Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday 8th December

Arriving by door-to-door car at the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross, you'll be greeted by your Tour Manager, who will accompany you throughout the holiday. Enjoy pastries with tea or coffee before boarding the coach. We then transfer to the legendary Bletchley Park, which is fully accessible, for a welcome lunch and guided visit. Acquired in 1938 by the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and known as Station X, this Victorian estate became the nerve centre of Allied codebreaking during World War II. At its peak, nearly 9,000 people worked here in total secrecy, among them Alan Turing and his colleagues, whose pioneering work on the Bombe machine helped crack Germany's Enigma cipher. Their efforts are believed to have shortened the war by up to four years, yet the operation remained classified until the 1970s. We then transfer to the hotel for check-in and porterage, before our group dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2 – Wednesday 9th December

After breakfast, the coach transfers us to the magnificent Blenheim Palace. Warm layers are recommended as parts of today are outdoors. Built between 1705 and 1722 as a gift from Queen Anne to the Duke of Marlborough, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of England's grandest baroque palaces and the birthplace of Winston Churchill in 1874. On arrival, we have a ‘Happy Ever Afternoon Tea’ in the beautiful Marlborough Room before a self-led exploration of the State Rooms. The theme this year is the timeless tale of Cinderella, with each State Room depicting a different chapter of the beloved story in a stunning festive style. Browse the Christmas Market before regrouping for the jewel in the crown, the world-class Illuminated Trail, boasting over a million lights winding through gardens, past glistening treetops and shimmering waterfalls. Guests with limited mobility should note that some uneven terrain is involved. Later, the coach transfers us back to the hotel for dinner to conclude our magical day.

Day 3 – Thursday 10th December

Following breakfast, your Tour Manager will assist with check-out before the coach transfers us to Windsor for a voyage aboard the Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company's centrally heated river vessel. A glass of mulled wine awaits as we set sail on the River Thames for a 3-hour Christmas Lunch Cruise. Your Skipper will share historical anecdotes along the route before a traditional Christmas lunch is served, followed by Christmas pudding with brandy cream. Browse the seasonal gift stall with cheerful carols after lunch. Dietary requirements can be catered for on prior request. Please note: boarding involves a step onto the vessel. The coach returns us to the Crowne Plaza, Gerrards Cross, where

refreshments are served. Your Tour Manager will remain with you until your door-to-door car arrives for your journey home after a memorable festive break.