From its medieval manor beginnings, and subsequent restorations by Thomas Wolsey who converted the building into a lavish Palace, Hampton Court is probably most famous for being Henry VIII's residence. The palace has an extremely rich story: from tales of banquets, hunting, sexual liaisons, treachery, treason as well as Royal marriages. Some highlights of Hampton Court's story include a performance by Shakespeare himself in the great Hall, the King James Bible being commissioned in the state apartments, Queen Victoria opening the beautiful gardens to the public and General Eisenhower helping to plot the Normandy landings. Hampton Court is quite simply one of the finest Palaces in the world, and a must see on any trip to Britain. This tour offers you an exclusive private tour of the Palace before it opens to the public, with an expert guide to take you behind the scenes and to parts of the building normally out of bounds including some courtyards, cloisters and the fascinating Tudor Kitchens where Henry’s banquets were prepared.
The second stop of this tour in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to be mention public debate ever since. After your tour of the site, you will have the chance to relax and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch in the recently opened cafe.
The tour will then take you to Bath, one of the most beautiful cities in the UK that bears stunning 18th century architecture. As your guide ushers you through the city, you will admire views of the Circus, the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge overlooking the river Avon. You will then have free time during which you can choose to visit the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Museum or simply stroll the cobbled streets of Bath's picturesque city center. Three wonderful destinations in one day.