London Theatre Tour - March 18-22, 1999

Day 1 - Thursday, March 18

We arrive at Heathrow airport and transfer to our central London hotel.  We check in, have a brief orientation and then head off to explore the principle sights of the city and have lunch.  We begin near Trafalgar Square, and then down Whitehall to see the Horseguards, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. We end our walking tour, and then we'll make our way via the bright lights of Leicester Square and Piccadilly to the theatre district for supper. Afterwards, we have tickets for the 20.00 performance of "Miss Saigon"

Day 2 - Friday, March 19 This morning we head for the great river Thames. We'll go to Westminster Pier and take the boat to the Tower Bridge stop and enjoy a fascinating glimpse of the life along this busy river, passing on the way the HMS Belfast, a grand WWII battleship moored on the river by Tower Bridge. Here we "jump ship" and have a tour of the Tower of London, and its many fascinating things on display including the crown jewels.  Later we can cross the bridge and take some time for photographs. We continue on to the nearby Hays Gallery for lunch, and then walk further along the river for a visit to the now completed Globe theatre.  From here we move on to the Museum of the Moving Image for a look at the glamour of the film world.  We then make our way back to the Strand for a matinee (17:30) performance of "Buddy".  Afterwards, we have a late dinner in the area, before heading back to the hotel.

Day 3 - Saturday, March 20 Today we're up early for a visit to the Portobello Road Market, one of London's largest and liveliest street markets, after which we have an early lunch in the area. We then jump on a double decker bus and head forRegent Street and then on to Carnaby Street, where we have time for some shopping.  At 13:00 we go for a visit to the Imperial War Musem with its many interactive exhibits and fascinating look at Britain during the wars. Afterwards we head back across the Thames and wind our way to Soho and Piccadilly, ending up in Chinatown for an early supper.  After supper it's off to meet our local guide, near St. Paul's Cathedral for a theme walk, "The Ghosts of London".

Day 4 - Sunday, March 21

We start the day by going to Hyde Park for a look at the "railings art" along Bayswater Road.  We then take a bus along Oxford Street to the British Museum, where students will be given a guided tour by an expert in early civilisation. After lunch in the Covent Garden area, we walk over to the Theatre Museum, where a visit includes a fun costume and make-up session.  Afterwards, we also have a chance to look at the market and the colourful street entertainers of the area.  Then we're off to the Royal National Theatre for a backstage tour.  We now take a bus back along Hyde Park to the Whiteley's shopping and entertainment centre where we have a choice of menus in the top floor food emporium. After supper we can go back to the hotel for packing, or go to a movie if desired.

Day 5 - Monday, March 22

After breakfast, we have a short walk through Hyde Park looking at Kensington Palace and gardens (Princess Diana's old home). We continue on to Kensington High Street with time for some last minute shopping in the  area. After a snack lunch, we head for the Tate Gallery, home of British Art.  We have time for a short visit before returning to the hotel and boarding the coach for the transfer to the airport and our afternoon flight home.