The 2-day English Castles Tour

Ever wanted to see more than one castle in a day? How about three castles a day, that's a total of six in just two days! Read on and see if if it sounds like your kind of tour ..

Day 1: We begin by heading South East to Dover, for a closer look at Dover Castle. We'll spend a good hour and a half or so here, as there's so much to see - from ancient Roman lighthouse, impressive medieval keep, WWII tunnels and some excellent audio-visuals plus displays of local Regimental history.

We can lunch here, get fish and chips in the town, do a Kent pub lunch or enjoy a picnic on the beach, if the weather is fine. It's your choice! Next, we've a pleasant drive along the coast to see an example of Henry VIII's series of Martello Towers which were placed to protect the country from the invasion which was expected after Henry had his marriage to Katherine of Aragon annulled in defiance of both the Pope and Katherine's nephew, the Emperor Charles V. In fact, the invasion didn't materialise but some of our C16 defences are still around and you'll see one of the best.

Our final destination for today is a picture post-card Castle; moated, 'climbable' and full of atmosphere. We'll also take afternoon tea here. We stay in the local area tonight, either in the historic ancient port of Rye or it's charming neighbour, Winchelsea. (B&B)

Day 2: A good breakfast should revive anyone who enjoyed the local pubs a little too well last night, and we'll be on the road around 9am if possible, as we've lots to see. First, we visit another moated castle, which is in a pretty setting. It's now used for conferences and the grounds still have what used to be our entire National Observatory, until a new national site was established in the Canary Islands. Next, we're off to see an C18 Fort which has good views and plenty of scope for active exploration.

The group should have a healthy appetite by now so we'll enjoy a good pub lunch before arriving at our final destination, the impressive castle of this country's premier Lord, the Duke of Norfolk. His castle is still the family home and it's easy to see why they would not want to quit the place - it's absolutely fabulous!

A journey of around two hours will get us back to London around mid-evening.

PRICES:

EITHER:

You pay just £900, to cover the cost of your Minivan which carries up to 8 persons, your driver-guide's services and all miles driven. Complimentary drinks and occasional snacks are provided along the way. The driver-guide's hotel/subsistence expenses are included, but not your own. We can arrange guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £70 per twin or double room, £90 a family room per night including breakfast, or you can go on-line and choose your own with our help. Please note that entry fees to the sites visited and gratuities (discretionary) are not included. Total luggage handling throughout.

This is the most economical way to go costing just £112 per person for a family or group of 8, to £224 per person for a family or group of 4 for all your travel and guiding.

OR:

A fully-inclusive, more luxurious option. Prices include quality accommodation with private bath and full English breakfast, entrance fees & taxes, lunch on 1 day, dinner on 1 night and high tea on 1 day, your own driver/guide and minivan for 2 days. Total luggage handling throughout: