Christian Pilgrimage Trip highlights: Canterbury Stonehenge Salisbury York Lindisfarne
DAY 1 ARRIIVE LONDON - CAMBRIDGE Meet your coach and guide on arrival at London Heathrow Airport and drive directly to the historic University city of Cambridge where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and full English breakfast basis. Join your guide this afternoon for a walking tour of Cambridge viewing the ancient University buildings. Join together this evening for Welcome Cocktails and Canapés at the hotel. DAY 2 WALSINGHAM AND NORTH NORFOLK Travel this morning to Little Walsingham, one of the main centres for Christian pilgrimage in England, and visit the remains of the Augustinian Priory which date from 1153. Then take a scenic tour along the North Norfolk coast before returning to Cambridge. This evening, enjoy a special dinner at St John s College, Cambridge.
DAY 3 CAMBRIDGE - LINCOLN - YORK Depart today and head north to York, stopping en route in Lincoln, renowned for its majestic triple-towered cathedral, the third largest church in England. End the day in the medieval city of York where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and full English breakfast basis. Dinner at leisure. DAY 4 YORK Join your guide this morning for a walking tour of this historic city. See the ancient streets and city walls and visit York Minster, England's largest Gothic church noted for its majestic towers and priceless stained glass windows. Then enjoy an afternoon excursion to Fountains Abbey near Ripon. Founded in 1133 by thirteen dissident Benedictine monks, the Abbey soon became the wealthiest Cistercian foundation in England. Return to York for overnight and enjoy dinner at leisure.
DAY 5 YORK - LINDISFARNE - EDINBURGH During your journey north to Edinburgh, stop for a visit to Holy Island and the atmospheric ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. Set off the north east coast just south from Berwick-upon- Tweed, this is one of the holiest Anglo-Saxon sites in England renowned as the original burial place of St Cuthbert. Conclude the day in Edinburgh where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and full Scottish breakfast basis. DAY 6 EDINBURGH A guided sightseeing tour this morning will include a drive along The Royal Mile passing by St Giles Cathedral, and visits to the beautiful Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Queen s only official residence in Scotland) and Edinburgh Castle. Afternoon at leisure. Dine this evening in the underground vaults at Marlin s Wynd which date from the 16 th century.
DAY 7 EDINBURGH - LONDON Today you board the train from Edinburgh to London King s Cross. Then transfer by coach to your hotel in London and enjoy an orientation tour of the city en route. Check in to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights on a bed and continental breakfast basis. DAY 8 LONDON Join your coach and guide for a full day in London visiting Westminster Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and the South Bank. Then enjoy High Tea at before taking your seats at one of London s West End theatres.
DAY 9 CANTERBURY AND AYLESFORD Travel this morning to Canterbury, England s most famed Cathedral city. Explore the cobbled streets walked by Chaucer s pilgrims, visit the very roots of Christianity at the ruined St Augustine s Abbey and enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and the country s first Cathedral, founded by St Augustine in 597 AD. Enjoy lunch today at Lloyd s Restaurant, a listed building situated on the boundary of Canterbury s historic city walls. On return to London, stop to visit Aylesford Priory, the ancient religious house of the Order of Carmelites dating back to the 13th Century. Dinner at leisure in London. DAY 10 STONEHENGE - SALISBURY - WINCHESTER Depart London for Stonehenge, Britain's most famous ancient monument built between 3100 and 1100 BC. Continue to Salisbury for a walking tour and visit to the magnificent Cathedral. End the day in Winchester where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a dinner, bed and full English breakfast basis. Late afternoon visit to Winchester Cathedral and precincts. Dine at the hotel this evening.
DAY 11 GLASTONBURY - WELLS - BATH Travel via stops in Glastonbury and Wells to the city of Bath. During a guided tour, see the 15 th century Bath Abbey and visit the remarkable Roman Baths, Britain's greatest remnant of the Roman era. Join together this evening for a Farewell Dinner at your hotel in Winchester. DAY 12 DEPARTURE Depart at an appropriate time today for transfer to London Heathrow Airport, arriving in good time to check in for your flight home.