British Isles & Iceland Explorer

Travel to Oxford, a city deeply steeped in history and learning. After check-in at your hotel, join an optional walking excursion around the city or explore on your own. Later this afternoon, enjoy a welcome sloe gin with your fellow travelers during a gathering at your hotel. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Oxford so you can make the most of your visit.

Journey through the rolling countryside to explore the house and gardens of Highclere Castle, for a Privileged Access tour of the “real Downton Abbey.” Built in the Victorian Gothic style by Sir Charles Barry, this is the country seat of the distinguished Earls of Carnarvon, renowned for their influence in Britain and abroad. While at the castle, taste the estate’s own Highclere Castle Gin, a super-premium London Dry Gin inspired by botanicals from the castle’s gardens. After lunch, visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery to learn more about the history and production of gin. Enjoy a sample of this famous spirit, then return to Oxford for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

This morning, take a panoramic drive to medieval Broughton Castle, home to the influential Fiennes family whose members include renowned British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes and actors Ralph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes. The castle also served as the setting for the award-winning MASTERPIECE series Wolf Hall. Learn more about this influential family’s colorful past as you admire the estate’s eclectic blend of architectural styles, elegant interiors and manicured gardens during your private viewing. After lunch, return to Oxford to spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B, L)

Drive to Chavenage House, known for its appearance in the MASTERPIECE series Poldark. You will be welcomed by one of the owners, who will guide you through the family’s home while regaling you with tales of its storied past. Admire sweeping views over lunch in the Great Hall, then continue to Highgrove—the private home of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort. Stroll the beautiful gardens, a haven created by The King over several decades, before returning to Oxford. *Highgrove Gardens is subject to availability. Alternatively, Buscot Park will be visited. (B, L)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to London for your flight home. (B)

Discover London, one of the world’s major global cities. Today, set out to explore on your own, or join an optional excursion to visit the Tower of London and view the world-renowned Crown Jewels. At your hotel, a Viking Host will be available to help you make the most of your time in London.

Explore London on your own today. Make time to stop and ride the London Eye Ferris wheel to take in sweeping views of this sprawling cultural capital. Alternatively, you may join an optional excursion. Journey to the mystical Stonehenge and the city of Salisbury; perhaps visit Westminster Abbey and the historic Covent Garden Market; or head to Windsor Castle, the official weekend residence of Charles III. (B)

On your final day, you will transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Depart your ship and check in to your hotel for your 5-night stay. After free time for lunch, head to St. Paul’s Cathedral and discover the story behind Operation Hope Not, which outlined the plans for Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral arrangements. This evening, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to the Churchill War Rooms. Walk through dimly lit corridors to the iconic Harmsworth Room and savor a private three-course champagne dinner in this secret 1940s setting. (D)

Travel through scenic countryside to Chartwell, the family residence of the Churchills from 1922 until 1964. Discover Churchill’s life through an array of photographs, books and artifacts, and admire the house and kitchen gardens he designed. An accomplished artist later in life, he found that painting provided him with a needed escape from the world of politics. Step inside Churchill’s studio to view some of his most highly regarded pieces and enjoy lunch before returning to London. (B, L)

Travel to the home of the World War II code breakers, Bletchley Park. In 1938, under Churchill’s orders, this team of scientists—including the brilliant mathematician Alan Turing—played a vital role in the success of the Allied forces. The drama that unfolded here, depicted in the movie The Imitation Game, was classified as top secret—the highest level of security. Explore the Victorian estate and discover the instrumental role Turing played in breaking the German Enigma code. (B, L)

Journey to Blenheim Palace, Churchill’s birthplace and the current home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family. After an insightful private talk by your host, see the Churchill Exhibition and enjoy free time to explore the palace on your own. A delicious light lunch will be served in a room overlooking the stunning gardens, or at a local restaurant. On the return journey to your hotel, stop in the village of Bladon at St. Martin’s Church—Churchill’s final resting place. (B, L)

Explore Churchill’s London in the heart of the City of Westminster. See the Cenotaph war memorial and gates to 10 Downing Street—the 100-room Georgian house that serves as the home of the British prime minister. Head toward Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret’s Church, where Churchill married Clementine Hozier in 1908. In Kensington, see where Churchill passed away and enjoy free time to explore and lunch on your own. This evening, enjoy a casual dinner with your fellow guests. (B, D)

This morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Disembark your ship and head to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the masterwork of Sir Christopher Wren, for a guided tour. Afterward, you will transfer to your hotel. After check in, take the rest of the day to explore England’s magnificent capital city on your own. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in London so you can make the most of your visit. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure.

After breakfast, head to Borough Market to explore its array of vendors and food stalls. Meet Celia Brooks (or a member of her talented team), TV chef and renowned culinary author, who will offer you insider knowledge on the variety of delicious dishes available. After free time for lunch, visit the National Gallery, home to one of the greatest collections of European paintings in the world. Return to your hotel this evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure. (B)

Visit the British Museum for a Privileged Access visit away from the crowds. After, you will head to the borough of Westminster, home to many of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. After time to explore on your own, enjoy a Privileged Access visit to the Imperial War Museum London for a guided tour after hours, followed by a private dinner behind closed doors. After, return to your hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)