The tour begins with a private tour of Leeds Castle, a place described as the ‘most enchanting castle in the world’. Once the royal residence of six medieval queens of England, a palace for Henry VIII and a retreat for the rich and powerful, this castle is set in an idyllic setting. The Norman castle was built on two small islands in the middle of a lake, surrounded by a vast estate. The day begins with an exclusive tour before the castle opens to the public. During the visit, the chapel, galleries, courtyards and great banqueting hall are explored, with plenty of time to enjoy the natural surroundings and wildlife, including waterfowl and black swans.
The next stop takes us to Dover, home of the famous White Cliffs. These impressive cliffs, which on a clear day give a view of France, are one of England's most iconic landscapes. Dover is a historic port with a magnificent 12th century castle, which has witnessed many historic events over the centuries.
The tour then heads to Canterbury, where entry to Canterbury Cathedral is included. This ancient city has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years, and its greatest treasure is the cathedral, which gained notoriety as the scene of the brutal murder of Thomas Becket in 1170. The story goes that when King Henry II exclaimed ‘Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?’, four of his knights rode into the cathedral and beheaded Becket. Canterbury then became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe, immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer in ‘The Canterbury Tales’.
The tour continues to Greenwich, a place full of parks, gardens and exquisite architecture, with strong connections to the sea, science, royalty and time. There will be time to admire the Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of its time, which is anchored in Greenwich. In the afternoon, the group will enjoy a relaxing cruise on the River Thames back to central London. During the tour, you will see important historical sites such as the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The tour concludes at Embankment Pier, offering a perfect panoramic view of the heart of the city before the end of the day.
This tour combines history, architecture and natural landscapes, providing a complete and enriching experience for visitors. Each stop on the itinerary offers a unique glimpse into England's rich cultural and historical heritage, from medieval castles to iconic cathedrals and coastal landscapes. The boat trip on the Thames is a perfect way to end the day, taking in the iconic sights of London from the water.