Southwest England: The Grail Tour
Thursday , June 8, 2023 to Thursday June 15, 2023
Join Cultural historian Kayleen Asbo PhD and British tour manager Stephen Carpenter for a one-week immersion in the myths and magic of the Southwest of England as we follow the trail of Arthurian Legends and the Holy Grail. Our pilgrimage will weave together history and legend with art, music and the stunning scenery of Somerset and Cornwall. . Please note that a good degree of physical mobility is optimal for this trip as we will be hiking up Glastonbury Tor (pictured above) and Tintagel Castle.
Join Cultural historian Kayleen Asbo PhD and British tour manager Stephen Carpenter for a one-week immersion in the myths and magic of the Southwest of England as we follow the trail of Arthurian Legends and the Holy Grail. Our pilgrimage will weave together history and legend with art, music and the stunning scenery of Somerset and Cornwall. . Please note that a good degree of physical mobility is optimal for this trip as we will be hiking up Glastonbury Tor (pictured above) and Tintagel Castle.
THU 8 JUNE
Afternoon arrival at the four star Hotel Indigo in Bath for a four-night stay. Opening Circle and welcome dinner .
FRI 9 JUNE
Morning bus tour of the City of Bath followed by a visit to the fascinating Roman Bath Museum and lunch in the elegant and ornate Pump Room so cherished by Victorians, accompanied by a string trio. Late afternoon to relax, take the Baths yourself, or visit the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. Dinner together at the hotel.
Afternoon arrival at the four star Hotel Indigo in Bath for a four-night stay. Opening Circle and welcome dinner .
FRI 9 JUNE
Morning bus tour of the City of Bath followed by a visit to the fascinating Roman Bath Museum and lunch in the elegant and ornate Pump Room so cherished by Victorians, accompanied by a string trio. Late afternoon to relax, take the Baths yourself, or visit the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. Dinner together at the hotel.
SAT 10 JUNE
Early morning visit to Stonehenge to take in the wonders of the pre-historic stone circles. We travel next the historic and absolutely beguiling town of Wells. You may wish to collect a picnic for yourself of tasty treats from the weekly market or dine at one of the charming tea rooms, pubs or inns. We will rendezvous in the afternoon to tour the gardens of the Bishop's Palace and Cathedral and then drink in the beauty of the Evensong by the renowned Cathedral choir.
Return to Bath for dinner together.
Early morning visit to Stonehenge to take in the wonders of the pre-historic stone circles. We travel next the historic and absolutely beguiling town of Wells. You may wish to collect a picnic for yourself of tasty treats from the weekly market or dine at one of the charming tea rooms, pubs or inns. We will rendezvous in the afternoon to tour the gardens of the Bishop's Palace and Cathedral and then drink in the beauty of the Evensong by the renowned Cathedral choir.
Return to Bath for dinner together.
SUN 11 JUNE
An early departure for Glastonbury, legendary site of Avalon and the final resting place of King Arthur. At the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, we will tour the museum, and the Medieval-style herb gardens, then pay homage to the tombs of Arthur and Guinevere amid the ruins of the monastery. We will pause in St Patrick's Chapel (the only building which escaped destruction by Henry VIII in his quest to dissolve the monasteries) and as we gaze at the stained-glass windows of St. Patrick, St. Brighid and Saint Mary Magdalene, we will learn about how Christian monasticism spread from Egyptian Christianity to France, England and Ireland.
After lunch on your own in one of the quaint cafes in a town straight out of Harry Potter, will walk up the land labyrinth to the iconic Tor and then visit Chalice Wells where British legends claim Joseph of Arimathea hid the Holy Grail. We return to Bath where dinner will be under your own arrangements in one for the many restaurants in the city.
An early departure for Glastonbury, legendary site of Avalon and the final resting place of King Arthur. At the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, we will tour the museum, and the Medieval-style herb gardens, then pay homage to the tombs of Arthur and Guinevere amid the ruins of the monastery. We will pause in St Patrick's Chapel (the only building which escaped destruction by Henry VIII in his quest to dissolve the monasteries) and as we gaze at the stained-glass windows of St. Patrick, St. Brighid and Saint Mary Magdalene, we will learn about how Christian monasticism spread from Egyptian Christianity to France, England and Ireland.
After lunch on your own in one of the quaint cafes in a town straight out of Harry Potter, will walk up the land labyrinth to the iconic Tor and then visit Chalice Wells where British legends claim Joseph of Arimathea hid the Holy Grail. We return to Bath where dinner will be under your own arrangements in one for the many restaurants in the city.
MON 12 JUNE
Journey by coach to the Tintagel, legendary birthplace of King Arthur and site of Merlin's Cave. En route, we will stop for lunch in the city of Exeter with time to shop or explore one of the greatest Cathedrals in England. We will arrive at the Camelot Castle Hotel, majestically perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea, in mid-afternoon and check in for three nights
TUE 13 JUNE
Merlin Day! Today we will hike up to the ruins of Tintagel Castle with breathtaking views over the sea. Weather and tides permitting, we will also take a beach walk along the azure Cornish coastline to explore Merlin's Cave as we drink in the tales of Arthur's mentor. After lunch, we will follow the "Fairy Trail" to the stunningly gorgeous waterfall at Nectan's Glen. .
WED 14 JUNE
In the morning we take the short journey to the charming seaside village of Boscastle to visit the Museum of Magic, explore the shops and lunch. Return to Tintagel in the afternoon for a concert of chamber music followed by a closing Labyrinth ritual at sunset and farewell dinner in the hotel.
.
THU 15 JUNE
We will say a fond farewell from Camelot Castle Hotel and then take you by coach to the train station at Exeter St David's where you will catch your train to either Bristol or London for your departure home.
Journey by coach to the Tintagel, legendary birthplace of King Arthur and site of Merlin's Cave. En route, we will stop for lunch in the city of Exeter with time to shop or explore one of the greatest Cathedrals in England. We will arrive at the Camelot Castle Hotel, majestically perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea, in mid-afternoon and check in for three nights
TUE 13 JUNE
Merlin Day! Today we will hike up to the ruins of Tintagel Castle with breathtaking views over the sea. Weather and tides permitting, we will also take a beach walk along the azure Cornish coastline to explore Merlin's Cave as we drink in the tales of Arthur's mentor. After lunch, we will follow the "Fairy Trail" to the stunningly gorgeous waterfall at Nectan's Glen. .
WED 14 JUNE
In the morning we take the short journey to the charming seaside village of Boscastle to visit the Museum of Magic, explore the shops and lunch. Return to Tintagel in the afternoon for a concert of chamber music followed by a closing Labyrinth ritual at sunset and farewell dinner in the hotel.
.
THU 15 JUNE
We will say a fond farewell from Camelot Castle Hotel and then take you by coach to the train station at Exeter St David's where you will catch your train to either Bristol or London for your departure home.
Travel Information
Bath is easily accessible by train from London. There are regular trains from London Paddington to Bath Spa and the journey time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. The cost of travelling to Bath is not included in the tour price, but if you would like help in booking a train ticket, Stephen Carpenter will be happy to assist you .
COST
Price per person based on sharing a double or twin room £3,300
Single room supplement £595
Deposit required £1,000 upon booking
Upgrade to Superior Room in Bath and Deluxe/Four Poster/Suites in Tintagel available on request
Tour price includes: Accommodation, breakfast daily, six dinners, one lunch, sightseeing trips as described, coach transfers, concert of music on 14 June, the services of Kayleen Asbo and Stephen Carpenter as guide and tour manager.
Excluded from the price is the cost of your travel to and from the UK at the beginning and end of the holiday, lunches on all days except Thursday 8 June, drinks with dinners, dinner on Thursday 8 June, and insurance.