Itinerary
DAY 1
Sunday: Arrival
On arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Monday: Rock & Roll Tour of London and Royal Albert Hall
This morning we embark on our 8-day tour (good luck getting The Beatles’ Eight Days a Week out of your head now!) with a Blue Badge guided walk around London, featuring a range of famous Rock & Roll sights. Highlights include historic Carnaby Street, Swinging Soho and Denmark Street, where music fans flocked to in the 60s and 70s.
A fascinating behind-the-scenes tour awaits at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, one of the most spellbinding music venues in England which has hosted everything from rocking gigs to classical music masterclasses. We take a peek at the stage where some of the world’s most famous musical entertainers have performed, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and more, discovering the royal connections and star-studded performance history that lies within this striking domed auditorium. Our visit is complete with a delicious afternoon tea here.
Next, look out for the iconic zebra crossing as we head to Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded an abundance of songs before we wander past 1 Logan Place, Freddie Mercury’s former home.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
DAY 3
Tuesday: Handel and Hendrix in London and Camden Market
We begin our day with a guided tour at Handel and Hendrix in London, a museum dedicated to the lives and works of the German-born British baroque composer George Frideric Handel and the American rock singer-guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Handel lived at 25 Brook Street, while Hendrix at Number 23, and so, separated by a wall and two centuries, we discover the homes of two musicians who picked London and changed music.
Afterward we make our way to trendy Little Venice to enjoy a leisurely canal trip to Camden Market. There’s free time to explore this popular area of the city, whether you’d like to indulge in a spot of retail therapy at the unique stalls or sample a range of delicious street food and freshly-baked goodies. You may also like to seek out Dingwalls, one of London’s coolest music venues with a rich musical heritage. From the 70s onwards, it became a popular hangout with artists and saw legendary performances from Blondie, The Clash, The Sex Pistols and The Ramones. As photographer Roger Morton once said, ’musicians were there not just to play, but to enjoy the place. It was low and dark and full of life.’
This evening we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant on the River Thames.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
Wednesday: Royal College of Music and Hard Rock Café
After checking out of our hotel, today’s first stop is the world-leading Royal College of Music to examine its prestigious history. This vibrant music center is situated within the cultural quarter of beautiful South Kensington and boasts a large collection of historical treasures and curiosities in its library and museum. On our guided tour we learn about its vibrant community of gifted musicians, and how the college trains them ready for international careers as performers, conductors and creators. The college’s impressive alumni include some of the most important composers, singers and instrumentalists in British and international music life, including Holst, Alfie Boe and Sir James Galway.
For lunch we head to the original Hard Rock Café, established in 1971 and popular for its memorabilia-lined walls and Americana menu. We also discover The Vault here, London’s only Rock & Roll museum and a hidden treasure chest of legendary paraphernalia from music icons. You can expect Jimi Hendrix’s Flying V Gibson, John Lennon’s hand-amended Imagine lyrics, Slash’s outfit from the Guns N’ Roses November Rain music video and much more.
Later we check into the Pullman Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Thursday: The Beatles’ Childhood Homes and Casbah Coffee Club
We start the day with one of the highlights of our break, a tour of The Beatles’ Childhood Homes. This unique experience offers the chance to discover Lennon and McCartney’s truly humble beginnings and step through the doors of both 20 Forthlin Road and Mendips. Who would have ever imagined the musical genius that shaped a generation actually took place within the walls of these unassuming properties? From rehearsals on threadbare sofas to the composition of I Saw Her Standing There against the backdrop of that mismatched 1950s wallpaper, this trip down memory lane will make you feel closer to The Beatles than ever before.
Our next stop is the Casbah Coffee Club, where The Beatles performed some of their first ever gigs. Sir Paul McCartney revealed that ‘we looked upon it as our personal club’ as they even helped decorate the venue themselves! This provides the perfect chance to find out more about The Beatles’ inner circle, including Pete Best (known as the 5th Beatle).
The story of the band continues over three floors at the Liverpool Beatles Museum, home to over 1,000 unique items, from original guitars and stage outfits to personal letters.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Friday: Beatles Tour, Ferry ‘cross the Mersey and Cavern Club
Our day begins with an insightful guided coach tour of locations frequented by Liverpool’s most famous sons, from Strawberry Field to Penny Lane and beyond.
We then board the famous ferry ‘cross the Mersey (singing is optional for Gerry & The Pacemakers fans)! Complete with fascinating commentary, this trip is a wonderful way to see the city’s iconic skyline from a new perspective. Upon our arrival back, we have some free time in the bustling city; why not head to the rejuvenated Royal Albert Dock, take the opportunity to find out more about Liverpool’s seafaring history, visit the nearby Tate Liverpool or simply stroll along the waterfront?
Later we head to the Cavern Club, once a Rock & Roll hub where The Beatles regularly performed in their early years. Long-time friend of the Fab Four, Cilla Black, also performed here while she was a cloakroom attendant and in 2017, a bronze statue of the late singer was unveiled outside the club in her honour. This evening we step back in time to the 60s with a fantastic performance from the Cavern Club Beatles*, the venue’s resident tribute band. Formed in Liverpool in 2011 with the help of the Beatles’ recording engineer Geoff Emerick, they were cast after extensive auditions and have meticulously honed their authentic look and sound. The result is uncanny – get ready to Twist and Shout the night away!
*Subject to availability.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Saturday: Royal Shakespeare Company
From modern adaptions and beloved films to song lyrics, William Shakespeare’s influence has left an indelible mark on Britain’s cultural heritage (part of a radio recording of King Lear is even sampled in a Beatles song)! Today we head back down south to the Bard’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, to visit the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre and celebrate this key part of Britain’s creative identity. We enjoy a sandwich lunch at the lovely rooftop restaurant before being treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the company’s main base, where regular Shakespeare performances continue to enchant visitors from across the world. We take a journey from the beginnings of the theatre in 1879 to the present day, hear backstage secrets, learn how costumes are made and how effects are achieved.
Later, we check back the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
Sunday: Departure
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.
Email us today to reserve at BKennedy@Royal-oak.org or call 212-480-2889 ext. 203
