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THE WILLIAM MARSHAL IN

ENGLAND TOUR

MAY 7 – 16, 2022 | 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

JOIN OUR SPECIAL GUEST

ELIZABETH CHADWICK

on an exciting journey celebrating William Marshal’s life in Wiltshire, Hampshire, and London!

Elizabeth Chadwick

Elizabeth Chadwick is an award-winning author of historical fiction. Her novel about William Marshal, The Greatest Knight, is a New York Times Bestseller.

Its sequel, The Scarlet Lion, was nominated by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of his top 10 novels of the decade.

She has been studying the Marshal family both for her work as a writer, and out of personal interest for more than a decade and occasionally lectures on the subject at conferences and historical venues.

She is a member of the Royal Historical Society.

A JOURNEY TO THE MEDIEVAL PAST

William Marshal was one of the greatest knights who ever lived.

A JOURNEY TO THE MEDIEVAL PAST

On this unique history tour, we’ll explore William Marshal’s childhood & young adulthood in Wiltshire and Hampshire, near Stonehenge and Old Sarum.

We’ll also visit his childhood haunts in and around Salisbury and Winchester. One of the most important moments of his life took place near present-day Speen where his father, John FitzGilbert, was compelled to ransom young William.

Later, we’ll trace William and Isabel’s life after they married and honeymooned in Stoke d’Abernon. And finally, we’ll pay our respects to the Marshal family with a visit to Reading Abbey and Temple Church.

WILLIAM MARSHAL TOURS EXCLUSIVE

In keeping with the tradition of wowing our clients, I’m thrilled beyond measure to announce that we’ve secured an exclusive invitation to tour Wilton House, home to the current Earl and Countess of Pembroke!

 

We have been granted access to the home before it opens to the general public. We’ll tour the house with its 17th century interiors and world famous art collection by renowned artists such as van Dyck, Pieter Brueghel, Rembrandt van Rijn and Richard Wilson.

Most notably, the 18th Earl and Countess have just debuted their own portraits by celebrated artist, Rupert Alexander. The paintings are presently hanging in the North Entrance at Wilton House.

With over 22 acres of parkland and gardens, bordered by the rivers Wylye and Nadder, the grounds are perfect for an early morning stroll.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity on the William Marshal in England Tour!

PRICE DETAILS

$5,995 USD PP

Shared Room Package

(Two Guests, One or Two Beds)

$6,495 USD PP

Private Room Package

(One Guest, One Bed)

BOOKING DETAILS

  • Tour is limited to 16 guests
  • A deposit of $595 per person is required to reserve your spot
  • Flexible payment options are available
  • Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure
  • We accept all major credit cards for deposit and final payment

William Marshal Tours is not responsible for any charges levied by third parties and/or financial institutions and payable by the client as a result of credit card or other payment transactions in connection with the tour purchase. William Marshal Tours will not refund or return any fees charged by such third parties in connection with payments made by guests.

  TOUR PACKAGES INCLUDES

  • Group transfers to/from London Heathrow Airport
  • Deluxe sightseeing motor coach with experienced local driver
  • Dedicated local tour director
  • Luxury hotel accommodations for nine nights
  • English breakfast (B) for ten days
  • Welcome reception & dinner (D)
  • Farewell dinner cruise on the River Thames (D)
  • Afternoon tea in Bath (T)
  • Group Dinner at Lainston House (D)
  • Medieval cooking class
  • Special tribute to the Marshal family at Temple Church
  • Rare opportunity to enter the inner stones at Stonehenge
  • Exclusive tour of Wilton House, home of the current Earl of Pembroke
  • Private Yeoman Warder tour of the Tower of London & the Crown Jewels
  • Admission fees to all heritage sites
  • Hotel porterage for one (1) suitcase per person
  • All local taxes and gratuities for group meals
  • All driver & guide expenses (except gratuities)

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PACKAGE

  • Flights to/from London Heathrow Airport (we can assist you with flight arrangements, see resources)
  • Gratuities for driver guide (at your discretion)
  • Gratuities for tour director (at your discretion)
  • Gratuities for local tour guides (at your discretion)
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance (required, we can assist you, see resources)
  • Optional excursions, personal items, souvenirs, incidental purchases, etc.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • Prices quoted are per person
  • Prices quoted are in US Dollars and include service charges where applicable and all taxes
  • All prices quoted are based on seasonal rates for a specific number of persons traveling, shared accommodations and current availability
  • Minimum number of guests is 10, maximum number is 16 guests
  • Should the number of participants increase or decrease, William Marshal Tours reserves the right to re-cost the tour based on the new number of participants
  • Cancellation more than 180 days prior to departure: Refund of 100% of your deposit & 100% of your balance paid to date
  • Cancellation more than 179-150 days prior to departure: Refund of 75% of your deposit & 75% of your balance paid to date
  • Cancellation between 149-120 days of departure: Refund of 50% of your deposit & 50% of your balance paid to date
  • Cancellation between 119-90 days of departure: Refund 25% of your deposit & 25% of your balance paid to date
  • Cancellation within 89 days of departure: No Refund of deposit and balance paid to date
  • Cancellation on the day of departure or after tour departs: No Refund of deposit and balance paid to date
  • Cancellation of a tour by William Marshal Tours: Full Refund of deposit and balance paid to date
  • Where no specific contract is submitted, the general terms and conditions apply
  • View full terms and conditions here

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

SATURDAY | MAY 7 | LONDON | ARRIVALS (P, D)

Welcome to London! After landing at Heathrow Airport, meet your greeter in the Arrivals Hall who will escort you to your coach for a private transfer into London.

Our hotel for the next 2 nights is The Rubens at the Palace, located directly across from the Royal Mews. Once you’ve checked into the hotel, you’ll have some time to relax and freshen up before our walking tour of Westminster Abbey followed by drinks at the local pub.

That evening, enjoy cocktails before a lovely welcome dinner with your fellow Marshal fans. Overnight at The Rubens at the Palace in London.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

SUNDAY | MAY 8 | STOKE D’ABERNON & SPEEN (B, D)

Today we’ll check-out of The Rubens and head south of London with our private guide. Our first visit is to Stoke d’Abernon where William Marshal and Isabel Marshal honeymooned.

We’ll explore nearby St. Mary’s Church before taking a peek at Parkside School, the original manor house located along the river. After a stop for lunch at your leisure, we’ll next visit Speen, believed to be the place where John FitzGilbert was forced to ransom young William.

Enjoy a reading of the Greatest Knight. We’ll then make our way to Lainston Houses, our manor home for the next six nights.

After a full day of touring, relax with a three-course group dinner in the hotel. Overnight at Lainston House in Winchester.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

MONDAY | MAY 9 | STONEHENGE & OLD SARUM (B)

Prepare for an early start this morning for what promises to be an enchanting encounter.

We’ve arranged a very rare opportunity to gain Stone Circle Access to the magnificent Stonehenge. It’s a mystical and spiritual place linking us back through thousands of years to our early ancestors. One wonders what William Marshal thought of the stones.

After lunch at your leisure, we’ll visit Old Sarum, the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury in England.

At day’s end, we’ll return to the hotel where you will enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure in the Avenue restaurant, the Cedar Bar, or on the Terrace. Overnight at Lainston House in Winchester.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

TUESDAY | MAY 10 | SALISBURY (B)

Today we’ll spend the entire day in medieval Salisbury, once home of William Marshal’s uncle, the Earl of Salisbury.

We’ll enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the city before paying a visit to Salisbury Cathedral, where a copy of Magna Carta sits on display. You’ll have lunch at the Cathedral Cafe before having some free time to further explore on your own.

At day’s end, we’ll return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure in the Avenue restaurant, the Cedar Bar, or on the Terrace. Overnight at Lainston House in Winchester.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

WEDNESDAY | MAY 11 | FREE DAY (B)

After breakfast, you will spend the day at leisure.

You choose from one of the wonderful activities available at Lainston House (advance booking required) such as falconry, clay shooting, cocktail making class or pick your own Pimms!

That evening you are free to dine at your leisure in the hotel or in Winchester.

Overnight at Lainston House in Winchester.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

THURSDAY | MAY 12 | BATH (B, T)

Today we explore Bath, a historic Georgian city with fabulous restaurants, independent boutiques and galleries, and fascinating historical sites.

You can walk around the remarkably well-preserved Roman Baths, and No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum to learn more about what life was like for the wealthy and their servants in 18th century Bath.

You’ll also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel, then have free time to explore on your own.

At day’s end, we’ll return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure in the Avenue restaurant, the Cedar Bar, or on the Terrace. Overnight at Lainston House in Winchester.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

FRIDAY | MAY 13 | WILTON HOUSE (B)

We have a very special treat for you today!

We’ve arranged a private tour of Wilton House, home to the current Earl of Pembroke and his young family. You’ll have access to the home prior to its opening to the public.

After a delightful lunch in picturesque Wilton, we’ll return to Lainston House for a medieval-themed cooking class at Season, the Exclusive Cookery School!

Enjoy the evening and dinner at your leisure in the Avenue restaurant, the Cedar Bar, or on the Terrace. Overnight at Lainston House in Winchester.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

SATURDAY | MAY 14 | READING & RUNNYMEDE (B)

This morning we’ll check-out of Lainston House and bid the picturesque Wiltshire good-bye.

Today we’ll explore Reading which will include a walk throughout the Reading Abbey ruins. You’ll be treated to a reading of The Scarlet Lion, before heading to Runnymede to explore the iconic site where the Magna Carta was signed.

We’ll end the day checking-in to The Rubens for our two nights in London. The evening is at your leisure for dinner and individual pursuits.

Overnight at The Rubens at the Palace in London.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

SUNDAY | MAY 15 | LONDON (B, D)

After a leisurely breakfast, we travel to The Tower of London where we’ll be personally greeted & welcomed by a Yeoman Warder, who will lead us on a private tour of the Tower and the Crown Jewels prior to opening to the public. Whilst there, we’ll have a reading of the Greatest Knight.

After lunch in Temple Square, the moment we’ve been waiting for arrives with our visit Temple Church where we’ll pay our respects to the Greatest Knight, followed by another reading of The Greatest Knight.

Our final evening in London will be celebrated with a stunning dinner cruise along the River Thames, during which time, we’ll raise our glasses in honor of William Marshal.

DETAILED TOUR ITINERARY

MONDAY | MAY 16 | LONDON (B)

All too soon, our time together has come to an end.

Depending on your flight, you may have time for some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.

Otherwise, we’ll say our fond farewells and you’ll transfer to London Heathrow Airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

Bon voyage!

DAY

ACCOMMODATIONS

William Marshal Tours enjoys special partnerships with locally managed and centrally located four-star hotels. These luxury establishments are known for their beautifully designed rooms, incredibly comfortable beds, and luxe details everywhere you turn. All designed with your overall comfort in mind.

The Hilton Cardiff

If you were any closer to Buckingham Palace, you‘d be a guest of the Queen! Attentive staff will make you feel like royalty, anticipating your every need. Guests especially appreciate the hotel’s fine aristocratic grandeur, serene comfort, and traditional hospitality. 

The Marriott St. Pierre Hotel & Country Club

Lainston House

WINCHESTER, UK

Located just outside of historic Winchester, Lainston House is a historic 17th century stately home perfect for exploring manors and gardens. Guests enjoy strolling the hotel’s lovely grounds, including the ancient Chapel ruins, and extensive kitchen gardens.

St. Brides Spa Hotel

Each of the beautifully appointed guest rooms, suites and apartments are elegantly furnished with meticulous attention to detail and personal thoughtful touches. Many rooms enjoy views overlooking The Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace.

ADD-ON TRIPS

I’m pleased to offer three different add-on trips that you can take after the William Marshal in England tour ends. These 3 day / 2 night trips are perfect for fans who want to spend a little more time exploring William & Isabel’s life in different areas of England and Wales. 

The cost of the extension trips includes private tours, excursions, and the services of a licensed, Blue Badge guide. Accommodations, meals, and transportation costs are not included in the cost of the extensions. Please indicate if you will require assistance with booking accommodations and/or rental cars.

The Hilton Cardiff

CARTMEL & LINCOLNSHIRE

William Marshal founded Cartmel Priory after a successful run in the French Tournaments. Enjoy a tour of the Priory, followed by lunch at the Cartmel Village Shop, home of Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise around Lake Windemere. The scenery along the lake is truly enchanting.

One of the last battles William Marshal ever fought was the Battle of Lincoln. Find out what important historical figures helped win the cause! Take a leisurely stroll around Lincoln Castle, then enjoy a rooftop tour of Lincoln Cathedral.

VIEW ITINERARY
  • Cartmel Priory Tour
  • Lake Windemere Boat Ride
  • Lincoln Cathedral Tour
  • Lincoln Castle Tour
The Marriott St. Pierre Hotel & Country Club

CHEPSTOW & PEMBROKESHIRE

William and Isabel Marshal raised their family in Wales; therefore, it is here that you will learn more about their home life.

Explore Chepstow Castle at your leisure, then drive through the gorgeous Wye Valley to visit Tintern Abbey, where various members of the Marshal family are buried.

Drive through scenic Monmouthshire to Pembrokeshire in the west. Visit Pembroke Castle at your leisure, then take a scenic drive to St. David’s Cathedral, one of the oldest religious houses in Wales. Take a tour led by the volunteers or wander the grounds at your leisure.

VIEW ITINERARY
  • Chepstow Castle
  • Tintern Abbey
  • Pembroke Castle
  • St. David’s Cathedral 
St. Brides Spa Hotel

MEDIEVAL LONDON

Have you ever wondered what remnants of Medieval London were left after the Great Fire of 1666 destroyed almost everything in its path?

Well, wonder no more as this tour takes you on a fascinating trip through Medieval London on foot and via the London Tube.

Re-visit the Tower of London and Temple Church at your leisure. And discover long-forgotten religious houses, try some medieval food & beverages, uncover historical artifacts and shiver at medieval forms of justice. End this trip back in time with a rousing Medieval Banquet!

VIEW ITINERARY
  • Museum of London
  • Victoria & Albert Museum
  • Medieval London Walking Tour
  • Temple Church & Medieval Law Walking Tour