Day 1 - Saturday
April 11, 2026
London
Today you will arrive in London and make your way to the hotel. We will have our
traditional “Welcome Meeting” and dinner in the evening. Following dinner, we will
enjoy our first presentation by our expert hosts, Dr. Nicola Tallis and Dr. Joanne Paul.

​

Day 2 - Sunday
April 12, 2026
Abingdon, Cumnor, the Cotswalds, & Stratford-upon-Avon
We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel. Following breakfast, we depart in our private coach to enjoy a visit to the small village of Cumnor, where the home of Robert Dudley and his wife, Amy Robsart stood. The house has since been repurposed to a church. It was here that Amy was found dead under mysterious circumstances.
Next, we visit nearby Abingdon, the town where the servants of Amy Robsart were
attending a fair when she died. We will have some time to wander the town before
continuing to the Cotswolds to visit Cornbury Park, the spot where Dudley died suddenly on his way to take medicine waters for his declining health.
Next, we are off to the beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water to explore and have lunch on
your own. A lovely bonus will include the opportunity to pass through Burford along the way. We will visit Hidcote Manor Gardens created by American horticulturist Lawrence Johnston in the 20th century. Later, we will continue to our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. Dinner is on your own.

​

Day 3 - Monday
April 13, 2026
Dudley Zoo & Castle
Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Life
After breakfast, we will have the unique opportunity to visit Dudley Castle, where Robert Dudley spent much of his childhood. We will visit the Zoo as well, which was created in the 1930s by William Humble Eric Ward, Third Earl of Dudley, on the grounds of the ruined castle.
Next, you will be able to visit the nearby town center, and enjoy lunch on your own.
Later, we will return to Stratford-Upon-Avon for a wonderful tour following the life of William Shakespeare. We will visit many sites important to this history including the cottage of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. Dinner is on your own.

​

Day 4 - Tuesday
April 14, 2026
Warwick & Kenilworth
Following breakfast, we begin our day in Warwick, where we will pay our respects at the final resting place of Robert Dudley in St. Mary’s Church. We leave for Lord Leycester Hospital, an almshouse for old soldiers, founded by Robert Dudley. Afterwards, you will be free to explore Warwick and have lunch on your own.
Next, we travel to Kenilworth, a lavish palace, transformed by Dudley to impress the Queen. In addition to the Castle, we will visit the beautiful Elizabethan Garden.
When finished, we travel back to Stratford. Dinner is on your own.

​

Day 5 - Wednesday
April 15, 2026
Kew & Syon
After breakfast, we leave for Kew to visit the National Archives for an amazing
opportunity; to see Robert Dudley’s Last Letter!
Later we continue on to nearby Syon Park where you will have free time for lunch on
your own at the Syon cafe. Following lunch, we will see the incredible Syon House that was briefly owned by Robert’s father, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. The family's dramatic association with Syon is primarily due to their role in installing Lady Jane Grey on the throne there, a scheme that ultimately led to their downfall. Our visit will include the beautiful Gardens and Great Conservatory.
Next, we continue to our hotel. Dinner is on your own.

​

Day 6 - Thursday
April 16, 2026
Windsor

Following breakfast, Kate Williams joins us for a Full-Day visit to Windsor Castle, the royal residence of Elizabeth I and where they spent much time together. Dudley was here with the Queen on the day of his wife’s death. In addition, we will visit the famous town.
(Note: In the event of a closure due to a state event Hampton Court Palace will be substituted)
Afterwards, you will have free time to explore and have lunch on your own.
In the evening, Kate will discuss her book "Rival Queens" followed by a Q&A and our 3 course, Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

 

--

Day 7 - Friday
April 17, 2026
London
Sadly, it is time to say goodbye before our return trip home or onward journeys, taking with us connections to new friends and memories of a wonderful adventure!

​

​

​

Tour Cost:
$350 Deposit secures your spot!
Only $3896 per person with double occupancy
Single supplement: additional $677