February 2011


Stonehenge Inner Circle Tours

A unique experience

The Stonehenge Tour Company
www.StonehengeTours.com

STONEHENGE & AVEBURY Neolithic monuments and megaliths forged in a mysterious landscape…

Silbury and Kennett
The tour starts with an initial fast-track out of London. The drive westwards takes us back in time and deep into the county of Wiltshire. First we have the option of exploring the largest prehistoric burial mound in the country, the West Kennet Long Barrow, where once skeletons of the ancient were laid in its multitude of underground chambers. Nearby is Silbury Hill, the world’s largest man-made pre-historic mound. Strangely conical in shape, it was made unsafe by multiple excavations and thus has kept its secrets as to its use or meaning.

Avebury Stone Circle

Avebury Stone Circle

Avebury
Next, we make our way to the spooky village of Avebury, locked-in by the largest stone circle in Britain. Discover the Devil’s Chair, where it is said the dark one himself may be summoned, or the murderous Barber Stone, which exacted a terrible revenge on a villager who tried knock it down. Lunch is an option at a haunted pub within the circle.

Woodhenge and Durrington
In the afternoon we make the journey south, discussing along the way the huge ancient chalk carvings that decorate the slopes of local hills. Soon, we reach Woodhenge and the ancient settlement of Durrington Walls. Latest finds from recent digs around this area will help us theorise.

Stonehenge
Then our day reaches its climax, as we enter the mysterious World Heritage site of Stonehenge itself, an ancient stone structure older than the pyramids of Egypt, and a rare surviving monument of the pre-historic world. Some have a deep fascination with this place, and wonder about its meaning. Those not so swayed by the stones’ magical charms are left pondering the biggest mystery of all – how on Earth did they get there? Finally, on the drive home, reflect on the biggest mystery surrounding these places… just why did Captain Caveman become Fred Flintstone?
● Daily. Entrance fee payable.

 Full-day private driving tour from London with official guide.
● Duration: 9 hours. Outward driving time from London: 1.5hrs approx.
● For couples, families or small private groups (up to 7 persons).
● Attractions subject to seasonal openings. Any entrance prices are extra

From £360
The Stonehenge Tour Company – www.Stonehengetours.com
privatetours@allstarleisure.net

What sets Golden Tours’ Stonehenge tours apart from our competitors is the quality and the range we have available for the visitor, including Stonehenge-Bath-Windsor, Stonehenge-Bath-Salisbury, and Stonehenge-Oxford tours. Alternatively, if you wish to just marvel at the grandeur of Stonehenge and are limited on time, then our Simply Stonehenge tour is the ideal option for you.
Stonehenge has given rise to an immense amount of debate from its very beginnings. Theories proliferate as to why it was built; from the belief that it was used as a religious temple to claims it may even be a Bronze Age burial ground.

A Golden Tours’ Stonehenge tour is remarkable. Take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to enter into the stone circle, and even touch the stone that has been the product of such contention. Take a Stonehenge-Bath-Windsor day tour from London for a genuinely exceptional experience. Bath is a city of ‘firsts’, incredibly rich in history. Bath Abbey held the first coronation of a British king in 973 AD and Bath was the first city in England to be granted status as a World Heritage Site.
Uncover why more than a million visitors a year come to marvel at the best preserved Roman baths from the ancient world. http://www.goldentours.com/ If you hold any interest whatsoever in grandiose architecture or royal history, you are bound to be impressed by Windsor Castle. Be astounded by the sheer majesty of the State Apartments, and visit St George’s Chapel. Formidable St George’s Chapel holds a very distinctive atmosphere, as it is the resting place for many past famed monarchs. Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was made with awe-inspiring attention to detail and delicacy and is well worth examining.

Our Stonehenge-Bath-Salisbury guided coach tour allows you to sample the glory of Salisbury. The remarkable spire of imperious Salisbury Cathedral stands at an immense 123m (404ft). Indeed, it is the tallest spire in the whole of the UK. Also a historically significant cathedral, the Chapter House is home to one of the best preserved copies of the incredibly momentous document, the Magna Carta, which you will be lucky enough to view first-hand on this Golden Tours’ Stonehenge tour.

For the ultimate historical and academic experience, take a Golden Tours’ Stonehenge-Oxford tour. Following a visit to awe-inspiring Stonehenge, traverse the university town of Oxford, a picturesque, quaint city that holds an outstanding reputation. Celebrated for over 900 years as a pinnacle of academic distinction, trail in the footsteps of its notable students; from Oscar Wilde to T.S. Eliot to Stephen Hawking. Take in the world renowned Bodleian Library and the captivating courtyards of different colleges. Golden Tours’ Stonehenge tours allow you to uncover the atmospheric edifice of Stonehenge, and become immersed in its fascinating history. Exclusive to Golden Tours, enter into the stone circle and touch the stone, knowing you are traveling back centuries. For the ultimate experience, however, try a Stonehenge-Bath-Windsor, Stonehenge-Bath-Salisbury, or Stonehenge-Oxford tour. All of these cities have their own distinctive, singular charms, and are sure to leave you enraptured.
Take a Golden Tours guided coach tour from London for a truly memorable experience.

About Golden Tours
Stonehenge tours from London are widespread. It is not surprising that a multitude of people wish to explore the history of this enigmatic structure. Scholars still appear to be no closer to uncovering the purpose of Stonehenge

Book direct or visit our sponsors:
www.StonehengeTours.com

Stonehenge Tour Guide

Visit Stonehenge and enjoy a unique tour of the Roman Baths with our own Roman Soldier!hlights:

Unique visit to the Roman Baths
Visit ancient Stonehenge
Driving tour of Bath plus free time to explore

STONEHENGEroman bath tour
The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, and now a world heritage site, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to be mention public debate ever since. What was this vast collection of stones intended for? Was it observatory of the moon, a temple to the sun, or an elaborate cemetery? Who were the people who carried and carved these 40 ton rocks? Come and unlock the secrets for yourself and marvel at this remarkable and mysterious feat of ancient engineering and design.

Next we head for lunch* in a charming village pub in Britain before journeying to Bath.

BATH
Bath, another world heritage site, is a beautiful Georgian city with delightful crescents, terraces and architecture. Following our guided tour of the city, there will be plenty of time to shop and explore. Then we wenter the magnificient Roman Baths still in perfect working condition after 2,000 years, We enjoy a unique tour of this great site with our own Roman legionary who invites us in to hear his dramatic speech by the Great Bath. Soak up the atmosphere while you hear what it was like to live and work in Roman Britain and how it felt to relax in the soothing and sacred waters after a hard day working as a soldier.

A truly magical end to a wonderful day.

Days of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

Return: London, 8.30pm

Price: £61 adults | £54 child (up to 16 years)

Book here: http://www.stonehengetours.com/html/stonehenge_bath_late_departure.htm

Stonehenge Private Guided Tours

Customised tours of Ancient England, Scotland and Ireland with luxury transport service and your own driver / guide.

Private tours can depart from London, Salisbury or Bath

We specialise in arranging customised tours to suit your requirements. Our door to door service will take you wherever you want to go…….at the time and pace to suit you. Our personalised service gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility without the worry of driving so you can all relax and enjoy the day. Our tour planning department are always pleased to help you plan your itinerary to give you the best possible experience. Our knowledgeable, friendly qualified driver/guides will ensure that your visit is truly memorable. No one does it better! Special interests, foreign languages and themed tours (Stonehenge special access / Crop Circles / Myths and Legends) easily catered for. Half day, full day tours and extended tours. Competitive rates for cars, luxury MPV’s, mini- coaches and coaches (with driver/guide or driver and guide) to suit your requirements.

Go beyond the fences! STONEHENGE PRIVATE ACCESS TOURS – Go beyond the fences!
In addition our regular ‘scheduled group tour’ departures we are often able to get permission from the English Heritage for additional ‘inner circle’ tours for small groups (1-16 persons). These can be sunset or sunrise times depending on availability. These bespoke tours can also include Salisbury, Avebury, Bath, or Warwick Castle etc and can depart from London, Salisbury or Bath. This can often be cheaper than joining a scheduled tour, offers more flexibility, more personal and a better allround experience. Email us your desired dates and group size for a prompt reply

Private tours departing from London:

1 – 4 passangers from £295 per day
5 – 16 passangers from £495 per day

Private tours departing from Salisbury:

1 – 4 passangers from £175 per day
5 – 16 passangers from £295 per day

Private tours departing from Bath:

1 – 4 passangers from £225 per day
5 – 16 passangers from £325 per day

Email us your private tour requirements including departure dates, number of passangers and your desired itinerary and we will repond within 24 hours
http://www.stonehengetours.com/html/privatetours.htm
stonehengetours@allstarleisure.net

A wonderful journey through 5000 years of time, exploring the mysteries and rich heritage of ancient Britain. hlights:
Stonehenge Stone Circle
Salisbury Cathedral and ancient market town
Old Sarum Castle
Avebury Village and Stone Circle
Chalk Hill-Figures
Crop Circles (seasonal)
Silbury Hill

Visit the beautiful medieval city of Salisbury and explore the magnificent Cathedral crowned with the tallest spire in Britain and built by medieval craftsmen back in the 13th Century. Salisbury probably has the finest medieval cathedral in Britain. See one of the only four surviving original texts of the Magna Carta in the Chapter House. The Magna Carta is one of the greatest constitutional documents of all times, showing the agreement reach between King John and his barons in 1215 AD. Wander around the picturesque streets of this ancient market town viewing the magnificent black and white Tudor houses or visit the traditional local market that has been a feature in the city for over 800 years.

Afterwards, we visit Sarisburia – Old Sarum Castle, one of Britain’s earliest settlements and the site of the original city and Cathedral of Old Salisbury. First occupied over 5000 years ago, it has been occupied and defended in turn by the Romans, the Saxons and the Normans. After continued conflict between the castle garrison and the clergy, lack of water supply and general overcrowding, the city as we know today ‘Salisbury’ was formed as an alternative city to Old Sarum. Explore the ruins of this once thriving city in their ancient and beautiful setting, and enjoy spectacular views over the sweeping landscape of Salisbury Plain.

After lunch and free time, we travel up the Avon Valley taking the back roads to Stonehenge, through the Woodfords, passing thatched cottages with well kept gardens.

 

Henge’s are lonely and inspiring pagan temples, which never occur outside the British Isles. Hear about the many myths, legends and mysteries of this famous World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, built over 5000 years ago. Stonehenge is unique with its horizontal ring supported by megaliths. The sight you will see today is only the last stage in the amazing story. The famous Heel Stone was erected back in 3100 BC. Nearly six centuries later man was still adding to Stonehenge with the Y and Z holes being dug around the stones and even later still the Avenue was extended. Take time to reflect upon its powerful, mysterious presence and the ancient engineering and design. Why not visit the official gift shop for those souvenirs to make your friends envious of your experience.

As we meander through the countryside to Avebury, we pass famous white horses carved into the chalk hillsides and picturesque, tucked away villages. We explore the mysterious phenomena of crop circles and take a closer look at any which may be in the area (seasonal generally from May to August). Their appearance is always unexpected, unpredictable and largely unexplained. We will pass ancient burial mounds and the mysterious Silbury Hill. This is Europe’s largest prehistoric man-made monument yet still a mystery to modern day man. The sheer volume of Silbury Hill rivals the Great Pyramids of Egypt. It is estimated that it would have taken a team on 500 men approximately 15 years continual no-stop building to have completed it. Unlike the Pyramids there is no explanation as to why the hill was built or for what purpose.

While at Avebury we visit the largest stone circle in Britain and the product of over 500 years of effort by Neolithic man. Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient site and try your hand at the ancient art of dowsing. Prepare to be amazed! There’s also time to explore the charming village with its thatched cottages, antiques and village church. Maybe enjoy a traditional cream tea or if you are feeling brave enough why not try some local ale in Avebury’s haunted pub before we return back to the present – London.

“A truly legendary day out in the ancient Kingdom of Wessex”

The Stonehenge Tour Company
http://www.stonehengetours.com/html/salisbury_stonehenge_tour.htm

“Capture the Spirit of our Celtic Culture”

Highlights:
Stonehenge Stone Circle
King Arthur’s Avalon
Glastonbury Tor and Abbey
Avebury Village and Stone Circle
Chalice Well Gardens and Silbury Hill

Visit the awe – inspiring prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, the most outstanding monument in the British Isles and a World Heritage Site. Hear about the many myths, legends and mysteries of this ancient monument, over 5000 years old, and take time to reflect upon its powerful presence. See the Celtic burial mounds where this ancient civilisation buried their leaders.

Afterwards, we venture into King Arthur’s Avalon and explore the mystery, chivalry and romance of King Arthur. Enjoy a leisurely walk up Glastonbury Tor and enjoy breathtaking views from this fabled Isle of Avalon, rich in myth and legend. Imagine how, in distant times where history fades into legend, the Tor was an isolated island surrounded by sea……….

Visit the tranquil Chalice Well Gardens – a timeless and sacred place full of legend, symbolism and atmosphere……. a place whose history has no beginning. Drink from the magical red and white springs.

Explore Glastonbury Abbey, the final resting place of King Arthur and his queen, Guinevere and once a major centre of culture and learning. An earlier legend tells of how Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to Glastonbury and built a simple church on the site of this great abbey – possibly the first Christian church in England, “the holiest earthe in England”.

There’s also time to savour the special atmosphere of Glastonbury village with its medieval buildings and unusual shops.

Visit the medieval village of Avebury ringed by the world’s largest stone circle. Our walking tour will bring this ancient site to life. Try your hand at the ancient art of dowsing – prepare to be amazed ! Take time to explore the pretty village with its thatched cottages, antiques and beautiful church and maybe enjoy a cream tea or a pint of ale in the Red Lion pub.

We also drive through the Warminster Triangle, a mysterious zone renowned for crop circles and UFO sightings. Hear about the many theories explaining these strange phenomena and take a closer look at any crop circle formations en route (seasonal).

‘A truly magical day’

 This tour operates every Friday and Sunday

Our day tour leave London at approx 07.30 – 8.00am and aim to return approx 7.00pm.

The Stonehenge Tour Company  www.StonehengeTours.com

STONEHENGE MODEL IS TOURING THE UK!.