London & Glyndebourne Cal Performances Patron Tour

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 15: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Tuesday June 16: Brighton

Upon arrival at Heathrow, meet your Encore Tour Manager and board your private motorcoach and begin your journey through the UK. You will start with a visit to Kent's original vineyard, Biddenden, which has been owned and managed by the Barnes family since 1969. Upon arrival, meet one of the winemakers and set out on a walk around the vines. Learn about the different varieties, the soil, the maritime climate and what usually happens through a winemaker’s year. Moving on to the winery, learn some of the production methods at Biddenden and enjoy a tutored tasting through a specially selected range of 6 wines. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant in the small town of Biddenden, you will continue to the exciting seaside city of Brighton, where you will enjoy a stroll through the quirky Lanes with your tour manager before checking in to your first hotel. After some time to freshen up, enjoy a welcome drinks’ reception and dinner at the hotel. (L,D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 17: Brighton

In the morning enjoy a private guided tour of the exotic Royal Pavilion, the Chinese-inspired pleasure palace of the extravagant King George IV, for a fascinating look into the Regency period, and take a flight with the British Airways i360 for stunning views of the surrounding Sussex countryside and the English Channel from an impressive 162 meters, whilst sipping on a glass of prosecco. After a light lunch, step on board your private motorcoach for a visit to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. Enjoy a guided visit of its beautiful panelled rooms, which house fine furniture, tapestries and antiques, as well as one of the best collections of Tudor portraits in the country, and go for a leisurely stroll in the beautiful rose scented gardens. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner in a local Brighton seafront restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 4, Thursday June 18: Brighton

In the morning board your private motorcoach for the drive to Arundel, a historic market town, home to the impressive Arundel Castle, built by Roger de Montgomery in 1067, now the seat of the Duke of Norfolk. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Norfolk’s family home and marvel at its magnificently preserved interior, fascinating furniture, tapestries and rare collection of paintings by renowned artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Canaletto. Finally, take a stroll through the tranquil grounds where you will discover inspiring gardens. After a light lunch at the hotel, it’s time to dress up. After all, Glyndebourne is no place for underdressing. Think effortless sophistication with a splash of drama, such as mid- or floor-length frocks for the ladies (the more romantic the swish, the better), and dark suits or black tie for the gentlemen. Once suitably attired, board your private motorcoach for the short trip to Glyndebourne, a world-leading opera house in the heart of the Sussex countryside, that seeks to open all hearts and minds to opera with bold, electrifying experiences. Meet Director William Kentridge upon arrival, who will greet you and give you an introduction to L’orfeo, and enjoy the slow unfolding of a perfect afternoon in the garden, with the elegant rustle of silk dresses, champagne on the lawn, and that most British of rituals – the stately picnic under the Sussex skies, before stepping into the opera house for a memorable performance. (B,L,D)

Day 5, Friday June 19: London

After a leisurely morning start, proceed to check out and board your private motorcoach for departure to Windsor, where you will arrive right on time for a light lunch, after which you will visit Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest working royal castle in the world, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Explore the beautiful castle grounds, visit the medieval gothic St George's Chapel, where many royal baptisms, weddings and funerals have taken place over the centuries, and enjoy a self-guided visit of the State Apartments, which include a viewing of the recently restored Queen Mary's Dolls’ House. After the visit, enjoy a walk in the streets of the lovely Eton Town, dominated by the famed Eton College, the ancient public school which has educated many of England's establishment, and where princes William and Harry went to school (exterior visit). Finally, continue to London, where you will check in to your next hotel and enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 20: London

In the morning meet your local London guide for a guided tour, taking in all the beauty, pageantry and wonder of London. You will see all the iconic sites, including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, the Household Cavalry, Whitehall, the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. After a light lunch in a typical London Pub, set out to explore London’s Street Art scene in a classically British way: by Mini Cooper! Armed with spray paint and sharpies, accompanied by a passionate local guide and travelling in a restored classic car, see some of the greatest pieces the East End has to offer, the beautiful murals on the South Bank and finish in the now highly gentrified Leake Street Tunnel where you can try your own hand at street art in the famous graffiti tunnel. After an early dinner at the hotel, enjoy a musical in London's famed West End. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Sunday June 21: London

Early in the morning enjoy a special private guided tour of the Crown Jewels Exhibition with the Duty Exhibitor, who will welcome you to the treasury and guide you through the Crown Jewels exhibition before it opens to the general public. Experience the stories, legends and traditions that surround these magnificent regalia, before setting out to explore the rest of the Tower, including the newly refurbished Medieval Palace. After a light lunch in a local London restaurant, set out to Wimbledon for a guided tour of the All-England Club and the hub and magic centre of the tennis world – the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Experience the history and traditions of The Wimbledon Championships, get up close to the famous trophies, feel the fabrics of tennis fashions from the Victorian period, test your skills on the Batak wall, learn how Wimbledon’s distinctive grass is cared for, and stand at the museum's special viewing platform to survey the holy of holies itself – the Centre Court. Finally, enjoy a traditional afternoon tea before returning to your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Monday June 22: London

In the morning set out for a private guided tour of one of London’s most iconic concert halls – The Royal Albert Hall. Discover how the building was founded 150 years ago and the royal love story that made it happen, take a peek at the royal areas of the Hall, see the breathtaking auditorium and the stage that’s hosted some of the world’s biggest changemakers, history-shapers and stars. Afterwards enjoy an afternoon at leisure in cosmopolitan London. You can use your free time to explore bohemian Soho or go on a shopping spree in Regency Street or Knightsbridge. In the evening enjoy an exquisite farewell dinner at Mosiman’s, one of the world's most prestigious private dining clubs, set in a striking converted 19th century church in the heart of Belgravia (pending final reservations). (B,D)

Day 9, Tuesday June 23: Departure

After an early breakfast and check-out, transfer to London Heathrow Airport by private motorcoach for your return flight to the United States. (B)