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2022 Medieval Britain
Castles, Cannons & Crowns

CULTURAL and historic Landmarks from London to Edinburgh

2022 Medieval Britain: Castles, Cannons & Crowns

Cultural and Historic Landmarks from London to Edinburgh

At a glance     
July 5-17, 2022 • England & Scotland • 13 days

Overnight destinations     
London • Southampton • Stratford-Upon-Avon • York • Newcastle • Edinburgh • Stirling • Inverness • Edinburgh

Highlights     
Hampton Court Palace • Battlefields of Culloden & Bannockburn • Salisbury Cathedral • Stonehenge • Hadrian's Wall • Eilean Donan Castle • Scone Palace • and much more! • feature event: the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, the largest of its kind in Europe​ • scroll down to see complete details
click to download brochure
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Medieval Britain - a time of castles and cathedrals, knights and archers, clans and kilts, pipes and cannons … and war.

Who would wear the crown? Mary Queen of Scots or Elizabeth? Charles or Cromwell? Lancaster or York? Or Arthur? Did Robin Hood really exist? Was Macbeth a real person or did Shakespeare invent him? And Merlin - was he real or “such stuff as dreams are made of?” Britain is a land of fact, myth and magic. Stonehenge, Guy Fawkes, Magna Carta, Hadrian's Wall, Loch Ness, The Tower of London - each have their place in this storied history.​

​Join us as we visit the sights of London, then tour the Channel coast, turning north through Stratford, York and Edinburgh and all the way up into the mystical Scottish Highlands. Thirteen glorious days, with local experts, bringing Britain’s fabled past to life.

​All our tours are carbon-neutral.

ITINERARY
Day 1
Tuesday July 5

Depart for your overnight transatlantic flight to London, except for those who may choose to leave for London sooner to extend their trip. ​Where available, guests on the group flight will enjoy the luxury of a premium airport departure lounge.​

Travelers can choose to book seats on the optional group flight or, should you wish to depart for Europe sooner or return later, you can make your own independent air travel travel arrangements.
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Group flights are typically arranged with Air Canada or KLM / Air France.

Day 2
Wednesday July 6

Upon arrival in London you will have the morning and afternoon to enjoy and explore at your leisure. London is a city of history and monuments waiting to be discovered, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Imperial War Museum, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Platform 9-3/4 at Kings Cross Station ... and so much more!

In the early evening you will gather with your fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner. 

Overnight London - 
DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London. [D]

Day 3
Thursday July 7

We set out in earnest to begin our journey, starting with a visit to one of the most impressive of all medieval palaces - Hampton Court. This was the seat of power of the Tudor King Henry VIII of the 1500s and it survives as one of the most stunning of all royal residences, featuring amazing gardens, a prison, fabulously expensive art, and much more!

After lunch we travel to the south coast of England, to visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and a tour of Lord Nelson's flag ship - HMS Victory - launched in 1765 and still the pride of the Royal Navy. Your ticket includes access to the various other venues. 

Overnight
Southampton - Jurys Inn Hotel. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
HMS Victory
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The stunning Hampton Court Palace, on the banks of the Thames.
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Lord Nelson's ship, HMS Victory.

Day 4
Friday July 8

In the morning we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, a prehistoric marvel built ~2500 BCE. Francis Pryor, one of England's top archaeologists (and former co-host of BBC Television's Time Team), joins us for a private tour to tell us about this remarkable site and what it might truly mean.

We travel into nearby Salisbury to enjoy lunch at leisure, with extended time in town to visit the marvelous 800-yr-old Salisbury Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the world famous Magna Carta. We then begin our travel northward, to Warwickshire for our night's rest. 


Overnight Stratford-Upon-Avon - Mercure Shakespeare. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Stonehenge
Salisbury Cathedral

Day 5
Saturday July 9

The morning starts with a visit to the enchanting Eastnor Castle, a revivalist castle built in the early 1800s as a stately home. It is today often used as the backdrop to film and television productions.

With the mood of history now well established, we spend a good portion of the day at the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, the largest such event in Europe. You will have the chance to see falconers, original tool makers, vendors selling period clothing and collectables, musicians, and so much more.

Overnight Stratford-Upon-Avon - Mercure Shakespeare. [B,L]

Day 6
Sunday July 10

Day Six begins with a drive into the forested countryside of England. We take a guided tour of a famous English country manor house, Haddon Hall. The house has been described as one of the most complete and important houses of the period. Other more lavish castles and manors dot the nearby county, but the smaller Haddon Hall is truly a unique and beautiful structure.

​In the mid-afternoon we drift into the back roads to visit the battlefield at Towton, considered the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on English soil as part of the Wars of the Roses of the 15th century.

Overnight
York - Hampton by Hilton. [B,L] 
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Haddon Hall
Battle of Towton
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Haddon Hall
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York Minster Cathedral

Day 7
Monday July 11
The Norman Invasion of 1066 was preceded by a great battle, which we'll discuss at Stamford Bridge in the morning.

Our journey then finds us walking down into a forested valley, to discover the well-hidden ruins of Fountains Abbey. From its beginnings in 1132 it became an important and wealthy centre of culture in the county. Despite raids from the Scots, and the Black Death of 1348, it persevered, until the Dissolution by King Henry VIII in the mid-1500s when it fell silent. Today it is a magical place to explore.

We pause for a group lunch at a quaint pub in the little village of Middleham. It's then time to learn about King Richard III by walking through his childhood home, Middleham Castle, which sits just behind the main street - on the high ground with a long view of the county.

Overnight
Newcastle - Hampton by Hilton. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Fountains Abbey
Middleham Castle
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Fountains Abbey
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Middleham Castle

Day 8
Tuesday July 12

We begin the day at yet another UNESCO Site - the Roman ruins at Hadrian's Wall. Excavation continues even today at various sties along the 120+ km long wall, which stretched from coast to coast across the north of England and marked the very northern frontier of the vast Roman Empire. 

Our adventure then continues northbound, where we come to a stop at the border between England and Scotland. Then onward we go, to see Melrose Abbey which dates from 1136. Here rests the heart of King Robert the Bruce, whom we shall meet in the coming days in our travels through the highlands of Scotland.

The day concludes with an overnight in Edinburgh, the magical capital city of Scotland.

Overnight Edinburgh -
Radisson Collection Royal Mile. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Vindolanda
Melrose Abbey
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Enjoying a 'wee dram' at the border.
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Melrose Abbey

Day 9
Wednesday July 13

Stirling Castle is the focus of our day. Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland, dominating a vast volcanic rock above the river Forth at the meeting point between Lowlands and Highlands. Its origins are ancient and over the centuries it grew into a great royal residence and a powerful stronghold. Royal building projects like the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal and the Palace of James V, marked it out as one of the most important places in all Scotland. Your visit here includes time for lunch-on-the-go at the castle cafeteria, and features a special performance by the Dominion of Canada Pipes & Drums!

We also visit nearby at the Battlefield of Bannockburn of 1314, and also Stirling Bridge - historic sites which both fall within view of the castle. Amazing battles took place here, charting the course of Scotland.


Overnight Stirling (Dunblane) - DoubleTree by Hilton. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Bannockburn

Day 10
Thursday July 14

In the morning we walk to another small monument, marking a dark chapter in Scottish history - the Massacre of Glencoe. Our local guide tells the tale as no one else can.

After lunch we travel a short distance north to Glenfinnan, a small spot well off the beaten track but it is a very important place in Scottish history. It is here that Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Uprising of 1745 began. A monument marks where the prince came ashore, to begin an endeavor which would end in complete failure at Culloden.

​​Overnight Inverness - Kingsmills Inn & Kings Club. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Glenfinnan

Day 11
Friday July 15

Day Eleven is steeped in history as we explore the historic battlefield at Culloden Moor, where in 1745 the Jacobite Uprising came to a violent end. Those who follow the television series Outlander will recall this famous battle.

During our journey we stop to see if Loch Ness will reveal any monsters! 

We also drive out to the west coast to visit the most iconic of all Scottish landmarks - Eilean Donan Castle.

Overnight Inverness -
Kingsmills Inn & Kings Club. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Culloden
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Culloden Moor
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Eilean Donan Castle

Day 12
Saturday July 16

We journey south on the homeward leg of our amazing trip, making our first visit of the day to Dalwhinnie Distillery for a little Scotch tasting - a fine way to begin any day! 

Later we pause in Perth, the gateway to the highlands, for a tour of the incredible Scone Palace - the place where successive Scottish kings were crowned through the centuries and thus a place of immense historic significance for over 1000 years. It is also one of the finest examples of late Georgian Gothic architecture in all of the United Kingdom.

Here we will dine in the palace for our Farewell Lunch . Our tour concludes with a return to Edinburgh​.

Overnight Edinburgh -
Radisson Collection Royal Mile. [B,L]
Read what professional travel writer Dale Dunlop, "The Maritime Explorer," has to say from the 2018 tour:
Scone Palace
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Scone Palace
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Scotch tasting at Dalwhinnie

Day 13
Sunday July 17
This morning it is time to say goodbye, with departures via Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport for those returning home - while others may extend their stay at their option. Buffet or box breakfast depending on departure time from the hotel.
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Note: This itinerary is subject to minor alteration prior to the booking deadline. Clients should also keep in mind that minor variances are always possible during the actual tour based on the need to adapt to circumstances we encounter during our travels.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

PRICING
$6940 CAD Land Only, Per Person, Based on Double Occupancy (two people sharing a room)
$1600 CAD Single Supplement (the additional cost if traveling on your own - one person in the room); very limited quantity of single rooms are available on each tour - if you are a single traveler please book early to avoid disappointment

PRICING INCLUDES:
  • An expert Canadian Historian, and an expert Canadian Tour Director, who will both accompany you on your full tour
  • A custom, personalized luggage tag - yours to keep for future travels
  • Eleven nights accommodation in twin or double rooms with private facilities
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats, facilities and free on-board Wi-Fi
  • Guests on the group flight will enjoy gathering at a premium departure lounge on departure day (where available and schedules permitting) ... an exclusive benefit not offered by other battlefield tours!
  • Buffet breakfast (cold and/or hot) at the hotel each morning, plus select meals as outlined in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); lunches and dinners typically include a glass of wine/beer!
  • All entrances as per your itinerary
  • All hotel service charges, local taxes, and porterage (one bag per person) are included
  • Gratuities to Coach Driver, On-Board Agent and Local Guides are included ... these costs are extra on most other tours and can add up to $200 CAD or more per person at the end of your trip, be sure to compare
  • Group flight pick-up from London Heathrow Airport on July 6, 2022 and group flight drop-off at Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport on July 17, 2022; all non-group flight travelers are responsible for their own airport transfers​

PRICING EXCLUDES:
  • Airfare - optional group flight available, pricing posted August 2021; alternatively, we can provide a quote to connect from other gateways or for alternative flights / dates of your preference
  • Meals other than stated on the itinerary
  • Travel / Cancellation / Medical Insurance - ask us for a quote!
  • Passport & related fees
  • Any optional excursion not specifically stated
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Pre-tour or post-tour accommodations - ask us for a quote!

IMPORTANT NOTES:
  • Hotels have been pre-booked but are subject to change
  • This tour requires a minimum of 25 passengers to operate
  • Deposit of $500 per person due upon booking 
  • Balance of payment due on or before the booking deadline: April 1, 2022
  • All deposits and payments are non-refundable
  • Liberation Tours will donate on your behalf to Forest Recovery Canada, to make your trip carbon-neutral
  • Download and read our Terms & Conditions ​prior to making your booking​


HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your seats please contact your favourite travel agent or:

John Cannon, Liberation Tours
1-833-252-0001  |  booking@liberationtours.ca 

Are you a travel Agent? Contact us!​
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© Liberation Tours Inc.
info@liberationtours.ca

(833) 252-0001

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