10 Day Treasures of Ageless England

10 Day Treasures of Ageless England
For a kingdom that shaped the world, England comes from humble roots. Its rocky coasts and rolling moorlands betray the passage of Mesozoic sea creatures, prehistoric civilizations, and Roman armies. Perhaps it’s that sense of living among history that inspired so many scientists and historians to set forth from here and return, armed with natural and human-made treasures, to found some of the world’s greatest museums. This Explorers Club tour connects you to both sides of that heritage; exploring the region’s regal past and artifacts from faraway lands that shaped the modern social sciences.

It begins at London’s British Museum with a private tour of its fascinating collection of Egyptian artifacts under the guidance of an Egyptologist, followed by a private tour of Portsmouth’s National Maritime Museum in the company of a curator. The nautical theme continues the next day at the historic dockyard with private tour of the Mary Rose – a restored 17th-century Tudor warship recovered from the sea floor – with a conservation expert.

In Wareham, you’ll head deep into the past at the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life to view the Etches Collection – an exhibit featuring more than 2,300 restored fossils – with Steve Etches, the local plumber-turned-paleontologist himself. Later, search for fossils on a privately guided tour of the Jurassic Coast along the shore of the English Channel.

The next day begins at dawn in the shadow of Stonehenge, England’s mysterious prehistoric monument, for a private tour with exclusive access to the site’s Inner Circle, followed by a visit to the Roman ruins of Bath, home to UNESCO-protected archaeological sites and hot springs that once soothed the weary muscles of Roman soldiers.

Onward to Oxford and a day devoted to the contributions of Elias Ashmole, England’s preeminent antiquarian. Tour the Ashmolean Museum and see the artifacts and curiosities Ashmole collected on his travels throughout the world in the 17th century. Next, explore the Bodleian Library, home to a staggering collection of manuscripts and documents, including copies of the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, Ashmole’s illuminated Bestiary and Shakespeare’s First Folio.

Next stop, Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, where you’ll get an insider’s glimpse of this UNESCO-protected manor house on an exclusive private guided tour. From there, it’s on to Highclere Castle, where George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, first displayed the spoils of his expedition to find the tomb of Tutankhamun.

The tour strikes a regal note back in London where you’ll be treated to a morning viewing of the sparkling Crown Jewels up close before going “behind the ropes” for a private tour of Windsor Palace.

The Explorers Club Collection by Kensington Tours is an exclusive suite of travel experiences inspired by the expeditions of the world’s foremost society of scientists and adventurers. Each tailor-made Explorers Club trip connects you to the world’s most fascinating people, places, and experiences with expert local guides and award-winning 24/7 service support. On-trip experts and experiences are subject to change depending on availability.