It was everything I could have imagined. Group dinners were very good. Everything was well-organized, and well-timed. Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports are served direct by National Express coach (schedules are available at the National Express website). St. Augustine Eco Tours offers boating, kayaking, and sailing excursions and guided tours along the inland waters that surround St. Augustine. One of the reasons I have enjoyed the Rick Steves' tours is because of the coordination of local guides and museum guides that help to bring the history and art alive, and there's an ability to interact with these guides to have an a more fulfilling experience. What s beautiful day. It was a classic Rick Steves moment and we bought a CD from the musician so we could relive that memory at home. I recommend traveling Southern England in September. Light walking: 24 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. It was a terrific tour of parts of England I had not already seen. The cliffs, the wind, the history, the sheep, - all of it goes right through you. I'm surprised I remembered anything they said up there, but I did!! From beginning to end, Tour Guide Liz Boardman did an outstanding job. Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. "Dartmoor Park walking through the bronze age sites.". Our friendly coach driver also helped the tour move along smoothly. Everything was wow for me, I can't say that there was one exact thing that stood out from all the rest.". "The coastal scenery was unbelievably beautiful. Very active, "Visiting the cliffs of tintagel castle and mount st Michael gardens". "Definitely going up on the roof of Canterbury Cathedral, such a fascinating experience. ", "Walking in the Salisbury nature preserve are near the mill and pond". My only dislike was we werent able to go up to the statue, because they needed other admission which had to be made prior to visit date. Great group, great hotels and food, and really great guide. The entire site is well-presented and starkly stunning!". Terrific itinerary, great guide and driver (Deborah and David), so much more experienced than I could have accomplished for myself. She helped promote good camaraderie among the tour members. Devon/Chagford and the cheese - oh the cheese! Liz, our guide, was excellent. Had a a small, very congenial group. On our Best of South England in 13 Days tour among other things you'll need to happily. Enjoy the Nights of Lights festival and discover the famous trolley, boat, and train tours of St. Augustine, FL decorated in Christmas lights during the 2022 festivities. Choose from walking tours or trolley tours or see St. Augustine from a yacht or a 72' tall ship.Weve also got ghost tours, pub crawls, tasting tours (including a sweet one focused on chocolate), and more.. Wow!". The sketched columns and other places/things to see that you might not have known about without a guide. Salisbury cathedral also provided a "wow' moment with the earth view from the moon installation in the sanctuary with a reflection in the baptismal font. An excellent way to experience England and to connect with English history. St. Augustine Land and Sea Tours offers private golf cart tours beginning on Saturday, November 19, 2022, and continuing daily through January 31, 2023. That was an unexpected and delightful moment.". And our bus driver, Kevin, was great. Great guide, good tour mates, and fantastic sites. The Bus presentation, which provides an important backdrop to what we are seeing and what we will do next are a special time for me and Mark's presentation were always spot on, interesting, thorough, compelling, and very often funny. A bit more free time would have been appreciated. The tour had a nice steady pace without ever being overwhelming. I also loved meeting the stone masons at Canterbury cathedral and going up on the scaffolding to take in the incredible view. Parties of up to seven may take a 30-45-minute private ride throughout the town. Was hoping for a more "village" experience - towns were bigger than expected. The overall pace was perfect; ;ots of information and viewing interspersed with enough freedom to go at ones' own speed and free time. That said, I never felt rushed or stressed - and I would have been stressed if I was trying to do this itinerary without the tour. Butler Beach is one of the dream destinations if you are on a Florida vacation due to its clear white sandy beaches. The location of the Vilano Beach Pier on the river side of the Matanzas inlet makes it the best vantage point to watch the sunset over downtown St. Augustine. I especially enjoyed the pasty making as this is a favorite treat of mine. great driver Tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable, created an experience that is unforgettable. Loved the beautiful countryside on this trip! Microsoft pleaded for its deal on the day of the Phase 2 decision last month, but now the gloves are well and truly off. Then there was the morning the local horses and foals were allowed to graze the newly mown cemetery in Chagford across from our hotel. WebAll Images are property of Red Boat Tours. The National Park Service doesn't allow any guides inside the Statue of Liberty pedestal, Statue of Liberty Museum, or Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Stonehenge and the Cliffs of Dover, the quaint villages - all lived up to or exceeded my expectations.". Lady Liberty and Ellis Island Tour With James, The Day I went to meet the Statue of Liberty. Sleep in Mawgan Porth. There were no grumps. The sights and events of the tour were great in general, but this is the one thing I'd pick as an outstanding experience. "The Cliffs, Dover and 7 sisters the stop at Port Issac!". Best scientific/artistic display in a museum I've every seen. Romance package (including flowers & chocolates), Listen to music of choice if desired (Bluetooth System), Click here to email piaandmellc@gmail.com, Click here to view location St Augustine, FL 32084, Click here to visit our Google My Business Profile. Sad that we couldn't get to Tintagel but we enjoyed the day nevertheless. Both stops had a strong effect on me. We had a wonderful friendly and humorous group and our guide Steven was very caring. Then I spotted two golfers on a nearby hill - a perfect setting for a memory of Cornwall. +3 More. Each cathedral was different and inspiring. My FAVORITE was Port Isaac & Doc Martin filming! See the Ancient Citys Historic Bayfront and sites from the beautiful Matanzas Bay. After lunch we'll visit a picturesque fishing village, where you can stroll the narrow lanes, poke around the shops and galleries, or grab some ice cream and people-watch at the beach. "Staying on the coast in Cornwall was spectacular. October 6 was a beautiful sunny fall day and our group of 25 people guided by the best travel agent Chris landed on the island. Loved this tour (our fourth) and are busy planning another. All around it was a very enjoyable 13 days! Strolling the moors of the "Hound of the Baskervilles" St Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA Must redeem at the Scenic Cruise ticket office for boarding passes at least 30 minutes prior to departure. This tour is filled with history; recent and ancient. "Walking on the scaffolding at the top of the tower at Canterbury Cathedral. The Schooner Freedom is St. Augustines Premier tall ship. Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. The first 2 were city tours. The Itinerary was outstanding. Hostilities commenced about 1816 and continued through 1858, with two periods of uneasy truce between active conflict. Our guide, Michael, was outstanding. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. Private Charters available nightly. She was very attentive to every member of the group and gave good advice for free time as well. Roy was very informative, knowledgeable about English history. The guided portion of the tour is approximately either 0.5, 2 or 4 hours. Being under scaffolding there was not much of a view, but Mark arranged with the construction supervisor to take us up in the work elevator to inspect the repairs and see the stone masons in action. Trip was relaxing with beautiful scenery. How he knows so much about so much is unbelievable! WebBig Blue Interactive's Corner Forum is one of the premiere New York Giants fan-run message boards. The hiking at Tintagel Castle, St. Michael's Mount and Beachy Head highlight the rugged country. Captain Pia and his sidekick Di are very knowledgeable and fun. Liz and Lorraine are wonderful guides and fun people to be with. Ponte Vedra Beach is a paradise for golfers with the lovely seaside and 40-foot dunes, among the highest in Florida. "I'm not sure I can put my finger on a single Wow moment but I do know that Tom never ceased to amaze me with his knowledge and wit and that alone made it a Wow moment every minute.". "Loved getting to take the boat over to St. Michael's Mount and then walk back on the causeway. We'll return to our home village with time for some exploration and dinner on your own. Probably fewer group meals and site specific guides, but not saying that was good or bad. Steve Back and Lucash got us to the site as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Don't they have an OSHA in England?". We stayed in a wonderful mix of historically significant towns and charming villages, and the hotels -- while characteristically quirky in a Rick Steves kind of way -- were all comfortable. "The day we were at Portsmouth was a wow day for me. The tour is just the right mix of sights, group time and individual time. Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning. "Penzance with the castle was beautiful.". Oddly enough, it was the one day that I didn't eagerly anticipate. Please note: There are no triple rooms available on this tour. The food and hotels were great. As a secondary "wow" experience, I enjoyed hearing about Brexit from our guide and locals that we met. ", Despite the weather, we had a great time and again saw the value provided by your tours. 2. Strong people.". It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. What made this trip so truly outstanding was the best guide we have had in 8 Rick Steve's tours. Ironically, it was taking time on the day of the Queen's funeral to watch the event together at our hotel in Chagford, but that was an extraordinary circumstance I'd say.". ", great guide It was our 6th tour with RS so we knew what to expect and we were not disappointed. On a privately chartered boat, enjoy a leisurely and relaxing cruise on the Intracoastal waterway. This is what made our trip worth sharing: We really enjoyed it! It was amazing!! He was very well spoken, and really seemed to care about our comfort. Observe the coastal wildlife in their natural habitat. Distance from St Augustines historic Downtown 10.5 Miles. Afterward we has dinner at a pub on the grassy knoll overlooking a stream filled with swans. From sightseeing cruises to dining cruises, whale watching to thrill boat rides, private events and more, come out and play with City Cruises. Quaint, ancient hotels. We'll learn about this compelling and varying landscape that inspired great literature, including The Hound of the Baskervilles, and have lunch together. The primary amenities are the property's pools and the beautiful beach on the Atlantic Ocean. I loved St. Ives and enjoyed some of my fellow traveling companions more than I expected I would.". Next WOW moment would be the Salisbury Cathedral! "Every day was a WOW moment. Activity level good, lodging and meals adequate. Knowledge was superlative and recall amazing. Sleep in or near the village of Alfriston. This morning we'll drive to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for a day devoted to Britain's rich nautical history. The Villages of South England was an excellent tour. James was a great tour guide. For those not yet ready to return home, Bath is a delightful city with many sightseeing options. Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions. The group meals are a high light of the country cuisine. I especialy enjoyed seeing Cornwall and staying on the beautiful coast.". There was a good mix of city and country. The mine tunnels following veins of metal ores were only large enough to allow the miners to work. Better understanding of the Magna Carta moment, Battles of Hastings, Trafalgar and the importance of sea power to the colonial Briton. Charming/ hilarious driver. This experience requires good weather. Today, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Our driver was superb! I have not much experience or talent for baking, but this was great fun. Our driver was also excellent, navigating many difficult roads with skill. We had time to explore on our own and we enjoyed having some meals as a group and some to do on our own. He entertained and educated us (one MUST spread jam before cream on scones) and his love of Cornwall was contagious. For one who hates heights, the ride in the "cage" to the upper reaches of Cantebury Cathedral , stepping out onto scaffolding, walking around three sides of the towermost definitely my "wow"moment. Distance from St Augustines historic Downtown 14.33 Miles. Whether you have a group of 12 or 312, Ghost City Tours offers the best group ghost tours in St. Augustine, Florida. San Sebastian Winery, founded in 1996 is located at 157 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida in one of Henry Flaglers old East Coast Railway buildings located just a few blocks from historic downtown. Augustine (/ s t i n / AW-g-steen; Spanish: San Agustn [san austin]) is a city in the Southeastern United States and the county seat of St. Johns County on the Atlantic coast of northeastern Florida.Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, it is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in what is now the contiguous United States. This morning we'll travel back in time with a visit to Stonehenge, where we'll learn about and ponder the origins of these iconic stones that are as old as the pyramids. Our guide Liz was really top notch, the best guide I have ever had! We usually logged 5-6 miles a day. A good mix of people. We also had outstanding guides at several of the venues we visited. Good guide and great group of This was my 15th RS tour and it lived up to my high expectations!! I would highly recommend it. And the commemorative photos and displays in sho windows. Your first drink of the night is INCLUDED with your ticket, then you will receive special discounts at each of the taverns we visit during your tour. ", "Seeing the Mary Rose and going to see the stone work up on Canterbury Cathedral tower and roof.". Getting off the boat at liberty Island was amazing. I think I have to put Tintagel as a very close second, though. We had some down time and lots of well directed time. If not, highly recommend! "Being in Canterbury Cathedral. Masks were worn by all on the bus only due to the insistence of our guide. I especially like the out of the ordinary events woven into the trip. I'd do it again in a New York minute. "Salisbury and the Salisbury Cathedral. Driver Paul was a good complement. "All points Cornwall were truly "WOW" moments: St. Michael's Mount; making and eating pasties (which we intend to try at home--was that "pull, tuck, pinch"? Cornwall coast, Dartmoor, chalk cliffs in sunlight are all honorable mentions. This was my 13th RS tour. All were clean and the beds comfortable. They were both great and went out of their way to make sure we had a good experience. Nights of Lights was beautiful. Night Life; Recreation; Shopping; Weddings; Places to Stay . Nice combo of major attractions (Stonehenge, Canterbury, Dover, etc) with out-of-the-way "finds". So many "wow"derful moments! Walking in the Moors and having age old ruins pointed out to us. Loved the locations we visited. The tour was wonderful from the beginning to the end. We then went into the vaulted ceiling over the nave to see what was to be done there and peek over the edge down into the nave below.". The weather prediction was rain most every day, but it couldn't have been much better. With nearly 2400 square feet of sail, she is an honorable testament to naval Eventually I flew a charter plane to New York (took me 1 year to pay my ticket back) and I become an USA citizen in yearly 90is. "I have made pasties for most of my like but really enjoyed making pasties with the group at the Portreath Bakery. I loved it. Join us on a relaxing and comfortable boat tour of St Augustines Annual Nights of Lights Spectacular from Matanzas Bay. Q:What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options? This is the first time I have completed a tour evaluation. Excellent guide, Bus driver extremely nice. As advertised, the interesting activities, and local culture in quaint settings was just perfect. Thank You! "We were able to go up to the roof via an outside elevator and walk on the scaffolding platform at the Canterbury Cathedral. It was a great and relaxing tour. We saw many things that we would have missed traveling by ourselves. I really appreciated having an actual tour guide to show me around the islands instead of the tour devices everyone else was carrying around. You learn to bake a pasty and how to wear a hard hat. The pace of the tour was just what I wanted. Our guide, Liz, was amazing. Second was the Seven Sisters.". With the assurance of our very knowledgeable and experienced local guide, I not only did it--I enjoyed it!". The whole trip was an incredible ride through history and scenery with an incredible guide. The itinerary was solid, with varied attractions. The little village at Tintagel Castle was beautiful but we didn't even get time for a cup of coffee.". "Totally unexpected was our stone mason tour at Canterbury Cathedral. This was a great trip. We were informed that we were only the second group there in 800 years!". Fabulous! I also loved the beautiful cathedrals we visited, and our side trip to Rye, and the ploughman's lunch in Dartmoor at The Warren House pub. Perfect time to visit. This tour was total immersion into the beauty, history, culture, and people of south England. Red Boat Water Tours: Great water your - See 1,099 traveller reviews, 479 candid photos, and great deals for St. Augustine, FL, at Tripadvisor. The locker fee isnt included in the tour price. "Sorry--I cannot pick one! Lodging was comfortable without being lavish. Ride a trolley through historic downtown St. Augustine, or hop in a horse-drawn carriage. This tour was fine and I really enjoyed our tour guide, Steven. After having gone through so much during both world wars, and after having help to build up Germany and France , it was astounding that they still were required to pay off the war debt to the US. "Visiting the Mary Rose ship and Dartmoor. Restaurants and fun can be found to the north, south, and west. The ferry also has multiple levels with stairs and there are about 160 steps to reach the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. We were always on time, and each new venue was explained well before we arrived. Our guide Nicola was very friendly and knowledgeable about the history and his own connection to the immigrants and statue. ", "Dover Castle, the stained glass tour and the cathedral tour at Canterbury, walking the moor at Dartmoor, Tintagel, St Michael's Mount, Housel Bay (waking up early and walking along the cliff path, wow!)". We hadn't realised that England was still receiving rations up until the 1960's and that it wasn't until the 1980's that they finished paying their war debt. Today, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Best in 904 Tom brought joy to everything we did. I was surprised I liked Stonehenge so much-seemed such a cliche, but it was awesome in the early morning. Travel + Leisure is travelers' best resource for trip ideas, hotel picks, flight sales, city guides, and travel tips from the experts. Also, the privilege of seeing Canterbury Cathedral as only God, the pigeons, and stonemasons typically get to see it - from atop scaffolding higher than the roof!". top notch everything. The complex has a roof-top deck furnshed with umbrella-tables, and two grills for those days when nothing but a barbeque will do. "Being in force 8 gale wind and rain at the top of the cliffs at Tintagel. Gave true meaning and experience to squelchy shoes.". The opportunity to view the Magna Carta and the display on how it still relates to what is happening now - Covid lockdowns - provided me with so much to think about.". Group meals were tasty-even fabulous sometimes-but always had some cultural significance. Our hotel there was great, the cathedral is amazing and the surrounding town is a great place to take a stroll.". Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of London's Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) airports, and take a train or bus to Canterbury (where the tour begins) and from Bath (where the tour ends). Here's what you'll see and do on our South England tour: Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. Any and all unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal and is punishable by fines and imprisonment. His historical perspective was deep. These FLAStays units are just about 10 miles from the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, and just 8 miles from the closest entrance to I-95. This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: St. Augustine Experience the Holidays in a whole new light. Another "wow" were the narrow roads and hedge rows.". The stones in Dartmoor were more interesting than Stonehenge. I with my family have traveled to many parts but still, feel that I have to travel more because, I believe "OF ALL THE BOOKS IN THE WORLD, THE BEST STORIES ARE FOUND BETWEEN THE PAGES OF A PASSPORT." We are available for casual Saturday nights out or special events. The tour was very informative, visiting interesting places, teaching history of England, and having lovely tour members and a great guide. Less time in Canterbury. "There was definitely more than one. I really enjoyed starting in Canterbury and exploring on my own there along the paths next to the Stour River and it was an easy connection from London and very walkable and easy to find great foodThe tour went off to a great start despite a spell of heavy rain delaying our city walk until the morning. The tour itinerary needs to be reworked ( less time at Beachy Head and much more time in Alfriston, way too much time in Chagford - 2 nights and an afternoon - perhaps spend time in Exeter and add time in Bath), "the Cornish people; evensong at Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury (both on our own); Stonehenge tour; the Mary Rose". It was an easy, simple way to see the Statue of Liberty up close and to learn the history. Tom was able to bring to life the long and complicated history of England in such a way that it made today's events much more understandable. A wonderful slice of England. The views were spectacular up there. The hotels we stayed in were all so lovely, some having been built in medieval times. An excellent choice of tour activities, "Everything! The only way to visit Liberty and Ellis Island is to be on this tour! The time they were willing to spend taking us behind the scenes and explaining their processes as well as being able to stand on the "false floor" and bet an up close look at the amazing ceiling.". The site of the battle of Hastings was pretty special too. It was a very active tour with lots of walking but nothing that we could not handle. The fact that we had sunny days throughout didn't hurt either. The rolling grassy slopes. An excellent experience. "We were in Bath, sitting on a bench in a square in front of the magnificent Bath Abbey, listening to a guitar player, eating ice cream while chatting with a British woman who attended Queen Elizabeths coronation. I learned how to make a better pasty and enjoyed hearing Marion's story. Would recommend this tour to anybody wanting to visit the Statue of Liberty. Great driver. I enjoyed it all.". In addition, the bus driver, Lucash (didn't catch the last name) was funny and really provided an efficient and lovely ride in the coach! Bus: 3 hours. Very knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide. Q:Will the visit to the Statue of Liberty pedestal and the museums on Ellis Island be guided? Activities were well planned and the free time gave us an opportunity to build on the experience. Shortcut long lines of crowds safely. Also, Marion in her Portreath bakery telling us her life story and her determination to make something good for all out of life's obstacles. I think we learn so much more with a good guide. But I can say that my favorites included attending Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral, hiking along the South Downs Way at Beachy Head, touring the Mary Rose Museum, hearing the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra rehearse Gustav Holst in Salisbury Cathedral, and all things Cornwall.". The tour enlightened me to this and more! I was extremely impressed with the quality of the hotels, the expertise and knowledge of guide Roy Nichols, and the balance of free and planned exploring time. This, General Tips Best beach in St Augustine, Butler Beach is one of the dream destinations if you are on a Florida vacation due to its clear white sandy beaches. Very happy with everything, checked a lot of boxes of my bucket list. This was our first "Cultural Connections" tour, and we did notice a slight difference in the emphasis of the activities. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. The view to the west of the lighthouse, cliffs, ocean water and clouds was amazing. Our guide was both a native to the region and the US. Had fun and laughed a lot, Love Tom's wit and humor and knowledge. Two-story condos with room for 6 or more guests and everything needed to enjoy a vacation that is both relaxing and lively. The most remarkable experience was riding the scaffold elevator above the roof of Canterbury Cathedral to learn about renovations. He had a great sense of humor which is always fun. Canterbury Cathedral was beautiful but like many European sites, it was under restoration. We had many chances to speak and interact with the Brits wherever we went, so we werent just observing; it was a very active experience, which is what we were hoping for. "Standing on the white cliffs of Dover and looking across the Channel to France. But Cornwall was the best. Tom Hooper had all the appropriate skills to make the tour most enjoyable; he even made the weather delightful in England. I thought he did an exceptionally good job. This isn't a trip to hilltop villages in Italy, instead it's a relaxing (while fast paced) trip through southern England without the bother of driving and planning all the stops. "Walking on the cliffs on the Engish coast in Cornwall.". Despite a few glitches in our schedule due to the passing of the Queen, our tour guide was still able to get us to all of our sites. Paul would have enjoyed more hiking options to enjoy the beautiful country in Southern England. "There are two "wow" moments. Get times and locations for performing arts, theatre, music, dance, visual arts, museums, film and videos, poetry and literature, kid and family events, comedy, special and free events. Enjoy the Miles of broad white sand on scenic curvature beach, which is genuinely picturesque and unspoiled in this area. Bus: 4 hours. Enjoyed more new friends :), "So many special events and sights/sites every day. ", "Going up the scaffolding of Canterbury Cathedral with the stone masons". We were in England during the mourning/funeral of Queen Elizabeth and as the events unfolded we experienced a national/historic event, first hand. This tour started out with the "wow" experience of going up in the scaffolding with the restoration masons at Canterbury Cathedral. Loved it. Nevertheless, we came away without a preference for one type of tour over the other. WebTour guides will provide deep insight into all the facts, and even obscure legends, that make St. Augustine the vacation destination it is today. I doubt if any other tours would be able to arrange that.". The history, without going through enormous museums. "Eating an ice cream cone in a pull out with the Wild Ponies of Dartmoor.". The event itself was fun and it was a great experience to then walk over to the beach to eat them.". All units are smoke-free and dog-free. Local guides and fellow tour member great.". I always enjoy the Rick Steve's experience. My companions and I were well prepared for rain so donned our rain coats, pants, hats, and waterproof boots. One of the most iconic symbols of America, the Statue of Liberty rises up from New York Harbor, welcoming the immigrants who once entered the United States through nearby Ellis Island. "Loved attending Evensong at the Canterbury Cathedral-magical! We did so much that until I looked at my photos I couldn't even remember what all we did. unless reminded in confined s, "Canterbury Cathedral scaffolding tour, foundry ale beer tasting Dover Plymouth dockyards Salisbury Cathedral Stonehenge moors of changford lunch at Warre Breyer boys Shanty songs with fish and chips pasty making lizard lighthouse St Michaels mount Roman Bath house and tour". This trip combined with The Best of England tour, which my wife and I took immediately after gave us a wonderful first experience in England. The tour emphasis on curiosity, learning, and local culture was just what I hoped for. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. For people so young and enthusiastic being responsible for 800 year old glass was truly inspiring.". The small group of travelers were kind and considerate. There was a good balance between group activities and free time. I would also list many other things such as the Scenic punting ride, the tour on top of Canterbury Cathedral (how unique), walking on top of the cliffs on the South Downs Way at Beachy Head and the view of the white cliffs from Burling Gap. Another good tour and a great overview of southern England. The latest Lifestyle | Daily Life news, tips, opinion and advice from The Sydney Morning Herald covering life and relationships, beauty, fashion, health & wellbeing Especially the stonemasons going up the scaffolding of the Cathedral learning about the weathering of the stone and efforts to refurbish this mighty Cathedral. Our group of travelers was awesome - no whiners, no one ever late, everyone really pleasant. "Staying inside the walls in Canterbury & waking up to the Cathedral each morning.". We happened to be there on D-Day. This tour was outstanding. Our very small number (16? This morning we'll head north to our final destination: the elegant Georgian city of Bath (a wonderful place to extend your England vacation or easily pop back to London). Q:How much walking will we be doing on the OPEN: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options? The museum is worth the visit. Nightly from Nov. 20, 2022, to Jan. 31, 2023 | Times Vary St. Augustine City Tours offers a comfortable and up-close view of the Nights of Lights in their luxury 8-seater golf cart. Our 35ft Pedal-Powered Pontoon Party Boat. In general, Mark's narratives about the places we visited really brought the history vividly to life. Amazing!". "I had numerous wow moments. Now Booking St. Augustine boat tours for individuals and group events. Captain Todd Harris is a life-long resident of North Florida and a Licensed Captain with over 20 years of boating and yachting experience. Q:Where is the meeting point for the OPEN: Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour: All Options? Travelers favorites include #1 St. George Street, #2 Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and more. The tour was well planned and adjusted as needed to accommodate the queens funeral. It enriches the experience so much. "Views from the cliffs of all of the stunning south England coastlines we visited, from the 7 Sisters to Tintangel to the Lizard.". Rates right up there with hot air ballooning in Turkey.". The white cliffs at Beachy Head were a favorite too.". Dining cruises in New York City are also a must-do! The tour departs promptly and if late, you will NOT be able to catch up and will miss the tour. All photographs are owned by me. "It was tie between the time with the stone masons at Canterbury, the HMS Victory and Mary Rose in Portsmouth, the Tintagel castle ruins and pasty-making in Penwith.". "It was a wow and a surprise when we took the optional, extra tour up the spire at Salisbury Cathedral. I liked the mix of group togetherness time, with time on our own to explore, as well as the variety of indoor/outdoor activities. "Learning about the character of the British people. "So many to choose from. St. Augustine Eco Tours offers boating, kayaking, and sailing excursions and guided tours along the inland waters that surround St. Augustine. I preferred the slower paced towns of Alfriston and Chagford. Trolley tours, Fountain of Youth, boat tours and museums. I especially loved Cornwall and St Ives but who wouldn't with all the beauty surrounding it. There can be slight differences in distances, locations, or some details for which I (owner) am not responsible. Our guide, driver and tour were perfect for us. Thank you for helping me to make my dream true. My 5th tour with Rick Steves and there will be a sixth . This does not offend any class, religion, ethnicity, or nation. A day we will never forget! The upside was the experience of putting on a hard hat and riding the cage elevator up to the roof! My views can change from time to time. :), "Every day had a "wow" moment, but some of my favorites were: the vast prehistoric landscape of Dartmoor, the gorgeous variety of seascapes, the medieval cathedrals and monasteries, the chalky cliffs at Birling Gap, the rocky cliffs at Tintagel, and the amazing food in Cornwall. It was abundantly clear that the tour plan was well researched for the best overall experience. ), "The day we learned how to make pasties, followed by the tin mine tour was my favorite. "StoneHenge left me speechless, such an amazing and profound effect. Tour pace was well balanced with many tour activities each day and the bus travel offered resting time. It was the trip of a lifetime. Very serendipitous. I wouldnt change a thingwell maybe the mud in Cornwall ?? "A highlight for me was the stop at Portsmouth, although I would have liked a little more time there. Trolley tours, Fountain of Youth, boat tours and museums. Very much enjoyed Portsmouth, boarding the historic ships, the boat repairing/working building and great restaurant for lunch with - water view and good food. Stonehenge early in the morning, the white chalk cliffs at Birling Gap, the Mary Rose at Portsmouth, the Gregor tin mine in Pendeen. And wonderful tour members to share it with! I took more pictures on this tour than any other. "The Dover secret tunnels, the white chalk cliffs (7 Sisters), and the Geevor Tin Mine. Instead everything is interesting for what and why it is. One thing that concerned us was that we doubt that we got 1/2 our dinners. It was professional, educational, well paced, good amount of time for independent exploring, interesting, full of unexpected delights, lovely travel companions, fabulous bus driver, and amazing lead and specialist guides. We learned so much and laughed often. The selection of activities was exciting, varied and fun. Steven was a wonderful guide, always concerned that things were smooth, that we had what we needed and his commentary on the bus was a big part of the overall tour experience, "Had to be the White Cliffs of Dover and then the next day seeing and walking along the Seven Sisters.". Our hotels were located conveniently with some of them having interesting quirks. No grumps here! "Making pasties with Marion. "I don't have a favorite moment but I am a lover of nature more than anything else. The rugged beauty of the coast cannot be put into words. Do it! Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge Sir! HMS Victory was a good example of high interest and next to it a salvaged ship with its artifacts. It was very atmospheric. A combination of good fortune: Tour-guide Tom whose wealth of experience, insight and care made each day richer and deeper; Dependable Dan the bus driver whose outstanding bus handling kept us safe; and a great group of fellow travelers whose kindness and thoughtfulness made mealtimes, bus travel, and tour sites all the more enjoyable. Sleep. Hotels were fine (although some mattresses could be retired), the bus time wasn't taxing, and the free time was invaluable. St Augustine's Premier Yacht Charter Service. We enjoyed being with other people and learning more about England's history. The scenery on this tour is not to be missed. Castle Clinton is inside Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan. After escaping the iron curtain I spent 2 full years in a refuge camp (where I waited to get approval to travel to USA). Next would be Glastonbury Abby. Sleep in Salisbury. I was constantly impressed by the beautiful green country side of southern England, as well as the towns and villages we visited. Bus: 4 hours. "So many to choose from: Awesome!". "The varied landscape of the south of England from chalky cliffs, to green pastures, to the rugged moors, and finally to sand shores.". Some notable moments were going to the top of the scaffolding on the Canterbury Cathedral and walking on the roof (we all commented this would never be allowed at home), seeing the cliffs at Beachy Head, and almost anywhere on the coast of Cornwall. Became 'family.' Id recommend every person in this country ought to see this. Overall, it was an interesting and enjoyable tour. I felt like I was in the heart of rural England. 75 and sunny day after day -- in England! So many wonderful moments and experiences, it is hard to pick one.". "This trip doesn't have the grand hilltop view from an Italian village or a stunning event to attend like Edinburgh's tattoo. "Stonehenge. "Standing in the ruins of my favorite childhood legend (Tintagel), baking with THE Cornish Pasty expert, and the Cornish singers all brought happy tears. Children 3 and under free with paid adult ticket. Our guide was fantastic. NYC boat tours offer a unique way to see the city from a different perspective. "So many. The cathedral is one of the best I have seen". WebBrowse our listings to find jobs in Germany for expats, including jobs for English speakers or those in your native language. The little towns and villages are welcoming and charming, the countryside beautifully green, and we saw a lot of the coastline on this route. The coastline and villages and coves of Cornwall were dramatic and beautiful.". Our guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and entertaining. And a bit spooky. "So difficult to choose just one. Enough variety and a truly knowledgeable guide! Such a marvel to see the tremendous ingenuity of mind, matter and strength. Para informacin en espaol, presiona aqu. Liz and Lorraine enhanced the entire tour with their knowledge and tour guide expertise. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above. (Kind of what happens when you actually live in Florida.). by far the best experience. "I have to say that the ruins of the castles we visited was a highlight for me. Tintagel. Deborah, our tour guide, gave our group a very comprehensive description of the places and course of events that was very easy to follow. "Tintagel Castle, for sure! I loved the Buddy system, so much nicer than the guide counting. Overall, the tour was fantastic - I was expecting incredible views of white cliffs, and in Cornwall, but was surprised at Devon and its views over hills, etc. Enjoyed traveling with 19 "no grumps" eager to learn about the history and tradition of the Southern coast of England. All content and photos belong to travelwithme247blog(dot)com and use of content/photos without permission would result in legal action. Our guide was friendly, knowledgable, and well-organized. I loved the variety of places we went, the history we learned and the interesting and beautiful place we visited. We had a great time. The simple beauty was breathtaking. "Everything was wonderful! Learn about Florida's tropical and marine wildlife on one of the old city's wetland eco tours. The trip was very well designed and organized. Very active tour, short bus rides and lots of free time to explore on our own. Both our guide and our coach driver were excellent and made the trip memorable. Wish we had more time to enjoy!". "Seeing unique landscape (cliffs of Dover, moors in Dartmoor, Lands End in Cornwall seaside villages like St. Ives and Port Issac) and historically-important places (Canterbury,Stonehenge,and Bath).". I think this tour ranks as one of my favorites. We'll explore the Great Tower and Medieval Tunnels before entering the WWII-era Secret Wartime Tunnels (from which the British directed the perilous evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940). Impact of WWI on country, and then further impact of WWII. In the end the testing went smoothly since a testing center was near the last hotel. The second Wow moment was going to the top of a moor and finding a quiet spot to have a picnic lunch and taking in the view. I have been to several of the places that the tour took us to, but I was happy to go again with an experienced guide. Strenuous days were accurated rated. Good itinerary, good group, and most importantly great guide! Tour guides will provide deep insight into all the facts, and even obscure legends, that make St. Augustine the vacation destination it is today. St. Augustine Boat Tours Nights of Lights Tours Beat the crowds and see Nights of Lights with St. Augustine Boat Tours. The bus driver, Dan Lemon, was very well trained in how to drive a large, wide bus on those narrow, hedge-lined roads, especially when meeting oncoming traffic (large trucks mostly) and dealing with safely getting by each.". 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