Crowns, Culture and Stones

Days 1-2

Your group will take an overnight flight to London, where your Joshua Expeditions guide will meet you at the airport. After taking some time to freshen up at the hotel, you will head out to explore London. The afternoon will take you to Parliament Square, including the British Parliament building and Big Ben, as well as a guided tour up Downing Street to Trafalgar Square. You will also have a chance to visit the National Art Gallery before heading off for dinner and shopping in Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Your day will conclude with devotions at the hotel.

Day 3

The morning will begin with a tour of Westminster Abbey, site of all royal coronations. In the afternoon you will visit the Cabinet War Rooms, the Royal Horse Guards and possibly the historic St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, then take a stroll through the park to view magnificent Buckingham Palace. Afterward, the group will head to central London for a tour of St. Paul's Cathedral, where you will see the second largest cathedral dome in the world and visit the largest crypt in the world. Your group will close the day with dinner and an evening stroll along the Thames River before returning to the hotel for devotions.

Day 4

This morning the group will head out to the ancient Tower of London for a guided tour. You will see England's crown jewels, the informative and often hilarious "Beef-Eaters" and famous Ravens of the Tower. In the afternoon you will tour the famed British Museum and then have a chance to explore this vast museum on your own before the group sets out across the famous Tower Bridge in the evening. Your day will close with devotions at the hotel.

Groups may also opt to include a night out at a West End musical, such as Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! or My Fair Lady.

Day 5

You will depart London in the morning for a stop at Windsor Castle to take a tour of the Queen's residence and view the changing of the guard. Your group will also travel to the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace, as well as his burial place at the Holy Trinity Church. There will be numerous opportunities for sightseeing in this historic town, including a stroll along the Avon River. You might also take some time to browse through the many shops along the cobblestone streets. In the evening, the group will attend a play at the local Shakespeare Theatre before returning to London for devotions at the hotel.

Day 6

Following breakfast, the group will head over to Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park. You can choose to be an observer or argue your case against the many public orators. While in the park, you may opt to rent a boat for a cruise around the lake or relax and stroll through the gardens. Later, you will enjoy a tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theater before attending a performance in the evening. The theater is just hundreds of yards from where Shakespeare originally staged his works! If time permits you may enjoy some free time in Piccadilly Circus before closing the day with devotions. (Fees for optional activities are not included in the price of the trip.)

Day 7

Bright and early, the group will depart from London and head west across the English countryside to visit the mysterious monoliths of Stonehenge. An audio tour may shed some light on this ancient marvel. Traveling north, you will have some time to explore the ancient Roman town of Bath before returning to London in the late afternoon. As you wind down the day and prepare for your departure from England, you will participate in one last evening of devotions and group discussion.

Day 8

This morning your group will head to the airport for your flight back to the States.