2025 Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights Parent, Alumni & Guest Tour

Itinerary and Registration Form

Please complete one registration per traveler. If you are registering more than one traveler, you may return to this page.

Monday June 23, 2025

Depart USA on overnight flight(s) to London. Group airfare is available at an additional cost.

Tuesday June 24, 2025

Group arrivals in London: after clearing passport control, collecting your luggage, and passing through customs, proceed to the arrivals hall to meet your tour manager and board the motorcoach for a short transfer to the nearby town of Windsor. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Built in the 11th century, it has been a royal residence for over 1,000 years and is best known as having been the favored residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Take a guided tour of the Castle, including St. George’s Chapel, visit the State Apartments, and enjoy lunch on own and free time to explore this charming British town. Afternoon transfer to London for hotel check-in and a group welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Land only arrivals: Check-in will be available at the hotel from 3:00pm, and bags can be stored at the front desk prior to that time. Then, join the group for the welcome dinner.

Windsor Castle, English royal residence that stands on a ridge at the northeastern edge of the district of Windsor and Maidenhead in the county of Berkshire, England. The castle occupies 13 acres (5 hectares) of ground above the south bank of the River Thames. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is still very much a working royal palace today, home to around 150 people. The castle is used regularly for ceremonial and state occasions, including state visits from overseas monarchs and presidents.

Wednesday June 25, 2025

Breakfast in the hotel, then take the London Underground to Buckingham Palace for the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. The function of the ceremony is for the Captain of the Old Guard to hand over the key to the Palace, but the fun of the ceremony is provided by the military band (one of four regiments will participate) that escorts the New Guard in and the Old Guard out, but only after performing for the assembled throngs at the palace gates. Have lunch on own in the area, then meet at Trafalgar Square for a guided walking tour through the heart of London and Westminster. See The Mall, St. James’ Park, Horse Guards Parade, 10 Downing Street, Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. The day concludes with a guided inside visit to Westminster Abbey, site of the Coronation of British Monarchs since 1066 and as recently 2023. Either return to the hotel via the Tube with the group or stay in Westminster longer for independent exploration. Dinner is on own this evening.

London aerial view of Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. City skyline

Thursday June 26, 2025

Breakfast in the hotel, then take a guided tour of the City of London, tracing its history back to Roman “Londinium.” Transfer by Tube to Guildhall, a medieval municipal building dating to the early 15th century and built on the site of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, portions of which were discovered less than 40 years ago. Continue through the modern financial district to pass the Bank of England on the way to the Monument to the Great Fire of London, a column commemorating the tragedy that devastated the City in 1666. Finally, continue to Leadenhall Market, a photogenic covered market recognizable in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone among other motion pictures for lunch on own. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, including dinner on own.

Guildhall and Art Gallery

Friday June 27, 2025

Breakfast in the hotel, then walk to the Tower of London. Situated along the River Thames in central London, this historic fortress has a rich and often dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Its iconic White Tower is the central structure and displays an impressive collection of armor, weaponry, and the Crown Jewels. The Tower’s guardian, the Yeomen Warders (Beefeaters), adds to its unique charm. After visiting the Tower of London, have lunch on own and cross the Tower Bridge to Potters Fields Park, for an exciting, picturesque outdoor performance by the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights. The remainder of the day, as well as dinner, is on own.

Tower of London, United Kingdom

Saturday June 28, 2025

Breakfast in the hotel, followed by the morning and early afternoon at leisure. Consider visiting one of London’s fine museums, such as the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, or the Tate Modern, or take a stroll through and relax in one of the city’s great public parks. In the afternoon, transfer to the ExCel London to attend the VIP pre-show reception before taking your prime seats at The London Tattoo. The Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights will perform alongside an international slate of bands, including His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band. Following the Tattoo, enjoy a late dinner as a group, then return to the hotel.

The London Tattoo

Sunday June 29, 2025

Breakfast in the hotel, followed by a transfer to Hampton Court Palace. One of King Henry VIII’s favored residences, Hampton Court is a splendid Tudor palace and a prime example of English Baroque architecture. Renowned for its intricate Tudor and Baroque design elements, the palace boasts stunning architecture, magnificent gardens, and the famous Hampton Court Maze. After an inside visit to the Palace, attend the Palace Parade Review & DrumLine London: The Battle of Flower Pot Gate, both featuring the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights. Return to London to enjoy a farewell dinner.

Palace Parade Review at Hampton Court

Monday June 30, 2025

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by hotel check out. Transfer on own to the airport for your return flight to the USA, or continue your summer journey in England or beyond!

London cityscape illustration

Important Notes

  • The tour is not a 1:1 shadow of the band tour. It does not stay at the same hotel as the band members. The band hotel is an easy-to-navigate 20 minutes away via the Underground. The main intersection possibilities with band members will be at the Changing of the Guards on Wednesday morning, at the performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and of course any mutual free time. While this schedule is fairly well set as-is, the schedule for the Marching Scarlet Knights will be driven in large part by the preparation for and performance at their various events, and will be published in their “London Band Week Survival Guide” a month or so prior to departure.
  • The tour is based on a minimum participation of 40 people. The tour may operate with fewer people; participants are discouraged from purchasing non-refundable airfare until the tour is deemed “a go,” expected to be around November 1, 2024.

Tour Price

  • $2,795 per person in double occupancy
  • $1,325 per person single supplement
  • a limited number of triple rooms are available for travelers sharing a room with a minor:
    • $2,495 per person in triple occupancy
    • a minor in the UK is defined as younger than 16 years old; please inquire if you have older minor children aged 16 or 17

Payment Schedule

  • $250 due October 31, 2024
  • $1,000 due March 1, 2025
  • Balance due May 1, 2025

Cancellation Schedule

(penalties are not cumulative)

  • $250 penalty through March 1, 2025
  • $750 penalty from March 2, 2024 through May 1, 2025
  • From May 2, 2025, all payments are non-refundable

Tour Inclusions

  • 6 nights accommodation at the Novotel London Tower Bridge, including daily breakfast
  • Full-time tour manager
  • Luxury, private motor coach transfers to activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Transport for London Oyster Card with preloaded 7-day Travelcard (Zones 1-2)
  • VIP reception and seating at The London Tattoo
  • Attend the Palace Parade Review, Drumline London, and performance by the Marching Scarlet Knights at Tower Bridge
  • Entrance to and guided tours of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Hampton Court Palace
  • Two guided walking tours of London
  • 3 dinners
  • Dedicated pre-departure staff in the USA
  • Welcome pack, souvenir accreditation, participation memento, and detailed “Survival Guide” outlining how to make the best of your time in London

Tour Exclusions

  • Airfare
  • Meals on own, en route, or otherwise not specified above
  • Expenses of a personal nature (snacks, souvenirs, cleaning, etc.)
  • Passport acquisition (passports must be valid through January 1, 2026)
  • Visa acquisition, if necessary (U.S. citizens do not require visas to enter the UK)
  • UK Electronic Travel Authorization Fee
  • Trip protection, trip cancellation, or overseas health insurance
  • Any item not specifically included above
Click here for Terms & Conditions of Travel