During this day trip from London, we'll explore Cambridge's history, architecture, landscape, and world-class art in the company of a historian, putting the university into the context of the intellectual history that it has so fundamentally shaped. Discover the prestige of its world-famous university, the grandeur of its historic colleges, the beauty of the tree-lined Backs and River Cam, and the energy of its students crisscrossing campus on bikes. From the storied rivalry with Oxford to the vibrancy of its research and literature, Cambridge has something for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm and culture of this unforgettable city.

Please note: The colleges are active places of study and as such will be closed to visitors at certain times of the year. During the college exam period in April-May and the first week of term in October (the exact dates vary each year), most colleges will not be open to visitors. King's College Chapel remains open (though we aren't able to walk through the grounds), as well as the Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses the impressive art and antiquities collection of the University of Cambridge. Colleges are sporadically closed throughout the summer with very short notice. Our experts will do their best to grant alternative visits on these occasions.

After taking the train from London to Cambridge, you will meet your guide at the station, from where you'll have the opportunity to discuss any particular interests so that they can tailor the tour to your requirements. Cambridge is a city with a wealth of extraordinary architecture, galleries, and history, but the tour will typically focus on the University itself; the colleges, past and present, and the alumni who have walked these hallowed streets.

An exploration of the university and its colleges may take us in myriad directions from the main thoroughfare, King's Parade, depending on the interests of the group and the proclivities of our guide, but will often include Emmanuel College, where John Harvard of the university fame studied and Pembroke College, the third oldest and one of the largest colleges. Both of these institutions are further distinguished by the 17th-century addition of chapels designed by Christopher Wren.

We might also include Queens College, with its beautiful medieval Old Court. The Court consists of the chapel, library, and dining hall and is home to both an unusual 'sun and moon dial' and also William Etheridge's 'Mathematical Bridge', a great feat of 18th Century engineering. Finally, we may stop by King's College and Chapel founded in 1441, and the icon of the city of Cambridge; a masterpiece of English architecture, with its fan-vaulted ceiling and Rubens' altarpiece.

A stroll down Trinity Street will take in Trinity College, which was founded by Henry VIII in 1546, and St. John's College, with its School of Pythagoras and its neo-Gothic Bridge of Sighs—two iconic emblems of Cambridge. 

Want to pick a side? Take our Oxford Tour and decide for yourself which is better.

You will meet your guide in Cambridge, at the train station, however, if you are booking a private tour and are staying in Cambridge, we can arrange for a different meeting point. Trains leave from both London Liverpool Street Station and Kings Cross Station and run pretty frequently. The journey ranges between 1 hour to 1.5 hours depending on the train. Tickets can be bought online ahead of time or at the station. Online tickets and schedules are available at: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

You will go inside colleges and other sites. We will purchase tickets at the time of the visit.

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

Yes! We have some excellent family-friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible guide.

We cover about 2.5 miles during the walk. There are plenty of opportunities to sit down and rest, but please let us know if you have any mobility concerns.