Sewanee in London: Sacred Spaces and Timeless Traditions

The Alumni Office has offered excursions to our alumni and parents throughout the years. Our travelers give the Sewanee-sponsored travel program wonderful reviews for making the trips as unique and special as the Sewanee experience. We have a fantastic excursion to London scheduled for July 16-25, 2025. 

The 10-day trip will focus on theatre, art, and Roman history. The guided trip will be led by Professor of Theater Jim Crawford and Professor of Classics Chris McDonough. Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen and first lady Phoebe will join us on this trip, which includes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a concert by University Choirmaster Geoffrey Ward in Westminster Abbey.

Because this trip is a very special opportunity, all spots have been filled. Want to join the waiting list?

Want to learn more?  

RATE

$5400 per person, double occupancy. Single room supplement: $800. 

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS

• Nine nights at the Bloomsbury Hotel
• Nine breakfasts at the hotel
• Tube Oyster pass
• All group meals appearing on the itinerary
• Discussions related to events led by Sewanee faculty
• Three theater shows
• Fees for museums, tours, and special events as per itinerary
• Gratuities to guides
• Optional pre-trip meetings on Zoom

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; travel insurance; expenses of a personal nature; any items or meals not specified in the Itinerary or in the Program Inclusions.  

DRAFT ITINERARY

Day 1      Wed. 16 July 2025     ARRIVALS and ORIENTATION

• Independent morning arrivals into London, and to the stylish Bloomsbury Hotel, just one block from the British Museum.

• Professors Chris McDonough and Jim Crawford meet and orient participants as they arrive at the Bloomsbury Hotel.

• Receive London Oyster Card for the Tube with £90 credit - Zones 1&2

• A quiet day for relaxation and jet lag adjustment

• Welcome reception

• Overnight in London

Day 2      Thu. 17 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• Walking tour of Roman London with Sewanee Classics Professor Chris McDonough, following what remains of the Ancient Roman wall that snakes through the city.

• A Visit to the dazzling collections at the British Museum, very near the Bloomsbury Hotel

• Group Dinner at a local restaurant; Theatre Professor Jim Crawford introduces theater shows we will see on the trip, and discusses the artists who created these acclaimed productions.

• Overnight in London

Day 3      Fri. 18 July 2025    

• Breakfast at hotel

• Meet with your Local Coach to depart for full-day tour of Bath and Stonehenge (Journey approx. 3h)

• Local step-on guide for full day tour

• Admission - Stonehenge
  Uncover the story of Stonehenge. Take in the unforgettable atmosphere of this World Heritage Site and best known prehistoric monument in Europe. Visit the world-class exhibition to discover how the Stonehenge builders worked and walk amongst the Neolithic houses to experience how they lived.

• Admission - The Roman Baths and Pump Room
  The Ancient Roman Baths are a well-preserved thermae in the city of Bath. A temple was constructed on the site between 60-70CE.

• Admission - Bath Abbey
  A moment of stillness in the beating heart of a vibrant city. A space that’s alive with music and prayer, art and history, and awe-inspiring architecture.

• High tea in this beautifully preserved city.  Stroll through the lovely 18th century neighborhood where many of Jane Austen’s novels– and Bridgerton– take place.

• Meet with your coach for transfer back to London.

• Overnight in London

Day 4      Sat. 19 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• Meet with a local guide for full day tour of London

• One-way cruise Westminster Pier to Tower - adult - Thames River Sightseeing
  Cruise the most scenic part of the Thames between two London icons - The Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London! The informative and entertaining commentary brings the river and London's waterside landmarks to life.

• Admission - Tower of London
  Visit the world-famous Tower of London. Hear tales of its bloody 1000-year history as a palace, a prison and a fortress, see the Crown Jewels and walk the ramparts for fine views of the city and the Tower Bridge

• Theatre performance on the West End,  London’s version of Broadway.

• Overnight in London

Day 5      Sun. 20 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• Morning: optional church services in London.

• Afternoon: Guided tour - Westminster Abbey, a medieval marvel that houses grand memorials to Kings and Queens, and great writers, scientists, and actors.  We’ll visit the wall of stained glass that was the result of donations from Sir John Templeton.

• Sewanee Choir Master and Organist Geoffrey Ward in Concert at Westminster Abbey.

• Reception with Dr. Ward for participants and the Sewanee Club of London.

• Overnight in London

Day 6      Mon. 21 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• Walking tour of the South Bank with Sewanee Theatre Professor Jim Crawford: visit what used to be the shady part of the city, and is now home to The National Theater, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Tate Gallery.

• Lunch at Borough Market

• Theater performance at Shakespeare’s Globe

• Overnight in London

Day 7      Tue. 22 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• A tour of St Paul's Cathedral, a stunning building designed by Sir Christopher Wren.  A landmark that miraculously survived the Blitz of World War 2.

• A chance to take in some of the masterpieces of the National Gallery up close.

• Group Dinner at Local Restaurant

• Music or dance performance at St. Martin’s in the Fields or the Royal Albert Hall

• Overnight in London

Day 8      Wed. 23 July 2025    

• Breakfast at hotel

• Coach for full day Oxford: See the Gothic architecture that inspired Sewanee’s campus!

• Local step-on guide for full day tour

• General Admission - Ashmolean Museum: Visit its internationally renowned collection of archeological artifacts and art.

• Adult admission - Christ Church Oxford
  One of Oxford's largest, grandest and most prestigious colleges, Christ Church dates back to 1524 when it was founded by Cardinal Wolsey during the reign of Henry VIII. Christ Church alumni include Albert Einstein and Sir Christopher Wren, who designed and built the bell tower. It gained fame more recently as a film set for the Harry Potter movies.

• Lunch at the Eagle and Child pub, where JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis used to hang out.

• 30 Minute guided tour - Bodleian Library
  Discover the Bodleian Libraries’ medieval origins. Admire the elaborately carved gothic ceiling of the Divinity School featuring over 400 crests and other images.

• Coach back to the city,  Overnight in London

Day 9      Thu. 24 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• Morning: Trip to the Victoria & Albert Museum, which is stuffed to the gills with artistic and historic treasures.

• Afternoon free for shopping or additional sightseeing

• Group Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant

• Theatre performance at the National Theatre, often called the best theatre in the world.

• Overnight in London

Day 10      Fri. 25 July 2025     

• Breakfast at hotel

• Coach for Heathrow Airport departure transfer

Local guide for airport transfer

If necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, there may be reasonable changes to the itinerary.
 

PAYMENT SCHEDULE AND REGISTRATION

A deposit of $1000 per person is required to reserve your space on a first-come, first-served basis. An additional interim payment of $1500 will be due on April 15, 2025. Final payment of your remaining balance is due May 15, 2025. This installment schedule allows Sewanee to pay hotel and vendor deposits and thus ensure the best experience for all. Payment can be made by credit or debit card.  

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance from your local insurance agent, which is available for coverage of expenses in conjunction with cancellation due to illness or accident. Baggage insurance is also recommended. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. 

Need more information?

Call or email McGriff Alumni House at 888.867.6884 or email alumni@sewanee.edu.