United Kingdom + Ireland: Elements of Architecture

Private Bus Transfer to Stonehenge

Stonehenge & Old Sarum - The World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in Europe. Built in the late Neolithic period around 2,500 BC, the construction of this imposing and fascinating stone circle is shrouded in mystery – what was it actually built for? And how did the Neolithic people build such a wonder using simple tools and equipment?

Private Bus Transfer to Bath (approx. 1 hour)

Check-in, Relax & Refresh

Orientation Walking Tour - The group will become oriented with their neighborhood, the public transportation systems, nearby pharmacies, markets, ATMs, etc. Additionally, an in-depth safety briefing will be provided for what to do in case of an emergency.

Welcome Dinner - The group will be taken for an authentic dinner with a variety of menu options to cater all diets.

Bath Abbey and Roman Baths - Once the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world, the people of Roman Britain came to the site to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs, which still flow with hot water today.

Private Bus Transfer to Salisbury Cathedral (approx. 1.5 hours)

Guided Tour of Salisbury Cathedral - Salisbury Cathedral is a truly remarkable building, a testimony to the faith and practical skills of the medieval craftsmen who built it. It is much more than a historical monument; it is a living church and a place of prayer. As the Cathedral Church of the Salisbury diocese, it is the Mother Church of several hundred parishes in Wiltshire and Dorset. It is also a center of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

St. Thomas’ & St. Edmunds Church - St Thomas’s Church, near the market square, is often ignored because of the cathedral. But standing in its own square at the north end of the High Street, this site lays claim to the first active place of worship in New Sarum prior to the building of the Cathedral itself. It started in 1220 as a chapel for the laborers who would eventually build the cathedral. A late-Gothic building, with a practical townsman’s sensibility compared to the ecclesiastical majesty of its more famous neighbor, its great artwork is a day of judgment fresco (1475) that spans the chancel – the largest in England.

Salisbury Cathedral Evensong

Return to Bath

Private Bus Transfer to Chepstow Castle (approx. 1 hour)

Chepstow Castle - Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, like a history lesson in stone.

Devil’s Pulpit/Offa’s Dyke - Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's Dyke national path.

Tintern Abbey - Tintern Abbey is a national icon — still standing in roofless splendor on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.

Return to Bath

Private Bus Transfer to Dolwyddelan Castle

Dolwyddelan Castle - A stunning 13th Century fortress, built by Llywelyn Fawr, the Prince of Gwynedd, and ruler of most of Wales, Dolwyddelan Castle stands on a craggy outcrop in the scenic Lledr valley between Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Transfer to Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle - Harlech Castle was built between 1283-90 in the aftermath of the second War of Welsh Independence and, like other castles constructed by Edward I, it was built to a concentric design albeit modified for the high rocky outcrop on which it was constructed. A stairway to sea level coupled with a channel provided a secure berth for ships to facilitate resupply by sea, something deemed essential for sustained occupation as part of the conquest of Wales.

Continue to Betws-y-Coed

Day Trip to Bangor University (approx. 1 hour)

Bangor Cathedral - Bangor Cathedral is an ancient place of worship. It is dedicated to its founder, Saint Deiniol. The site of the present building of Bangor Cathedral has been in use as a place of Christian worship since the 6th century.

National Slate Museum - The National Slate Museum is located in the Victorian workshops, built in the shadow of Elidir mountain, site of the vast Dinorwig quarry. Here you can travel into the past of an industry and a way of life that has chiseled itself into the very being of this country.

Day Trip to Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle - Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. For sheer scale and architectural drama, Caernarfon stands alone. This gigantic building project eventually took 47 years.

Day Trip to Anglesey

Beaumaris Castle - This fortress of near-perfect symmetry is an unfinished masterpiece; Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built.

Day trip to Llandudno

Conwy Castle - Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289.

St. Mary’s Church - St. Mary’s is located in the centre of Conwy, a beautiful, Medieval walled town at the mouth of the Conwy river.

Llandudno Great Orme Cable Car - weather-dependent

Private Bus Transfer to York (approx. 3.5 hours)

Stop at St. Asaph Cathedral and Fountain Abbey

Fountain Abbey - Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.

Afternoon Tea at Fountain Abbey

Arrival in York

Check-in & Relax

Historical & Cultural Walking Tour of York - See the York Minster, Emperor Constantine, Richard III, The Multangular Tower, Guy Fawkes, The King’s Manor, Berden Hall, St Mary’s Abbey, York City Walls, Clifford’s Tower, Monk Bar, Fairfax House, York Castle Prison, Stonegate, St Williams College, War of the Roses, and more.

York Minster - Explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Experience our vast spaces and breathtaking medieval architecture, and discover our Roman roots and learn about the Minster’s role in Viking York.

Train Transfer York to King’s Cross St. Pancras (approx. 2.5 hours)

Check-in, Relax & Refresh

Modern Architecture Tour -Explore the city’s architectural wonders whilst getting the inside scoop on some of London’s most iconic developments. London is filled with centuries-old breath-taking architecture which, regardless of its stature, often creates obstacles for developers and architects. Learn how some buildings needed to adapt to these hindrances and difficulties. Understand how firms have managed to create ground-breaking designs whilst remaining sensitive to the surrounding heritage.

St Paul’s Cathedral - Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London, St Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most famous buildings.

Tower of London - A 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London that is notable for housing the crown jewels and for holding many famous and infamous prisoners.

Tower Bridge - One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, Tower Bridge has stood over the River Thames since 1894.

Thames River Cruise - Travel one of London's most famous waterway to explore the city's picturesque canals.

Free day in London

Farewell Dinner & Program Closing - The group will be taken for an authentic dinner with a variety of menu options to cater all diets.

Airport Transfer

Depart London, England for Home