Rococo Fantasy
4 hours [excluding lunch]
Art and chocolate…is there a better way to spend a day in London?
Over this experience, you will indulge in some of the most heavenly paintings and exuberant decorative arts in The Wallace Collection, eat like a true Londoner in St Christopher’s Place, and be treated to a chocolate-making workshop in Marylebone.
The Wallace Collection
Stepping off the streets of London into the The Wallace Collection is one of London’s greatest surprises. Originally built in the 18th century as the London townhouse for the Marquesses of Hertford, it has a shimmering collection of Rococo paintings, French objets d’art and stunning canvases by Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt and Velázquez.
During your private tour, you will journey back in time to "L'ancien régime" in France. Starting in his first court of Versailles, we'll discover the rigorous etiquette of King Louis XIV, before moving onto the decadent tastes of Louis XV and his mistress Madame du Pompadour, and finish by looking at Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette’s reign and sticky end. Through their eyes we’ll discuss the evolution of Rococo and Neo-classical art, showcasing some of the most important pieces of art in the whole collection and discover how the astonishing art works of Versailles passed into the hands of great collectors such as the Marquis of Hertford.
St Christopher’s Place
Having worked up an appetite, take a stroll down to St. Christopher’s Place – a wonderful and almost secret collection of little lanes nestled in between Oxford Street and Wigmore Street. Here you can find a selection of outstanding restaurants serving everything from gourmet Lebanese at Sofra to spicy Sri Lankan fare at Hoppers. If you fancy some wine you can transport yourself to the South of France with a crisp glass of vin blanc at Angelique’s Wine House…with over 200 wines to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Rococo Chocolate Workshop
Make sure you leave room for desert as you head off to Marylebone Village. Here, alongside gorgeous designer boutiques is London’s ultimate chocolate destination Rococo Chocolates. Started in 1983, the founder set out to source the highest quality ingredients and create small batches with exquisite fresh flavours. Bring out the chocolatier in you and indulge in one of their private chocolate-making experiences, such as the salted caramel truffle-making class or the Rococo indulgent chocolate-tasting class.
To book this itinerary with one of our expert guides, please get in touch.