Kent: The Garden of England 2024

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From$3,399 pp
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1-888-597-3519

905-639-9954

dhtour@dhtour.ca

7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability : April to October
Start: London, England
End: London, England

Kent: The Garden of England: 1 nt London, 1 nt Canterbury, 2 nts Maidstone, 2 nts Rye

Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca to book. 

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’, wander the exquisite gardens of Kent’s most famous castles and discover the tales that make Canterbury the jewel in the county’s crown.

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS / MAX 18 GUESTS

Tour Details

The Blue-Roads Difference
– Visit the iconic castles and gardens of Hever, Leeds, Dover and Sissinghurst
– Delve into the fascinating history of Canterbury Cathedral with a local guide
– Sample celebrated beers at Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewery

Pick Up Location & TIme

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (London)  (Google Map)
6:00pm – Meet tour guide and group for welcome dinner.

Drop off Location & Time

Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (London)  (Google Map)
Late afternoon tour ends.

Price Includes

  • 6 nights' in boutique accommodation
  • Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Daily full English breakfasts, 3 dinners
  • Entrance included to all attractions in the itinerary

Meals

  • 6 breakfasts
  • 0 lunches
  • 3 dinners
  • 0 teas

Price Excludes

  • Airfare
  • Transfers
  • Pre / Post hotel nights
  • Driver / Tour Leader gratuity is at your discretion
  • Travel Insurance
What to Expect

Blue Roads Tours are conducted at a leisurely pace; we take our time and avoid rushing from place to place.  Stops are made frequently during the day to avoid extended periods of time on the coach.  On a typical day they might leave at 9am and arrive at the hotel at 5pm.  We endeavor to build rest and relaxation time into our itineraries, an most inclusions are not mandatory – so if you’d rather explore on your own, you’re welcome to meet up with the group at the designated meeting point. 

The Blue Roads Tours are designed so that there is as little time as possible on the mini-coach and plenty to see while on board.  We travel along the scenic route wherever possible, meaning you’ll see more of the countryside and local village life than on a regular tour.  Inevitable, there are days when travelling between locations may involve motorway driving and more mileage.  Generally, driving time will not last for more than three or four hours per day.

Itinerary

Day 1London

A capital filled with rich history and culture, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. (D)

Accommodation: Tower Suites by Blue Orchid (or similar)

Day 2London – Chartwell House – Sissinghurst – Canterbury

After breakfast, 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. Next, we’ll set our sights on the world-renowned Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens. Created by the poet and writer, Vita Sackville-West, this is one of the most famous gardens in England – featuring a particularly special collection of old garden roses. After enjoying some free time to stroll the colourful grounds, we’ll move on to Canterbury – where we’ll spend the evening at our leisure. (B)

Accommodation: Abode Hotel (or similar)

Day 3Canterbury – Kent Countryside and Coast – Maidstone

Our day will begin with a locally guided 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 the picturesque Kent countryside – filled with quaint villages bursting with character and unspoilt coastal vistas. Tonight, we’ll come together for a delicious included meal – sharing photos and stories of the day’s adventures. ( B,D)

Accommodation: Leeds Castle (or similar)

Day 4Maidstone – 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 our idyllic accommodation for the evening. (B)

Accommodation: Leeds Castle (or similar)

Day 5Maidstone – Tenterden – Rye

Next stop: historic Tenterden, a quintessentially English town overlooking the valley of the River Rother. After taking a wander around with our expert Tour Leader, 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. Here, we’ll spend the rest of the day at our leisure – with plenty of free time to visit the Rye Heritage Centre and explore the time-honoured town centre. (B)

Accommodation: The Mermaid Inn (or similar)

Day 6Rye – 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. (B,D)

Accommodation: The Mermaid Inn (or similar)

Day 7Rye – Hever Castle – London

Our journey may be coming to a close, but we have one more stop before returning to London – the enchanting Hever Castle. We’ll have the opportunity to wander through Anne Boleyn’s childhood home and gaze upon the large collection of antique furniture, books and Tudor paintings housed here. Then, we’ll make tracks back to London – where we’ll say our goodbyes.(B)

Dates and Prices:
Departure Date Double/Twin (pp) Single Rate
2024: May 4 $3,399 $4,279
2024: May 18 $3,719 $4,659
2024: June 1, 22 $3,629 $4,589
2024: July 20 $3,629 $4,589
2024: August 17 $3,629 $4,589
2024: September 7 $3,629 $4,589
2024: September 21 $3,529 $4,439
2024: October 5 $3,399 $4,279

Dates shown in green are guaranteed departures. 

Pricing

Pricing is per person (pp) based on twin/ double occupancy.
Rates are in $ CAD.

 


Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or dhtour@dhtour.ca  to book.

Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline.

 

Notes
Back-Roads Touring have hand-picked an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary.

Mobility: All of our tours involve walking and require our guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

Luggage:  As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited.  You are allowed 1 x suitcase: 20 kg  and 158 cm total (Length plus Width must equal 158 cm) and 1 x Hand Bag / Small Back Pack

Map

Photos

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