JMU Symphony Orchestra - England

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, Monday May 17: Overnight Flight

Depart from the US on your flight to London!

Day 2, Tuesday May 18: Bristol

Arrive at London Heathrow airport and meet your Encore Tour Managers. Depart on your deluxe motorcoaches for your first stop today, the 'dreaming spires' of the oldest university city in the English-speaking world, Oxford. Take a brief tour with your tour manager, including entrance to one of the city's most famous colleges, Christ Church, which has produced such alumni as Lewis Carroll, William Penn, composer William Walton, and Albert Einstein. Continue to Bristol where you will check-in to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome orientation and dinner this evening. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday May 19: Bristol

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bristol where your Tour Managers will introduce you to the highlights of the city. Bristol has always played a major role in Britain's maritime history, as well as having two magnificent cathedrals, a major shopping hub and being situated at the crossroads of the West Country, Wales and the Cotswolds. afternoon, rehearse for tonight's debut concert performance which will take place at a local venue such as the Kingswoods School Theater, or in collaboration with Bristol University's Music Faculty. (B,D)

Day 4, Thursday May 20: Bristol

After breakfast, depart on your full day excursion for Bath and Lacock Abbey. Visit the fully restored Roman Baths which give the city its name, and marvel at the ingenuity of the Roman leisure industry! Continue on to Lacock , a quinteseential English town with its own country house, developed over the centuries around a former 13th century nunnery, and the birthplace of modern photography.The town and house have been featured in various films from Pride and Prejudice to Harry Potter. Return to your hotel for dinner together. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday May 21: Liverpool

Check out of your hotel this morning and depart for London. En route, stop off to visit Stonehenge, an ancient site of pilgrimage and worship, before continuing to London in time for dinner . (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday May 22: Liverpool

This morning depart for one of the oldest music conservatories in the world, the Royal College of Music, for a masterclass/workshop with an eminent clinician. After lunch in the college, the afternoon is free to explore London:take in the shops of Oxford Street and Regent Street, or stroll through Hyde Park and Green Park to Buckingham Palace to spot your favorite Royal! After an early dinner take your seats in one of London's iconic West End Theaters for a spectacular show! (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday May 23: London

After breakfast, visit the Tower of London, an imposing fortress dating back to the 11th Century. Once a royal residence of its own, it now houses the Crown Jewels including the current King's crown, After your tour, take a walk across the famous Tower Bridge to the South Bank, and visit the foodie paradise of Borough Market, or take an optional tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Dinner is provided tonight in a local restaurant (B,D)

Day 8, Monday May 24: London

This morning is free to explore London further: you could visit the famous Harrods department store in Kensington, or take in the street performers in Trafalgar Square. Later transfer to your concert venue, such as Holy Trinity Church in Sloane Square, which regularly hosts well-attended orchestral concerts, and perform your final program of the tour. Tonight you'll have a farewell dinner to celebrate your time in the UK. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday May 25: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States. (B)