Guided tour to King Arthur's Realm - Stonehenge, Winchester and Glastonbury
Join us on this fully guided, small group tour to explore the myths and legends of King Arthur. With a maximum of 16 people on your tour, travel to mysterious, enigmatic Stonehenge then further west to Isle of Avalon, to explore King Arthur's burial place among the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. Visit the Chalice Well Gardens and learn of the quest for the Holy Grail, see the ruined St Michael's church tower on top of Glastonbury Tor then travel to Winchester, once considered the site of Camelot, and explore the Great Hall and Arthur's Round Table.
You will begin this day of discovery by travelling into the ancient lands of Wessex to Stonehenge, standing impressively on Salisbury Plain and surrounded by Neolithic burial chambers and Bronze Age earthworks. Here, your guide will illustrate to your party the complex history of this monument, as well as discuss the various theories about what inspired its builders, the purpose behind the construction and alignment of the stones. Enjoy an early arrival here, before the crowds start to gather, then take time out to visit the exhibition rooms and museum before the short journey to Glastonbury.
Driving into Celtic country from chalk downlands, towards the limestone of the Mendip hills, your guide will inform you of what you will be passing, from ancient hill forts, thatched villages, orchards and farmland, putting words to the picture postcard images that you will view on your journey. Onwards to King Arthur's Avalon to visit the Chalice Well Gardens, and learn of an ancient legend of Joseph of Aramathea and the Holy Grail. Drink from the spring, enjoy views of Glastonbury Tor and relax in the sheer beauty of this delightful place.
You will then visit Glastonbury town and the ruins of its abbey, established back in the Seventh century and long known as the burial place of King Arthur and Guinevere. You will be taken to the gravesite and have a chance to explore the ruins and take lunch in one of the many quirky and bohemian cafes and eateries.
The final stop of the day is Winchester and its impressive Great Hall, where the giant Round Table can be found. Here, within the remaining parts of this once great castle, you will be given a guided tour and a discussion on the possible date of this table and its links with later works and stories of this legendary King. Finally, there is time for a browse through the well-stocked Arthurian gift shop, before the return to London Victoria aboard our luxury, air-conditioned mini-coach.
