Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was on February 6, 1952 at Westminster Abbey. She has served the British people and the Commonwealth for 70 years and a special four-day Jubilee weekend will be celebrated in her honor. This will be the first time a British monarch has celebrated a platinum jubilee, which is an amazing achievement!
We have created a royal-themed tour of palaces and castles, plus the celebrations in London, so that you can join the festivities. Please bear in mind that London will be very crowded during this weekend.
Tour Host Jenny Olson has taught high school English for nineteen years with an emphasis in British Literature. While she has had the opportunity to travel to many European cities with her school, this will be her first trip to Great Britain. She is looking forward to walking the streets where many of her favorite authors have walked and visiting all of the gardens and palaces on this Queen’s Jubilee trip. She’s excited to be sharing this once in a lifetime experience with one of her six children, Caylie, who is ecstatic to see in person all of these historic locations that have been shaped by the British monarchy.
Highlights:
IF = In flight meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner
Day 1: Thursday, May 26, 2022: Depart
We will depart from the USA today. Group flights (minimum of 10) or individual flights can be arranged. Pre-tour arrangements can also be made through Reformation Tours. (IF)
Day 2: Friday, May 27, 2022: Arrive in London, Windsor
On arrival in London Heathrow, we will be met by a private driver to take us to Windsor where our tour director will be there to welcome us. The rest of the day is at leisure. Our Welcome Dinner will be in the hotel this evening, where we can get to know the rest of the group. (IF/D)
Day 3: Saturday, May 28, 2022: Windsor, Oxford
After a leisurely breakfast, we will have a guided tour of Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favorite weekend retreat. Our tour will include the magnificent State Rooms, St. George’s Chapel and the newly restored St. George’s Hall. We will continue on to Oxford and visit Christ Church College, one of the largest in England’s oldest university. We will dine in our centrally located hotel. (B/D)
Day 4: Sunday, May 29, 2022: Blenheim, Portsmouth
This morning we will visit Blenheim Palace, home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace is a stunning example of 18th century Baroque architecture, with gardens designed by the famous gardener known as Capability Brown. In the afternoon we will travel down to the South coast and tour Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you’ll see the historic Tudor Mary Rose ship and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. We will spend the next two night in Portsmouth and we will dine in our hotel this evening. (B/D)
Day 5: Monday, May 30, 2022: Isle of Wight, Portsmouth
We will take a day-trip today to the Isle of Wight to visit Osbourne House and Grounds. This was Queen Victoria’s favorite country estate, which remains virtually unchanged since she died here over 100 years ago. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought the original Osbourne House in 1845 and did extensive renovations including the Indian Durbar Room. The Queen regularly entertained heads of state in the opulent state rooms, then relaxed in the family rooms with Prince Albert and their nine children. The family also enjoyed the private beach and Swiss Cottage, which features an exhibition about the royal children. We will dine in a restaurant on the Isle of Wight before returning to our hotel in Portsmouth. (B/D)
Day 6: Tuesday, May 31, 2022: Brighton, Hever Castle, Sevenoaks
The Royal Pavilion in Brighton is the former seaside residence of King George IV and was also used by William IV and Queen Victoria. Originally a farmhouse, it was transformed by architect Henry Holland into a neo-classical villa in 1787. It’s lavishly decorated in Chinese style with an Indian-themed interior. After our tour of the Royal Pavilion, we’ll have a group lunch, then visit Hever Castle. This was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the tragic queen of King Henry VIII. The 13th century castle features a double moat and 125 acres of spectacular gardens. We will dine in our countryside manor house hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Wednesday, June 1, 2022: Leeds Castle, Chartwell, London
Kent’s 12th century Leeds Castle has been called “the loveliest castle in the world”. It’s listed in the Domesday Book and has been a Norman stronghold, and a royal palace. King Edward I and his wife Queen Eleanor of Castile made it their royal residence in 1278 and it’s been home to six medieval queens earning it the title, “Castle of Queens, Queen of Castles”. King Henry VIII renovated it for his wife Catherine of Aragon. In the afternoon we will visit Chartwell, which was home to Sir Winston Churchill and his family for over forty years. We will dine in our hotel, the Millennium Bailey’s hotel in Kensington, London. (B/D)
Day 8: Thursday, June 2, 2022: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
Today is the first day of the 4-day weekend marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The itinerary of the rest of the tour is flexible to allow us to attend special events in London. The Queen’s birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour, will include over 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians. The event will close with a flyby from the Royal Air Force. (B)
Day 9: Friday, June 3, 2022: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
In the morning we will have a tour of the Tower of London, which is officially called Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. It was founded at the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest and the White Tower was built by William the Conqueror. We will see the Crown Jewels and hear about some of the Tower’s most famous residents. A special Commonwealth garden is planned for the moat and our tickets include the Superbloom display. After a group lunch, we will tour Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria was born here and it’s been used as a royal residence since 1760. Many of the Royal Family have their offices and private apartments in the palace complex. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B/L)
Day 10: Saturday, June 4, 2022: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
One of the most stunning royal palaces is Hampton Court. The original Tudor palace was begun by Cardinal Wolsey, but was taken over by King Henry VIII who lived here with each of his wives. On the tour we’ll meet a King Henry VIII reenactor and his retinue as they entertain visitors. Prepare to be drawn in! We will also have time to explore the Tudor kitchen, the Maze and the extensive gardens. Sir Christopher Wren designed the baroque Fountain Court for William III and his wife Mary, leaving the Tudor palace intact. Queen Victoria opened the palace to the public in 1838 and it was extremely popular, especially as it was one of few attractions open on Sundays. After a group lunch, we will tour Kensington Palace. Queen Victoria was born here and it’s been used as a royal residence since 1760. Many of the Royal Family have their offices and private apartments in the palace complex. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the celebrations in London, such as the Derby at Epsom Downs, which the Queen will be attending. We will have a transport card to use on the Underground or buses. In the evening, the BBC will stage and broadcast a special live concert from Buckingham Palace that will bring together some of the world’s biggest entertainment stars to celebrate the most significant and joyous moments from The Queen’s seven decade reign. There’s a ballot beginning in February for tickets, but it’s only open to UK residents. (B/L)
Day 11: Sunday, June 5, 2022: Return
A group transfer will be arranged to Heathrow Airport. Alternative transfers can be arranged. If you wish to stay on for an extra day, there’s a Platinum Pageant on the Royal Mall with school children and other performers. We can provide a sumptuous picnic hamper ($50 per person) for picnics in the park. (B)
Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.
Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!
Please note that these hotels are subject to change.
Windsor, England
May 27-28, 2022
Castle Hotel Windsor
18 High St,
Windsor SL4 1ER
Oxford, England
May 28-29, 2022
Mercure Eastgate
73 High St
Oxford OX1 4BE
Portsmouth, England
May 29-31, 2022
Marriott Portsmouth
Southampton Rd
Cosham
Portsmouth PO6 4SH
Sevenoaks, England
May 31 – June 1, 2022
Donnington Manor
London Rd
Dunton Green
Sevenoaks TN13 2TD,
London, England
June 1-5, 2022
The Bailey’s Hotel
140 Gloucester Rd
South Kensington
London SW7 4QH
Transfers are automatically included if we have booked your flights.
If you have booked your own flights, we can still provide transfers, as long as we have your flight details on file and a phone number to give to the driver. We will include your transfer information in your final packet. Transfers will be arranged for each arrival, so that you won’t have to wait for other tour members if their flight is delayed. Transfers can be arranged for the day of your choosing, but we can’t arrange transfers if you arrive or depart by train.
Please note that individual transfers are booked through a third-party and you will be responsible to communicate with the company in case of delays.
If you would like assistance with flights, please visit our Book a Flight page.
If you book your own, please send a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it. Please note that if you would like to use air miles you will need to book directly with the airline.
Arrival: Please arrange to arrive in London Heathrow on Friday, May 27, 2022.
Departure: You are welcome to depart from London at any time on Sunday, June 5, 2022
We can arrange pre- and post-tour nights in London, but due to the volume of tours in 2022, we are not able to arrange additional travel within Europe.
Price based on a minimum of 25 participants (maximum of 35)
• Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
• Accommodations (double-occupancy) in 4-star hotels
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
• Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Baggage handling when available
• All taxes and tips
• Round-trip air transportation (Reformation Tours can assist in booking flights)
• Single supplement ($900)
• Post-tour night in London to see the Platinum Jubilee Pageant ($150 in shared room, $275 in a single)
• Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.
• Travel insurance (see below)
• Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour. Please send all payments to Reformation Tours, 64 Fiesta Circle, St. Louis, MO 63146.
• Final invoices will be sent in February 2022
• Final payment is due on March 12, 2022
• Reservations will be accepted after March 12, 2022, subject to availability
We are now partnering with an award-winning company called Squaremouth, which helps travelers search, compare, and buy the best travel insurance for the lowest price. They offer excellent customer support and can help you find the best policy for your trip.
We will continue to assist clients who have a current policy with Roam Right Insurance, a division of Arch Insurance Company.
Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly, so we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance:
From time of deposit to until Feb 15, 2022 (if tour not canceled by us): $100
From February 16, 2022 – May 10, 2022: $350 plus any non refundable deposits
From May 11, 2022: No refund– Cancellation charges also apply to additional accommodation reserved prior to and after the tour.
– Cancellations must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. central time on the last business day of the applicable time period.
– For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply.
– Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found.
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended.
Reformation Tours cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through Reformation Tours.
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Please note that all travelers are required to be fully-vaccinated against Covid.
We look forward to welcoming you on the tour. Click on the image to download a copy of the brochure.
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