YOSA London 2026

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Thursday June 11: Overnight Flight

Departure from the San Antonio airport on your overnight flight to London.

Day 2, Friday June 12: London

Arrive in The London Heathrow airport this morning and meet your Encore Tour Manager in the arrivals hall. Your Tour Manager will escort you to your luxury motor coach for your transfer into the city. Nothing really prepares you for your first taste of London. This great world city is far more than just the capital of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. London is bustling, vibrant, multicultural and cosmopolitan, both old and new, a place where traditional pubs rub shoulders with the newest cocktail bars and ancient castles are right next door to the newest skyscrapers. London's energy, as 8.6 million people go about their everyday lives, is tangible in every journey on the Underground and every walk along the banks of the River Thames. After a panoramic tour, enjoy a walking tour of the elegant and exclusive Pal Mall and visit the iconic Buckingham Palace from outside. This afternoon before checking into your hotel, the Holiday Inn Kensington, enjoy a guided tour of The Royal Albert Hall. After free time tro relax and freshen up, enjoy a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3, Saturday June 13: London

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, transfer to a neighboring village outside of London to present a Saturday Afternoon Concert for the locals (Thames or Oxfordshire) This concert will be hosted by a local Youth Orchestra who will present a short welcome selection at the beginning of the program. Your concert will be follwoed by a reception allowing the students to get to know each other better and concert goers to congratulate the YOSA members on an outstanding performance! Return to London for free time before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 4, Sunday June 14: London

In the morning after a full English breakfast at your hotel, YOSA members will transfer to the famous Royal Academy of Music for a full orchestra workshop with a leading Professor/Conductor in the prestigous Duke's Hall. Non-orchestra members will meet local London blue badge guide for a guided tour taking in all the beauty, the pageantry and the wonder of London. You will see all the iconic sites, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Household Cavalry, Whitehall, the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, as well as the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. After the morning workshop, the entire group will meet up at Westminster Abbey for a guided tour of this historic Cathedral. Next, cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich where entrances are included to the Royal Observatory and Flamsted House and the Meridien Line. Return to London later this afternoon with free time before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5, Monday June 15: London

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast at your hotel again today. Next, you will visit Oxford, the home of the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide, which will include the top highlights at Oxford University, from the world-famous architectural jewels of the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera and the Bridge of Sighs to the often-missed wonders, hidden down small alleyways. Visit Christ Church College, one of the largest and most beautiful colleges within the University of Oxford, established by Henry VIII in 1546. After some free time to explore Oxford on your own, you will return to London, where you will enjoy an early evening at leisure before dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 6, Tuesday June 16: London

Soon after breakfast prepare to follow Shakespeare’s footsteps as you travel to Stratford upon Avon to visit the Birthplace of The Immortal Bard himself. Also included are entrances to Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Return to London to enjoy a guided tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. After some free time, enjoy a pre-theatre dinner at a local restaurant before attending a West End Show (Musical or Play, tickets included). (B,D)

Day 7, Wednesday June 17: London

After breakfat at your hotel, enjoy a half-day excursion to Windsor Castle. This palace has been utilized by the British Royal Family for over 700 years and was the preferred weekend getaway retreat for the late Queen Elizabeth II. Return to London after free time for lunch on your own in Windsor and enjoy a guided tour of The Tower of London where you can marvel at the exquisit collection of Crown Jewels. Early evening, transfer to St. Paul's Cathedral where you will attend Evensong. Enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant following this wonderful musical experience. (B,D)

Day 8, Thursday June 18: London

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full-day excursion to two famous spots in England. First, travel to the Georgian City of Bath for a guided tour that includes entrances to the Roman Bath. Next, travel on to Stonehenge for a visit to this World Wonder! Return to London for dinner at a local restaurant and the overnight. (B,D)

Day 9, Friday June 19: London

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free morning to explore some more on your own or shop for last minute souvenirs. This afternoon, transfer to your concert venue, Sinfonia Hall Smith Square for rehearsal and sound check. Snacks and lite refreshments will be available to YOSA members after rehearsal. This evening, present your farewell concert at this famous hall! Celebratre an amazing Musical Tour in England with a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10, Saturday June 20: Departure

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)