Departing: August 15, 1997
Returning: August 24, 1997
During the 15th century, England's peace was rent by the conflict known as "The War of the Roses" between branches of the Plantagenet dynasty: the red rose of the house of Lancaster and the white rose of York. When the final blows of the wa r were struck at the Battle of Bosworth Field, the Plantagenet dynasty fell with Richard III. It was the last time fully-armored medieval knights squared in battle, and the last time an English king died in battle. THE LAST MEDIEVAL KING introduces the period by focusing on the fascinating history of Yorkist King Richard III.
Our trip begins with a fast train across the East Midlands to the grand cathedral city of York, cultural and political heart of England's north country since the days of the Romans. The breadth of English history is packed into the 14th-century walls of York, from the original Roman principia and the Jorvik Viking Centre, to majestic York Minster with its unforgettable East Window. We'll visit Richard's seat at Middleham Castle and Sheriff Hutton.
Then we turn south for visits to Pontefract and Wakefield, where the old Duke of York was killed in one of the bloodiest battles of the war. A stay in the lovely university city of Cambridge, with visits to Castle Rising, Walsingham Priory, and Croyla nd Abbey. Finally, we cross the midlands to Bosworth Field, visiting the battlefield where the Plantagenet dynasty died with Richard on August 22, 1485. We visit Leicester and the magnificent fortress of Warwick Castle.
We begin and end in London. This most exciting world capital provides a perfect counterpoint to the English heartland of our travels. With its broad sweep of shopping and monuments, tree-filled parks and galaxy of museums, London captures the imagina tion. We'll introduce the city in panoramic sightseeing. Or strike off on your own to become reacquainted with this enchanting town.
This is not a scholar's tour, but a thematic exploration in English history. An unforgettable experience for those with a special interest in medieval history, our itinerary is certainly a pilgrimage for fans of Richard III. Along the way there are m edieval churches, quaint market towns, and some of England's most memorable landscapes. Our travels feature unexpected diversions, and plenty of time for relaxation, afternoon tea or a pint in the corner pub.
THE LAST MEDIEVAL KING is paced for discovery. There are no early morning calls, and coach rides are moderate and interesting. Your traveling party will be couriered by one of our own enthusiastic specialists in British travel. In addition to managi ng travel details, your courier will introduce the culture and history of the England we will be exploring and will always be available with suggestions, direction and solutions.
Program costs on this first-class itinerary are as inclusive as it is practical to make them. Round-trip airfare on British Airways from international gateways, hotels of style and character, full English breakfasts, and table d'hote dinners are only the beginning. Lord Addison includes theatre, admission fees to everything featured in the itinerary, custom fees and travel insurance. One night in London, however, doe not include dinner, so you can make your own plans, or stroll among the bustling cr owds in Covent Garden.
This summer, join Lord Addison on a sparkling medieval adventure in England on THE LAST MEDIEVAL KING.
| Boston/New York/Newark/Philadelphia | $2590 |
| Baltimore/Washington DC/Pittsburgh | $2660 |
| Miami/Orlando/Detroit/Atlanta | $2690 |
| Charlotte/Chicago/Dallas/Houston | $2750 | Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle/Phoenix | $2790 |
| Land only (no airfare included) | $1990 |
| Prices available from many other departure cities on request. | |
| ADD-A-TRIP: The cost of this program (per person, double occupancy) taken as an extension of another Lord Addison itinerary departing the week preceding this tour would be $1790. | |
| Day 1 - Friday: | Overnight departure from your international gateway on British Airways regularly scheduled overnight flights to London. |
| Day 2 - Saturday: | Lord Addison will greet your arrival in London, meeting you as you come through Customs. A morning drive into central London will bring you to our hotel. There will be opportunity for rest and re covery from the flight. This afternoon your courier will offer an orientation to London and the neighborhood. Perhaps a bit of exploring on your own, or a visit to Harrods or Westminster Abbey. Tonight, an evening dinner party will bring the group toge ther. |
| Day 3 - Sunday: | Morning sightseeing in London introduces the world-famous sights of this majestic capital: Piccadilly Circus, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the old Roman city of Londinium. Of course, we note especially those sites famili ar to Richard III. The afternoon is yours to explore the city. The museum of London, the Tower of London, the British Museum, or a boat ride on the River Thames; the list of possibilities is endless. This evening is free as well for you to set your own pace, or sample one of London's great ethnic restaurants. |
| Day 4 - Monday: | We catch the train at King's Cross this morning for York. After an early afternoon arrival in the great medieval city of York, we take a walking tour to introduce magnificent York Minster, the medie val Guildhalls, and the warren of cobbled streets which lie within her walls. |
| Day 5 - Tuesday: | Today's excursion takes us into Wensleydale. We visit Middleham Castle, scene of Richard III's boyhood and later his stronghold as Lord of the North. Our rambles also include the town of Sheriff Hutto n, whose castle Richard acquired through marriage. The tomb of his only son lies in the church. We return to York with free time before our evening dinner party. |
| Day 6 - Wednesday: | Today we turn south to Cambridge. Along the way, we visit the site of the Battle of Wakefield and the ruins of Pontefract Castle, important locales in the War of the Roses. After arrival at our hotel, we take a walking tour of the ancient university: Trinity Great Court, King's College Chapel, and 800 years of architecture and tradition. |
| Day 7 - Thursday: | Today's excursion leads us across the fens of East Anglia. We visit Walsingham Priory, Castle Rising and the old abbey at Croyland, all sites of King Richard's history. We return to Cambridge wit h time to explore the warren of Cambridge's ancient colleges, book stalls, museums and shops. The truly intrepid may try a hand at punting on the River Cam. We gather again for dinner at our hotel. |
| Day 8 - Friday: | We turn west today to Fotheringay, where Richard was born, to visit the Yorkist memorial in Fotheringay Church. Then, a visit to the fateful field of Bosworth, on the ann iversary of the battle where the War of the Roses came to an abrupt end in 1485 with the victory of Henry Tudor and the death of Richard III. Finally, a late afternoon walking tour of Leicester with its many Ricardian associations. We carry on to our Le icestershire hotel with time to explore before dinner. |
| Day 9 - Saturday: | Today brings a return to London. This morning, a visit to Warwick Castle. This historic seat of the Nevilles remains the best preserved medieval castle in England. From the afternoon return to o ur London hotel, time is your own in London. We gather again this evening for reminiscences and a farewell dinner party. |
| Day 10 - Sunday: | Perhaps time for a stroll through Green Park or a bit of last minute shopping before transfer to the airport for returning flights home. |
Lord Addison Travel, Ltd.
P.O. Box 3307, Peterborough, NH 03458
Tel: (800)326-0170, (603)924-8407
Fax: (603)924-9211