10 Day Reformation of England
Day 1: Departure USA Gather at the airport three hours prior to the scheduled departure. Dinner, breakfast, and entertainment will be served aloft.
Day 2: Welcome to England Arrive at London Heathrow Airport and meet your guide and driver and enjoy an orientation tour of London. Discover the iconic landmarks, architectural and cultural diversity, and fascinating history that makes London the most visited city in the world. Visit Westminster Abbey. The Gothic masterpiece of Westminster Abbey has been at the heart of British history since the formation of the Abbey by Edward the Confessor in 1065. The Abbey became the coronation church for the English monarchy in 1066, was transformed into the modern stone Abbey in the reign of Henry III and has since been the venue for countless magnificent, joyous and sometimes unfortunate royal events. Continue to check in to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner prior to overnight.
Day 3: London Visit the John Wesley Chapel and Museum of Methodism. Wesley’s Chapel is a thriving Methodist congregation. Also visit Bunhill Fields, the site of graves of Susanna Wesley, John Bunyan, Daniel Defoe, Isaac Watts and others. Then, visit Hampton Court Palace. Built in the 16th century as a residence of court favorite Cardinal Thomas Wolsley, Hampton Court Palace found itself in the hands of the monarchy when the cardinal fell foul of Henry VIII. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: London to Bristol After breakfast this morning, depart Stonehenge and journey to Bristol. En-route, visit Stonehenge. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is the remains of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. Following, visit the Wesley Centre at Kingswood School. Kingswood School was founded by John Wesley in 1748. Originally in Bristol, it outgrew the original site and moved to its present location in Bath in 1852. *As this is still a working school, it remains subject to availability. Journey to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Bristol to Coventry After breakfast, visit John Wesley’s Chapel (the New Room). The New Room in Bristol is the oldest Methodist Chapel in the world (originally built in 1739). It was built and used by John Wesley and the early Methodists as a meeting and preaching place and was the centre for helping and educating the needy members of the community. Following, visit Hanham Mount. Hanham Mount is a historic site which is marked with a paved cross and symbolic illumination. Depart Bristol and journey to Coventry. En-route visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Shakespeare's Birthplace has been welcoming visitors for over 250 years. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Coventry or region.
Day 6: Coventry to York This morning, following a delicious breakfast, depart Coventry and journey to York. En-route stop in Epworth, visit the Old Rectory. A visit to the Old Rectory built in Queen Anne style in 1709, will transport you back to life in the early 18th century and introduce you to the remarkable family who lived there. Next visit St. Andrew’s Church. St. Andrew’s is a large parish church set on a rise to the north of the small market town of Epworth. Visit the Memorial Church in Epworth. Wesley Memorial Methodist Church is an inspiring reminder of the achievements of John and Charles Wesley. Continue to York for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: York Breakfast. This morning, enjoy a walking tour of York. Since its establishment as a city by the Romans in 71 AD York has played a pivotal role in the history of England and today showcases well-preserved remains that bring this history to life. Visit York Minster. York Minster is a medieval masterpiece of stone and glass at the heart of the historic city of York. This afternoon visit Fountains Abbey. From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 8: York to Cambridgeshire Breakfast. Depart York and journey to Cambridge. En-route enjoy a short tour of Bedford. In Bedford, we learn more about John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress. He was arrested and imprisoned for 12 years, for preaching without a license from the Church of England. On arrival visit the Round Church and enjoy a Reformation walking tour of Cambridge. The Protestant Reformation was a key event in creating the modern world and in forming the English national identity. It revitalised Christianity, it gave us the bible in English, established the Church of England and other Protestant denominations, it raised the status of marriage and the family, it encouraged literacy and education, it empowered ordinary people and helped to promote parliamentary government, and finally, the United States of America was founded under its influence. Visit Kings College Chapel. Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, Kings College is the oldest and grew into the largest college at the prestigious Cambridge University. Dinner and overnight upon arriving to our hotel.
Day 9: Cambridgeshire to London This morning, after breakfast, depart Cambridgeshire and journey to London. En-route, enjoy a walking tour of Oxford. Visit Christchurch College. Christchurch College is the largest college in one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Continue to London for the balance of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in London.
Day 10: Farewell Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for the return flight home. The end of the journey of a lifetime!