Literary Roads

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 June 17: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 18: Bath

Welcome to Europe! Arrive in London and drive to Windsor Castle, official residence of the British Royal Family, for a visit. Then continue to Bath for the night. (D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 19: Bath

This morning a guided sightseeing tour will introduce you to the charming city of Bath. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms for which the city is most well known and marvel at the beautiful vaulted ceiling inside historic Bath Abbey. In the afternoon explore the Jane Austen Centre to take a virtual journey back into the late 18th century, learn what Ms. Austen's life was like when she lived in Bath and understand how it influenced her writing. (D)

Day 4, Thursday June 20: Stratford-Upon-Avon

Drive through the Cotsworld's rolling hills to Stratford-upon-Avon, home of another much-adored writer—a fellow by the name of William Shakespeare. Then participate in a Royal Shakespeare Company workshop, where you’ll actively explore how the company interprets the Bard’s words and brings them to life. (B,D)

Day 5, Friday June 21: Stratford-Upon-Avon

Start with reverent visits to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and his burial site at Holy Trinity Church. In the evening enjoy a theater performance by the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company with whom you did the workshop yesterday. Bravo! (B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 22: London

Drive to Oxford for a visit, including a tour of Christ Church College, where Lewis Carroll penned Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and also where many memorable scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed (note the Great Hall, the inspiration for Hogwarts Hall) Then grab your wand and cape as you head to London by way of a visit to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the movies, based on author J.K. Rowling's books about the young orphaned wizard, were made, from detailed sets to animatronics. Your final destination today is London. (B,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 23: London

Take a guided sightseeing tour to view historic Trafalgar Square, the stately Houses of Parliament and beautiful Buckingham Palace. Then visit Westminster Abbey to see the famous Poets' Corner in the south transept, which honors the likes of Geoffrey Chaucer, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning and Rudyard Kipling. Tonight you'll get a chance to choose your cuisine and dine like the locals with restaurant vouchers and our insider tips on the neighborhood's best places to go. (B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 24: London

This morning experience an up-close look at London's iconic treasures on a guided London by Bike tour, including views of the Big Ben, the Horse Guard Parade, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and more. As you cycle and stop for photos, your guide's commentary will bring the history of what you are seeing to life. Continue your day with a visit to the British Library, home to documents of England's history from the Magna Carta to handwritten Beatles lyrics. Then we'll pop over to King's Cross Station to see if we can find Platform 9 ¾ and catch any students headed off to Hogwarts. After a traditional fish and chips dinner, take in a West End show. (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 25: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)