London: Windsor Castle, Runnymede, Hampton Court, Lambeth Palace, Chelsea, Crosby Hall, Tower of London, Oxford, Canterbury, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, National Portrait Gallery

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY:
 
Day 1: USA 
We depart USA en route to London, with complimentary meals and beverages served aloft. 
 
Day 2: LONDON 
Upon arrival in London, meet your Homeric Tours representative who will escort you throughout your tour. Enjoy a panoramic city tour en route to our hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodations. (D)
 
Day 3: LONDON 
After breakfast, we visit Milk Street, a prosperous residential area, where Thomas More was born on February 7, 1478. St. Lawrence Jewry was the family parish church and where Thomas lectured on Augustine's City of God. Tour the Guildhall where the crypt has a fine stained glass window of More. While studying law at Charterhouse, More attached himself to the strict Carthusian Monastery to receive spiritual guidance. Visit Lincoln's Inn, More's law school. We then visit St. Paul's Cathedral, to see Blackfriars, where, in 1523, Thomas More in his opening address argued for "Freedom of Speech," the first such argument ever recorded. Thomas More was a major influence on Shakespeare. This evening, attend a Shakespeare play followed by dinner at a London restaurant. (B,D)
 
Day 4: LONDON: WINDSOR CASTLE / RUNNYMEDE & HAMPTON COURT 
After breakfast, we visit Windsor Castle, built by William the Conqueror, who invaded England in 1066. It was here that Thomas More served at Henry VIII's court. Henry VIII completed St. George's Chapel in 1528 and was later buried there. King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 at the large meadow ("mede") close to Windsor Castle, We return to London for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
 
Day 5: LAMBETH PALACE / CHELSEA / CROSBY HALL / TOWER OF LONDON 
Morning visit to Lambeth Palace where Thomas More served the Archbishop and Lord Chancellor Morton. It is also where he was interrogated prior to his imprisonment at the Tower of London. Thomas More attended Chelsea Old Church and rebuilt the side chapel in 1528. The Chelsea Old Library owns two important Thomas More works of art. Continue to the Tower of London where Thomas More was imprisoned in the Bell Tower for being found guilty of treason and beheaded on Tower Hill. His final words were, "The King's good servant, but God's First." Thomas More is buried in the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula. We visit Tower Hill, the site of Thomas More's execution, marked by a plaque. Last stop is All Hallows Church where More made many pilgrimages on foot to visit the famous Marian Shrine. (B,D)
 
Day 6: LONDON: EXCURSION TO OXFORD 
After breakfast, we board our motorcoach and travel to Oxford where Thomas More studied for two years. He was sent to Oxford by Archbishop and Lord Chancellor Morton and attended Canterbury College, now known as Christ College. Thomas More also served as high Steward of Oxford in 1518 and wrote a letter defending Greek studies at Oxford. After our visit at Oxford and some free time to explore on our own, we return to London for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
 
Day 7: LONDON: EXCURSION TO CANTERBURY 
Morning drive through the Kentish countryside to Canterbury, the most important ancient city in England and traditional home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1170 Thomas Beckett was murdered in his own Canterbury Cathedral by the Knights of Henry II. He was canonized shortly after and for centuries pilgrims have flocked to his shrine. The shrine of Thomas Becket was destroyed by Henry VII. Visit where Thomas More's eldest daughter Meg and her husband William Roper lived, opposite St. Dunstan's Church. The Roper family vault is where Thomas More's head is buried. Return to London for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
 
Day 8: LONDON: HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT / WESTMINSTER / NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY 
This morning we will see the Houses of Parliament and see More's coat of arms in the House of Commons. We visit the impressive Westminster Abbey. Thomas More served in parliament in 1504, which met in the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey. We will also visit Westminster Hall where both More and his father practiced law. Visit the plaque which marks the spot where Thomas More was tried for treason on July 1, 1535. We will also visit Westminster Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral of London. At the National Portrait Gallery see magnificent portraits of the More family, Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and more. Afternoon at leisure to explore. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
 
Day 9: RETURN USA 

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B)
  
   The itinerary may be modified and tailored to the specific requirements and budget of your group 

***End of Tour***

TOUR INCLUDED FEATURES:

• Meet and assist upon arrival by your Tour representative 
• Private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach throughout 
• English speaking Catholic tour guide(s)    
• Your choice of 3, 4 or 5 star hotels    
• 7 Nights of hotel accommodation    
• Breakfast and dinner daily 
• 6 Days of sightseeing tours 
• All transfers 
• All entrance fees 
• Hotel taxes and service charges 
• Porterage of one suitcase per pers 
  
  

EXCLUDES:

• Travel  insurance
• Lunch & other meals not specified in the itinerary
• Tips to the driver & guide 
• Personal expense
  

***PLEASE CALL US FOR RATES***

tour code:  tig-ht