Historical Homes and Manors of England

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saturday, September 27, 2025 - London

Upon arrival in London, transfer independently to your hotel in the city. Meet up with your host, Fr. Michael Collins, and the rest of your group for time and lunch at leisure. Afterwards, enjoy a privately guided tour of Buckingham Palace, including a visit to the State Rooms. Return to your hotel for a brief rest before attending a 5-course welcome dinner with wine pairings at The Ritz, accompanied by dancing and live entertainment. Overnight in London.

Day 2: Sunday, September 28, 2025 - London

Begin your day with guided visits of Sambourne House and Leighton House. Once home to prominent  Victorian artists and painters, both are now museums preserving the legacy of their inhabitants and marvels of architectural beauty. After lunch on your own, travel to Apsley House, the current and historic residence of the Duke of Wellington, for a privately guided tour. Enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure. Overnight in London.

Day 3: Monday, September 29, 2025 - London

This morning, enjoy a private meeting with Hugo Burnand, the official photographer of the British Royal family, to learn more about his craft and career. Following lunch at leisure, visit the nearby Spencer House, one of the lastremaining examples of the grand eighteenth-century  aristocratic townhouses. Afterwards, travel to Claridge’s for a traditional late afternoon tea. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in London.

Day 4: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - London

Start the day with a tour of the Wallace Collection and its remarkable assortment of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts. Afterwards, enjoy a private lunch at The Travellers Club, the oldest surviving private gentleman’s club in Pall Mall, hosted by Tony Byrne, the Special Advisor to The Oxford Literary Festival. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight in London.

Day 5: Wednesday, October 1, 2025  Syon Park | Bath

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bath. En route, stop at Syon House and Park for a privately guided tour. Built in the sixteenth century, Syon House is the current residence of the Duke of Northumberland and is an often-used filming location. Enjoy a group lunch at the estate before continuing to Bath. After a late afternoon walking tour of the city, spend the rest of the evening at  leisure. Overnight in Bath.

Day 6: Thursday, October 2, 2025 - Bath | Highclere

Begin the day at No. 1 Royal Crescent, a museum  focused on the daily lives of affluent society members in Georgian times. Walk through town to Bath Abbey and the famous Roman Baths, testaments to the city’s history and architecture. Have time to freshen up at the hotel before departing for Highclere Castle, the home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon and the filming location for ITV’s Downton Abbey. Celebrate the final night of your trip with your illustrious hosts, enjoying a reception with Highclere Gin tastings, canapes, and tours of the estate. Overnight in Bath.

Day 7: Friday, October 3, 2025 - Return Home

Check out of your hotel and depart on a group transfer back to London for your return flight home.

Itinerary is tentative and subject to change