Been there done that!
(Mistletoe) Mistletoe, considered sacred by the British Druids, was believed to have many miraculous powers. Among the Romans, it was symbol of peace, and, it was said that when enemies met under it, they discarded their arms and declared a truce. From this comes our custom of kissing under the mistletoe. England was the first country to use it during the Christmas season.
Todays 'thankyou' Dear Mr/Miss:Last week my companion and I took your "Stones and Bones" tour and enjoyed it very much. I appreciated the sense of humour and solid information (I am an archaeologist myself)of your guide "trev". He certainly keeps up with relevant published material. You can tell him that. Alexander Kaczmarczyk - December 2005
The picture is of me at the Astral office, busy! (Nick)
It sadens me to have to offer this new itinerary for 2006. We pride ourselves on offering unique itineraries, however due to the larger 'greedy' coach companies competining umongst each other and offering crazy unrealistic itineraries we have been forced to follow suit. When customers complain that they only had 15 minutes in Stonehenge and 25 minutes to explore Bath (including lunch break) I will have to say "I told you so......"
I sincerely hope that this will change and customers will realise that spreading their touring time over a couple of days and spending just a few extra dollars can be a completely different experience ie more relaxed, time to absorb the atmoshphere, learning more etc - the list goes on.
I have pasted our 'Compass Buster' Itinerary below for your perusal.
Please remember although England appears to be quite small, in reality it can take many hours to travel just 100 miles. We often recieve 'private tours' requesting to visit England on day one, Wales on day two, Scotland on day three and Ireland on day four - wow, thats some going. Of course this could not be done unless flying.
You have been warned.........
» Small Group V Large Group - Why Travel With Us?
Astral Travels is proud to be the ONLY mini-coach tour operator in London and believe that a small group is the best way to experience a sightseeing tour of England. Each of our tours includes experiences above a standard big coach tour ensuring our clients a day to remember.
» Compass Buster Full Day Tour
Highlights: Windsor Castle * Oxford * Warwick Castle * Stratford * Stow-on-the-Wold * Bath * Stonehenge * Salisbury This monster tour hits all the main attractions in one day – not one for the faint-hearted or those who prefer a more laid-back approach to sightseeing!
In order to fully appreciate the places listed above we would recommend taking 2 or 3 day tours - please click here for details
For further advantages of booking a tour with a small group please click here
Astral Travels pride themselves on providing unique, interesting and realistically timed tour itineraries. Sadly many of the larger coach operators are now running ridiculous 'overloaded' itineraries, for example Oxford, Stratford, The Cotswolds, Bath and Stonehenge in just one day - yes, one day.
A typical day like this means over 9 hours sat on a large impersonal coach racing down the highways rather than exploring the country lanes and giving the customer just 3 hours total off the bus. (Oxford - 25 minutes, Stratford 45 min's, Bath 30 minutes, Stonehenge 35 minute) If this is the way you like to sightsee then the itinerary below is for you. You will have ample time to get out, 'cross it off your list', maybe buy a t-shirt and climb aboard the coach again - also bear in mind how long it takes for 54 passengers just to go to the toilet!
Heading out of London our first stop on this mammoth tour is Windsor. A short walk through the historic town will bring us to the Castle where the Royals have resided for over 900 years, from William the Conqueror to Queen Elizabeth II. Built high above the River Thames it is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. You will have the chance to see the State Apartments, St George's Chapel or Queen Mary's Doll House (depending upon your preference).
Continuing over the Chiltern Hills we reach Oxford – one of England’s most ancient university cities. Your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the city past some of the famous college buildings during which you will hear tales of college life, its famous students and rich history and traditions.
Our third stop of the day is Warwick Castle considered the finest medieval castle in all of England and home of the Earls of Warwickshire for over 1000 years. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the award winning exhibitions "Kingmaker" - a preparation for battle and the Victorian "Royal Weekend Party 1898". If you prefer see the awesome Armoury and State Rooms or venture into the gruesome dungeons and Ghost tower if you dare!
We continue to the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, situated in the heart of England and birthplace of one of its most famous writers, William Shakespeare. Your guide will point out the house where he was born in 1565 as well as the theatres that still perform his work today. As we depart Stratford we will pass through the village of Shottery where your guide will point out the cottage where Shakespeare courted Anne Hathaway.
Our lunch stop will be in the beautiful Cotswolds village of Stow-on-the-Wold before continuing on to the Roman City of Bath. Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of this world heritage city originally found by the Romans as a health spa, and later an elegant Georgian. Marvel at the impressive architecture and hear about the history, legends and characters that have shaped Bath through the ages. Afterwards, visit the Roman Bath Museum and Pump Rooms and maybe even sample of the spring water famed for it's healing properties.
We then head for Stonehenge – hear about the many myths, legends and mysteries of this World Heritage Site, built over 5000 years ago, and take time to reflect upon its powerful, mysterious presence.
Our final stop for the day is the medieval city of Salisbury where you will see the magnificent Cathedral crowned with the tallest spire in Britain and built by craftsmen over 750 years ago. A chance here also for a snack before we head home to London - arriving at approximately 22.00.Timings:
Windsor – 45 minutes
Stow-on-the-Wold – 15 minutes
Oxford – 30 minutes
Bath – 1 hour
Warwick Castle – 45 minutes
Stonehenge – 30 minutes
Stratford-upon-Avon – 30 minutes
Salisbury – 45 minutes
Please note that this tour is only available during the summer months due to the length of day and opening times of attractions.
This full day tour departs daily during the summer months from Central London. 8.15am - 10pm. Free pick up from most Central London Hotels.
Adult Price: £99Child Price: £89 (3 - 16 yrs)
posted by Londons Premier Tour Operator @ 2:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home