Mysterious Stonehenge, 5,000 years ago the huge 40 tonne stones were dragged from over 280 miles away in Wales. Who built it and why remains a mystery today. Some say that it was built as a religious temple, or an astronomical clock. Stonehenge continues to enthrall the imagination and captivate the heart of every visitor. eXpect the best from gr8 Xpectations travel company - Londons only mini coach operator. Thoe Original and still the best! Our specially designed Renaults and Mercedes Sprinters can travel anywhere a car can, reaching places the larger coach finds impossible. Luggage is generally stored under-floor and you sit high above the cars and hedgerows enjoying good all round views. Days of variety with something for all. Seeing both famous sights (when the crowds have left) and the not so familiar. Entrance fees (when with your guide) are included in the tour price. Please note that the detailed itineraries printed in these web pages should be read as guidelines, sites listed should be regarded as those possible, not that all will be seen. You will be part of determining which are seen on a daily basis as we mould the tour to suit participantsSmall groups mean we can change our daily schedule, take advantage of weather conditions, enjoy local events and your particular interest. Each evening the group discusses the following day's alternatives and there is scope for choice Our specially designed Renaults and Mercedes Sprinters can travel anywhere a car can, reaching places the larger coach finds impossible. Luggage is generally stored under-floor and you sit high above the cars and hedgerows enjoying good all round views. Days of variety with something for all. Seeing both famous sights (when the crowds have left) and the not so familiar. Entrance fees (when with your guide) are included in the tour price. Please note that the detailed itineraries printed in these web pages should be read as guidelines, sites listed should be regarded as those possible, not that all will be seen. You will be part of determining which are seen on a daily basis as we mould the tour to suit participants Small groups mean we can change our daily schedule, take advantage of weather conditions, enjoy local events and your particular interest. Each evening the group discusses the following day's alternatives and there is scope for choice

"Hi-ya
Just a quick note to say a great big thank you and to let you know what a fantastic time we had on your tour! Everything was perfectly organised and we were made to feel special the whole time. The tour guide was a joy - he was really enthusiastic and totally knew his stuff and your booking staff were really friendly and helpful. It was a perfect day and we've already started planning a return trip.
Again, many thanks!!
Rachel - June 2007

 

» Escape the City

London is one of the world’s most exciting destinations, however, the surrounding countryside is brimming with beautiful villages, ancient cathedrals and amazing historical sites. Explore the historic charms and wealth of English culture that lies outside the capital and explore the 'Real Britain'.

Escape the city in style with one of our coach 'amall group' mini-coach guided tours. Follow the River Thames as it winds it's way through Royal Windsor and Britain’s oldest university town, Oxford. These famous destinations are suitably close to London and ideal for day trips.

Go further afield and discover the delights of Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon, set back upon the banks of the weeping River Avon. Head from there to Warwick and see the countryside unfold before you like a fairytale kingdom from the towers of England’s finest medieval fortress. Soothe your aches and pains with a trip to the beautiful spa town of Bath or discover the remarkable monuments of Salisbury and mystical monoliths of Stonehenge. Let 'Great Expectations' be your guide to the treasures of the English countryside.

» Full Day Guided Tours Departing from London.

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Stones and Bones Tour™ - Salisbury Cathedral and City, Old Sarum Castle, Stonehenge, Avebury stone circle and medieval village, Chalk Hill figures, Celtic burial mounds, Country Pub Lunch

History and Mystery Tour™ - Explore the elegant Georgian City of Bath, famous for its hot springs and Roman Baths and the awe-inspiring circle of Stonehenge Stone Circle

Magical Tour™ - King Arthur's Country, Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury Abbey, Chalice Well Gardens, Stonehenge, Avebury stone circle and medieval village.

Romans, Royals and Ruins ™- Royal Windsor Castle, Runnymede. The Georgian City of Bath, Stonehenge and a scenic countryside drive using the backroads

Stonehenge Special Access Tours - Go beyond the fences and touch the stones - a unique opportunity - Enjoy exclusive access into Stonehenge Inner Circle and a day in the heart of ancient Britain. 2008

Bards and Battles Tour™ - Oxford, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, Ann Hathaway's Cottage, The Cotswolds, Warwick Medieval Castle

Pilgrims Progress Tour™ - Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and the Gardens of Kent - Including the prettiest village in Kent and the most haunted village in England

Cotswolds Connection Tour™ - Oxford, Shakespeare's Stratford and The Cotswolds (including the villages of Stow on the Wold and Upper and Lower Slaughter - inaccessible by the big coach groups)


London Sightseeing Coach Tours - A selection of half day, full day and entertainment in London from some of our preferred and recommended travel Partners
Panoramic tour of London Our day begins with a drive past many of Londons famous monuments - the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Downing Street, the official London residence of the British Prime Minister, Trafalgar Square with the statue of Lord Nelson, Pall Mall and much more.Westminster Abbey We will make a photo stop at this magnificent Gothic building that has been the site of every coronation since 1066 and is also the final resting place of many Kings and Queens of England, as well as famous people including Sir Laurence Olivier, Charles Dickens and Sir Isaac Newton.

Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for being the birthplace of the world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. We'll visit the Tudor-style birthplace of William Shakespeare, gaining a fascinating insight into his childhood with its typical parlour, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and the glove-maker's workshop used by John, Shakespeare's father. There'll be time to explore this charming market town, its streets lined with unusual shops and boutiques.

Cotswolds. Steeped in history and heritage the area of England known as the Cotswolds are a charming blend of cottages with honey-coloured walls and thatched roofs, market towns with crooked half-timbered houses lining the High Street, and ancient stone crosses, all set in the gently rolling hills ('wolds') that are so typically English in character. The Costwolds landscape has been shaped by its long history as a centre of wool production, this tour takes you through some picturesque villages: Burford, Bourton on the Water and Woodstock (for Blenheim Palace), where you'll see crooked little houses, leaning walls and gabled cottages, and surprisingly large Market squares harking back to the area's importance in the wool trade. It is here we stop for lunch in one of England's most outstanding areas of natural beauty.

Oxford. Walking tour of Oxford For over 900 years the university town of Oxford has been renowned as a centre of academic excellence. Among its famous students were Bill Clinton, Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis. Enjoy a gentle walking tour with your guide through narrow alleys and ancient squares where time stands still. We will see the Bodleian Library and the beautiful college courtyards.
Glastonbury. The town of Glastonbury is particularly notable for the myths and legends surrounding a nearby hill, Glastonbury Tor, which rises up from the otherwise flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. These myths concern Joseph of Arimathea and the Holy Grail, and also King Arthur. Glastonbury is also said to be the centre of several ley lines.
Stonehenge. Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance, a World Heritage Site, surrounded by remains of ceremonial and domestic structures - some older than the monument itself. Many of these features - earthworks, burial mounds and other circular ‘henge’ monuments - are accessible by road or public footpath. Stonehenge’s orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features. Whether this was simply because the builders came from a sun-worshipping culture, or because - as some scholars believe - the circle and its banks were part of a huge astronomical calendar, remains a mystery.
Bath. Bath, another world heritage site, is a beautiful Georgian city with delightful crescents, terraces and architecture. Following our guided tour of the city, there will be plenty of time to visit Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge overlooking the river Avon cascading over the weir. And you can shop, explore and take afternoon tea in the Pump Rooms while listening to the string quartet.
Beatles Tour. Five decades of rock history in 3 hours. See Beatles sites - Abbey Road, Paul McCartney's House, Ringo's House and Brian Epstein's house, Apple HQ, Film locations, lyric inspirations and more. See the homes of Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Jimmi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury. See where Keith Moon, Jimi and Mama Cass died. See where Punk Rock began. Tour London's hippie neighbourhood for Pink Floyd, Clash and Bob Marley sites. All in the company of a knowledgable Rock Guide.

 

     
 

PERSONALISED BESPOKE TOURS; In addition to our daily tours we offer private Luxury private tours.sightseeing tours in luxury vehicles (1 - 16 persons) with your very own driver guide for the ultimate freedom and flexibility. Ideal for families and groups. Our door to door service will take you on the above itinerary or anywhere you want to go.. Click here for more details.

 
     

 

 

 

N.B The above 'Day Tour' names are REGISTERED TRADE MARKS and the ITERLECTUAL PROPERTY of The Great Expectations Travel Company