From bustling Bristol to the quiet lanes of Devon, from the rugged coasts of Celtic Cornwall to the very English apple orchards of Somerset, the Southwest of England has a flavor all its own, and a distinct accent to match.  It is a land of legend, of craggy cliffs, high moorlands, and secluded wooded valleys; it is a land that in many areas is conscious of, and proud of, it’s Celtic past…

…and Cornwall, the Celtic Kingdom once known as Belerion, or ‘shining lands’, for the magical quality of its light.

We hope you can join us on this special trip to Celtic Britain…

 

Sept 8 Evening flight out of Newark International Airport.

Sept 9   Arrive Bristol International Airport 8:55am.  After we go through customs and collect our luggage we are greeted by our coach driver who will be with us for our entire journey throughout the southwest of England.  We will then head toward Exeter, known in ancient times as the ‘gateway to the Celtic West’, stopping at the well-known Gothic cathedral, a place of unbroken Christian worship for almost 1300 years.  Then on to Tintagel, a village located on north Cornwall's rugged Atlantic coast.  Countless stories about King Arthur have led many to believe this dramatic setting is indeed the birthplace of the legendary Celtic figure.
1^st Overnight near the charming fishing village of Padstow 

Sept 10   A leisurely morning (a chance to catch up after jet lag!).  Following one of those full English breakfasts, spending a little while in Padstow will yield some worthwhile fruit, seeing some ancient Celtic crosses in the area.  A short drive to Bodmin and 15^th c. St Petroc’s Church, built on the saint’s original foundation (St Petroc’s reliquary is a highlight of this spot).  The well-known Eden Project is nearby, and is an option for those interested in visiting it.
2^nd Overnight near Padstow   

Sept 11, 12   St Ives and Penzance are surrounded by an area of Celtic culture and outstanding natural beauty. Majestic cliffs, rocky coves, pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear seas await you, not to mention the heather and gorse of the moors.  Early Christian and Bronze Age sites abound, forming a landscape that is the heritage of a proud culture, a source of inspiration for artists, writers and poets (let’s not forget Gilbert and Sullivan!) The Penwith countryside is so beautiful… Trencrom Hill, Men an Tol, Lanyon Quoit, Merry Maidens stone circle…   And located on the shores of Mount's Bay is the island castle of St Michaels Mount, the "jewel in the crown" of the Penzance area.

St Ives is so full of history, legend and tradition, with its cobbled streets winding between quaint fishermen's cottages.  This charming seaside village has the kind of simple beauty that you will never forget.

2 Overnights St Ives

Sept 13   After attending a Choral Eucharist at Truro Cathedral, Dartmoor National Park awaits us today, a lovely moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind swept Tors. This beautiful region covers an area of 368 square miles - the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England. Throughout the year, Dartmoor is an exceptionally beautiful place to visit, with deep wooded gorges, beautiful lake-like reservoirs and tumbling rocky rivers.   
1st Overnight Salisbury

Sept 14   Salisbury, a favorite destination with visitors for 800 years or more.  Here the past merges with the present, as you enjoy the delights of the medieval city and beautiful English countryside. The majestic sight of Salisbury Cathedral is one you will not forget. Today will be a day to explore this ancient town. Some of the places you might want to see are Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Old Sarum Castle, The Wardrobe, Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum… Of course, the cathedral itself will be a highlight of our time here.  You might just want to linger around the cathedral for the day.
2^nd Overnight Salisbury

Sept 15   And what visit to the Southwest of England would be complete without experiencing Stonehenge, the iconic World Heritage site that has mystified and amazed people for thousands of years.  This ancient enigma keeps everyone wondering what truth lies in those massive stones. Its original purpose is unclear to us, but some have speculated that it was a temple made for the worship of ancient earth deities.  In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity of visiting the charming town of Winchester, and its formidable cathedral, Europe’s longest Gothic church.  It is considered one of the finest in medieval architecture.
3^rd Overnight Salisbury

Sept 16   Glastonbury Abbey is known as one of the oldest Christian ruins in the world.  Legend has it that Glastonbury is the cradle of British Christianity, being the first place on the island visited by the missionary "apostle", Joseph of Arimathea. Countless legends tell of the beginnings of Glastonbury Abbey and the mystical kingdom of Avalon.  Nearby is Wells Cathedral, described as ‘a prayer in stone and glass’, with ‘shadows and shafts of light beckoning to what lies within…’  And if there is time, we can stop in the ancient town of Bath.
Overnight near Bristol Airport.

Sept 17  Return flight from Bristol to Newark.  We look forward to seeing you on another one of our Celtic Journeys! Take care of yourselves… God Bless.

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