Stonehenge & Salisbury with Lunch
-
Port
Portsmouth, UK
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$220
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
8 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
The ancient city of Salisbury, whose environs were first settled by the Romans, welcomes you with free time and a visit to Stonehenge -- one of Europe's most famous and enigmatic sites.
The purpose of Stonehenge, easily the world's most famous stone circle, is believed to be an ancient calendar. Its origins date as far back as the Pyramids of Egypt. What today's visitor sees are the mighty remains of a sequence of monuments erected between 3000 and 1000 BC. Most well-known are the trilithons, large doorframe-shaped stone arrangements made up of two standing stones topped by a lintel stone. On the summer and winter solstices, the sun strikes the central Heel Stone. Visit this mystical and utterly thought-provoking attraction.
On a drive through Salisbury, superbly situated in southern England's rural heartland and the county seat of Wiltshire, watch for crooked Tudor-era houses that tilt alarmingly and yet have remained upright for centuries. Enjoy a two-course lunch at an atmospheric venue.
Walk to the famous Salisbury Cathedral, whose spire soars skyward a breathtaking 404 feet (123 m), dominating the landscape from miles around. Salisbury is unique among medieval English cathedrals because it was built within one century with no substantial later additions. It is perhaps the finest example of the early English-Gothic style of architecture in Britain.
Within the Cathedral, view the best-preserved of only four original Magna Carta documents (AD 1215) -- the famous agreement made between King John and his barons at Runnymede. The Magna Carta sets out the basic principles and rights later incorporated into the Constitution of the USA. You'll also see Europe's oldest working clock (AD 1386).
Following your visit to the Cathedral, take some time to explore Salisbury at your leisure before rejoining the coach for the journey back to Portsmouth.
Please note: Tour requires approximately 3.5 hours of walking. Terrain includes uneven surfaces, grass, gravel and steps.