Most England tours begin in London, a treasure-trove of important architectural sites, royal buildings, theatre experiences, and myriad of shops and world-famous department stores. In fact, you could spend a week or more in London and never get bored! London landmarks include Westminster Abbey, Big Ben beside the River Thames, and St. Paul's Cathedral. Snap photos of the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, admire the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and see the sculptures and statues in Trafalgar Square.

Then there's the magnificent shopping you can do at Harrods, the city's largest department store-it has more than 1 million square feet of display space! With an array of only-in-England gifts, accessories, and clothing, you'll surely find some lovely souvenirs. If you enjoy a good stage show, don't miss out on a top-notch production in the West End, London's famous theatre district.

Day trips from London are plentiful. Consider nearby Stonehenge, the mysterious large stones that archaeologists believe were arranged more than 4,000 years ago. Or visit the town of Bath, known for its natural hot springs-the first documented Roman spa. Other destination tours in southern England and the Midlands region take you to Stratford-upon-Avon to see Shakespeare's birthplace, Oxford to visit the oldest university in the English-speaking world, or Kent with its magnificent Canterbury Cathedral.

Further afield, the Cornwall region, which includes the southwest tip of the country, features quaint coastal towns and fishing villages, such as Land's End and St. Ives, known for its handicrafts. The Lake District, in England's northern part, features York, with Europe's biggest gothic cathedral. York's original city wall still almost completely surrounds the central area and The Shambles is one of the world's best preserved medieval streets.

No matter where your England vacation takes you, you'll enjoy some marvelous scenery, incredible historic and cultural sites, and perhaps some fish n' chips!