Details:
* Start/finish: Starts Thursdays and is circular from London.
* Hotels: Comfortable and superbly situated hotel beside the London Eye and the opposite the Houses of Parliament. Historic 4 star hotels, located by the river in Richmond, and at the heart of the town in Windsor.
* Cycling mileage: 4 days of cycling. 10 - 26 miles (16 - 42 km) per day.
* Skill level: Novice.
* Terrain: Flat.
* Traffic free: Almost completely. The tour does not require any cycling in London.
A truly astonishing adventure! Revel in the very heart of London and enjoy whatever takes your fancy for a day in the capital. Then step from your waterside hotel onto a river boat, with bike aboard, and follow the Thames as it threads its way serenely through the history of England.
Monarchs built their palaces and planted their gardens along the banks of the river at Kew, Richmond, Hampton Court and Windsor. This tour explores all these royal gems and many other hidden treasures along a route that is unbelievably rural and yet very close to the metropolis of London.
Your cycling begins at Kew where you disembark. Take in the royal parks where monarchs once hunted, the tranquil Thames river path with its rural backwaters and weirs, historic towns, ancient waterside inns and the houses and vistas of the rich and famous. By pass the traffic and enjoy the sights and smells of quintessential England.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: London
Arrive in London on Thursday and check into your hotel located adjacent to the Thames and the London Eye and opposite the Houses of Parliament. There’s a lot to see very close by as you are in the very heart of the city.
At a time to suit you make your way to our base a short walk away, which is open from 07.30 to 19.30 every weekday, to pick up your cycling equipment. Your host will also meet you to run through your itinerary and to familiarize you with the route.
Day 2: London to Richmond - 10 miles (16km).
Start the day by boarding a river boat at Westminster with your bicycle and heading upstream to Kew. Your cycling begins at Kew where you can explore the famous gardens and Kew Palace. Follow the river to bustling Richmond with its chic shops and linger in the waterside cafes.
There are many fine historic houses and parks to discover before you cycle along the waterfront at Richmond to your hotel for the next two nights. It sits above the water meadows running down to the Thames.
Day 3: Richmond to Hampton Court and back - 17 miles (27 km).
Today there is a delightful cycle ride to Hampton Court Palace which takes you through two royal parks and along the river. There is 500 years of royal history at the palace from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria, from state apartments to Tudor kitchens, and renaissance paintings to the maze.
Enjoy the 60 acres of riverside gardens too before returning to Richmond. Those wanting a lazy day can travel to and from the Palace by boat.
Day 4: Richmond to Windsor - 26 miles (42km).
This ride is dominated by the classic English riverscape that could hardly be anywhere else but the Thames. There are houseboats and villas, famous islands and willow lined meadows, pretty lock cottages, attractive steeples & ancient waterside inns. Enjoy the tranquility and rural scene before making tracks to Windsor Castle where your hotel is located.
Day 5: Windsor to London - 16 miles (26km) or 25 miles (40km).
Explore Windsor Castle, home of Queen Elizabeth II, savor the cafes and shops of Eton and Windsor, and take in the famous Eton College. Then enjoy a peaceful ride through magnificent Windsor Great Park with its amazing views.
Take a short train hop back to London and return your bicycle to our base which is a short distance from the railway station. Wow! an incredible journey through history.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price: £644 per person based on two people sharing a room.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast every day during the tour
- Comfortable and impeccably serviced bikes
- The services of our friendly hosts to coordinate your travel and brief you on your route
- Emergency support provided by your host
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- A tour brochure
- Safeguarding of your payment
Price Does Not Include:
- Airfares
- Travel to and from the tour start and finish points
- Cycling helmets
- Entrances to attractions unless specified, boat trips, lunches, alcoholic beverages, mini bars and meals pre and post the tour
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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