart. Sightseeing with a local guide begins in the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter, centred around the old Cathedral. Then pass the leafy Las Ramblas to enter the Eixample District. See Gaudi’s extraordinary unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral before free time this afternoon to explore on your own. Perhaps visit Park Guelle, Gaudi’s famous example of Art Nouveau landscape architecture. Tonight you may wish to take in a dazzling Flamenco Show with dinner. (BB)

We leave the Mediterranean behind, as we head inland. Lunch time finds us in the historic city of Zaragoza with its cathedral, our lady of the Pillar. We continue through Castille, where the legendary Don Quixote 'tilted at windmills', and along the Jalon Valley, dotted with Mudejar Towers - survivors of a bygone era of Moorish domination. We pass Alcala de Henares, birthplace of Catherine of Aragon, to reach Madrid. (BB, D)

A guided excursion this morning takes us along the leafy avenues of the city, where we see the Plaza Espana with its Cervantes Monument, the grandiose Cibeles Fountain, Parliament and Puerta del Sol. We then visit the Royal Palace. The palace was built between 1738 and 1764. Madrid's Royal Palace is considered by many to be one of the finest palaces in Europe. It is not the official residence of the King of Spain, yet official banquets and other important state events take place here. The remainder of the day is then free. Perhaps visit the Prado museum, one of the great art galleries of Europe. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to the sound of traditional 'tuna' musicians. (BB, HD)

We head to the northern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama this morning to Segovia, perched on its triangular rock. We see the Roman aqueduct, one of the finest in existence; however, it was during the 15th century that Segovia reached its golden age. There is time to explore the old town, before continuing across the infinite horizons of the northern Meseta and over the Cantabrica Mountains to the sophisticated resort of Santander. (BB, D)

We drive along the ‘corniche road’, with views of the great bay of Santander, before a short drive brings us to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called ‘the most beautiful village in Spain’. Here we stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets with stone houses decorated with carved heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. After time to explore we continue to Bilbao where we visit the striking Guggenheim - a modern and contemporary art museum. Designed by Frank Gehry and opened to the public in 1997, the Guggenheim was immediately vaulted to prominence as one of the world's most spectacular buildings. (BB)

This morning is at leisure in Santander.  Perhaps take advantage of the sandy beaches or perhaps a little shopping? This afternoon we board our mini-cruise bound for Plymouth - a holiday in itself! Crossing time is less than 24 hours, and while on board the ship’s facilities are at our disposal. These include a superb pool and leisure area, cinema, wrap-around promenade for pleasant deck strolls, and evening entertainment. (BB)

This morning we arrive at Plymouth, where Drake played bowls while he waited for the Spanish Armada, and where the Pilgrim Fathers began their historic voyage. On arrival we will see the New Town Centre, Barbican and Citadel and the famous Hoe. Then it’s on to our hotel where we are at leisure. Tonight we have dinner in quaint English style pub. (BB, HD)

Today we journey west to visit Heligan, one of the most mysterious estates in England. We explore the ‘lost’ gardens which were at their peak at the end of the nineteenth century but fell into disrepair by the First World War. After decades of neglect they have been brought back to life in every sense. From the old to the new – we visit the ultra-modern Eden Project, a large-scale environmental complex including two giant, transparent domes, emulating tropical and Mediterranean-type environments. (BB)

This morning we journey across part of the rugged area of Dartmoor, with its sinister memories of the remote Prison and 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. We cross 'scrumptious Somerset' towards Glastonbury Abbey, reputedly the site of King Arthur's grave. We make our way to elegant Georgian Bath, built in an amphitheatre-style on surrounding hills. Our visit shows us the impressive Royal Crescent and Pultney Bridge, both built in local stone. Included is a visit to the Pump Room and the ancient Roman Baths, perfectly preserved even after 18 centuries! Then we go to our hotel. (BB, D)

An enchanting day takes us across the beautiful Cotswold Hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the door! We visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After our guided visit to the state rooms there is also time to explore the beautiful gardens and extensive grounds.  En route back to London we stop at the village of Bladon to see Winston Churchill’s grave. This evening we enjoy a highlight dinner with wine at one of London’s top-rated restaurants! (BB, HD)

This morning our memorable tour comes to an end, we bid our Travel Director farewell and are transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (BB)

On arrival at London Heathrow, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight you meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Drink.

After breakfast, we make our way to the Kent countryside and travel to the pretty village of Westerham where Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green. Here we visit Churchill’s residence of Chartwel, before making our way through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, known for its tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. We cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll through the pretty gardens. We overnight in a beautifully-situated country hotel. (CB, D)

A scenic drive through the New Forest brings us to Beaulieu where we visit the Palace House and Abbey ruins, and the collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Later we travel to Salisbury, where we see the 13th century cathedral, whose spire is the tallest in the land. After some free time we visit nearby Wilton House, one of the finest stately homes in Britain, with state rooms by Inigo Jones containing a world famous collection of paintings. Now back to our hotel. (BB)

This morning we visit Compton Acres, one of the finest privately-owned gardens in the South with a unique series of stunning tranquil gardens offering spectacular views of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, and the Purbeck Hills beyond. We then visit the medieval village of Cockington, with its thatched cob cottages, a pub, blacksmith and horse-drawn transport. Tonight we stay in the seaside town of Torquay. (BB, D)

We travel to the small town of Fowey to visit the unique ‘Eden Project’. The Eden Project communicates its story in a ‘Living Theatre of Plants and People’ based in a large crater in which nestles two vast greenhouses (Biomes). These house plants and crops are from the humid tropics and warm temperate regions and act as a backdrop to the temperate landscape. We continue to Stratford–upon–Avon where we visit Shakespeare's birthplace on arrival and then to our hotel. (BB)

This enchanting day takes us across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate-box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the door! We visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After exploring the house and gardens we then visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to another of King Henry VIII's wives, Katherine Parr. (BB, D)

Travelling through the orchards of Worcestershire, we head for the border town of Ludlow with its impressive castle ruins. On through the remote Shropshire hills, we pass Wenlock Edge, celebrated in the poetry of A E Housman. Soon we reach historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Take time to marvel at the 200-year-old Iron Bridge, before the smooth motorway carries us north to the stunning English Lake District. (BB, D)

Take the whole day to relax and explore the Lake District - a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters, and an inspiration to a host of English poets. We visit Wordsworth's grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, largest of the lakes. Perhaps even take a cruise on its peaceful waters, before we return to our hotel. (BB, D)

We cross the Cumbrian Mountains and the Scottish border at Gretna - for years the destination of eloping English lovers. We have some free time for shopping before enjoying the contrasting beauty of the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Here we discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens which form a remarkable haven of tranquility within the city, as well as being a world-renowned centre for botanical science. (BB)

We see the highlights of Edinburgh this morning – Holyroodhouse, St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile, the Castle and the 'New Town'. Later, we cross the Firth of Forth to reach St. Andrews - home of golf. We visit the ruined cathedral, formerly the largest in Scotland. We see Scotland's oldest university and the most famous golf course in the world. Now back to our hotel. (BB)

We travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. A large turreted mansion which now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts collected throughout his lifetime. We then head south, past Jedburgh Abbey, and over the border to visit Hadrian's Wall. Our destination today is the town of Harrogate, a well-known spa since the 16th century and famous for its gardens. Tonight we enjoy a highlight dinner in a typical local inn. (BB, HD)

After breakfast, we make the short journey to the walled city of York. Here we see the huge Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets including the Shambles. This afternoon we visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, with its tapestries and costume museum, before returning to our hotel in Harrogate. (BB, D)

Today we travel south to visit Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts. The chilling dungeon contrasts with the splendour of the State Rooms and baronial Great Hall. Now we continue to London and back to our hotel for our 2-night stay. (BB)

This morning our highlight excursion takes us to the Chelsea Flower Show. Our full day ticket allows us to see the gardens at a leisurely pace. Visitors come from all over the world to see the crème de la crème of garden design, and horticulture on show, and take ideas back to enhance their own gardens. We are transferred back to our hotel in London after the show. (CB)

This morning our memorable tour comes to an end. We are transferred to the airport for our onward flight. (CB)