One week until my flight ✈ from Dubuque to
London!
Not sure the word, "excited", even begins to express the emotion or mental state. I probably should re-ask if you want to receive this. It really is fine if you don't, just let me know - preferably asap.
Though I leave late afternoon on Friday, I arrive in London at 9 am, Saturday morning which will give me, once I'm checked in, the rest of he day to explore. I will be taking the Tube in from Heathrow (it will take about 45 minutes). According to the directions from the tour HQ, I will take the Piccadilly Line straight to the Green Park exit and walk 2 blocks. Should make quick work of it.
This particular tour is not the same as the one I took 9 years ago - they've added some of the places I didn't get to he last time, such as Borough Market (oldest farmer's market ever). Even though a trip to Windsor Castle is definitely worth a visit, this time I shall use the time to discover other places and shops in this section of London (last time it was minimal). Actually, it's like a day off in the middle of a vacation! 😂
The London Eye will be my first free time visit when the weather is sunny. Went twice last time. The view is phenomenal! In case you haven't gone to the Steves site to see the itinerary or viewed my 'hotel/B'nB', I am just north(?) of Buckingham Palace, so I might even get a bearing on my digs from the advantage of the top of the Eye.
London!
Not sure the word, "excited", even begins to express the emotion or mental state. I probably should re-ask if you want to receive this. It really is fine if you don't, just let me know - preferably asap.
Though I leave late afternoon on Friday, I arrive in London at 9 am, Saturday morning which will give me, once I'm checked in, the rest of he day to explore. I will be taking the Tube in from Heathrow (it will take about 45 minutes). According to the directions from the tour HQ, I will take the Piccadilly Line straight to the Green Park exit and walk 2 blocks. Should make quick work of it.
This particular tour is not the same as the one I took 9 years ago - they've added some of the places I didn't get to he last time, such as Borough Market (oldest farmer's market ever). Even though a trip to Windsor Castle is definitely worth a visit, this time I shall use the time to discover other places and shops in this section of London (last time it was minimal). Actually, it's like a day off in the middle of a vacation! 😂
The London Eye will be my first free time visit when the weather is sunny. Went twice last time. The view is phenomenal! In case you haven't gone to the Steves site to see the itinerary or viewed my 'hotel/B'nB', I am just north(?) of Buckingham Palace, so I might even get a bearing on my digs from the advantage of the top of the Eye.
How to contact us:
Rick Steves Tour Dept, 130 4th Ave N, Edmonds, WA 98020Email: tour@ricksteves.com
Phone: 425-608-4217 (please leave a message; all calls are returned!)
Fax: 425-771-0833
Web: ricksteves.com
Or you can contact me on my Kindle, either emails, or Facebook. I would think gmail the quickest.
As for the particulars... My tour begins when I arrive at Heathrow, Saturday about 9 am-ish. So I have a day to 'adjust' and simply enjoy the day. Maybe some shopping...
Welcome to London – MAY 21, Sunday
We'll meet at our hotel in central London at 3 p.m. this afternoon to get acquainted. Then we'll set off on a neighborhood walk and Underground/Tube orientation, before stepping aboard our very own vintage double-decker bus for a panoramic tour of "The Old Smoke" (London). We'll finish the evening with a "Welcome to London" dinner together. Sleep in London (6 nights). Walking: moderate.
Day 2: Whitehall and Westminster – MAY 22, Monday
After a morning walk through Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the National Gallery's masterpieces, including works by Leonardo, Botticelli, Turner, and the Impressionists. After lunch, we'll continue with a history-laced walking tour along Whitehall — from the Renaissance-inspired Banqueting House, past Downing Street, to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament — all punctuated by the smartly dressed, stony-faced Horse Guards. We'll finish our day together with a tour of the majestic Westminster Abbey, where England's kings and queens have been crowned and buried since 1066. The rest of your afternoon is free for the nearby Churchill War Rooms, the Houses of Parliament, or a Thames River cruise. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: The Tower and The City – MAY 23, Tuesday
This morning we'll head out early to witness the opening ceremony at the medieval Tower of London. Our early arrival will leave us first in line to join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a close-up look at the UK's magnificent collection of Crown Jewels. After lunch, we'll continue on a walking tour of The City, the oldest part of London and today one of the world's key financial centers. We'll rest our feet while enjoying a quintessential English experience: afternoon tea, before you're set free to explore the treasure-packed British Museum. This evening is free and perfect for the theater (book a popular show in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Walking: strenuous.
Day 4: East London and St. Paul's – MAY 24, Wednesday
Today we'll venture out to the culturally diverse East End of London, where we‘ll find our lunch on a food tour. The tour will guide us through the history of the East End, tasting the influence of cultures along the way — from a traditional English bacon butty, to Indian curries and Jewish beef brisket. Once we have had our fill, we'll continue on to England's national church — Christopher Wren's majestically domed St. Paul's Cathedral — and hear how local "fire watcher" volunteers saved this symbol of British resolve during the bombing raids of World War II. Your evening is free for the theater, or consider staying near St. Paul's to hear the evensong. Walking: strenuous.
Day 5: Historic Windsor Castle – MAY 25, Thursday
On my own. Worth the experience but passing since I have been there in favor of some local exploration. Tonight, join your guide and fellow tour members for a pint at local pub and share the stories of your day's experience.
Day 6: Borough Market and the South Bank – MAY 26, Friday
We'll begin our morning with a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the half-timbered and thatched roof replica of the original theater which was home to the playwright’s productions in the late 1500s. Then we'll take a walking tour along the South Bank of the Thames. We'll see the Tower Bridge and Southwark Cathedral, and learn how this side of the river has evolved since Roman times. We'll end our tour at Borough Market, one of the oldest and largest food markets in London, with colorful produce and the wafting scents of grilled cheese and duck confit sandwiches. The afternoon is yours to enjoy lunch at the market, visit the Tate Modern, hop on a Thames River cruise, or take a ride on the London Eye. Tonight we'll meet for our "last supper" and raise a toast to London and new friends. Cheers! Walking: moderate.
Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast – MAY 27, Saturday
Actually my flight home isn't till 4pm so I don't have to rush. Get into Dubuque about 9pm.
As for weather... comparable to we in the Midwest in late May. Lows in the upper 40's and highs in the upper 60's. So... for those of you who know my weather preferences, now you see why I chose May.
💂
BTW - this is a test to see if you get 2 of these: 1 from the computer and 2- from the Kindle. It's the l last that I am most interested about since it will be the device I use in London. Ergo, please let me know if you get this.
