Royal London and Downton Abbey

London is one of the most exhilarating and diverse cities in the world. This thriving metropolis has a rich history evident at every street corner and yet it continues to innovate, reinvent itself and lead the world.

London's rich tapestry of history spans two millennia and yet this exciting metropolis continues to thrive. On this introductory tour of Britain's capital, your guide will show you some of the top sites, including Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, as well as some of its hidden gems. Your guide will tailor the tour to suit your interests so as to maximize your time.

Westminster Abbey stands next to the magnificent Houses of Parliament and is steeped in more then 1,000 years of history. It has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as 16 royal weddings. It is one of Britain's most important religious buildings, and here you'll discover a panorama of British history.

As you walk towards Trafalgar Square, you'll pass the sprawling government offices of Whitehall and 10 Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister.

One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it saw several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. Although not its primary purpose, the Tower is perhaps best known as a prison, a function it performed from 1100 right up until 1952. A highlight for many are the Crown Jewels. Still regularly used by The King in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament, they are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy, holding deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.

Britain is renowned for its pomp and ceremony and the British Royal Family is the most famous in the world. Today you'll join your guide for a walk through the heart of Royal London. Walk past the halls of government power in Whitehall to Horse Guards Parade, a vast ceremonial parading ground where the Queen’s troops are often found practicing their horsemanship. Here’s there’s a little museum that tells the story of the Household Cavalry. Take a walk through St. James’s Park to see Buckingham Palace, official residence of the Queen. Nearby is the Royal Mews and the guardians of the Gold State Coach. The Mews are a working stables and in addition to historic carriages, it’s also sometimes possible to see the horses.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens, Kensington Palace has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century, and has been the official London residence of many members of the Royal Family from Queen Victoria (as Princess) to Princess Diana and her two sons. Hyde Park is adjacent to Kensington Gardens and here you can stroll along the Diana Walk or visit the latest exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery.

Partake of afternoon tea with our trusted etiquette expert. In an elegant and classic setting at one of London's top hotels or department stores, learn all about the history and etiquette involved in this most typically English of rituals.

Discover the London of Downton Abbey and the Crawley family. Your guide has personal connections with Lord and Lady Carnarvon and will blend fact and fiction as you learn not only about the film locations of the series but real life places in London connected to the era in which Downton Abbey is set.

One of the Home Counties - the name given to counties that surround London - Berkshire is renowned for its connections to the Royal Family, with Windsor Castle one of its star attractions. There are pretty towns and villages to explore, beautiful stately homes and gardens that burst into colour in spring, summer and autumn. The River Thames winds its way through pretty, peaceful countryside, and you're also only never far from the bright lights of London, meaning you really do get the best of both worlds.

Relive the magic of Downton Abbey on a trip through the English countryside. Wander around the village of Bampton, where many of the village scenes in the series were filmed.

Built in the Jacobethan style by the architect Charles Barry, with a park designed by Capability Brown, Highclere is one of the most beautiful Victorian castles in England and remains the country seat of the Earl of Carnarvon. On arrival, be welcomed in to the Saloon for tea, coffee and homemade biscuits. The Saloon is the room at the heart of the castle with a 23m (75 foot) high glazed ceiling, a magnificent open fireplace and a gothic style minstrel gallery. A tour guide with exceptional knowledge of the building, artwork and furniture along with plenty of anecdotes will then lead you around the castle and provide a very special and exclusive tour of the Main State Rooms and Castle bedrooms, as featured in Downton Abbey. You can also visit the Egyptian Exhibition, which tells the story and contains antiquities from the tombs that were discovered in Egypt by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter.

Windsor Castle is still very much a working castle, and is the favourite home of Her Majesty the Queen. The magnificent state rooms provide an overview of architectural and interior design over the centuries and there is no shortage of stories about the characters who once filled these rooms. Windsor town is also a perfect place for some souvenir shopping. Please note that the castle is a working institution and subject to last minute closures.

Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor masterpiece. Henry VIII's vast kitchens are unique and the palace continued to grow up until the 17th century. The result is a wonderful tapestry of English architecture, tomes of fascinating stories and some of the most beautiful gardens in London.