Day 1

Arrive at London Heathrow. Travel short distance to Windsor for a visit including the castle, Old Kings Head pub famed for where William Shakespeare wrote "The Merry Wives of Windsor," Windsor Bridge, and Sir Christopher Wren's House.

Welcome dinner at traditional London pub.

Overnight: London (-/-/D)

Day 6

Today there will be a tour of some historic locations close to Stratford including Kenilworth Castle famous for its association with Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I. Afterwards continue to Charlecote Park, home of the Lucy family and reputed to be where Shakespeare was caught poaching when a young man. Having been caught and prosecuted rather harshly by Sir Thomas, he is said to have revenged himself by composing a satirical ballad, which got him into such trouble that he was forced to flee to London

Return to Stratford with the rest of the day free for independent sightseeing.

O/N Stratford-upon-Avon (B/-/D)

Day 2

Half day panoramic sightseeing tour of London also featuring sites related to life and works of William Shakespeare including the Shakespeare memorial in Westminster Abbey and the National Portrait Gallery where it is possible to see the "Chandos portrait" of Shakespeare.

This afternoon visit the Globe theatre for a tour followed by a walking tour of Shakespeare's Bankside guided by an actor.

Attend evening theatre performance.

Overnight: London (B/-/-)

Day 7

Transfer to airport for the return flight home.

(B/-/-)

Day 3

This morning there will be a backstage tour at the National Theatre where many famous productions of Shakespeare plays have been staged. Get exclusive access to unseen parts of the building on a tour led by experienced and enthusiastic NT guides.

• Discover the history of the iconic building

• Visit the three auditoriums and their backstage areas

• See the workshops where sets and props are created

This afternoon attend a west-end theatre workshop. Just select a Shakespeare play of your choice and any theme that you would like to explore: For example: Shakespeare's language (Verse/Prose); Acting technique; Shakespeare's secret directions to the actor; Intentions and Emotional Projections; Character analysis a development; Breaking the Stereotype; Text / Scene analysis and performance.

Overnight: London (B/-/-)

Day 4

Depart London for Stratford-upon-Avon. Travel via Oxford where there will be a walking tour of the city including Christchurch College and Bodleian library.

Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. On arrival there will be a guided tour of the town including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Trinity Church where Shakespeare is buried.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon (B/-/D)

Day 5

This morning there will be a backstage tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Also visit today the Falstaff Experience, a fascinating museum in one of Stratford's oldest building that takes you back to 16th century Tudor England and offers a glimpse of what life was like when Shakespeare was alive

Attend evening performance of Shakespeare play.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon (B/-/-)