2026 Liberty High School Grenadier Band Tag Along Tour

Itinerary and Registration Form

Monday June 22, 2026

Depart USA on an overnight flight to London. Group airfare is available at an additional cost and will be offered in early fall, 2025.

Tuesday June 23, 2026

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 24, 2026

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 25, 2026

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 Liberty High School Grenadier Band. The remainder of the day, as well as dinner, is on own.

Tower of London, United Kingdom

Friday June 26, 2026

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

Saturday June 27, 2026

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 28, 2026

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 29, 2026

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by hotel check out. 
Group departure: transfer by motorcoach to Heathrow for the group flight home.
All others: 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 main intersection possibilities with band members will be at the Changing of the Guards on Wednesday morning, and at the performances on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. While this schedule is fairly well set as-is, the schedule for the Grenadier Band 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, 2025.

Tour Price

  • $2,890 per person in double occupancy, land only
  • $1,125 per person single supplement, land only
  • Group airfare options will be offered in the fall
  • A limited number of triple rooms may available for travelers sharing a room with a minor:
    • price per person to be determined
    • 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 September 1, 2025
  • $500 due November 1, 2025
  • $1,000 due February 1, 2026
  • Balance due May 1, 2026

Cancellation Schedule

(penalties are not cumulative)

  • $250 penalty through November 1, 2025
  • $500 penalty from November 2, 2025 through February 1, 2026
  • $1,000 penalty from February 2, 2026 through May 1, 2026
  • From May 2, 2026, all payments are non-refundable
(cancellation notice must be made in writing)

Tour Inclusions

  • 6 nights accommodation at a four star hotel, 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 funds for the duration of the tour
  • VIP reception and seating at The London Tattoo
  • Attend the Palace Parade Review, Drumline London, and performance by the Grenadier Band 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
  • All gratuities to tour manager, local guides, and motorcoach drivers
  • Dedicated pre-departure staff in the USA
  • Overseas medical insurance policy (this is not trip cancellation insurance)
  • Welcome pack, souvenir accreditation, participation memento, and detailed “Survival Guide” outlining how to make the best of your time in London

Tour Exclusions

  • Airfare, which can be added when the group air offer is made in the fall
  • 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, 2027)
  • Visa acquisition, if necessary (U.S. citizens do not require visas to enter the UK)
  • UK Electronic Travel Authorization Fee
  • Trip protection, trip cancellation
  • Any item not specifically included above
Click here for Terms & Conditions of Travel
Click here for the LHSGB Tag Along Trip Registration Form