Leaving Leeds Castle we proceed to the ancient city of Canterbury
and its greatest treasure - the Cathedral. The Cathedral is the site of the martyrdom
of Thomas Beckett in AD1170 whose shrine became one of the most visited by pilgrims
in the Middle Ages. A fine picture of the pilgrimage era is given in The Canterbury
Tales (written 1394 - 1400).
The tour then continues to Greenwich, packed
with exquisite parks, gardens and architecture and with strong connections with
the sea, science, sovereigns and time. We will explore the delightful markets
and take a look at the Cutty Sark, the fastest sailing ship of all time. We can
even place one foot either side of the meridian line in the Royal observatory,
straddling both hemispheres.
The tour also visits Battle - this historic
town is unique as the very site on which the famous Battle of Hastings was fought.
It was here in 1066 that William The Conqueror defeated King Harold and his Saxon
army. This beautiful town is built around the Abbey which William built to celebrate
his victory - maintained by English Heritage, visitors can enjoy fascinating exhibitions.
You can also experience an audio tour of the site, see the very spot where King
Harold fell or watch a spectacular re-enactment.
Another impressive survivor
of the Conqueror's castle ring is Rochester. The central tower here is probably
one of the best-preserved Norman keeps in all of England. Dating from the late
12th century, it is also one of the tallest keeps in the country, soaring 113
feet. Sadly, the building is just a shell, the roofs and floors of the three floors
that once divided the keep are gone, although a central wall that split the building
in half remains. Still, visitors are permitted to enter the keep and, if they
have stamina and courage enough to tackle the steep, arrow, spiraling staircase
that goes up to the battlements, they will gain a breathtaking view of the city
and surrounding countryside.
This overnight tour departs
Monday and Wednesday from Central London at 8am. Free pick up from most Central
London Hotels.
Adult
Price: £149 (based
on minimum group size of 7 persons)
Child
Price: £129 (3 - 16 yrs)
(All entrance fees
included)
We offer a choice of
accommodation depending on your personal likes and budgets -
