A Very English Literary Tour
August 15th-August 29th, 2024
Journey into the World of English Literature
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Embark on a journey that will take you through the captivating landscapes of, and magical stories from, English authors that have captured the hearts of millions around the globe.
Unveiling the Cinematic Magic
Our exclusive tour also offers the extraordinary opportunity to visit the iconic filming locations that brought some beloved literary series to life. Feel the excitement build as you step foot into the very spots where your favorite scenes were captured, allowing the novels' pages to come alive before your eyes.
Booking Soon in Partnership With Sisterhood Travels
As always, this tour will be unlike any other tour you may have taken, we can promise you that!
Expect to encounter interesting characters, and join some exciting events. Learn about England’s past through living history during interactive theater experiences.
“This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands,–This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.”
—William Shakespeare, Richard II
Let us share some of the amazing authors and stories we will be exploring during this tour.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Sherlock
Bram Stoker - Dracula
Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
James Herriot - All Creatures Great and Small
J.R.R Tolkein - The Lord of the Rings
Mary Shelley - Frankenstien
Robert Louis Stevenson - Treasure Island
Winston Graham - Poldark
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to England! Today is your arrival in this incredible country, get ready for an amazing week ahead. After a transfer from the airport you can relax at the hotel, or explore the neighborhood, until the evening when we will be all come together for a delicious three-course Welcome Dinner. During which we will be meeting our tour guide, the Librarian, and host some intriguing guests from the past. (D)
Hotel: Park Plaza London Riverbank
Day 2
After breakfast we will take a tour of Sherlock’s London, with the man himself. We will also learn more about Sherlock’s creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the afternoon you have free time to explore London.
Steeped in a rich tapestry of history, London's streets resonate with the echoes of centuries past. The Tower of London, with its imposing medieval walls, unlocks tales of royal intrigue and captivity. A leisurely stroll across Westminster Bridge leads to the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben. Meanwhile, the magnificent Buckingham Palace dazzles with regal opulence, serving as a symbol of royal power. (B)
Hotel: Park Plaza London Riverbank
Day 3
This morning we’ll have our breakfast at the hotel and then we will board the bus a travel north.
After a stop for lunch in the Cathedral city of Lincoln, we’ll arrive in Whitby, a charming coastal town nestled on the northeast coast of England. As you approach this quaint destination, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing panorama of rugged cliffs, dramatic coastlines, and a picturesque harbor buzzing with activity. Standing majestically above the town is the iconic Whitby Abbey, its Gothic ruins casting an enchanting silhouette against the sky.
Following dinner we will take an evening walking tour by a local guide, and discover where Bram Stoker wrote his chilling novel. We’ll find out all the ways the author, and his titular character Dracula, are a part of the village. (B,L,D)
Hotel: The Royal Hotel Whitby
Day 4
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey to Brontë Country.
Nestled in the beautiful West Yorkshire countryside, the idyllic village of Haworth is the home of the Brontë sisters, who penned some of the most significant works in English literature. Step into their world with a local guide who will take us to places of significance in their lives. This will include the Brontë Parsonage Museum, their former family home, which stands as a testament to their literary legacy. You will walk through the very rooms where renowned novels like “Wuthering Heights” and “Jane Eyre” were created, marveling at the personal artifacts and manuscripts on display. After lunch we set out to discover the haunting beauty of the surrounding moorlands. We’ll embark on a peaceful hike along the famous Brontë Way, taking in the rugged landscapes, adorned with heather and grasses, and allowing the whispering wind to transport you to another time.
Once we depart the village we go on to the Victorian Spa town of Harrogate to check in to our hotel and relax for the evening. (B,L)
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa
Day 5
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey to the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
We’ll first enjoy a private tour of The World of James Herriot in Thirsk. This award winning visitor attraction is in the former house and veterinary surgery of the man himself. Next we will find our way to Grassington, the village that stands in for ‘Darrowby’ in Channel 5’s 2020 television adaptation of the series. Here we will have lunch and stroll the market square. Here we will meet up with a special guest that will take us on private tours of a couple filming locations and behind of the scenes scoops on the new series.
In the evening we will enjoy an incredible three-course meal during our 1940s themed dinner, which will include another very special guest! (B,D)
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa
Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel, then we head to a working farm in the Yorkshire Dales. There we will interact with the animals, learn about farming in the Dales, and enjoy a lovely lunch in their café. Not only will the experience itself help us get closer to world of James Herriot, it also happens to be a filming location in the 1978 television adaptation of the series.
Tonight is free time in Harrogate. You can spend it with an evening promenade through one of the many parks in Harrogate, or perhaps you will want to visit the Turkish Spa. (B,L)
Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa
Day 7
Once we’ve had breakfast we will journey down to Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the world renowned literary great, William Shakespeare. Once we have checked into our hotel here you will have the rest of the day to explore on your own. Stroll through the streets of this town and you are immediately transported to another era. Cobbled streets wind through the town, lined with timber-framed buildings that showcase the town's rich Tudor heritage. One of the town's most iconic landmarks is William Shakespeare’s birthplace, a beautifully preserved half-timbered house located on Henley Street. Step inside and you will be greeted by exhibits that delve into the life and works of the beloved playwright, offering a glimpse into the world that inspired his timeless plays and sonnets. The River Avon weaves its way through Stratford-upon-Avon, offering a serene setting for a leisurely boat ride. Hop aboard a traditional riverboat and glide through the calm waters, taking in the picturesque scenery and perhaps catching a glimpse of the iconic swans that grace this waterway. No visit to Stratford-upon-Avon would be complete without a visit to Anne Hathaway's Cottage. Located just outside of town, this charming thatched-roof cottage was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife. (B)
Hotel: The White Swan
Day 8
Into the Cotswolds today after breakfast. We will be exploring the idyllic English country villages that inspired several famous authors. Including J.R.R. Tolkein, who was acknowledged to have based the Prancing Pony Inn from the Lord of the Rings on the Bell Inn in Moreton-in-Marsh. Here is where we will take our lunch. From there we will visit several other literary tie-ins as we travel through the region which is a timeless embodiment of idyllic English charm. The Cotswolds is a living tapestry of history and heritage, its sleepy villages preserving their medieval roots with pride. Driving down its winding lanes reveals an array of breathtaking sights: graceful churches, historic manor houses, and inviting tearooms offering tantalizing cream teas. You will have ample time at each stop to explore on your own. (B, L)
Hotel: The White Swan
Day 9
Today we travel to Bath. Nestled in the rolling countryside of southwest England, the picturesque city of Bath exudes an air of grace and sophistication. Steeped in history and renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, Bath is a destination that effortlessly transports visitors back in time, revealing a captivating blend of ancient Roman heritage and classic British charm.
Our experience in Bath may not be something you would expect. We will hear about the haunting life of Mary Shelley on a walking tour through this beautiful city. We will focus on the writing of her famous story, Frankenstein as we take in the sights and sounds Mary Shelley herself would have experienced. After that, you will have some free time to explore Bath before we meet up for dinner that evening. (B,D)
Hotel: Marriott Bristol
Day 10
Get ready for a swashbuckling day with Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”! The fun with start with a walking tour in Bristol with our guide Captian Scuttefish as we make our way to the historically reconstructed tall ship, The Matthew, for a voyage at ‘sea’ with a several interesting characters. Enjoy a quintessential British lunch of fish and chips as part of The Matthew experience, and end our day in a pub that was frequented by Black Beard himself! (B, L)
Hotel: Marriott Bristol
Day 11
Travel to the vibrant seaside town of Falmouth and enjoy free time exploring. Falmouth is home to the world's third largest natural harbor. It has a quality line-up along its cobbled streets – from quirky boutiques, big names and vintage caves, to enticing cafés, ice cream parlors and independent micro-breweries. Whether you’re window shopping or breaking the bank, there are oodles of shops to choose from. If you have a thirst for knowledge, Falmouth is the place to quench it. Visit the award-winning National Maritime Museum Cornwall, set on our idyllic harbor. Expect interactive stories of the sea, smuggling and explorers, and your own space to re-imagine the events that came before us. Or head to Falmouth Art Gallery for the leading art collection in the south west of England. (B)
Hotel: Greenbank Hotel
Day 12
Explore with our local tour guide the incredibly picturesque Cornwall. Step into the world of Winston Graham’s Poldark! Cornwall offers miles of sandy beaches, rugged coast line, rolling countryside and pretty villages within areas of outstanding natural beauty. A unique landscape, centuries of history and heritage, myth and legend. Visit some of the key locations used in the filming of TV's Poldark. Travel the stunning coastal road around the Penwith Peninsula, taking in the settings for Wheal Leisure, the Poldark mine; the real-life village used as the village of Saul and many others.
End the day with a 19th century themed dinner at the Scorrier House where you may be surprised who shows up! (B, D)
Hotel: Greenbank Hotel
Day 13
We will continue our tour of Cornwall, which is not just for Poldark fans - as it's breathtaking vistas and crystal clear turquoise waters, make it a dreamlike destination for any visitor - make sure your camera or phone batteries are fully charged.
We will have more stunning views and vistas in Cornwall. This day will not disappoint Poldark fans, or those who just love the beauty of cliff walks and the sound of water crashing on the rocky beaches. You will also learn about the history of the Cornish mining industry believed to date back to tin mining in around 2100 BC!
Cornwall is also known for smugglers, made famous by Daphne du Maurier. We’ll get to the place that inspired du Maurier, the Jamaica Inn for lunch and a stroll through the smugglers museum. (B)
Hotel: Greenbank Hotel
Day 14
Say farewell to Cornwall and travel back Windsor taking in the gorgeous sights along the way. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic market town of Windsor. See the famous Windsor Castle, which is a royal residence and embodies almost a millennium of architectural history. Explore England’s shortest street, or head up Thames Street, a curved street that’s lined with restaurants, shops and pubs on one side and the castle walls on the other. That evening sit down with your sisters and enjoy our last dinner together. (B,D)
Hotel: Adelaide Hotel
Day 15
Unfortunately today is the day you will have to say goodbye to this amazing country, and wonderful experience.
A Lasting Journey
As your immersive English tour comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the profound impact these books and authors have had on your life and the lives of millions. Depart with a newfound appreciation for the magical power of literature and the transformative joy it can bring.
And don’t forget, we’ll always be here whenever you want to step into a world you’ve so far only visited in your dreams.
Inclusions Summary
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-14 nights accommodations
-Private airport transfers
-27 Meals (15 breakfasts, 6 dinners, 5 lunches, and a Afternoon Tea)
-Private, comfortable motorcoach transportation
-Exclusive tour guide
-Private tours and local guides as listed in the itinerary
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-Airfare. We will be happy to assist you in booking airfare for a modest fee.
-Any additional excursions, or services you wish to book during the ‘free time’. We are also happy to assist you in booking these, however.
-Meals that we have not listed in the ‘What’s Included’ section.
