NEW Cool Britanniathe Birthplace of the British Invasion

September 8 to 15, 2024

$5,495 per person

2024 marks 60 years since The Beatles’ first number one hit single in the United States, the multi-million-selling I Want to Hold Your Hand. With that, the cultural phenomenon of the British Invasion was born, and the popularity of the UK’s Rock & Roll scene rapidly spread across the Atlantic. This special tour explores the origins of the Fab Four, with visits to significant locations in vibrant Liverpool, from a spine-tingling peek at Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s childhood homes to a time-travelling night at the legendary Cavern Club. With Swinging London being the epicenter of “cool” during the 60s, we also celebrate the best of the British music industry in the capital and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Royal Albert Hall, where some of the world’s biggest names have performed.

Eight-Day Itinerary

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

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

Tuesday: Handel and Hendrix in London and Camden Market

What’s Included

 Return airport transfers from London Heathrow*

 3 nights at the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, Bloomsbury

 3 nights at the Pullman Hotel, Liverpool

 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor

 Welcome drink and canapés

 Full English/Continental breakfast each day

 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 4 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee)

 1 dinner at a local restaurant

 Services of a tour director throughout your stay

 Travel to and from all excursions

 All excursion costs

 Porterage where available

*Supplement applies for transfers from all other airports and all other locations, including central London.

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 canal trip to Camden Market. There’s 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. 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

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

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

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.

Albion Experiences

 Walking Rock & Roll tour of London

 Behind-the-scenes tour and afternoon tea at the Royal Albert Hall

 Guided tour of Handel and Hendrix in London Museum

 Little Venice Cruise

 Guided tour of the Royal College of Music Museum

 Lunch at the original Hard Rock Café

 Guided tour of The Beatles’ Childhood Homes

 Guided tour of Casbah Coffee Club and the Liverpool Beatles Museum

 Guided coach Beatles tour

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.

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. 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

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,

 Boat trip ‛cross the Mersey

 Behind-the-scenes tour and lunch at the Royal Shakespeare Company

*Please inform us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.

20 Forthlin Road 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

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.