We travel down the River Thames by boat to Greenwich, the ‘Home of Time’, where our first visit is to the Royal Observatory. Commissioned by King Charles II in 1675, it played a major role in the history of astronomy and navigation. It is also the location of the historic Prime Meridian, which divides the earth’s eastern and western hemispheres, as well as London’s only planetarium.

Next, we head to the Old Royal Naval College. Built on the site of the old Tudor palace where Henry VIII and Elizabeth I were born, this architectural masterpiece has a fascinating history that stretches back over hundreds of years, which we discover on our guided tour. The college is also home to the magnificent Painted Hall*, recognised as the greatest piece of decorative painting in England and described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of the UK’. We enjoy lunch here after our tour.

Our final visit of the day is to Queen’s House which re-opened in 2016 after renovation. This splendid 17th-century royal villa was the first Classical building in England and houses an extraordinary art collection including works by Great Masters such as Gainsborough, Hogarth and the Van de Veldes.

We start the day at Fenton House, a handsome 17th-century merchant’s house set in a beautiful walled garden and one of London’s hidden gems. The house is filled with highly decorative collections of porcelain, Georgian furniture, early musical instruments and 17th-century needlework. The balcony of the house offers panoramic views of the city on fine days.

Later, we enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea served at a historic London hotel. This British institution was started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1830 and includes classic tea, sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and dainty cakes.

Finally, we make a short stop at the National Trust owned George Inn. Built in 1677, it is the only remaining galleried inn in London and over the years is believed to have been frequented by Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home, or to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel if you are taking our Garden Lovers’ Stately Homes tour.

Please note: This tour is on a bed and breakfast basis (except on day one when dinner is included). This allows you to make your own evening meal arrangements and explore London.

The date of the visit to the Chelsea Flower Show may change in line with ticket availability.

*The Painted Hall is due for restoration in 2017 and parts of the building may be closed off to visitors during our tour.

Why not combine this tour with the Garden Lovers’ Stately Homes tour on 28th May