Stonehenge & Salisbury with Lunch
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Port
Portsmouth, UK
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$295
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A piece of magic that casts a spell over visitors is the awe-inspiring sight of Stonehenge. This mighty symbol of pre-history is a Wonder of the World, drawing thousands of visitors each year to ponder its awesome majesty. Simplicity, solitude and a powerful air of mystery surround this enigmatic and ancient circle of stones.
The ancient city of Salisbury, whose environs were first settled by the Romans, welcomes you with free time and a visit to Stonehenge.
The purpose of Stonehenge, easily the world's most famous stone circle, is believed to be an ancient calendar. Its origins date back to the Pyramids of Egypt. What today's visitor sees are the mighty remains of a sequence of monuments erected between 3000 and 1000 BC. Note 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.
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 a single century, with no substantial later additions. It is perhaps Britain's finest example of early English-Gothic architecture.
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 3½ hours of walking. Terrain includes uneven surfaces, grass, gravel and steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The electronic audio guide must be downloaded onto your phone; bring earphones. The Stones are seen from a distance, and there is no opportunity to touch or walk within the Stone Circle. A short shuttle bus ride from the visitor center takes you to the Stone Circle. Your time at the stones is unguided. Bring local currency or credit cards, as most vendors do not accept US dollars. As the number of visitors is restricted, there may be long lines to reach the stones. Terrain includes flat, paved surfaces, steps and ramps. Approximately half of the path that circumnavigates the monument consists of mown grass or plastic paving with grass growing through. There is a slight incline between the coach parking area and the visitor center. Salisbury Cathedral has a few steps to access certain areas; the West Window is not accessible. Inside visit(s) to Salisbury Cathedral may not be possible if religious services are being held. Some public restroom facilities charge for use in Salisbury.