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Ypres, Flanders Fields and the Menin Gate.
Castles of the Cinque Ports -
Dover and Walmer Castle,
Secret Gardens of Sandwich,
the Hythe to Dungeness Railway
From the Mercure Imperial Hotel, Hythe
07– 10 June 2010 (3 nights)
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This tour from the Mercure Imperial Hotel, Hythe explores some castles and towns of the Cinque Ports. It includes the magnificent Dover Castle with the Great Tower and Secret Wartime Tunnels and Walmer Castle, originally built in Henry VIII’s reign as part of the coastal defences, but for many years now the elegant and official residence of the Lord Warden. Also a visit to the hidden Lutyens and Jekyll gem in the heart of Sandwich. The Channel Tunnel conveniently near the hotel makes it possible to travel by coach to Ypres to spend a day visiting the Flanders Fields Museum, the Menin Gate and some of the very moving Commonwealth cemeteries and battlefield sites nearby. Finally, a steam journey on the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, the ‘World’s Smallest Public Railway’ travelling from the Cinque Port of Hythe, along the Romney Marsh, across the large expanse of shingle passing fishermen’s cottages to the lighthouse at Dungeness. The Imperial Hotel is an impressive sea-front 4 star hotel situated in landscaped gardens with extensive spa facilities
Monday 07 June: Arrive and check into the hotel in time for welcome reception before dinner.
Tuesday 08 June: Depart by coach for Sandwich. The manor house and gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens with advice from Gertrude Jekyll lay neglected for 25 years but the gardens have been transformed over the last four years by the present owners and are an oasis of serenity encircled within the old town walls. Continue to Walmer Castle. As official home of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports since 1708 the castle has seen many famous residents including Wellington, William Pitt and the late Queen Mother. Each has left a legacy from personal possessions, artworks and the magnificent gardens designed for the Queen Mother’s 95th birthday. Time to enjoy the gardens and buy lunch. Afternoon visit to “the key to England” Dover Castle – high above the famous white cliffs with a colourful and fascinating history. Discover the turbulent war years, the Secret Wartime Tunnels and the new state of the art interpretation within the Great Tower of the medieval world of politics, power and intrigue at the royal court. The nature of the castle and access to the site initially requires some uphill walking but there should be a land-train on site.
Wednesday 09 June: Early breakfast before departing by coach for the Eurotunnel terminal. Crossing time 35 minutes before continuing to Ypres arriving around midday (local time). This attractive town with its rich history, despite its medieval appearance, was reduced to rubble and rose like a phoenix after the Great War. A visit before lunch to the In Flanders Field Museum located in the restored Cloth Hall, a remarkable insight into the Great War of 1914-18. Then enjoy a three course set lunch on the main square before, accompanied by a local guide, visiting some of the lovingly maintained Commonwealth cemeteries and poignant sites around Ypres - Tyne Cot, Essex Farm, Hill 62 – Sanctuary Wood and The Menin Gate. Time to independently explore the town before returning to Calais, the Tunnel crossing and back to the hotel for a light buffet around 21.00.
Thursday 10 June: This morning a coach transfer to the little station in Hythe for the amazing RH&DR Steam Railway. 13.5 miles narrow gauge to Dungeness, fish and chips for lunch, a chance to visit the lighthouse and to view the late Derek Jarman’s garden. Coach returns to the hotel again through the tunnel around 1345 hrs.
THIS TOUR REQUIRES A VALID PASSPORT AND APPROPRIATE TRAVEL INSURANCE
Tour Price:
Price per person: £525
No Single Supplement
Non refundable deposit £120
Price includes:
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3 nights dinner, accommodation and full English breakfast. |
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All entries, special tours, train tickets and specialist guide |
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Lunch in Ypres and Dungeness |
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Executive coaching, Eurotunnel and professional tour manager guide. |
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From the Mercure Imperial Hotel, Hythe
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