London Windsor Castle Oxford Stratford-upon-Avon York Edinburgh St. Andrews Giant's Causeway Trinity College, Dublin
The United Kingdom Cultural Tour is a private tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland hosted by Pastor Brad and Heidi Meyer. We will visit major cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Dublin. Along the way, we will experience all that the UK has to offer such as royal sites, castles, and cathedrals, choral evensongs, charming villages, English tea, remnants of a Roman garrison town, Scottish music and dancing, golf where golf was born, a geological world heritage site, a whiskey distillery, and even a farm! Each site will enhance our understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the United Kingdom.
Highlights include:
Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B= Breakfast, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner
Day 1: Sunday, July 15, 2018: Depart USA
Our journey begins with overnight flights from Omaha to London. (IF)
Day 2: Monday, July 16, 2018: London
On arrival at London’s Heathrow Airport, we will meet our Reformation Tours’ tour director and board our bus for the drive in to London. Our bus will take us on a panoramic sightseeing tour, including a stop at Buckingham Palace, before we arrive at our centrally-located London hotel. The afternoon is free to explore at our leisure. If flights arrive early enough, the afternoon could also include a Harry Potter Walk, shopping, etc. Our welcome dinner will include a half bottle of wine. (IF/D)
Day 3: Tuesday, July 17: London
After breakfast, we begin our day in magnificent Westminster Abbey, where many of Britain’s kings and queens have been crowned since 1066. It’s also been the setting for many royal weddings, including Queen Elizabeth II. In Poet’s Corner, we will see graves of many well-known artists, soldiers, statesmen etc., including Dickens and Shakespeare. After our tour, we will sail up the Thames and tour the Tower of London, including entrance to see the magnificent crown jewels. We will end our day in London with Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The evening is free to dine in the restaurant of our choice. Tickets to a West End show can be pre-ordered (extra charge). (B)
Day 4: Wednesday, July 18, 2018: Windsor, Oxford
We will begin our day at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. After our leisurely tour, we will continue on to Oxford, which has been a key center of learning for centuries. Founded by Cardinal Wolsey as Cardinal’s College in 1524, the twelfth-century Christ Church College is the only church in the world to be both a cathedral and a college chapel. Our tour also includes the Martyr’s Monument, Bodleian Library, and Carfax Tower. As we walk around the city, we will see many traditional colleges, and places associated with C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as quite a few locations used in PBS shows such as Morse, Endeavor, Inspector Lewis, etc.. We will dine in the restaurant of our choice this evening. (B)
Day 5: Thursday, July 19, 2018: Oxford, Cotswolds, Pudding Club
We will drive through the scenic Cotswolds this morning, enjoying the quintessential English villages of honey-colored stone. We will stop for in one of the villages, where we can enjoy a relaxing stroll and Afternoon Tea. We will check-in to our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon late afternoon. This evening we will have a special meeting of the Pudding Club®. This fun evening’s entertainment, starts with a jovial introduction by The Pudding Master at 7.30 pm, with a glass of chilled Elderflower Presse, through to a choice of three light main courses with seasonal vegetables, followed by the reason guests gather – the Parade of Seven Traditional Puddings, with all its noise and ceremony, to the vote for best pudding of the night over coffee. (B/D)
Day 6: Friday, July 20, 2018: Stratford-upon-Avon
We will have a full day to enjoy Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town that was the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. The Royal Shakespeare Company performs his plays in both the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and adjacent Swan Theatre on the banks of the River Avon. We will tour Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and Trinity Church. We will have a dinner cruise this evening on the River Avon. (B/D)
Day 7: Saturday, July 21, 2018: York
We will then continue on to York, and will enjoy a walking tour of York’s quaint old town, including the famous Shambles street, and walk atop the ancient city walls. We will end the tour with Evensong in York Minster Cathedral, the biggest medieval church in England. Christianity has an early heritage in York. By 306 when Constantine The Great was proclaimed Emperor in York, it is believed there was a small Christian community. In 312 he issued a general edict of toleration for the Christian Church and York became a center of Christianity. (B/D)
Day 8: Sunday, July 22, 2018: Hadrian’s Wall, Edinburgh
On the way up to Scotland, we will visit Corbridge Roman Town. This Hadrian’s Wall site has a large collection of Roman artifacts and we’ll be able to walk on a section of Roman street. We will end the day in Edinburgh with dinner in our hotel. (B/D)
Day 9: Monday, July 23, 2018: Edinburgh
An expert local guide will take us on a walking tour, starting at the top of Royal Mile with the imposing Edinburgh Castle. We will see the Crown Jewels and hear about Scottish kings and queens. Walking down the Royal Mile, we will visit St. Giles Cathedral, Greyfriar’s Church, Mercat Cross, then continue on to the Grassmarket. The rest of the day is at leisure, and suggestions include Holyrood Palace, the National Museum of Scotland, the Botanical Gardens, a Harry Potter tour, the Royal Yacht Britannia, whiskey tasting, or maybe shopping for some tartan souvenirs. (B)
Day 10: Tuesday, July 24, 2018: St Andrews, Stirling
Today we will journey to St. Andrews, a spiritual center in Scotland for centuries, and the home of golf. We will visit the Old Course. Golfers are welcome to stay and play a round of golf and return to Edinburgh later in the day. The Old Course is only available to book via a lottery system, but we can book other courses in St. Andrews. Continuing on to Stirling, we’ll tour the magnificent Stirling Castle. We will return to Edinburgh for dinner in our hotel this evening. (B/D)
Day 11, Wednesday, July 25, 2018: County Antrim, Giant’s Causeway
We have an early start this morning, as we will drive across Scotland to catch the lunchtime ferry to Northern Ireland, a 2- hour crossing. When we arrive, we will board our Irish coach and drive around the impressive Northern Ireland coastline. The Giant’s Causeway is a stunning natural wonder on the north coast of County Antrim. We will spend time climbing over the ancient basalt stones and this famous world heritage site. We will have fish and chips for dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 12: Thursday, July 26, 2018: Bushmills, Dublin
We will visit Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, founded in 1608, making this the oldest working distillery in Ireland. On the way to Dublin we will stop at Causey Farm to learn how to make Irish bread, watch sheepdog handling, and learn some traditional Irish dancing. We will dine in our hotel this evening. (B/D)
Day 13: Friday, July 27, 2018: Dublin
Our full-day tour will begin with a tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In Dublin University, better known as Trinity College, we will see the famous Books of Kells. This book was penned by monks in the 9th century and is considered the most striking manuscript ever created in the Western world. The afternoon is free to visit the Guinness Storehouse, or explore the city. We will meet up again for dinner and Riverdance. (B/D)
Day 14: Saturday, July 28, 2018: Return
We will transfer to Dublin Airport for our return flights to the States (B)
Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.
Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!
London, England
July 16-18, 2018
Dorsett City Hotel
9 Aldgate High Street,
London EC3N 1AH
Oxford, England
July 18-19, 2018
The Oxfordshire Hotel
Rycote Lane, Milton Common
Thame, Oxfordshire
OX9 2PU
Stratford-upon-Avon, England
July 19-21, 2018
Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon
Bridge Foot
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 6YR, UK
York, England
July 21-22, 2018
Hotel Indigo
88-96 Walmgate
York, YO1 9TL
Edinburgh, Scotland
July 22-25, 2018
Apex Grassmarket
31-35 Grassmarket
Edinburgh, EH1 2HS
Antrim, Northern Ireland
July 25-26, 2018
Portrush Atlantic Hotel
73 Main Street
Portrush BT56 8BN
Dublin, Ireland
July 26-28, 2018
Hilton Dublin
Charlemont Pl
Saint Kevin’s, Dublin
Group flight have been be arranged for this tour on United Airlines. If you need different flights, we can either assist you with flights or you are welcome to book your own. We do ask that you wait until the tour is a guaranteed departure. Please ensure we have a copy of your flight itinerary for our records as soon as you have booked it.
Flight No. Date From To Departs Arrives
UA 2403 July 15 Omaha Chicago 11:21 AM 12:59 PM
UA 958 July 15/16 Chicago Heathrow 4:00 PM 5:55 AM
UA 153 July 28 Dublin Chicago 12:25 PM 2:45 PM
UA 273 July 28 Chicago Omaha 7:35 PM 9:12 PM
Land price $3,550. Price based on a minimum of 35 participants
• Round-trip air transportation from Omaha and related taxes and fees (estimated at $1,500)
• Transportation: via private, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach
• Accommodations (double-occupancy) in centrally located 3-star or 4-star hotels with good bus access
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional tour director
• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
• Entrance fees included as per itinerary
• All transfers, as a group
• Baggage handling (1 piece of baggage per guest)
• All taxes and tips except as indicated below
• Meals and beverages not identified in itinerary
• Single supplement ($800)
• Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond return date.
• Optional Insurance (group insurance available)
• Gratuities for tour director, and driver
• Deposit of $350 will secure your place on the tour. Please send all payments to Reformation Tours, P.O Box 854, Belleville, IL 62222.
• Final invoices will be sent in April 2018
• Final payment is due by May 1, 2018
• Reservations will be accepted after May 1, 2018, subject to availability
Starting in 2018, we are switching to the Professional Plan offered by Roam Right Insurance, a division of Arch Insurance Company. We include $500 coverage in your tour price and you are welcome to upgrade to cover the full tour premium. The cost of the tour insurance is the tour cost (minus $500) x 6.14%. This will be automatically added to your invoice.
BENEFITS | TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE |
---|---|
Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% of Trip Cost |
Trip Interruption | Up to 150% of Trip Cost |
Trip Interruption (Return Air Only) | $750 |
Missed Connection | $500, after a 3+ hour delay |
Trip Delay | $200 a day, after a 6+ hour delay, up to $1,000 total maximum |
Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains | $500,000 |
Emergency Accident and Sickness | $50,000 max/$750 max for dental/ No deductible |
Security Assistance Services | $100,000 |
Baggage / Personal Effects - Lost, Stolen or Damaged | No deductible, $250 per article limit, combined limit of $500 for valuables, $1,000 total limit. |
Baggage Delay | $300, after a 12+ hour delay |
Accidental Death or Dismemberment 24 Hours | $10,000 |
Worldwide Travel Assistance, Business and Concierge Assistance | Included |
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Waiver (Must insure full, non-refundable cost of Trip) | Must be purchased within 21 days after your initial trip deposit. |
Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly. To offset these costs the following fees will apply, plus any non-recoverable expenses to our suppliers:
From time of deposit to until 100 days before departure: $100
From 99-15 days prior to departure: $350 plus any non refundable deposits
14 days or less prior to departure: No refund– Cancellation charges also apply to additional accommodation reserved prior to and after the tour.
– Cancellations must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. central time on the last business day of the applicable time period.
– For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply.
– Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found.
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended.
Reformation Tours cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through Reformation Tours.
You can fill out your reservations online by clicking the “Book Now” tab or click here to download the form.
You can either send a check made payable to “Reformation Tours” to P.O. Box 854, Belleville, IL 62222 or click here to pay by credit card.
Starting in 2018, we are switching to the Professional Plan offered by Roam Right Insurance, a division of Arch Insurance Company. We include $500 coverage in your tour price and you are welcome to upgrade to cover the full tour premium. The cost of the tour insurance is the tour cost (minus $500) x 6.14%. This will be automatically added to your invoice..
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Head Office: Hall Gate House, 29cCranfield Road, Kilkeel, Co. Down, N. Ireland BT34 4LJ
US Office: 12316 244th St. Chisago City, MN 55013
Toll Free: (800) 303-5534
Email: info@reformationtours.com