Full Itinerary for April 20th-May 1st 2012 Tour
CORONATION TRAVEL’S
FROM THE TOWER of LONDON TO CORONATION STREET
6th Exclusive Escorted Tour to the UK with Special Visit to the
Inside & Outside Sets of CORONATION STREET
Plus
LONDON – HAMPTON COURT PALACE – SALISBURY -
CARDIFF – CHESTER - LIVERPOOL - MANCHESTER
FEATURING YOUR HOST
from “My Mother’s Bloomers”
12 Days - April 20th - May 1st, 2012
from : $3095 Land Only - join in London on Apr 21st
$3795* Including Air - from Halifax or Toronto
* plus applicable air taxes of $594
All prices based on a minimum number of 25 passengers and double/twin occupancy SPACE IS LIMITED ON THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR. To reserve your spot please contact Coronation Travel at info@coronationtravel.com or by calling 902 252 6243
ITINERARY
From THE TOWER OF LONDON to CORONATION STREET
Apr 20th – May 1st, 2012 (12 days)
London – Hampton Court Palace and Gardens – Salisbury
Cardiff – Chester – Liverpool – Manchester
Day 01
Apr 20, Fri: CANADA – LONDON
Departure for Europe on Air Canada for all air inclusive passengers
Day 02
Apr 21, Sat: ARRIVAL LONDON
We are met by our tour manager at the airport and then transferred to our hotel to check in. We suggest spending the afternoon getting acquainted with this bustling city which will be your home for the next 3 nights. As you no doubt will want to crawl into bed early tonight, no group dinner is planned. (B)
Day 03
Apr 22, Sun: LONDON
After a sumptuous full breakfast you have the day entirely free to explore on your own. Today the London Marathon will be taking place, so you may want to catch some of this. Perhaps you will opt for a day in fashionable Soho or a trip to Harrods. A bird’s eye view from The London Eye , a trip to famous Madame Tussauds, a leisurely day in Covent Garden, or a narrated lunch cruise on the River Thames are all excellent ways to enjoy your day. A day trip to Windsor Castle, Cambridge, Oxford, or Stratford-Upon-Avon may be your pleasure. Or possibly to Greenwich – home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line.Visit the National Maritime Museum here and The Royal Observatory, and Christopher Wren’s Old Royal Naval College. Please see the list of optional day tours attached that we would be happy to arrange for you so that you don’t have to waste valuable time and energy planning these after your arrival. You might also like to take in a London show this evening. In order to make sure we do not infringe upon YOUR day in London, dinner this evening will be on your own.For theatre buffs,we can arrange theatre tickets for you for some of the popular shows such as Chicago, Les Miserables, The Lion King, Mousetrap, Mamma Mia and The Phantom of the Opera, as well as many others for one of your nights in London. Please let us know no later than March 1st if you would like our assistance. (B)
Day 4
Apr 23,Mon :
After a hearty full English breakfast, we get an early start for a full day of London sightseeing with our guide, including all the main sites like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben along the River Thames, Buckingham Palace (and if we’re lucky see the Changing of the Guard). Our tour this morning includes entrance to the Tower of London, with its magnificent Crown Jewels, Westminster Abbey , the 1000 year old gothic coronation church, a treasure house of paintings and stained glass, and housing the monuments and tombs of Britain’s legendary kings and queens alongside many famous men and women whose stories are etched into the history of Britain, and St.Paul’s Cathedral, London’s leading church ,designed by the architect Sir Christopher Wren and whose construction was overseen by 5 monarchs determined that the cathedral be as beautiful and imposing as their private palaces. Many important events and celebrations have taken place at St. Paul’s including the funeral of Winston Churchill, the Jubilee Celebrations for Queen Victoria, peace services marking the end of the first and second world wars , and of course the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales to Lady Diana Spencer.
This evening join your host Neville MacKay at dinner as he creates some magnificent floral arrangements. An impromptu demonstration by our award winning floral designer host was such a hit last year, we have decided to include it in this year’s tour.
You won’t want to miss dinner tonight ! (B,D)
Day 05
Apr 24,Tue: LONDON – HAMPTON COURT PALACE and GARDENS – SALISBURY- CARDIFF
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions after breakfast this morning and depart for a memorable day of sightseeing en route to Cardiff, Wales. First, a visit to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace to tour the palace and spend time in the breathtaking ORNAMENTAL GARDENS . Stick close to Neville, as he is an expert florist and floral judge, and will be sure to delight you with his knowledge and commentary. Once we leave Hampton Court, we travel westward to Salisbury where we visit Salisbury Cathedral , one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Britain.
For over 750 years pilgrims have come to Salisbury to seek inspiration in the glory and peace of the building and surrounding Cathedral Close. Whether you come to worship, to marvel at or climb up to Britain’s tallest spire, to be awed by the beauty and scale of the cathedral interior or to study the original Magna Carta in our Chapter House, you are welcome.
We leave Salisbury mid afternoon and travel the rest of the way to Cardiff and our stop for the next two nights. Tonight we enjoy Welsh hospitality with a welcome dinner at our hotel. (B,D)
“Fàilte gu A’ Chuimrigh” - Welcome to Wales !
Day 06
Apr 25, Wed: CARDIFF
This morning enjoy a leisurely Welsh breakfast and then some free time to poke around on your own, maybe do a bit of shopping in the Welsh capital before we depart after lunch for our guided tour of the city. This afternoon we will see the sights in Cardiff including The National Museum and Gallery, the Millennium Stadium ( Welsh home of rugby union and football) and the new waterfront area at Cardiff Bay, before ending at Cardiff Castle and our tour of the castle apartments . Today we have a special treat in store as we take part in a traditional 4 course Welsh Banquet right in the historic surroundings of Cardiff Castle immediately after our tour of the apartments. This nforgettable evening of Welsh hospitality takes place in the Undercroft, one of the oldest parts of the castle, dating from the 15th century. We will enjoy the warmest of welcomes, delightful entertainment, wine ,and the very best of Welsh specialties including Glamorgan Sausages ,traditional lamb cawl, breast of chicken filled with leeks and organic Caerphilly cheese, minted potatoes , Welsh honey cream mousse topped with raspberries and chocolate , and served with a Danzy Jones crème anglaise. A vegetarian menu is also available for the banquet so not to worry if the above items don’t tempt your palate ( B,D)
Day 07
Apr 26th, Thu: CARDIFF – CHESTER
After our breakfast we bid farewell to Cardiff and will travel north for a short 1.5 hours and back into England to Chester, a delightful Roman heritage city on the River Dee. Here you will find a wealth of things to see and do all within walking distance in the walled city. This afternoon make sure you take in the famous 700 year old Rows – a two tiered shopping gallery dating back to the middle ages, and the oldest shopping façade in England. See The Eastgate Clock , built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 . It is the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben. Grosvenor Park has a delightful miniature railway. A short trip outside of Chester will take you to the Ness Botanical Gardens , one of the major botanic gardens in the UK. For equestrian enthusiasts , perhaps a visit to the Chester Racecourse, one of the oldest race courses in Britain and possibly the world, and host to major races, polo events and show jumping. Download your copy of the Chester Tourist Guide at the following link. http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1nxds/MiniGuide2010/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http://www.yudu.com/item/details/171271/Mini-Guide-2010
Dinner tonight will be shared with your fellow travelers at your centrally located hotel, as you reflect on the events of your full afternoon in this lovely city.(B,D)
Day 08
Apr27th,Fri: CHESTER – LIVERPOOL – CHESTER
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Chester. Early this afternoon we will travel a short distance to Liverpool, famous for its port, the Albert Dock area and of course for producing one of the greatest music groups ever, The Beatles. We will enjoy a full afternoon in this famous city, starting with a sightseeing tour of many of the sites linked to the famous four. We visit the present day Cavern Club , get to see some of the childhood homes of the Beatles, Strawberry Field , Penny Lane, the statue of Eleanor Rigby dedicated to all the lonely people, the brand new 18 ft. European Peace Monument in Chavasse Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon which was unveiled October 9th, 2010 on what would have been his 70th birthday, have lots of time to wonder through the Albert Dock area . Those interested will have time to visit The Beatles Story. This award winning experience is an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles. Not only does your admission cover the Albert Dock Beatles Story venue, but also includes admission to the new Pier Head Beatles Story located at the Mersey Ferry Terminal ( there is a shuttle service available or you can opt to walk the 10 minutes ) The Pier Head location now permanently houses The Beatles Hidden Gallery. A series of 38 black and white photos which photographer Paul Berriff took of the Beatles during 1963 and 64 just months before Beatlemania struck, were forgotten in his attic for nearly 50 years. The images show the four in unguarded moments while rehearsing and relaxing, and in late August 2010 were placed on permanent display in the Pier Head Beatles Story location.
For those not interested in the Beatles Story, a visit to the International Slavery Museum or the Merseyside Maritime Museum might be of interest.
After a full afternoon, we leave Liverpool behind and head back to Chester for dinner in our hotel. (B,D)
Day 09
Apr. 28th,Sat: CHESTER – MANCHESTER
After breakfast this morning there will be time to enjoy the famous indoor Chester Market with its lively market stalls and local products. After lunch we will leave Chester and head the short distance to Manchester. After checking in at our hotel, you will have the afternoon and evening free to familiarize yourselves with Manchester. Perhaps do a bit of shopping in the 230 stores in the Trafford Centre shopping mall, stop in to a local pub for a hot pot and a pint or a local “chippy” for famous chips and mushy peas.
Soccer enthusiasts might enjoy the Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour. Perhaps a visit to the Manchester Cathedral, or get hands on with the new Xperiment at The Museum of Science and Industry with free admission.
Other points of interest boasting free admission are John Ryland’s Library in Deansgate, and the oldest railway station in the world at Castelfield. The impressive library is one of the best Victorian Gothic buildings in the UK and just happens to house one of the greatest collections of manuscripts and printed works in the world, including the oldest fragment of the New Testament, Guttenberg Bibles, most of Caxton’s works, and a first edition of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, and Audubon’s Birds. Visit the downstairs exhibition rooms and a must is a visit upstairs to the main reading room and smaller exhibition. Make sure you ask about The Wicked Bible!
You might want to start getting into Coronation Street mode by visiting “The Old Grapes”, the pub owned by Liz Dawn, “our Vera Duckworth”. Dinner will be on your own this evening so that you don’t feel obligated to rush back to the hotel to join the group. (B)
Day 10
Apr 29th,Sun:
Today we will be joined after breakfast by our specialist guide Mark ,the former manager of Roy Barraclough, “our Alec Gilroy”, as he gives us a personally guided tour of many of the sites in and around Manchester used in the filming of Coronation Street episodes. We get to see the Red Rec, Weatherfield Town Hall, the canal where Richard Hillman met his demise, the church where many Corrie weddings have taken place and lots more. This tour has been a favourite with our past groups, so don’t forget your camera! You will have a bit of free time later in the afternoon after the tour concludes , before the group meets for dinner at the hotel. Tomorrow is the grand finale of our tour ! ( B,D)
Day 11
Apr 30th,Mon: MANCHESTER
Today we immerse ourselves into CORONATION STREET as we visit Granada Studios, where the longest running TV series of the world is being produced. Coronation Street began broadcasting on December 9, 1960. We visit both the inside and outside sets of “the street”, and will hopefully be able to see actual filming (depending on the day’s schedule) As Granada /ITV does not know what will be taking place until approximately two weeks in advance, we can never guarantee, but our past three tours were thrilled to have been present on the set during filming and had the opportunity to meet several of the current actors, pose for some photos and a brief chat. An absolutely wonderful exclusive tour and the dream of die hard Corrie fans!
You will have some free time today either before or after our visit to Granada/ITV studios ,to relax and take in the rest of Manchester, pick up some last minute souvenirs, and spend some last hours with your new friends. This evening we will have our farewell dinner at the hotel, take lots of photos, pack our bags and ready ourselves for our early morning trip to Manchester airport and our flight home.(B,D)
Day 12
May 1st,Tue: MANCHESTER – CANADA
After an early morning breakfast at our hotel, we bid farewell to England and this memorable trip and are transferred to Manchester airport for our flight home (B)
* Please note some alterations in dates or times and itinerary changes may have to be made due to traffic or road conditions, flight delays, weather and /or circumstances beyond our control. While Granada/ITV Studios has tentatively scheduled our Coronation Street visit for April 30th, 2012, slight modifications may have to be made in the itinerary at the request of Granada/ITV studios should they have circumstances occur which will not permit our visit on that date. In the six year history of this tour, that has never occurred, and we will endeavour to adhere to the itinerary as presented. Coronation Travel and its travel partners and Granada Studios/ITV will not be liable for any necessary changes resulting from any of the above circumstances.
INCLUDED:
- Economy class airfare Canada to London, and return Manchester to Canada *
- Airport to Hotel Transfers *
- Accommodation in good Tourist Class hotels with private bath
- Private coach throughout
- English speaking Tour Guide throughout
- Breakfast every day and dinners according to itinerary
- City Tours & entrances to sights visited ( underlined )
- Special tour of sites in and around Manchester used in filming of Corrie episodes
- Exclusive Coronation Street visit at Granada Studios/ITV
- Porterage of 1 Bag in the hotels
- Fully escorted from Halifax ,NS *
* Land Only passengers excluded
NOT INCLUDED:
- Departure taxes ( currently $594 CAD but subject to airline changes–must be paid with final tour payment )
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned
- Admission to sights not underlined
- Items of personal nature such as souvenirs, telephone calls, optional tours and excursions
- Pre or post tour air deviation fees
- Airport to hotel transfers for land only passengers
- Insurance
- Tips to guide & driver
Optional Tours for Sunday April 22nd , 2012 in London
Please advise when booking which tour you are interested in. See booking information below
TOUR# 21 Windsor Castle,Stonehenge & Bath – (Full Day)
A fascinating day out to three of our national treasures, Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Georgian Bath.
Included Highlights
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Windsor Castle
Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. We visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George’s Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Stonehenge
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
Bath
We also visit the beautiful Georgian City of Bath and take you on a panoramic tour of some of the finest architectural sights in Europe, including Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, Assembly Rooms and the famous Pulteney Bridge. Explore the Roman Baths, built around thermal springs, which have been supplying water for over 2,000 years. In Roman times a great Temple was built next to the sacred spring – the waters were believed to have healing properties and attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire.
Admission to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths is included in the tour price.
*Viewing at Windsor Castle is restricted on Sundays. On rare occasions the State Apartments may be closed …..
Prices and Departures
WINDSOR CASTLE, STONEHENGE & BATH
FULL DAY TOUR NO: 21
Days of operation: Daily
Returns to London at approx 8.00 pm
ADULTS: £74.00 CHILDREN (3-16): £64.00
SENIORS (60+)/STUDENTS (WITH ID): £69.00
TOUR # 26 Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford
A full day escorted Tour to Windsor Castle, the ancient monoliths at Stonehenge, and a walking tour through the University Town of Oxford.
Included Highlights
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Windsor Castle
Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. We visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George’s Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.
Stonehenge
Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.
Oxford
This is the city of Dreaming Spires and home to the world’s most famous university. Its colleges date back to the 13th century, an inspiration to generations of scholars including President Bill Clinton, and the authors J R R Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and C S Lewis. Your Evan Evans guide will take you on a walking tour to see Christ Church college, the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre.
Admission to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge is included in the tour price.
* Viewing at Windsor Castle is restricted on Sundays. On rare occasions the State Apartments may be closed …
Prices and Departures
WINDSOR CASTLE, STONEHENGE & OXFORD
FULL DAY TOUR NO: 26
Days of operation: Daily
Returns to London at approx 7.00 pm
ADULTS: £74.00 CHILDREN (3-16): £64.00
SENIORS (60+)/STUDENTS (WITH ID): £69.00
TOUR # 9 Stonehenge Express
Afternoon Express Coach Service from London to Stonehenge, including admission into Stonehenge.
Included Highlights
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The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the great wonders of the world and has been awarded World Heritage Status. Why it was built is a mystery, it has been a pagan place of worship, an astronomical clock and a Bronze age burial ground. Its origins date back almost 5,000 years. Decide for yourself while you discover this unique monument.
Board our luxury coach for a direct Express service to Stonehenge. On arrival our driver will take you onto the site, where you can enjoy the stones at your leisure with a fascinating audio-guide tour, in the language of your choice.Languages on the Audio Guide: English, Italian, Swedish, Russian, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French, Dutch. Admission to Stonehenge is included in the price.Please note that this is not an escorted tour – you are issued with an Audio Guide at Stonehenge.
Prices and Departures
STONEHENGE EXPRESS AFTERNOON TOUR NO: 9 Days of operation: Daily
Tour Starts: 12:15 pm, The Original Tour Visitors Centre, Trafalgar Square
Tour Finishes: 7:00 pm, ADULTS: £25.00 CHILDREN (3-16): £22.00
SENIORS (60+)/STUDENTS (WITH ID): £24.00
Tour #23 Warwick Castle, Stratford, Oxford And The Cotswolds – (Full Day)
A full day tour through the enchanting Cotswolds, visiting medieval Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s Stratford upon Avon and a walk through the cobbled streets of Oxford.
Included Highlights
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Medieval Warwick Castle
We take you back through Warwick Castle’s 1,000 year history to a time of bloody battles, extravagant banquets and royal ceremony. Visit the Madame Tussaud’s waxworks display where you can hear the Earl of Warwick as he prepares for battle. See the gruesome dungeons where prisoners were tortured. Alternatively, you might like to stroll through the Castle’s lovingly tended gardens.
Stratford upon Avon
Birthplace of William Shakespeare: if you have ever used the expression: ‘Too much of a good thing’, ‘Come what may’ or ‘Laughing stock,’ you are quoting the great playwright. We will visit his Birthplace, and will gain a fascinating insight into his life.
The Cotswolds
We drive through one of the most scenic areas of England, the Cotswolds. Passing through charming villages with thatched cottages, tea shops and ancient inns.
Oxford
The colleges in Oxford date back to the 13th century and among its famous students were Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. We take you on a fascinating walking tour, which includes visiting the Great Hall in Christ Church, where many scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. We’ll also see the Bodleian Library and the picture perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is famous.
Admission to Warwick Castle, Christ Church college and Shakespeare’s Birthplace is included in the tour price.
Prices and Departures
WARWICK CASTLE, STRATFORD, OXFORD AND THE COTSWOLDS
FULL DAY TOUR NO: 23
Days of operation: Daily
Returns to London at approx 7.00 pm
ADULTS: £74.00 CHILDREN (3-16): £64.00
SENIORS (60+)/STUDENTS (WITH ID): £69.00
Please complete the following information if you wish to book one of these optional tours for Sunday April 22nd in London and return the lower portion of this sheet with your booking form. Please note, if choosing the Windsor Castle tour, parts of Windsor Castle are not open for viewing on Sundays.
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Optional Tours Booking Request
I would like to book tour number ____ to ________________________________ for Sunday April 22nd 2012. I understand these tours are not operated by Coronation Travel but by Evan Evans tours in the UK. I understand the cost of the above tour is ______ GBP ( British Pounds).
I hereby authorize Coronation Travel to provide my below credit card number to Evan Evans Tours to book this optional tour.
Credit Card : VI __ MC__ AX__ Number____________________Exp(mm)___/(yy) ___ CVV____
Name on Card ___________________________ Signature __________________________
