Day 1: Get your bearings in London

Want to attempt the impossible and see London in a day? You'll definitely need a guide. Perhaps you'd prefer to be shown around by one of London's famous black cab drivers. Or just choose your own highlights on a hop-on hop-off tour. Whichever method you choose, don't miss St Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. Try to time your visit to the palace with the Changing of The Guard.

Another aspect of London not to be missed is the London Underground (the Tube), the oldest metro system in the world and an indispensable tool for getting around London. A London Sightseeing Pass will get you free transport on the Underground as well as free admission to museums, galleries and attractions throughout London. Also ride on the top deck of the iconic double-decker buses; it's a big slower but you'll really get a feel for the city.

After all this you'll be exhausted - London is a tiring city. You deserve afternoon tea, an elegant, age-old London tradition. Head for Mayfair: the Ritz Hotel, 300-year-old Fortnum and Masons or Grosvenor House. You won't need dinner!

Day 2: London shopping and a show

London's many weekly markets feature everything from trendy clothes to vintage, antiques to modern amenities, health-food to sweets Among them are Portobello Road, famous for antiques and quirky odds 'n' ends (Saturdays); Borough Market, a Saturday must-do for foodies; and Camden Markets, open every day, with alternative fashions and hand-made crafts.

London has some of the world's best museums and galleries. Don't miss the Tate Modern, the British Museum, the National Gallery or the Victoria and Albert Museum. And if it's a nice day, go for stroll along the Thames or in one of London's wonderful parks: Hyde Park, Regent's Park or Hampstead Heath.

But if you love shopping, you must visit Harrods and Harvey Nichols. And head down Oxford Street for the ultimate London high street experience - don't miss Topshop for fashion. From here, wander through Soho, the bohemian pub, theatre and cafes district of London. The best coffee in London is at Bar Italia on Frith Street. And as evening falls, take in a London show - the thing to see in London. There are so many to choose from, you might want to go to several during your stay.

Day 3: London day trips

London could keep you occupied for weeks, but there are plenty of things to see and do beyond the city limits. Head from London to Windsor Castle (continuously occupied for nearly 1,000 years - a record), mysterious Stonehenge, and the Roman spas of genteel Bath. Or make a pilgrimage to Canterbury, Dover, Leeds Castle. Stratford, birthplace of Shakespeare, has annual festivals and performances of the Bard's work nearly year-round. Or visit the famous universities at Oxford and Cambridge. Go even further afield: try haggis in Edinburgh or snails in Paris.

The Leonard Hotel

The Leonard is a gorgeous traditional hotel offering charming accommodation just moments away from Oxford Street. The rooms are lovely, the beds are extremely comfortable and there's inevitably someone on hand to help carry your suitcase. The suites, in particular the Grand Suites, exude glamor and grandeur and are larger than most London one-bedroom flats.

Andaz Liverpool Street

Originally the Great Eastern Hotel, the Andaz was designed by Charles Barry, the architect behind the Houses of Parliament. It first opened its doors in 1884 and many of the original architectural features remain today. Corridors had to be wide enough to accommodate cabin trunks, and the grand staircase and glass dome remain intact.

Savoy

A grande dame of epic proportions, this gorgeous hotel oozes old-style Hollywood glamor. Built on the site of the old Savoy Palace, which burnt down in the Peasants Revolt of 1381, the Savoy has enjoyed a lively and colorful history ever since it opened its doors for business in 1889.