Londra›Winchester›Southampton (UK)›Torquay›Oxford›Stratford upon Avon
Abstract
Discover England through the stories and the places that inspired some of the greatest writers of all time. This nine-day journey takes you through the streets of London, the picturesque towns of the English countryside and the historic universities that gave birth to masterpieces of world literature. Following in the footsteps of authors such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, J.R.R. Tolkien and William Shakespeare, you will explore historic libraries, house-museums and iconic settings that brought to life some of the best-loved stories of all time. An unmissable adventure for lovers of literature and British culture.
Starts from
9 days / 8 nights - from London to London
Itinerary
Giorno 0
Accommodation.
Giorno 1 — Londra
Arrival in London and transfer to the hotel. The British capital is a cultural and literary crossroads of the first order. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the city through its literary connections: from the homes of authors such as Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf to the pubs frequented by writers and artists. An excellent introduction to London's literary tradition is "The Dickens London Walking Tour", which begins at Charing Cross station. From here you will follow in the footsteps of Charles Dickens through London's most iconic streets, exploring the places that inspired novels such as "Oliver Twist" and "A Tale of Two Cities". Along the way you will also discover details of the writer's personal life, including his childhood experiences and his relationship with Angela Burdett-Coutts, which shaped his social commitment. After crossing Westminster, Chancery Lane, the City of London and Holborn, you can round off the tour with a drink in one of Dickens's favourite pubs, reflecting on his life and his works. Overnight in London.
Giorno 2 — Londra
In the morning, visit of Westminster Abbey, home to the celebrated "Poets' Corner", where giants of literature such as Geoffrey Chaucer and Rudyard Kipling rest. The Gothic architecture and imposing atmosphere make this a unique experience. Continue on to Bloomsbury, the district that gave its name to the circle of intellectuals that included Virginia Woolf. Not far away stands the Charles Dickens Museum, a unique chance to immerse yourself in the world of the celebrated author of "Oliver Twist" and discover his daily life through original letters, furniture and manuscripts. After a lunch break in one of the area's historic cafés, visit of the British Library, which holds literary treasures such as Shakespeare's "First Folio" and the original manuscripts of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Free evening to explore the city or attend a theatre performance in the West End. Overnight in London.
Giorno 3 — Londra
In the morning, visit of Westminster Abbey, home to the celebrated "Poets' Corner", where giants of literature such as Geoffrey Chaucer and Rudyard Kipling rest. The Gothic architecture and imposing atmosphere make this a unique experience. Continue on to Bloomsbury, the district that gave its name to the circle of intellectuals that included Virginia Woolf. Not far away stands the Charles Dickens Museum, a unique chance to immerse yourself in the world of the celebrated author of "Oliver Twist" and discover his daily life through original letters, furniture and manuscripts. After a lunch break in one of the area's historic cafés, visit of the British Library, which holds literary treasures such as Shakespeare's "First Folio" and the original manuscripts of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Free evening to explore the city or attend a theatre performance in the West End. Overnight in London.
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Giorno 4 — Londra → Winchester → Southampton (UK)
Collection of the hire car and departure for Winchester, a picturesque town associated with Jane Austen, who spent the last years of her life here. Stroll through its medieval streets and visit Winchester Cathedral, where the writer is buried, with a commemorative plaque acknowledging her contribution to literature. Next, visit of her last home, today a museum, where you can discover details of her life and her works. In the afternoon, transfer to Southampton and participation in a themed trail dedicated to Jane Austen, retracing the most significant places of her time in the city, including the places where she loved to walk and the theatre she attended. Overnight in Southampton.
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Giorno 5 — Southampton (UK) → Torquay
Journey to Torquay, birthplace of Agatha Christie, the queen of crime fiction. Visit of the Torquay Museum, which holds a vast collection of objects that belonged to her, including manuscripts and first editions of her most famous works. In the afternoon, the chance to explore the evocative Dartmoor National Park, the place that inspired Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles". Here, among misty landscapes and ancient ruins, you can steep yourself in the mysterious atmosphere that made the novel famous. Dinner in a historic inn in the area. Overnight in Torquay.
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Giorno 6 — Torquay → Oxford
After breakfast, departure for Oxford, one of the most prestigious university cities in the world and a place of inspiration for countless writers. Stroll along its historic streets, admiring the ancient colleges with their majestic architecture. Visit of Christ Church College, famous as the place where Lewis Carroll met Alice Liddell, the little girl who inspired "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". The college is also known for its great dining hall, which inspired the Great Hall of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. After a lunch break in a typical English pub, visit of the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most imposing in Europe, where ancient manuscripts and first editions of literary masterpieces are preserved. Afterwards, exploration of the Story Museum, an interactive experience celebrating the power of storytelling through engaging exhibitions. In the afternoon, an itinerary dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien, who spent many years in Oxford as a professor. Visit of "The Eagle and Child" pub, frequented by the group known as the Inklings, which also included C.S. Lewis and other authors. The chance to explore the places said to have inspired the creation of Middle-earth, such as the botanic gardens and the paths along the River Cherwell. Dinner in a historic venue before the day draws to a close. Overnight in Oxford.
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Giorno 7 — Oxford → Stratford upon Avon
Journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. The day begins with a visit of his birthplace, where you can explore the rooms in which the Bard grew up and discover details of his childhood. Next, visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, set in an idyllic English garden. After a lunch break in a typical restaurant, continue on to Hall's Croft, the residence of Shakespeare's daughter, which offers an insight into life in the Elizabethan era. In the afternoon, a stop at Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare was baptised and buried. Finally, visit of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, with the chance to attend a performance or to join a guided behind-the-scenes tour and discover the secrets of staging a production. Overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon.
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Giorno 8 — Stratford upon Avon → Londra
After breakfast, departure for Great Missenden, a small village set in the English countryside where Roald Dahl lived for over 30 years. Visit of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, where you can explore the author's original writing hut and discover the story behind the creation of celebrated books such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Matilda". After a walk through the village, with a stop at the local library which holds a number of rare editions of his books, lunch in one of the writer's favourite pubs. In the afternoon, return to London and return of the hire car. We suggest a visit of the Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan theatre in which Shakespeare staged his works. There is the chance to join a guided tour or attend a performance and relive the theatrical atmosphere of the 16th century. Overnight in London.
Giorno 9 — Londra
Last day in London with a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Baker Street. Here you can explore the detective's famous residence, furnished as described in Arthur Conan Doyle's novels, with fascinating details such as Holmes's armchair and his iconic magnifying glass. Afterwards, free time for a last stroll along the Thames or a browse in the antiquarian bookshops of Charing Cross Road. Transfer to the airport and return flight.