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. 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

”Thank you!! I've just returned from a tour around Europe and made it to one of your Stonehenge Tours (Aug 30). AMAZING! Absolutely brilliant! My father and I enjoyed ourselves very much, it was worth every penny (pence?)..................... Had we toured by ourselves, we wouldn't have gotten such a memorable and charming experience. And a splendid, friendly welcome into the UK!

Again, thanks very much for this experience,

Lindsay Mallari

 
» » Kingdom of Wessex Mini Tour - Three Days & Two Nights
Wessex, the counties of the west Saxons and where English history virtually begins.
First dinosaurs roamed, then prehistoric man made it his home.

Centuries later Celtic tribes settled here before being colonised by invading Roman armies. This is the literary landscape of Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy.

It is the site of major medieval cities and some fabulous stately homes and gardens. It's timeless, it's pretty and it's a magical three days!
Shakespeare
Tour Bus

DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES FOR 2008

This itinerary operates on request for groups of 2 persons and above. The greater the number, the lower the cost. You choose your departure date. The itinerary can be lengthened or shortened according to your own preferences.

Prices depend on the numbers travelling but as an indicative price, for 4 persons travelling together the cost per person would be:


» TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Day One - Nightstop nr Salisbury

Departing London we head Southwest, our first stop being at Jane Austen's Chawton home. She spent the last eight years of her life here. The house, where she wrote 'Sense & Sensibility' and 'Pride & Prejudice' amongst others, is now open as a museum. Our next port of call is the ancient Saxon capital of Winchester. There'll be time for lunch and for a guided walk around the city. Sights include the cathedral, one of England's most famous public schools and the legendary 'King Arthur's Round Table'. If there is time, we will also visit the last monastery in England where pilgrims may still claim the 'dole'.

Day Two - Nightstop nr Salisbury

First on today's touring agenda is Thomas Hardy's county of Dorset. This is timeless England, where life appears to have stood still since Hardy's own. We'll see Hardy's own cottage and that of T E Lawrence (of Arabia), and in the regional centre of Dorchester, hear about Judge Jefferies, 'the hanging judge'. Then to the Isle of Purbeck where we'll spend time exploring Britain's 'Jurassic park' (and perhaps find a fossil or two!), the impossibly pretty, picture-postcard village of Corfe Castle, and then the quaint harbour of Swanage (still serviced by steam train). Our return to our accommodation takes us to the resort of Bournemouth and through the New Forest where we'll see the famed, tiny New Forest ponies.

Day Three - London

The magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, with its tall spire and Magna Carta provide our early morning focus before we leave to visit Wilton House, one of England's great treasure house stately homes. You'll find the sheer opulence almost unbelievable. There are paintings by the great masters, fine furnishings, fabulous antiques and a wonderful garden.

Thence, via the Roman fortress of Old Sarum, where you'll enjoy a guided walk. Then to another treasure, the prehistoric Stonehenge.

We've a great finish to our Wessex experience as on route to London we explore the quaint villages of Hampshire and visit either the Duke of Wellington's country home or view the incredible Stanley Spencer wall murals at Burchclere.

PRICE: GBP £360 pp twin share / GBP £380 single room / £230 child sharing room

Departs every Saturday

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