SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a panoramic drive through London that presents the most iconic attractions and enjoy a bit of free time to enhance the experience. As you pass one landmark after another, enlightening commentary will describe their historical significance. You can expect to see the tower clock Big Ben rising above the Houses of Parliament, 11th-century Westminster Abbey where British kings and queens are crowned and Downing Street, the official residence and office of the prime minister. Before arriving in Trafalgar Square, you will likely spot Nelson’s Column, a soaring 185-foot-high monument that honors naval hero Lord Horatio Nelson and his triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar. The sights in London’s old town will be just as inspiring. They include the Stock Exchange, baroque-style St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Bank of England, which was founded in 1694. After time to explore independently, you will continue to Victoria Green Line station.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See many of London’s most famous landmarks while driving through the capital city.
• Pass icons such as Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Enjoy free time in old town before being dropped off at Victoria Green Line station.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an enlightening walk through the historical city of Winchester before exploring the Great Hall of its ancient castle (Great Hall is not included in the tour). As you stand before the Winchester cathedral, the guide will describe its architectural and historical significance. One of Europe’s largest and lengthiest cathedrals, it sits on a sacred site that once held a church from the 7th century. Inside lie the graves of Danish king Canute – who ruled England from Winchester in the early 11th century – and that of beloved novelist Jane Austen, who lived in nearby Chawton. Another highlight is a close-up look at the remains of Winchester Castle, specifically its Great Hall from the 13th century. Now a museum, the Great Hall displays of the round table where King Arthur and his knights supposedly congregated. The table hangs on the wall and dates to medieval times, although King Henry VIII later decorated its center with a Tudor rose.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold magnificent Winchester Cathedral, the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe.
• Meander through the outside of the Great Hall of the 13th-century Winchester Castle.
• See a medieval replica of King Arthur’s legendary Round Table.
• Arrive at Heathrow Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in mystery and antiquity by visiting medieval Salisbury and mythical Stonehenge before heading to the airport to catch your flight. You will be free to explore Salisbury on your own, where you might visit the 13th-century cathedral. It holds the oldest working clock in Britain and an original copy of the Magna Carta signed at Runnymede in 1215. Situated at the confluence of the Avon and Wiley rivers, Salisbury still reflects its original gridiron layout. Stonehenge, surely the most well-known prehistoric site in England, is less than 10 miles away on Salisbury Plain. The massive stones of this UNESCO World Heritage site were transported as far as 150 miles and erected using precise interlocking joints. Exactly how Stonehenge was constructed sometime around 2500 B.C. and its ultimate purpose are not completely understood. The guide will offer theories, leaving you with plenty to reflect upon on the way to Heathrow Airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore medieval Salisbury independently and see its 13th-century cathedral if you wish.
• Hear about the mysteries of Stonehenge while visiting the famed prehistoric site.
• Gain an understanding of why UNESCO deemed Stonehenge a World Heritage site.
• Arrive at Heathrow Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

After disembarkation and collection of your luggage, you'll start your tour with a drive towards central London. The panoramic drive around London will take you past many of the city's magnificent and historic highlights: faithful Big Ben and the Victorian Gothic buildings of the Houses of Parliament; the 11th century Westminster Abbey, London's greatest Gothic church where British Kings and Queens are crowned; Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister; bustling Piccadilly Circus; and Trafalgar Square with its 185-foot Nelson's Column. The old City of London is where it all began, a historic square-mile enclave, which has been the nation's major commercial and financial center for centuries. As you tour these ancient byways, you'll pass the Stock Exchange, the monument to the Great Fire of London of 1666, the Lord Mayor's mansion house and the Bank of England, founded in 1694. Admire the awesome dome of grand old St. Paul's Cathedral. Built between 1675 and 1720, this magnificent Baroque structure is the crowning achievement of architect Sir Christopher Wren. Before heading to Heathrow International Airport, you'll have some free time.

After disembarkation and collection of your luggage, you’ll start your tour with a drive towards Salisbury where you’ll have free time to explore Salisbury on your own. Salisbury is home to one the finest medieval cathedrals in Britain, which dates back to the 13th century. Its spire, the tallest in England, soars to over 400 feet. The cathedral contains a remarkable range of monuments, including the oldest working clock in Britain and an original copy of the Magna Carta signed at Runnymede in 1215.You’ll then drive to a prehistoric monument of unique importance - Stonehenge. It is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Radiocarbon dating reveals this incredible monument was built over many years, beginning over 5,000 years ago. Some of the stones came from the Preseli Mountains in Wales, over 219 miles away and probably dragged by ropes on sledges with rollers. Although research tells us how Stonehenge was built, we still don’t know why so it remains one of the most enthralling mysteries in the world.