Historic Canterbury
As you approach the city of Canterbury you will see its skyline is dominated by the stunning cathedral, the oldest in Kent and a World Heritage site. The Cathedral dates back to 597AD when St Augustine became the first Archbishop establishing his seat in Canterbury. You will see where its most famous Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170 and view the numerous tombs and monuments including those of Edward the Black Prince and King Henry IV
With three universities, Canterbury is not just steeped in history and architecture but is also a thriving retail hub with luxury hotels, fine restaurants and welcoming cafes and pubs. The old mix with the new in winding cobbled streets. There are lovely small independent shops to browse but for those wanting the larger high street stores Whitefriars shopping centre will not disappoint.
Although a city, Canterbury can easily be explored on foot. Canterbury Tourist Guides cater for groups and can also tailor-make a guided tour so suit specific group requirements/themes. Alternatively groups could opt for an audio tour or rest their feet and take a river tour. The ghostly side of the city in revealed with an evening ghost tour.
Other noteable places of interest include St Augustine’s Abbey. This great abbey marked the rebirth of Christianity in southern England and was founded in 597 AD by St Augustine. Originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, it’s part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with the cathedral and St Martin’s Church – Englands oldest Parish Church which is still in regular use today.
Canterbury Heritage Museum, housed in the medieval poor priests’ hospital, The Roman Museum situated underground and Westgate Towers museum are all worth a visit and on a lighter note the Canterbury Tales will not disappoint. Here you will join Chaucer and his colourful band of Pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury in this entertaining re-creation of life in medieval England.
There are some beautiful gardens within the city walls where groups can stroll or unwind and absorb their tranquil beauty.
For cricket lovers, the newly refurbished Kent County Cricket Ground hosts world class and county fixtures.
With so much to see and do, you will not be disappointed and if you are staying overnight, you may want to catch a show at the University’s Gulbenkian Theatre of the Marlowe Theatre which is due to reopen in October 2011 after a £25 million refurbishment.
Brief GROUP TOUR Itinerary:
DAY of DEPARTURE
Depart from your choice of pick up point in your hometown giving plenty of time to make the leisurely journey to Canterbury. Regular comfort stops and a lunch halt will be made en-route as traffic dictates
On reaching the hotel, the driver will unload the luggage for immediate check in. The rest of the evening is free at leisure
DAYS in RESORT
Free time in Canterbury, take your choice of day excursions, stay 1,2,3,4 or 5 nights or more
DAY of RETURN
After breakfast, we say a fond farewell to the hotel and its staff and rejoin the Five Star Travel coach for the return journey home. Comfort stops will be made at regular intervals when time and traffic allows
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Transport:
We will collect you from your chosen pick up point(s) in a choice of 25, 29, 35, 49, 51, 74 or 83 seater coaches.
Accommodation:
Is provided in 2, 3 or 4 bedded rooms with private en-suite facilities
A limited number of single rooms are available at a small supplement, maybe even free if the hotel is willing
Evening Entertainment:
Most hotels provide evening entertainment of some form, you will be advised on which nights when booking
Meal Plan
All rooms are booked on a bed & cooked breakfast basis.
An evening meal option is available at a supplement on any nights of your stay
Optional Extra Night(s)
Why not stay extra night(s) and spend more time in resort or have a choice of optional day excursions
Day excursion ideas, when extra nights booked:
* Dover Castle
* Leeds Castle
* Deal Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens
* Whitstable and Herne Bay
* Barnsole Vineyard
All itineraries are suggestions and can be adapted to suit your group requirements
