FESTIVE SEASON IN LONDON
Visiting: Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Natural History Museum, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, West End – Disney’s The Lion King, South Bank, Shrek’s Adventure!, London Eye, London Dungeons, River Thames, Madame Tussauds, Camden Market
London is a magical destination during the festive season, where historic landmarks, sparkling Christmas lights and unforgettable celebrations create a truly special atmosphere. From world-famous attractions and spectacular West End performances to charming Christmas markets and vibrant shopping districts, the British capital offers the perfect setting for a memorable Christmas and New Year getaway.
Experience the magic of London as the city comes alive with festive excitement. Explore iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, discover the wonders of the Natural History Museum and embrace the seasonal atmosphere at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Wander through the lively streets of Covent Garden, enjoy the spectacular Disney’s The Lion King musical and admire breathtaking views of the capital from the London Eye. From the famous wax figures at Madame Tussauds to the colourful stalls of Camden Market, every corner of London offers something unique to discover.
Celebrate the arrival of 2027 in one of the world's most exciting cities. Enjoy the freedom to spend New Year’s Eve your own way, with the opportunity to experience an unforgettable celebration aboard a luxury Thames river cruise. Welcome the first day of the year with the colourful London New Year’s Day Parade, featuring marching bands, lively performers and spectacular entertainment. With excellent shopping opportunities at Westfield Stratford City, fascinating cultural attractions and a wonderful festive atmosphere throughout the city, London promises an exceptional holiday filled with unforgettable experiences and treasured memories.
DAY 1 – WELCOME TO LONDON — YOUR FESTIVE ESCAPE BEGINS
Meet your ROCS Travel Tour Manager at Malta International Airport & depart for London. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to some of London’s most recognisable landmarks as they come into view. Admire the exterior of Buckingham Palace & discover the elegant surroundings of St James’s Park, enjoying a first taste of the city’s royal heritage before transferring to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours. Settle into your room, explore the neighbourhood or simply relax as your festive holiday begins.
DAY 2 – NATURAL WONDERS & WINTER WONDERLAND
After breakfast, set off for a day that moves from the extraordinary world of nature to the excitement of one of London’s great seasonal celebrations.
Your first stop is the Natural History Museum. Step inside its magnificent galleries and discover a world of dinosaurs, remarkable fossils and natural treasures. Look up in Hintze Hall to see Hope, the blue whale skeleton, suspended above the hall- an impressive introduction to the stories waiting throughout the museum.
Later, the vibe changes as you head to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Twinkling lights, market stalls, fairground rides & the tempting aromas of festive food bring the season to life. Browse the stalls, pause for a warming treat and enjoy the colour and excitement around you, with a choice of rides and attractions to explore.
At the end of your visit, return to The Stratford Hotel.
DAY 3 – COVENT GARDEN CHARM & DISNEY’S THE LION KING (3YRS+)
After breakfast, transfer to Covent Garden, where your day begins in one of London’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.
Explore the lively piazza, browse the shops and soak up the festive surroundings, with time to pause for a coffee or a bite to eat before the show.
Then continue to the nearby Lyceum Theatre for the 14:30 performance of Disney’s The Lion King, one of the holiday’s standout experiences.
Take your seats as imaginative puppetry, striking costumes and powerful music bring the African savannah to life on stage. Follow Simba’s journey from young cub to king in a production filled with humour, emotion and breathtaking theatrical invention.
From the opening moments to the final curtain, this celebrated West End musical promises to be a wonderful afternoon to share and remember long after your London holiday.
Afterwards, enjoy your return transfer to The Stratford Hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY 4 – WESTMINSTER ICONS, RIVERSIDE ADVENTURES & LONDON FROM ABOVE
After breakfast, set off for Westminster, where some of London’s most recognisable landmarks will provide a memorable introduction to the day.
Admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, take in the historic surroundings of Parliament Square, and view the magnificent exterior of Westminster Abbey. There will be time to appreciate the setting and capture those classic London photographs before continuing across Westminster Bridge, with views along the Thames and towards the London Eye.
On the South Bank, the day continues with four distinctive experiences:
• Shrek’s Adventure! London: Step into a playful fairytale world where familiar characters, live performers and unexpected encounters bring the adventure to life.
• The London Eye: Rise above the Thames and see the landmarks you have just admired from a whole new perspective, as London’s skyline unfolds around you.
• The London Dungeon:(5yrs+) Discover the darker side of the capital’s past through dramatic sets, theatrical storytelling and live actors. Expect suspense, surprises and a few scares along the way.
• A Thames River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing change of pace on the water. Take in beautiful riverside scenery, historic bridges, and famous landmarks with plenty of photo opportunities.
Experience the many sides of London in one memorable outing, from the grandeur of Westminster to imaginative adventures and sweeping skyline views. Afterward, return to The Stratford Hotel to relax and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Age and suitability guidance applies to individual attractions.
DAY 5 – YOUR DAY, YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE
Today has been deliberately left free, giving you the time to enjoy the day at your own pace and prepare for one of the most exciting nights of the year.
After breakfast, spend the day exactly as you wish. With Westfield Stratford City just next to the hotel, you can enjoy some lastminute shopping, browse the many stores, stop for lunch or simply soak up the atmosphere of London on New Year’s Eve.
Perhaps book a hair or beauty appointment, pick up something special for the evening, enjoy a leisurely afternoon or return to The Stratford Hotel to relax and get ready in comfort. We have intentionally kept the daytime programme free so that you can enjoy a relaxed build-up to the celebrations ahead. And when evening comes, the choice is yours.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
NEW YEAR’S EVE ON THE THAMES
Two Exceptional Celebrations. One Unforgettable London Night.
We are delighted to offer an optional opportunity for those wishing to make New Year’s Eve truly memorable on the River Thames, aboard one of Thames Luxury Charters’ distinctive vessels.
Imagine London illuminated around you, the Thames beautifully reflecting the city lights and the excitement building towards midnight as you celebrate in one of the world’s most iconic capitals.
EXPERIENCE 1
Dixie Queen & Elizabethan
18:30 – 01:15
€699 per person
Experience an unforgettable celebration combining two iconic vessels.
Your night starts at Butler’s Wharf Pier, right next to the magnificent Tower Bridge.
18:30 – 19:00
Welcome aboard the Dixie Queen.
19:15
Experience a truly memorable London moment as Tower Bridge is raised for the Dixie Queen to pass beneath.
19:15 – 22:00
Settle in for an elegant fourcourse dinner, accompanied by live music and unlimited drinks, as you cruise along the Thames and admire London by night.
22:00
Transfer to the Elizabethan, where the vibe changes from elegant dining to New Year’s Eve celebration.
Enjoy music, a DJ and dancing as midnight approaches.
00:00 – Happy New Year!
Raise a glass of Champagne & welcome 2027 while enjoying London’s spectacular New Year’s Eve atmosphere from the Thames.
01:00 – 01:15
Disembark at Butler’s Wharf Pier.
EXPERIENCE 2
New Year’s Eve aboard the Edwardian
21:00 – 01:15
€489 per person
Enjoy a more intimate New Year’s Eve on the Thames with a wonderful celebration aboard the Edwardian.
Join the vessel later on in the evening and enjoy London after dark as the excitement builds towards midnight. With its smaller, more intimate setting, the Edwardian provides a stylish alternative for guests who would like to celebrate on the river without the earlier dinner programme of the Dixie Queen experience.
Cruise through the heart of London, enjoy the festive atmosphere on board & count down to 2027 surrounded by the lights of the capital.
A memorable way to end 2026 — and an even better way to begin the New Year.
Please note: Both of the New Year’s Eve cruise experiences are optional, subject to availability and must be pre-booked. Final timings, inclusions and arrangements for the Edwardian will be confirmed with your booking.
No matter if you choose a glamorous evening on the Thames, dinner elsewhere in London or a celebration of your own choosing, tonight is yours to make memorable.
Happy New Year from London!
DAY 6 – START THE NEW YEAR IN TRUE LONDON STYLE
Begin the first day of 2027 with breakfast at the hotel before joining your ROCS Travel Tour Leader for a journey into the heart of London’s West End.
Travel together by London Underground, experiencing the city like a local as you make your way into central London for one of the capital’s most colourful New Year traditions - the London New Year’s Day Parade.
Take your place along the parade route and soak up the celebratory atmosphere as marching bands, performers, dancers, entertainers and colourful displays bring the streets of London to life.
It is a lively and uplifting way to welcome the New Year, surrounded by the energy of the West End and the excitement of thousands of spectators.
After enjoying the parade, the remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to explore London at your own pace.
Perhaps continue through the West End, stroll towards Covent Garden, browse the shops around Regent Street and Oxford Street, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or simply find a cosy café and watch London go by.
Your Tour Leader will provide guidance on the best ways to enjoy your free time and how to return to your hotel using London’s excellent transport network.
A relaxed yet memorable first day of the year - combining one of London’s great New Year celebrations with the freedom to enjoy the city your own way.
DAY 7 – FAMOUS FACES & CAMDEN’S CREATIVE SIDE
After breakfast, set off for another exciting day in London, beginning with a visit to one of the capital’s most famous attractions - Madame Tussauds London.
Step into a world of celebrity, royalty, sport, music and film as you come face-to-face with remarkably lifelike figures of some of the world’s bestknown personalities. Pose for photographs with global stars, meet members of the Royal Family, discover famous sporting legends and enjoy the attraction’s immersive themed experiences.
It’s a fun & interactive morning with plenty of memorable photo opportunities suitable for guests of all ages.
After your visit, continue to Camden, one of London’s most distinctive & energetic neighbourhoods.
Afterwards, you’ll explore the famously colourful Camden Market, known for its creative boutiques, vintage fashion, handmade crafts and street food.
Wander through the market at your own pace, browse for unusual gifts and souvenirs, sample flavours from around the world, or simply enjoy the unique character of an area that is unlike anywhere else in London.
With its mix of music, fashion, food and alternative culture, Camden offers a completely different side of the capital and makes the perfect contrast to the glamour of Madame Tussauds.
At the end of the afternoon, return to The Stratford Hotel with the evening at leisure.
DAY 8 – A RELAXED FAREWELL TO LONDON
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take your time this morning as your festive London escape draws to a close.
With no rushing and no early departure, the final day has been designed to be relaxed and easy, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a few last hours in London at your own pace.
With Westfield Stratford City just moments away, there will be plenty of time for some last-minute shopping, a leisurely coffee, a final lunch or simply a relaxed wander before heading back to the hotel to collect your luggage.
Later on in the afternoon, we will depart for London Heathrow Airport for your return flight to Malta.
It is a gentle ending to a wonderful festive break and the perfect time to enjoy one last taste of London, reflect on the experiences of the past week, and head home carrying treasured memories of a very special New Year getaway.
EDWARDIAN - €459 PER PERSON
A stylish evening Thames cruise with music, festive celebrations and a midnight Champagne toast to welcome 2027.
21:00 – 01:15
For guests looking for a later and more relaxed start to the evening, the Edwardian offers an alternative way to welcome the New Year on the Thames.
Enjoy a festive atmosphere aboard this more intimate vessel as London lights up around you and the excitement builds towards midnight.
✓ The evening includes:
✓ New Year’s Eve cruise aboard the Edwardian
✓ Festive onboard atmosphere
✓ Music and celebrations
✓ Midnight New Year countdown
✓ Champagne toast as you welcome 2027
DIXIE QUEEN & ELIZABETHAN - €699 PER PERSON
A premium New Year’s Eve experience combining a four-course dinner cruise with live music, drinks, dancing and a midnight Champagne celebration on the Thames.
18:30 – 01:15
Begin the evening aboard the magnificent Dixie Queen, including the memorable experience of sailing beneath Tower Bridge as it is raised.
The evening includes:
✓ Four-course dinner aboard the Dixie Queen
✓ Live music
✓ Unlimited drinks during the dinner cruise
✓ Transfer to the Elizabethan later in the evening
✓ DJ and dancing
✓ New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Thames
✓ Champagne toast at midnight
✓ The opportunity to experience London’s New Year celebrations from the river
ROCS package include:
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Return flights Malta-London-Malta on KM Malta Airlines
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10kg hand luggage + 20kg luggage in hold
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7 nights accommodation at the 5* The Stratford, Autograph Collection
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Daily breakfast
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Airline taxes and fuel charges
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The services of an experienced ROCS Travel Tour Manager
All quoted prices are per person unless otherwise specifically indicated. Please note that all prices and packages quoted are subject to the ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions listed at ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions. All prices are in EUR and are subject to change without any prior notice. ROCS Travel reserves the right to discontinue any offer at any time without prior notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.