Day 1: Wednesday, December 5, 2007: Arrival in London
On arrival in England, we will have a transfer to our centrally-located hotel and the rest of the day will be at leisure to enjoy the capital. We'll enjoy a group dinner tonight at our hotel, the Corus Hyde Park. (D)

Day 2: Thursday, December 6, 2007. Tunbridge Wells, Dover, Canterbury
On our way to Canterbury, we will stop for coffee at Royal Tunbridge Wells.This was a favorite of Queen Victoria and many visitors still enjoy this attractive town. We will then head for Dover and enjoy a tour of Dover Castle. What better way to end our first full day in England, than fish and chips at the beach! We'll end our day in Canterbury where we will be based for the next four nights in the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. This is the best located accomodation in the city, as it's in a private courtyard next to the Cathedral. (B)

Day 3: Friday, December 7, 2007: Canterbury
This morning our local guide will take us on a morning tour of Canterbury. Canterbury is the spiritual home of the Anglican Church and ever since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in the Cathedral in 1170, it has attracted thousands of pilgrims. This tradition continues to this day and visitors receive a warm welcome. We'll end the tour at the Canterbury Tales Museum and enjoy one of Kent’s most popular attractions, with its stunning reconstruction of 14th century England. This evening we have tickets for the Demelza House Carol Concert at the Cathedral, a fund-raiser for local children with cancer. (B)

Day 4: Saturday, December 8, 2007. Canterbury.
This morning we have a special tour of Canterbury Cathedral with a guide who will tell us more about the spectacular stained glass and give us a behind the scenes view of restoration work. We'll then enjoy a hearty lunch at the Miller's Arms, before taking our places to enjoy the annual St. Nicholas Parade, which stops off at the cathedral at 2 p.m. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Canterbury. (B, L)

 

Day 5: Sunday, December 9, 2007
This morning we will free to either attend the morning service in the Cathedral, a local church or have a lie-in. In the afternoon we'll visit the world-famous Leeds Castle, known as “The Loveliest Castle in the World.” Originally a Norman stronghold, it has been a royal palace since 1278. Henry VIII did extensive renovations for his first queen, Catherine of Aragon. An interesting American connection is through Sir Thomas Culpeper (Governor of Virginia 1677-83), whose 5 million acres of Virginia, granted to the family by Charles II, eventually passed to Lord Fairfax, another Governor and friend of the young George Washington, who made his home at Belvoir, Virginia in the 17th Century. In the 1920’s Lady Baillie, an American heiress bought Leeds Castle and spent her life restoring this lovely castle for the benefit of future visitors. We'll return for our final overnight in Canterbury. (B)

Day 6: Monday, December 10, 2007
Today is Dickens day! On arrival in Rochester, we'll have a light, entertaining Dickens-themed walking tour, including the Cathedral. We'll have lunch in the famous Leather Bottle pub, full of Dickenian memorabilia. We'll return to London mid-afternoon and have free time for the rest of the day. We'll be returning to the Corus Hyde Park Hotel for our last two nights. (B, L)

 

 

Day 7: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
This morning we'll have a guided tour of London and then a free afternoon to either explore London, go shopping or visit the Wesley Museum and Chapel. We’ll then meet back at the hotel before setting off for our farewell meal at Da Mario’s pizzeria, which was a favorite of Lady Diana Spencer. (B, D)

Day 8: Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Today we will either return the airport for our travel home or continue on to explore more of the British Isles. Transfer is included for anyone headed for the airport. (B)

B= Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Please note that that Reformation Tours reserves the the right to alter itineraries without notice should it become necessary. All prices are calculated at the exchange rate in effect at the time of this quotation. Should currency fluctuations necessitate an adjustment in tour price, this will be reflected in the final invoice.