The View from The Shard
3 days - by Rail

What can we say about London’s newest landmark, The Shard? This iconic building seems to demand superlatives is an astonishing 310 metres (1,016 ft) tall, has an incredible 72 habitable floors, boasts 11,000 panes of glass, and from the top the breathtaking 360 (degree) views over London and the surrounding counties extend for up to 40 miles depending on the weather.

Designed in 2000 by Italian architect Renzo Piano, and built between 2009 and 2012, his confidence in the design of the tower never wavered, despite some early criticism from English Heritage who claimed that the building would be ‘a shard of glass through the heart of historic London’. Thus, ‘The Shard’ was born – a truly twenty-first century edifice incorporating office space, a 5 star hotel, luxury residences, retail space, restaurants, a spa and the public viewing gallery at the very top, newly opened in February 2013, and entitled The View from The Shard.

Set to be one of the capital’s finest visitor experiences, The View from The Shard is almost twice as high as any other vantage point in London. Take an exhilarating ride to the top in the high speed lifts and gaze in awe as London is revealed below, allowing you to experience one of the truly great cities like never before – a view of the capital only normally afforded to birds and planes! With multimedia displays and

state-of-the-art technology to bring it all to life, you will not want to miss out on one of the hottest tickets in town!

Let Omega Holidays take you there on our great-value three day rail breaks which also include hotel accommodation, breakfast and free time for shopping or sightseeing!

This tour is organised and operated by Omega Short Breaks Ltd ABTA Y5914

• Return standard class rail travel** from your chosen departure station to London
• Two nights stay in a twin/double bedded room* at a choice of 3 and 4 star hotels with full English breakfast (please note that the Tower Guoman hotel is continental breakfast; a full English breakfast may be pre-booked at a supplement of £8 per person)
• Admission ticket to The View from The Shard (you can choose to visit on Saturday morning or Sunday morning- please select your preference when booking)
• Lots of free time in London
• VAT at the government's prevailing rate at the date of travel

Omega Holidays cannot be held responsible if visibility is disappointing due to adverse weather or climatic conditions.

** Return first class rail travel is offered from almost all stations at a supplement  of £50pp.

Please note: All travel times and arrangements may be subject to change. All rail departures will be in the morning/early afternoon from your chosen station, arriving in London in the early to mid afternoon. Your return journey will depart during the afternoon/early evening. Precise departure times will be confirmed with your final itinerary and rail tickets, which will be sent to you about 5 days before travel, and we ask you to check and note the departure times stated on your final itinerary, when they arrive. Rail travel can be subject to delays and changes due to engineering works and Omega Holidays cannot be held responsible for any travel delays or amendments made to journey routes and methods of travel made by the rail provider. We are unable to guarantee that passengers on the same booking will be seated together.

Day 1, Friday: Following a morning departure from your chosen railway station you will have some time to spend at leisure in London before making your own way to your hotel for check in and your first night’s stay.

Day 2, Saturday: After breakfast, you may choose to make your Shard visit this morning. If not, the rest of the day is free to enjoy the many sights and attractions which London has to offer. Why not visit one of London’s many museums or art galleries, shop ‘til you drop in the West End, or perhaps even take in a West End show.

Day 3, Sunday: If you haven’t already done so, now’s the time to make your own way to The View from The Shard (closest rail/underground station is London Bridge) for your morning visit. The exact time of admission will be advised with your travel itinerary, but there will be ample time for your visit before it is time to make your way back to the railway station for your afternoon/early evening train home.

Here are some example hotels or similar ones that we use for this break, actual availability may change with the travel date you choose.

Some hotels have an additional supplement per person, as shown below. Supplements are stated for the break (not per night)

Hilton Docklands Riverside Hotel, London
	Located on the River Thames and with fabulous views of the river and Canary Wharf, the Hilton London Docklands Riverside hotel provides a fantastic base for your stay in London.
Jurys Inn Chelsea, London
	This modern hotel is near the fashionable Kings Road with easy access to a great variety of shop, cafés, bars, and all kinds of entertainment including the Victoria & Albert and Natural History Museums.
Crowne Plaza London Docklands, London
	The Crowne Plaza London Docklands is located in London’s thriving Docklands area, just a very short walk from DLR Royal Victoria, and close to Canary Wharf. Additional supplement from £10.00 per person.
Thistle City Barbican, London
	With its Otium Health and Leisure Club, and being only a short distance from the West End, the Thistle City Barbican is the perfect choice for a London weekend break. Additional supplement from £10.00 per person.
Tower Guoman Hotel, London
	Located on the River Thames, the Tower Guoman hotel is a neighbour to some of London's most iconic landmarks and enjoys stunning views of Tower Bridge. Additional supplement from £10.00 per person.
Holiday Inn Kings Cross, London
	The Holiday Inn Kings Cross is a modern 4 star hotel situated between the City of London and London’s West End. Additional supplement from £20.00 per person.
Jurys Inn Islington, London
	Situated in the heart of fashionable Islington, and close to attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral and Camden Market, this hotel offers a comfortable and convenient base for your stay in London. Additional supplement from £20.00 per person.
Thistle Euston, London
	The Thistle Euston offers affordable luxury accommodation just a short walk from Euston station. Additional supplement from £20.00 per person.
Thistle Kensington Gardens, London
	Located on Bayswater Road with views over Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the 4 star Thistle Kensington Gardens hotel is ideally located for a leisurely stay in London. Additional supplement from £20.00 per person.
Guoman Cumberland Hotel, London
	Directly opposite Marble Arch, The Cumberland is a world class luxury hotel located on Oxford Street, close to Park Lane, and offers the very highest levels of first class comfort and service. Additional supplement from £40.00 per person.
Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, London
	There are over 900 rooms in this striking 27 storey tower and many of the bedrooms have spectacular views across London. Additional supplement from £40.00 per person.
Holiday Inn Regent's Park, London
	The Holiday Inn Regents Park is close to Euston Station and is the ideal hotel to start your stay in London. All rooms are air conditioned and have all the facilities you would expect from a 4 star hotel. Additional supplement from £40.00 per person.
Melia White House Hotel, London
	he Meliá White House is one of London's leading 4 star deluxe hotels. Located in the heart of London, the Meliá White House faces the popular Regents Park and is within walking distance of Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus. Additional supplement from £40.00 per person.
Mercure Bloomsbury, London
	This contemporary , recently refurbished boutique-style hotel, located in London’s fashionable Bloomsbury, is within walking distance of many of London’s top attractions. Additional supplement from £60.00 per person.