Itinerary

1. Travel to London & City Tour of London (D)

   On arrival we enjoy a non-stop coach city tour of London taking in all the recognisable landmarks including The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Nelson’s Column, and Marble Arch. Transfer to the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge for four nights. Dinner at the hotel.

   Key: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

2. Cambridge, Kings College and Cambridge walking tour (B, L, D)

   This morning, we visit the grounds of King’s College with a guided tour of the Chapel. The college was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, Kings College is the oldest and grew into the largest college at the prestigious Cambridge University. After our tour of the college, we begin a walking tour of Cambridge learning about the history of the University and about Christian history in Cambridge. After lunch together, the afternoon is ours to rest or explore Cambridge at our own leisure. Return to the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge for dinner.

3. Norwich and Walsingham (B, L, D)

   This morning we drive to Norwich for a visit to the Cathedral. A volunteer guide will bring the stories of Norwich Cathedral to life and offer a wonderful insight into this 900-year-old building as they walk you around its ancient architecture. Enjoy a packed lunch before we make our way to Walsingham where we visit the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. You will have an opportunity to explore the Shrine Church, visit the Holy House and relax in the beautiful Shrine Garden. You are also welcome to take part in any services that are taking place whilst visiting. Return to the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge for dinner.

4. Ely & Bury St Edmunds (B, L, D)

   Today we head to Ely for a guided tour of Ely Cathedral. We also have entrances included to The Stained Glass Museum. Ely Cathedral is the heart of a vibrant Christian community today, it offers a glimpse into centuries of English heritage alongside beautiful art and architecture. It has welcomed visitors and pilgrims for over 1300 years.

   We now head to Bury St Edmunds for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we visit St Edmundsbury Cathedral and the ruins of St Edmunds Abbey. Pilgrims and tourists have been visiting Bury St Edmunds for over 1,000 years. Discover the history of the Cathedral, from its link to the Abbey and to modern-day additions. The abbey was once one of the richest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. The abbey was founded in 1020 and grew in power and wealth up until its suppression in 1539. Return to the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge for dinner.

5. St Albans (B, L, D)

   Once we arrive at St Albans, we are joined by a local guide for a walking tour which highlights some of the fascinating places and stories of St Albans City. The tour ends at St Albans Cathedral in time for us to attend Eucharist at 12pm. After the service we have light lunch together in the Cathedral cafe.

   This afternoon, we take a specialist guided tour of St Albans Cathedral and learn about the practice of pilgrimage in the oldest site of Christian pilgrimage in Britain. St Albans Cathedral is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain and stands over the place where Alban, Britain's first saint, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1700 years ago. At the end of the day, we make our way to The Royal Foundation of St Katharine accommodation in London for four nights and dinner.

6. Westminster Abbey & Windsor Castle (B, L, D)

   This morning our Blue Badge Guide takes you on a tour of Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is a place that’s touched the lives of kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers, poets, priests, heroes and villains since 960AD. Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons.

   We then head across to Windsor for lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting Windsor Castle. Home to royalty and 1,000 years of royal history, in fact Queen Victoria spent most of the year at Windsor and it was the late Queen Elizabeth II favourite weekend home. Admire the magnificent State Rooms, St George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Return to The Royal Foundation of St Katharine accommodation in London for dinner.

7. Canterbury (B, L, D)

   We enjoy a full day in Canterbury. On arrival in Canterbury, we make our way to Canterbury Cathedral where we are welcomed with a Pilgrimage talk, followed by a guided tour of the Cathedral. At the end of the tour you will also be offered a Pilgrim’s blessing from one of the chaplains. Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian sites in England and has played a big part in the history of the country. A spiritual centre from Augustine’s time, Canterbury Cathedral really rose to prominence as a place of pilgrimage with the martyrdom of Bishop Thomas Beckett in 1170. Canterbury Cathedral is a World Heritage Site where you can see an 11th century Romanesque crypt, 12th century Gothic quire and 14th century nave as well as the peaceful ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church.

   Enjoy a light lunch together before the afternoon allows you free time to explore the wonderful sites that Canterbury has to offer. Return to Canterbury Cathedral in time for Evensong at 5:30pm. Afterwards, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Return to The Royal Foundation of St Katharine accommodation in London.

8. Tower of London & St Paul's Cathedral (B, D)

   We journey to the Tower of London; a secure fortress, Royal Palace and infamous prison. Explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site and get up close to the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and ravens and see the Tower like never before.

   You will have free time for independent lunch. After lunch we head to St Paul’s Cathedral for a guided tour. Walk in the footsteps of royalty and political leaders on the Cathedral Floor, explore the Crypt where the nation’s heroes are buried, or scale the Dome and enjoy unrivalled views across London. We end our tour with Choral Evensong at 5pm. Evensong is the treasure of the worship at St Paul’s. Return to The Royal Foundation of St Katharine accommodation in London for dinner.

9. Departure (B)

   After breakfast, transfer to the airport.

Essential Information

Practical information

Dates