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Highlights of Birmingham and the West Midlands

Duration
5 Days
Prices From:
US$ 3,219

DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover first-hand why the West Midlands are becoming a must-visit destination in the UK. Impressive castles, the birthplace of Shakespeare and a healthy dose of history are all on offer throughout this spectacular introduction to Birmingham and the West Midlands.


Take your England vacation among the locals, exploring Britain’s second city and its surrounds on this 5-day trip.

Settle into London with a relaxing double-decker sightseeing tour that will take you past Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London and more. Embark on a cruise on the Thames and ride the London Eye to round out the day. Still have energy to burn? Take in a show on the West End or at Shakespeare’s Globe to complete your London experience.

Take the train up to Birmingham for your private tour with a ‘Brummie’ local. Explore the city’s history, the beauty of its canals, and order up a fresh Balti curry in the town where it was first invented. The following day, set out to explore the West Midlands, starting with Coventry Cathedral. Hear the story of Lady Godiva, visit St Mary’s Guildhall, and explore Kenilworth Castle, one of the most impressive medieval sites still standing in England. The following day, visit 11th century Warwick Castle, followed by Stratford-upon-Avon, the original home of William Shakespeare. Return each night to Birmingham, and perhaps try to book a table at one of its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.


 

At Goway we are experts at designing personalized itineraries to suit your special interests, tastes and budget. Let us arrange your ultimate travel experience today.
Duration
5 Days
Prices From:
US$ 3,219

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Arrival to London

Upon arrival to London, meet your driver outside of the Arrivals terminal. This driver will be holding a sign with your name on it. After meeting your driver, you will be privately transferred to your hotel in London.

In the afternoon, set out to see some of London's most famous landmarks on a vintage double-decker bus. Enjoy great views of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and the London Eye while meandering through the streets and history of this great city. The tour also includes a chance to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Later on the tour, set out on a private boat trip on the river Thames to enjoy excellent views of St. Paul's Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe.

You will also take a spin on the Coca-Cola London Eye. Centrally located in the heart of the capital, and gracefully rotating over the river Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel; a feat of design and engineering it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon. An experience on the Coca-Cola London Eye will lift you high enough to see up to 40 kilometers (~24 miles) on a clear day and keep you close enough to see the spectacular details of the city unfolding beneath you. Included with every ticket is entry to the amazing Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience, an inspiring journey of discovery that brings London to life through unique perspectives and multi-sensory special effects, including wind, bubbles and smell. Please note: when the guard change does not take place, you will instead stop for photos of Buckingham Palace.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

The Clermont London, Victoria

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Location View map
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    The Clermont London, Victoria



    With a brand new look and feel the result of a momentous refurbishment the hotel is still housed in a stunning Grade II listed building dating back to 1862 and features a blend of exquisite Victorian style combined with modern opulence. From the dramatic entrance …

    With a brand new look and feel the result of a momentous refurbishment the hotel is still housed in a stunning Grade II listed building dating back to 1862 and features a blend of exquisite Victorian style combined with modern opulence. From the dramatic entrance hall to lavish staircases, ornate period features and beautiful modern rooms, you'll find it to be the ideal place to stay in London. Simply step outside to join the hustle and bustle of the capital. Found just steps from Victoria Station, the hotel is within walking distance of many world-famous landmarks. Stroll down to Buckingham Palace, take in a show at the Victoria Palace Theatre or see the sites in St James Park. You'll find all this and more within easy distance of the all new The Clermont, Victoria.

    Facilities

    • 24 Hour Concierge
    • Bar
    • Gym
    • Limousine Services
    • Restaurant(s)
    • WiFi

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

London to Birmingham

This morning you will be privately transferred from your hotel to the train station. Upon arrival, you will board a first class carriage with service to Birmingham. Once you have reached Birmingham, please make your own way to your hotel by taxi (not included) for check-in.

After years hidden away and far from the bright lights of London, Birmingham has come to life. With a growing cultural appetite that's allowed a top-notch creative scene to flourish, the new 'Brum' is worth exploring alongside an expert. That in mind, you'll soon meet your private guide to embark on a two-hour walking tour of the city. Lined with lovely canals and eye-catching architecture, your local guide will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the city as you travel back through the centuries to discover how and why this city exploded from a small market town to the second largest in the UK. During your tour you'll learn about the city's history and gain an authentic insight into modern city life today while exploring hidden gems along the way! Afterward, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

 

Accommodation: Clayton Birmingham

Meal Plan Breakfast
Duration3 Nights
Day 3

Exploring Coventry & Kenilworth Castle

The best way to explore the West Midlands is with a private driver-guide leading the way, and today you will head out of the city for a full day of discovery in this diverse region of England, with Coventry Cathedral being your first stop of the day. On the night of 14 November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe, and the decision to rebuild the cathedral was taken the morning after its destruction. Rebuilding would not be an act of defiance, but rather a sign of faith, trust and hope for the future of the world. As soon as it was re-opened in 1962, Coventry Cathedral became a major tourist attraction, welcoming thousands of visitors each year.

Just steps away from the Cathedral, you'll find a statue commemorating a decidedly different chapter of Coventry's history. Here your guide will detail stories of one of the city's most famous historic residents, Lady Godiva, who is depicted on horseback and topless; catch only a glimpse lest you lose your sight as the original "Peeping Tom" did centuries ago (or so the story goes)!

Continuing by foot just a few minutes away is St Mary's Guildhall. St Mary's Guildhall is one the finest surviving medieval guildhalls in England and has been one of Coventry's premier historic venues for more than 600 years. First built in the 1340's for the merchant guild of St Mary, with its magnificent medieval interiors and fine artworks, the guildhall offers a window in to Coventry's glorious past.

Next is a change of scenery, as your driver-guide will escort you to Kenilworth Castle. One of the country's most impressive medieval fortresses, the castle was later transformed into a spectacular Elizabethan palace by Robert Dudley to impress his queen, and your guide will spark your imagination with stories of epic sieges and royal scandals at mighty Kenilworth. One of the country's most impressive medieval fortresses, the castle was later transformed into a spectacular Elizabethan palace by Robert Dudley to impress his queen. Your guide will spark your imagination by telling stories of epic sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth. After a day exploring the West Midlands, you will be returned to your hotel in Birmingham. Please note: Admission to Coventry Cathedral is free of charge, though guests are highly encouraged to make a modest donation to the cathedral while visiting.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 4

Warwick Castle & Stratford-upon-Avon

Meeting your private driver-guide after breakfast, you'll set out this morning en route to Warwick. Upon arrival, you'll explore this lovely market town and then make your way to Warwick Castle. Considered by many to be the most formidable defensive castle in England, this moated fortress was originally built in the 11th century under the direction of William the Conqueror. Following your exploration of Warwick, you'll be driven to Stratford-upon-Avon where you will visit the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare, followed by a visit to Shakespeare's Distillery, where you will tour this artisan spirit workshop and enjoy a few samples. After being returned to Birmingham, enjoy your evening is at leisure. With an incredible gastronomy scene, tonight is an excellent opportunity to dine at one of the city's premier venues; from fine dining experiences at Purnell's to authentic, local Balti cuisine at Shababs, there are a wide range of delicious options.

Meal Plan Breakfast
Day 5

Departure

Your time in England has come to an end. Aligning with your outbound flight, you will be privately transferred to London Heathrow (or Gatwick) Airport. 

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 1 night in first-class accommodations in London
  • 3 nights in first-class accommodations in Birmingham
  • Vintage Double-Decker Bus tour with Thames cruise and Coca-Cola London Eye
  • Private transfer from London hotel to train station
  • First class rail ticket from London to Birmingham
  • Private-guided walking tour of Birmingham
  • Private-guided day tour through the West Midlands including Coventry Cathedral, St. Marys Guildhall and Kenilworth Castle
  • Private-guided tour of Warwick, Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's Birthplace and Shakespeare's Distillery
  • Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1)

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.


22 Mar 2023
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