English Masterpiece

Discover the beauty of coastal England, home to dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and lush green hillsides. See the remnants of Celtic culture, admire the whitewashed cottages adorned by colorful doors, hear how sardine fishing has sustained the community for centuries, and see the largest lifeboat fleet of any UK country, vital in rescuing those who brave the treacherous water. We also savor an authentic Cornish pasty lunch of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Later, dark tales of smugglers and shipwrecks come to life during our dinner at the Jamaica Inn.

Visit this working royal palace and business office of the monarchy to admire the exquisite artwork, elegant furnishings, and intricate decorations inside. Explore the 19 magnificent State Rooms and the Throne Room, then step outside to see the beautiful garden described as a “walled oasis in the middle of London.” (Fall Departure)

Founded in the 11th century, this is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world! Forty monarchs have called it home over the past 1,000 years. Tour the opulent interior to discover rooms filled with ornate furniture, ceiling paintings, artwork from the Royal Collection, and more. Some of the most noteworthy areas include the Waterloo Chamber, Crimson Drawing Room, State Apartments, Grand Reception Room, Moat Room, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. We also visit St. George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many royals including Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch.

Learn about the story of the original 1599 theatre, how the Globe battled to survive plague, and political oppression, and how one man’s vision saw it rise again after 400 years. With no roof over the central yard, the theatre is open-air and designed in the shape of a 20-sided polygon. Gain 
cultural insight into the 16th century and enjoy a fascinating Elizabethan costume demonstration. (Spring Departure)

This lovely cream-colored Georgian house nestled on the River Dart in Devon was once the summer home to beloved novelist Agatha Christie. She wrote more than 60 detective novels that popularized fictional characters, including Inspector Poirot and Miss Marple. On our tour of this spectacular estate, we witness firsthand the inspiration that she found within the property and its surroundings, sometimes reflected in the settings of her well-known works.