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Experience Southern England in Detail

Name: Experience Southern England in Detail
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 3200.76 USD
Availability: InStock

Country:

England

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

297285

Operator:

Gebeco
Length:

10 days
Group size:

26 pax
Age:

0 to 0
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

18.07-27.07.25 scheduled
08.08-17.08.25 scheduled
22.08-31.08.25 scheduled
05.09-14.09.25 scheduled

Itinerary

A wonderful journey awaits us. We visit probably the most beautiful part of England and are impressed by graceful gardens, wild moorland and picturesque towns, rural idylls and picturesque villages complete the picture. And at Stonehenge we ask ourselves: "Why?" I look forward to seeing you! Yours, Dr. Normen Altmann

Tour program

Day 1

Arrival in England ─ the journey begins

Welcome to Great Britain! After arriving at Heathrow Airport between 10:30 and 13:00, you will be met by your tour guide and we will set off towards Kent. The journey begins! 150 km (A)

Day 2

Canterbury's churches ─ Walmer Castle

After breakfast, we head towards Canterbury with its world-famous cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral is the most important Anglican church in the world. We are overwhelmed by the 900 year old stunning architecture and the tragic story of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett in 1170. This city is famous throughout Europe for its churches. Situated in one of the most beautiful corners of Kent, it has been welcoming visitors for over 2000 years. The Romans once lived in this area and it was Augustine who came to Canterbury in 597 AD, bringing the Christian faith to England. In the afternoon we visit Walmer Castle. Over the years, the castle has been transformed into an elegant residence for the Lord Wardens of Cinque Ports. We take a closer look at the castle and get an insight into the rooms of the Duke of Wellington. Even Queen Elizabeth spent several summers here. 120 km (F, A)

Day 3

Blue blood in Penshurst Place and Winchester

Today we are guests of the nobility. Let's look forward to visiting Penshurst Place and Gardens and marvel at the unique, medieval Baron's Hall with its 20m high ceiling made of chestnut trunks. The history of this magnificent garden dates back to the 14th century. Afterwards, things get "very British" and traditional. What would England be without cream tea? We follow the tradition, enjoy it and let the impressions of the last hour sink in. In the afternoon, we head west to Winchester. This important and one of the oldest cities in England was able to compete with London in terms of administrative importance until the Middle Ages. Evidence of its former greatness can still be seen in the well-preserved buildings from the 18th century. 230 km (F, A)

Day 4

Impressive Stonehenge and medieval town planning in Salisbury

Today starts with a cultural highlight: Stonehenge! The immense achievement of the builders leaves every observer with the question of "why". And this mystery is probably what makes this place so fascinating. Stonehenge has always seemed to have an astronomical significance, because if you stand inside, the sun rises exactly above the Heel Stone and the processional avenue at the solstice on June 21. We have our own thoughts and discuss them. Are there any other theories? We spend the afternoon in the city of Salisbury, which is regarded as a model of medieval town planning. The cathedral, a particularly fine example of early English Gothic architecture, takes center stage. Still fascinated, we sample and fortify ourselves with a hearty pasty in "The Cornish Bakery", because they are particularly tasty there. We see for ourselves and then stroll through the impressive garden at Stourhead. Rare trees and flowering shrubs are reflected in the large expanses of water, making Stourhead an idyllic paradise. Pure landscape art. Equally impressive are the magnificent buildings such as the Pantheon and the Temple of Apollo, which are so cleverly arranged around the lake that they only gradually reveal themselves to the observer as they move along. Today's destination is Exeter. 230 km (F)

Day 5

Dartmoor National Park and off to Cornwall

In the morning, we drive southwest through the wild Dartmoor. The 953 square kilometer national park was opened to the public in 1951 and is known for its beautiful moorland landscapes with wooded hollows and rocks. With a bit of luck, we will see the wild Dartmoor ponies and sheep that have been grazing here since the 11th century. We then visit the idyllic village of Polperro, which could have come straight out of a Rosamunde Pilcher movie. Small, whitewashed houses with pretty gardens are situated on a hill above the harbor. The painter Oskar Kokoschka spent his exile here and immortalized the place in a painting. And rightly so! We continue to Cornwall and spend the next two nights here. 180 km (F, A)

St. Ives and Land's End

Greetings to Rosemunde Pilcher

Today's first destination is the small fishing village of St. Ives. Some of you will recognize the place, but as Porthkerris. That's right, because the small artists' town with its miles of beaches has often served as the backdrop for Rosamunde Pilcher's famous German novel adaptations. After a tour of the charming old town, we continue to Land's End, the most westerly point in England. The coast is one of the most beautiful in England. Steep cliffs, roaring waves, subtropical plants and palm trees thrive everywhere. And we are right in the middle of it all. From Land's End, we let our gaze wander over the sea and get carried away. Afterwards, we visit the monastery fortress of St. Michael's Mount, which is located on an island and can only be reached by boat at high tide. 160 km (F, A)

Day 7

In the footsteps of King Arthur and Glastonbury

Today's excursion starts at a very spectacular place in England, Tintagel Castle, or rather what is left of it. Long associated with King Arthur and Merlin, excavations have revealed that there was trade between Cornwall and Spain as early as the 6th century. From here we continue to Glastonbury. At Glastonbury Abbey, we follow in the footsteps of the king, who is said to have found his final resting place here after a battle. Situated high up on a mountain, we have a unique view over the surrounding countryside. This ancient town at the foot of Glastonbury Hill is famous for its abbey ruins, where history and legends combine to create a unique and impressive atmosphere. Let's get caught up in it. The abbey was once the most important shrine in England, as it was the first Christian foundation and survived Anglo-Saxon, Danish and Norman conquests. According to legend, the chalice of the Last Supper was brought here in 60 AD. A simple church was built to house it. Later, the abbey became a place of teaching and knowledge. The Anglo-Saxon kings Edmund I, Edgar and Edmund the Iron were buried here and until 1154, when St. Albans was given preference, the abbot of Glastonbury was always the first abbot of England. 320 km (F, A)

Day 8

The springs of Bath

In the morning we travel to Bath, the elegant English spa town. Thanks to its preserved originality, Bath has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We marvel at architecture at its finest: the elegant terraced houses in a very English style ─ sometimes round, sometimes crescent-shaped. The settlement developed into a town around the old Roman baths. The large Roman temple and bath complex was built almost 2000 years ago and natural hot water still flows from the spring today. 75 km (F)

Day 9

Longleat and Wells

After breakfast, we drive to the Longleat manor house, which lies around 40 km south of Bath and has belonged to the Thynne family since the 16th century. In the afternoon we make our way to Wells. This historic town is named after the magnificent cathedral, which has dominated the town and landscape for 900 years. Then we immerse ourselves in the fantastic world of Harry Potter. Vicar's Close, one of the oldest streets with residential buildings dating back to the 14th century, is a listed building. Before we say goodbye, we try the "fudge", a sweet temptation. It is said to be particularly tasty and delicious here. Let's see for ourselves. 160 km (F, A)

Day 10

Goodbye !

Unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye again today. You will be taken to London Heathrow Airport with many new impressions and memories in your luggage, from where you will start your journey home with flights from 15:30. 170 km (F) Flight schedule, hotel and program are subject to change. (F=breakfast, A=dinner)

Tour Details

others

* not included if traveling on your own

Visit to Canterbury Cathedral

Visit to Walmer Castle

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Visit Winchester, Salisbury, Polperro, Glastonbury and Bath

Enigmatic stone circles at Stonehenge

St. Michael's Mount Abbey Fortress

Tintagel

Longleat Manor

Impressive gardens of Stourhead

Glastonbury Abbey

Cream tea

Pie snack in Salisbury

Tasting the fudge in Wells

Use of audio equipment

All entrance fees

Application for eTA

accommodation

9 hotel nights incl. local taxes (bath or shower/WC)

flights

Train to flight 1st class (see page 302)*

Flights with a renowned airline in economy class from/to Frankfurt to/from London Heathrow (plus flight surcharge if applicable)*

Air traffic tax, airport and flight security charges*

guide

German-speaking qualified Gebeco study tour guide

Travel literature to choose from

meals

9x breakfast, 7x dinner

transport

Round trip/excursions in a typical local minibus or coach with air conditioning

Transfers on the day of arrival and departure*

Unfortunately, due to the large number of flight options to London, it is sometimes impossible to avoid waiting times until the onward journey by coach. The end of your trip is planned for departures from London between 3:30 pm and 7:35 pm. There may be waiting times for later departures; earlier return flights are not possible.

Good to know

Currency

Pound Sterling

England

Plugs and adapters

Plug type G

Customer reviews

Operator

Faq Tour

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Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.