Blue-Roads | Europe
Open a treasure box of storybook castles, secret tunnels and enchanting gardens as we dedicate six days to England's exquisite South East. On our travels we'll see why Whitstable has been dubbed the 'Pearl of Kent' - and discover the tales that make Canterbury the jewel in the county's crown.
TOUR CODE:
BEHGOLL-0 Thank You for Choosing Blue-Roads
Thank you for choosing to travel with Back-Roads Touring. We can’t wait for you to join us on the mini-coach!
About Your Tour Notes THE BLUE-ROADS DIFFERENCE Visit the iconic castles and gardens of Hever, Leeds, Dover and Sissinghurst These tour notes contain everything you need to know Delve into history on a behind-the- before your tour departs – including where to meet, scenes tour of Canterbury Cathedral what to bring with you and what you can expect to do on each day of your itinerary. You can also print this Sample celebrated beers at Shepherd Neame, Britain's oldest brewery document out, use it as a checklist and bring it with you on tour.
TOUR CURRENCIES
Please Note: We recommend that you refresh + United Kingdom - GBP this document one week before your tour departs to ensure you have the most up-to-date accommodation list and itinerary information available. Your Itinerary
DAY 1 | LONDON - CHARTWELL HOUSE - CANTERBURY
After meeting the group in London, we’ll set a course for our first historic stop: Chartwell House. Many of us will know the public face of Sir Winston Churchill, but a chance to see inside Chartwell will give us a glimpse into his private home. From the library to the sitting room and study, this red stone manor is a time capsule brimming with insights into 1930s family life. We’ll move on to Canterbury this afternoon – where a welcome dinner awaits. Accommodation: Abode Hotel (or similar)
MEALS: Dinner
DAY 2 | CANTERBURY - SANDWITCH - BROADSTAIRS - MAIDSTONE
Our second day will begin with a visit to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. The oldest working church in England, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to medieval ruins, an oak- roofed Chapter House and a staggering gothic nave. Then: we’ll move on to medieval Sandwich, and Broadstairs – which Dickens immortalised as ‘Our English Watering Place’. Tonight, we’ll rest our heads in the grounds of the spectacular Leeds Castle. Accommodation: Leeds Castle
MEALS: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 3 | MAIDSTONE - FAVERSHAM - WHITSTABLE - MAIDSTONE
This morning we’ll take some time to explore Leeds Castle on a guided tour of the famous moat, the areas below stairs and the grand bedrooms (some of which were favoured by King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson during their frequent stays). Then: onwards to the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, where we’ll be treated to a tour – with the chance to sample some award-winning beers. We’ll round off the day with a seaside stroll in the quaint town of Whitstable before returning to the castle for the evening. Accommodation: Leeds Castle
MEALS: Breakfast DAY 4 | MAIDSTONE - TENTERDEN - RYE
Next stop: historic Tenterden, a quintessentially English town overlooking the valley of the River Rother. After taking a look around, we’ll pull up a chair and get comfy at the Chapel Down winery – where we’ll clink glasses over an included wine tasting. Our final destination of the day will be the charming market town of Rye, where we’ll pay a visit to the Rye Heritage Centre. Accommodation: The Mermaid Inn (or similar)
MEALS: Breakfast Lunch
DAY 5 | RYE - DOVER - RYE
Today we’ll dedicate some time to exploring Rye’s cobbled lanes and timber-clad houses, experiencing some of the magic that inspired writers and artists such as Henry James and Paul Nash. After tracing the shoreline and spotting those famous white cliffs, we’ll arrive at Dover Castle: the gateway to the English coast. This fortress boasts evocative interiors that tell centuries of historic tales, not to mention far-reaching views from the Great Tower and dark medieval tunnels with covert cannons every few paces. The afternoon will see us back in Rye, where some free time will allow for the chance to see more of the town before our farewell dinner. Accommodation: The Mermaid Inn (or similar)
MEALS: Breakfast Dinner
DAY 6 | RYE - SISSINGHURST - HEVER CASTLE - LONDON
There’s still time for two more stops before our tour comes to a close. After visiting Sissinghurst Castle (where we’ll find poet and writer Vita Sackville-West’s famous gardens), we’ll move on to Hever Castle – the fairytale childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Then: back to London, where we’ll say our goodbyes.
MEALS: Breakfast Tour Information
Meals Blue-Roads Travel App INCLUDED MEALS
Breakfast (B) is included daily. Why not check in for your tour using the Back- Some of your lunches and dinners are also Roads app? included, either in hotels or local restaurants. This handy tool allows you to view your These are indicated by (L) and (D) in the bookings, check your itinerary, see tour maps itinerary. and more – making it the perfect travel Please note that drinks will not always be companion for your Back-Roads trip. included. How to Download the Back-Roads app We will do our best to accommodate any specific dietary requirements you may have. 1. Launch the App Store or Google Play on Please ensure to make these clear to us your device before your tour begins so we can 2. Search ‘Back-Roads’ and click ‘OK’ communicate them to our hotels, restaurants 3. Select the Back-Roads app in the search and suppliers. results 4. Click the download/install button 5. The app should be installed in your device’s applications page
Other Information
Finances
CHANGING MONEY SPENDING MONEY CASH: Foreign money can be changed at Naturally, everyone’s spending varies. Many of banks, airports, railway and tube stations, and your meals are included in the price of your at major hotels (though at a less favourable tour, so this just leaves a few meals and your rate) personal spending to budget for. CREDIT CARDS: Visa and MasterCard are widely Tips for the Tour Leader and Driver are not accepted. American Express is only accepted in included. Tipping is entirely at your some larger establishments discretion; however, if you feel you have CASH MACHINES: ATMS are widely available received exceptional service, it is recommended that you tip £1-2/€ per day for Drivers and £4-5/€ per day for Tour Leaders.
Insurance Passports and Visas
You will need to take out full travel insurance We advise you either to carry a photocopy of before travelling with Back-Roads Touring. your passport (and visa, if applicable) with you Please ensure that you have adequate medical, while abroad, or to ensure that you leave a personal effects and cancellation cover. copy with relatives back at home. We recommend that you carry your insurance This will enable the local embassy or high details with you at all times. You may be asked commission to arrange a replacement if the to provide details of your medical insurance or original should be lost or stolen. a payment guarantee in some countries before If you do take copies with you on your trip, medical assistance can be provided. please ensure that you keep these separate Your insurance company may not assist you from your original documents. with your claim if the instructions given in the It is your responsibility to obtain any visas policy have not been followed. necessary to enable you to travel in Europe or Asia. Contact your local consular office for more information. Transport
We travel in premium mini-coaches equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning and large windows for enjoying the view. With far more flexibility than a standard-size coach, we’re able to take the scenic route – winding through beautiful countryside to the heart of tiny villages and coastal towns. What to Bring
Suggested Packing List Wondering what to take with you on tour? Our packing list can be used as a guide. Please Note: What you pack will depend on the countries you’re visiting and the time of year you plan to travel. The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience:
Sun hat Sunglasses Shorts/skirts Long-sleeved tops Short-sleeved tops Trousers Light jacket Waterproof jacket and Warm jacket umbrella Walking shoes/comfortable shoes Smart casual evening Sleepwear Swimwear and towel wear
Other things to pack:
Multi-use travel adapter Camera Batteries Phone Personal medication Sunscreen Paracetamol or aspirin
OPTIONALS TO CONSIDER:
Motion sickness tablets Anti-diarrhoea tablets Sewing kit Lip balm
That's it!
We look forward to seeing you on tour.