Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Experience a taste of quintessentially historical England on this tour to Leeds Castle, one of the most romantic and ancient castles in the United Kingdom. The castle dates back to the 12^th century, is surrounded by a moat and set in 500 acres of stunning landscaped gardens. Do remember to take your camera since this beautiful castle provides a wealth of material you might like to capture for posterity. The interior of the castle has been carefully restored and you will have an opportunity to view the castle’s rooms and take a fantastic trip back in time admiring the medieval furnishings, paintings, tapestries and treasures of generations past. You will be given some free time to spend at your leisure before the tour concludes with your return to Dover.

Dover is famous for its white cliffs, which stand guard at the gateway to England; these famous chalk faces have been immortalized in song, literature and art. Composed of millions of small sea creatures and coral from the bottom of the sea, the chalk is soft and easily worn away by waves, so the cliffs are continuously eroding. Your tour will take you along the cliff tops, with an informative introduction to the surrounding coastline and a trip to the White Cliffs visitors’ centre. A 1.5-hour walk along the downland path will offer spectacular views and ample opportunity to take pictures – so be sure to take your camera. On a clear day, you can even see the cliffs of the French coast! The walk will also take you to the South Foreland Lighthouse. The view from the lighthouse balcony is well worth the 73-step ascent as it looks out over a wonderful panorama of East Kent, the English Channel and the North Sea.

A short journey from Dover through the county of Kent, known as the “Garden of England”, will take you to the historical and picturesque city of Canterbury for an enjoyable sightseeing tour. Famed for its cathedral and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city on the River Stour is situated in one of the most attractive corners of this rural county. The wealth of Canterbury was brought in by pilgrims who, in medieval times, flocked to the city to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, the former Archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170. After a brief guided walk through the city, you will have some free to visit the imposing Norman cathedral, have lunch (not included in the price of the excursion) or simply stroll around this lovely English city. Re-board your coach for the afternoon leg to Walmer Castle. Originally built during the reign of Henry VIII as part of a chain of coastal artillery defences against Catholic attack from Europe, Walmer Castle has evolved over time into an elegant residence. A circular keep surrounded by an open courtyard and protected by a concentric wall stands at the centre of Walmer Castle. After visiting the castle, the tour will conclude with your return to Dover and your vessel.