England - Realms of the Goddess

Next tour: 2009

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England Sacred Sites’ fascinating eight-day journey takes in many of the classic sites of prehistoric Britain. Our explorations of the English countryside include excursions to the venerable sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, also the ancient pilgrimage site of Glastonbury including the Chalice Well, the Roman ruins in the Georgian town of Bath, and the prehistoric chalk carving known as the Uffington White Horse. Our tours are centered in a historic English market townlocated in the heart of Wiltshire. Bordering the scenic and tranquil Kennet and Avon Canal, the town offers peaceful walks along the canal paths, and excellent shopping opportunities down the town lanes and quaint alleyways. There's a good chance we'll see the local brewer's horse-drawn delivery wagons as they clip clop down the street on their carting rounds to the town's many pubs. The town also maintains its centuries old tradition by holding bustling open-air market days held in the market square just across from our hotel.

"I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there" Confucious

Accomodations

During the Realms of the Goddess Tour,

Forget what you've heard about English dining!

we'll stay at our full-service, triple-star hotel that dates back to 1599. The Hotel is completely updated, yet it retains character and charm of a slower pace, when travel by coach was the order of the day. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and dedicated to providing high quality service for their guests. All rooms have their own private bathrooms and full modern amenities, including televisions and direct dial telephones.

Full English Breakfasts and delicious multi-course Dinners are included in the cost of our tour. The Hotel provides a lovely dining experience in a first class setting, fabulous food, friendly staff, and massive deserts. Don't believe what you hear about English cuisine -- you'll think you're on a secret culinary tour.

Itinerary

Day One

We'll meet at Gatwick International Airport. After proceeding through baggage claim and customs, we'll take our coach to our hotel in the market town of Devizes. The afternoon is free for you to settle in or explore the town. In the evening, we will gather to preview our excursion schedule and dine at our hotel.

Day Two

After breakfast we will set off to explore the Uffington White Horse and its attendant sites. The Horse, a graceful carving in the chalk hillside, measuring over 360 feet, was recently dated to 1000BC. The superb views from the top of this wind-ruffled hill allow us to take in the Vale of the White Horse as well as Dragon Hill. After lunch at a nearby pub, we will walk along the Ridgeway to the prehistoric burial mound of Wayland's Smithy. Dating from 3500BC, this grave mound nestled among farmer's fields and tall trees has an atmosphere that reflects its former use as a powerful ceremonial site.

Day Three

Following breakfast our day's adventure begins as we travel to the mystical town of Glastonbury, for here was Avalon, isle of the blessed dead, gateway to the realm of the spirit. Formerly one of the most holy places of the early Celtic Church and long associated with Arthurian legend, this ancient pilgrimage site holds the secrets of many mysteries. We will visit the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where chanting monks of another time are sometimes heard in the present and where, in the 11th century, the questionable discovery of the burial of Arthur & Guinevere is said to have been made. We'll ascend the Glastonbury Tor, with its terraced labyrinth that continues to keep hidden the entrance to the faerie underworld, and take in its spectacular, 360-degree views. We'll also allow ample time to linger at the Chalice Well, with its healing waters and quiet, meditative gardens.

Day Four

Our tour takes us along the river Avon to the town of Bath. Built upon a long venerated hot spring dedicated to the Celtic goddess of the waters, Sulis, modern day Bath presents us with a glimpse into the varied layers of Britain. The archaeological excavations of the Roman Baths give us a unique look into life 2000 years ago. Fascinating discoveries made here include hundreds of votive offerings and 'curses' that were tossed into the waters of the steaming spring. We'll see these and other striking archaeological recoveries on our tour. You can spend the afternoon shopping, take in the Abbey, or perhaps decide to take a double-decker bus around this bustling Georgian town.

Day Five

We will devote the large part of the day to the many aspects of the great stone circle at Avebury. Set in a ritual landscape, this amazing circle, over 1400' in diameter, speaks quietly to those taking the time to listen. The Circle and its outlying monuments form a rich and complex setting of intriguing ceremonial sites, all which played vital roles in sustaining the spiritually based culture of the ancients. We'll stroll to the West Kennet Long Barrow, see Silbury Hill, walk the Circle, explore its environs, and browse in the small shops that are scattered throughout the village.

Day Six

After breakfast we will tour the Devizes Museum to see its exhibits and artifacts. There will be free time today to stroll about town or peruse the goods offered in the stalls at Devizes Market Day. In the afternoon we can walk along the ridge tops of the Pewsey Vale soaking up the atmosphere of the English countryside.

Day Seven

Today we journey to Stonehenge, the most well known sacred site on our tour and, possibly, in the world. While there are over 900 standing stone circles in the British Isles, there is no circle built with greater skill or refinement. People have been drawn to this site for many thousands of years and it gains in popularity yearly. Access to the interior of the circle is now restricted due to the sheer volume of visitors; however, the majesty of this famous site prevails. We will show you this remarkable site in a context that will help to preserve its sanctity. We’ll dowse some of the very strong energies present here, visit the site of Woodhenge nearby, and walk among some of the hundreds of grave mounds built upon the Salisbury Plain.

Day Eight

We bid a fond farewell. Leaving to arrive at Gatwick International Airport by lunchtime.