Overview

England is a country of great contrast and diversity both in the places you go to and in the people you meet. All the regions of England are within easy reach of the exciting capital city, London, famed for first class culture, fascinating history and pageantry, its world-class restaurants and theatre.

At Arts and Travel our unique ability to tailor make your itinerary means you can chose from literally hundreds of different destinations and build them into your ultimate visit to the British Isles.

If you are interested in Culture, Modern Art as well as history and theatre we can design your perfect tour.

Below you will find a one day sample of a tour that included London and the British Countryside, after all what better way to unwind after the capital than to real in green pastures witha cup of tea.

Typical Day Itinerary

Morning

Late Morning

• Guided tour of Greenwich and Queens House
  The Queen's House is nowadays part of the National Maritime Museum. It was originally part of the Royal Palace of Placentia. It was meant by King James I to be the home of his consort, Anne of Denmark. Inigo Jones was the architect, and construction started in 1616. The Queen died in 1619, however, and work was stopped until ten years later, when King Charles I gave it to his new Queen, Henrietta Maria. Inigo Jones was recalled and the exterior work was completed some six years later. The Queen stayed there only briefly, however, and in 1642 the Civil War started.

  After the Restoration Charles II had the House enlarged by John Webb in 1662 to provide a residence while the new palace of Placentia was being built, as the original had been badly damaged during the time of the Commonwealth. (This is now the site of the Royal Naval College). It is not known if he ever actually lived there, however, and the building was in fact used by Henrietta, by now the Queen Mother, until her death in 1669. In 1690 it became the official residence of the Ranger of Greenwich Park.

  When first built, the House straddled the main Deptford to Woolwich road, and it was possible to pass from the Palace gardens into the Royal Park without being seen crossing the road. In 1699 the then Ranger, Lord Romney, moved the road to its present position, effectively separating the Naval Hospital, the predecessor of the College, from the Park. In 1806 the Naval Asylum School moved into the House; it was linked along the line of the old road to extensions on either side by colonnades in 1816. The school (renamed the Royal Hospital School in 1821) moved out in 1933, and the buildings were opened in 1937 as the National Maritime Museum.

  The interior was completed restored in the 1980s and the House was reopened in 1990 after a six year closure. It is fitted out in the style of the 1660s as much as possible, and contains a mixture of original and replica furnishings. There are many carvings, paintings, sculptures and other artworks on display.

Lunch

• Champagne lunch aboard one of the internationally renowned Silver Fleet river boats
  Silver Fleet - Woods River Cruises' stylish fleet of four comfortable, luxurious and elegant vessels provide you with unrivalled panoramic views of London’s stunning landmarks and sights. A family run business founded in 1947, Silver Fleet offers five-star catering and first-class service. Enjoy a gastronomic feast prepared with the finest quality market-fresh, local seasonal produce, meats and fish and wines, while taking in the capital’s breathtaking vistas.
  

Afternoon

• A number of activities are arranged for this afternoon:
  • Guided tour of the Tate
  • Guided tour of the Saatchi Gallery
  • Free afternoon to shop or enjoy the facilities at the hotel

Evening

• Pre-theatre drinks and canapés on the London eye.
  Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York the Empire State, and now London has the British Airways London Eye - an extraordinary symbol for an extraordinary city. The world's largest observation wheel offers a spectacular way to take in over 55 of London's most famous landmarks in just 30 minutes!
• Early dinner at one of London’s top restaurants before heading to the London opera house.

Overnight

• Sanderson Hotel
  A lavish "Urban Spa" in the heart of London’s West End, Sanderson offers a retreat from the bustle of the city into a world of fantasy and wellbeing. The landmarked 50s building has been transformed by Philippe Starck into a surreal Cocteau-like dreamworld with a lushly landscaped interior courtyard garden, world-class gourmet restaurant by Alain Ducasse, and the extensive facilities of the renowned Agua Bathhouse.

  Sanderson epitomizes a “new luxury” that is smart, pared down, and tempered with a healthy dose of wit and irony – in short, a hotel with modern sex appeal.

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