2018 Chicago Master Singers Tour to England and Scotland

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "2018 Chicago Master Singers Tour to England and Scotland"

Hector Hensley
6 years ago
Views:

1 2018 Chicago Master Singers Tour to England and Scotland Day 1: Thursday 5 th July: Depart O Hare to London, UA 931 non-stop ORD to LHR, dep. 6:20pm, arr. 8:30am Day 2: Friday 6 th July: Welcome to the UK. Transfer to Ashford via Chartwell, family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill. Continue to Ashford and check into your hotel. Welcome dinner (included). Overnight in the beautiful ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Day 3: Saturday 7 th July: Morning visit to 1) White Cliffs of Dover or 2) Dover Castle; to Canterbury for tour and 3:15 service sung by the cathedral choir and a processional commemorating the Martyrdom of St Thomas Becket; 4:00 brief recital in Canterbury Cathedral; dinner (on own) in Canterbury. ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Day 4: Sunday, 8 th July: Visit Leeds Castle, The Loveliest Castle in the World. 3:00 concert in All Saints Church, Maidstone. Visit Folkestone with dinner (on own). Overnight ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Day 5: Monday 9 th July: Transfer to Cambridge for a walking tour, brief singing in Kings College Chapel, lunch in Cambridge (on own); 6:00 concert in St. John s College Chapel; Dinner (on own) in Cambridge. Overnight Cambridge DOUBLETREE on the River Cam; visit Day 6: Tuesday 10 th July: Morning transfer to Ely. 1:10 recital at Ely Cathedral. Continue to Norwich; visit Norwich Cathedral with its falcon family; sing 5:30 Evensong in Norwich Cathedral. Return to Cambridge for dinner (on own). Overnight Cambridge DOUBLETREE on the River Cam Day 7: Wednesday 11 th July: Transfer to Lincoln; free time in Lincoln with visit to Lincoln Castle; 5:30 sing Evensong followed by 7:30 Concert in Lincoln Cathedral. Overnight THE LINCOLN HOTEL by the cathedral and castle Day 8: Thursday 12 th July: free day in Lincoln; 3:00 transfer to Peterborough with dinner (on own); 7:30 concert in Peterborough Cathedral. Overnight THE LINCOLN HOTEL Day 9: Friday 13 th July: Transfer to Newcastle via York for lunch (on own) and visit to Minster (included) and historic town. Continue to Newcastle. Overnight in the top-rated CROWNE PLAZA STEPHENSON QUARTER Day 10: Saturday 14 th July: Three options: 1) daytrip to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) and Alnwick Castle 2) daytrip to Sunderland to view 80 international tall ships and to Bamburgh Castle, or 3) free day in Newcastle. 7:30 concert in Newcastle Cathedral. Farewell dinner (included). Overnight CROWNE PLAZA STEPHENSON QUARTER Day 11: Sunday 15 th July Return to O Hare UA 119 non-stop Edinburgh to ORD; dep. 12:15pm, arr. 2:35pm Concerts: Canterbury, Maidstone, St. John s Cambridge, Ely, Norwich, Lincoln, Peterborough, Newcastle Day 11: Sunday 15 th July Transfer from Newcastle to Edinburgh via Alnwick Castle and Lindisfarne (Holy Island). Check-in at PREMIER INN ROYAL MILE for 5 nights Day 12: Monday 16 th July Edinburgh City Tour with visit to Edinburgh Castle. Day 13: Tuesday 17 th July St. Andrew s day trip including St. Andrew s Castle. Also visit Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen Mother. Day 14: Wednesday 18 th July Visits to Palace of Holyrood, Royal Yacht Britannia. Free time in Edinburgh. Day 15: Thursday 19 th July Day trip to visit Stirling Castle and view the Wallace Monument. Day 16: Friday 20 th July Return from Edinburgh to O Hare, UA non-stop

Dover Castle Above the White Cliffs, Dover Castle has been a major defensive position for England since the Roman days, but the castle in its current shape was not built until the reign of Henry II.

2 Dover Castle Above the White Cliffs, Dover Castle has been a major defensive position for England since the Roman days, but the castle in its current shape was not built until the reign of Henry II. Its role as a protector of England has meant that, in addition to its walls, it has a great military tradition and any number of secrets, including many underground tunnels. The castle has served as a major base of operations in actions ranging from the Napoleonic Wars to World War II. It was even meant to be a base of operations during the Cold War in case nuclear war ever broke out and the government in London was destroyed. Now owned and managed by English Heritage, there are any number of great exhibits dedicated to the castle s history. The castle is open every day from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM and tickets are free for Heritage members, 18 for adults, and for children.

Leeds Castle, Maidstone Billing itself as The Loveliest Castle in the World, a castle has been on the site in Kent since 1119.

3 Leeds Castle, Maidstone Billing itself as The Loveliest Castle in the World, a castle has been on the site in Kent since Since that time, Leeds Castle has been expanded and redeveloped multiple times, first by King Edward I when he took possession in 1278, enhancing its defenses and residence, as it became Edward s favorite place to live. It remained a royal castle for years until it was granted to Sir Anthony St. Leger, then a string of others until Olive, Lady Baille, created the Leeds Castle Charitable Trust on her death, which opened the castle to the public in Leeds Castle has been the site of several peace talks, including those facilitated by the United States between Egypt and Israel as well as the Northern Ireland peace talks led by Tony Blair. Leeds Castle hosts several festivals during the year, including a food festival, flower festival, Christmas Market, and a Fireworks Spectacular. The castle also has more attractions than I can list here, but a quick look at its website will reveal something for everyone. Leeds Castle is open from 10:30 AM to 5:00 or 6:00 PM, depending on the season, and tickets are and for children.

4 Canterbury Cathedral

5 All Saints Church, Maidstone

6 King s College Cambridge Punting on the Cam at The Backs, behind King s College

7 St. John s College Chapel, Cambridge

8 Ely Cathedral: the Quire Ely Cathedral: the Nave

Norwich Cathedral Construction on Norwich Cathedral began in 1096, constructed originally out of flint and mortar, but aced with a cream-colored Caen limestone. The cathedral was completed in 1145.

9 Norwich Cathedral Construction on Norwich Cathedral began in 1096, constructed originally out of flint and mortar, but aced with a cream-colored Caen limestone. The cathedral was completed in The Norman lead-topped wooden spire is still visible today. Norwich is the most complete Norman Cathedral in England and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. In recent years, the cathedral s popularity has soared thanks to a pair of peregrine falcons. Today, the falcon pair and their chicks remain on a nesting platform. Visitors can get an up-close view of the falcons from an observation point within the close. Norwich is England s best-preserved medieval city with the Dragon Hall, Guildhall and Strangers Hall amongst its iconic half-timbered buildings. Historic cobbled streets, city walls and a majestic Norman castle and cathedral add to the sense of a modern city with an ancient heritage. For shoppers, there are both high street names and independent boutiques, and the largest permanent covered market in the whole of Europe. After dark, lively restaurants and bars provide a bustling social scene for visitors and locals alike. The only city in England to lie within a National Park (the Norfolk Broads), no visit to Norwich would be complete without a walk along the picturesque banks of the river Wensum, which winds through its heart.

10 Norwich Cathedral

11 Lincoln Cathedral: A view of the nave Lincoln Cathedral

12 Lincoln Cathedral: St. Hugh s Quire (Evensong)

Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire Lincoln Castle is a major castle constructed in Lincoln, England during the late 11th century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress.

13 Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire Lincoln Castle is a major castle constructed in Lincoln, England during the late 11th century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress. It remained in use as a prison and law court into modern times, and is one of the better preserved castles in England; the Crown Courts continue to this day. It remains one of the most impressive Norman castles in the United Kingdom. It is still possible to walk around the immense 12th century walls with its ramparts providing a magnificent view of the Castle complex, together with panoramic views of the Cathedral, the City of Lincoln and the surrounding countryside. Another attraction is the opportunity to see one of the four surviving originals of the Magna Carta, sealed by King John after his meeting with the Barons at Runnymede in 1215, a document which is now housed within Lincoln Castle. There is also an accompanying exhibition, explaining the origin of the Magna Carta and its far reaching effects. Parts of the prison are also open as a museum, including the 19th century chapel, which is the only original chapel designed for the Separate System (every seat is enclosed) left in the world today. The women s wing of the prison opened to visitors in Some scenes from Downton Abbey were filmed here.

14 Peterborough Cathedral The burial place of Catherine of Aragon, the first wife and queen of Henry VIII, and the original burial place of Mary, Queen of Scots.

15 York Minster

16 The Shambles, York This ancient street was the old butchers area of the city.

With its twin city, Gateshead, it was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial

17 Newcastle Cathedral Newcastle Newcastle upon Tyne is a major university city in Northeast England that houses the oldest student accommodations in the world. With its twin city, Gateshead, it was a major shipbuilding and manufacturing hub during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is a bastion of business, arts, and sciences. The modern Gateshead Millennium Bridge, famous for its unique tilting aperture, is a symbol of the two cities.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Situated in Northumberland the county bordering Scotland Alnwick was the scene of many conflicts between the local Percy family and the Scots.

18 Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Situated in Northumberland the county bordering Scotland Alnwick was the scene of many conflicts between the local Percy family and the Scots. It s also home to Alnwick Castle, which dominates the town, home to the Percys (i.e., the Dukes of Northumberland). The stately home of the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle was first built following the Norman Conquest. The expansive home has been remodeled and renovated many times throughout the years, and is today often featured in films, shows, and popular entertainment. Alnwick Castle starred as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey s 2014 and 2015 Christmas specials, but more famously appeared as the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the Harry Potter films The Philosopher s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets. Additionally, the castle has been used as a location for feature films such as Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Black Adder, and Becket. The castle s rooms serve as rich backdrop for one of the finest collections of paintings in England, including works by Titian, Reynolds and Gainsborough. Incredibly, Alnwick Castle is still a private residence. It is the largest inhabited castle in the UK and has been owned by the same family since it was built.

The Holy Island: Lindisfarne The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, and has a recorded history from the 6th century onwards.

19 The Holy Island: Lindisfarne The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England, and has a recorded history from the 6th century onwards. Lindisfarne was an important center of Celtic Christianity under Saints Aidan and Cuthbert. While the island fell out of use during Viking invasions and the Norman conquest, a priory was established on the island. The ruins of Lindisfarne Priory include the famous rainbow bridge that spirals skyward along the ghost of a long-crumbled tower. Lindisfarne is also home to Lindisfarne Castle, which was built to defend the harbor during skirmishes with Scotland. The castle was restored by Edward Lutyens in modern times, turning it into a historic holiday home that is open to the public for tours. The rooms remain largely unchanged.

such as Ivanhoe (1982), El Cid (1961), Mary, Queen of Scots

20 Sunderland 2018 Tall Ships Bamburgh Castle Bamburgh Castle has been used as a film location since the 1920s, featuring in films such as Ivanhoe (1982), El Cid (1961), Mary, Queen of Scots (1971), Elizabeth (1998) and both the 1971 and 2015 adaptions of Macbeth.

Scotland and England. Great Cities, Castles, Cathedrals, and Holy Places of. Hosted by: The Rev. Ted and Mrs. Ann Welty

Scotland and England. Great Cities, Castles, Cathedrals, and Holy Places of. Hosted by: The Rev. Ted and Mrs. Ann Welty Great Cities, Castles, Cathedrals, and Holy Places of Scotland and England Hosted by: The Rev. Ted and Mrs. Ann Welty with Special Guide Kathleen Winch S e p t e m b e r 1 3 t h r o u g h 2 4, 2 0 1 2