Depart USA for England to begin our Traditions of Christ in Ancient Britain Tour

Arrival in England. Get rested and settled into your hotel. Tour starts on 8:00am the next morning.

Christ in Ancient Britain Traditional Sites:

The group heads to Glastonbury, also known anciently as Avalon, this is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places we will visit. In the morning we visit Glastonbury Abbey. This abbey is the proposed burial site of Joseph of Arimathea, King Arthur, and Guinevere. It is also the site of Joseph’s famous Thorn Tree that still blooms twice a year on Easter and Christmas.

After lunch we ahead to Wells for an afternoon visit to explore Wells Cathedral and its magnificent Chapter house. Wells Cathedral was the first cathedral to be built in the Early English Gothic style, construction began back in 1180 AD. 

Welcome dinner in Wells, as well as overnight.

We begin our day learning about Christ in Ancient Britain, by heading back to Glastonbury to visit Chalice Well and Glastonbury Tor. Each site is steeped in legend, as well as traditions. Before we leave, guests have the chance to take off their shoes and walk in the stream, plus drink from the well of healing waters. The area by the well is traditionally thought to be the burial site of the Holy Grail Cup, which was brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea.

From there we will make the climb to Glastonbury Tor to see the breathtaking view of what was ancient Avalon and to see the representation of the heavens and learn about the Temple of the Stars. In the afternoon we will head to Salisbury to visit the iconic Salisbury Cathedral, home of the best preserved copy of the Magna Carta (only 4 surviving copies). 

Overnight in Salisbury.

A visit to the iconic Stonehenge is in order; however, on this tour you learn also about the Avebury. From there you see Silbury Mound, the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. Our mid-day lunch will be a take away lunch from the 400+ year old Waggon and Horse Pub. Legend has it that Charles Dickens was known to frequent that very spot in his travels to and from London. 

Next, a visit to the even older ancient stone circle site called Avebury. Some believe the stones at Avebury were actually used to create Stonehenge. Avebury has its own unique story about the paths of the stars, and allows you to walk amongst the stones. From there, we travel to London to overnight.

The study of the Holy Grail Legend would not be complete without a visit to the Temple Church in London. For example, it was built in the 12th century by the Knights Templar. Moreover, the Round Church was consecrated in 1185 by the patriarch of Jerusalem. It was designed to recall the holiest place in the Crusaders’ world: the circular Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

All of the Templar churches we will visit are round — patterned after what the Templars believed was the structure of Soloman’s Temple in Jerusalem. After lunch on Fleet Street, we will set out for a Globe Theatre Tour. Subsequently, we learn how this theatre’s architecture houses many hermetic symbols and architectural details. Evensong will be an option in the late afternoon at St. Paul’s Cathedral, whose architect was Hermeticist Christopher Wren. After a walk across the Millennial Bridge, we will end up at St. Paul’s Cathedral for Evensong.

Overnight in London.

We begin with a visit to Westminster Cathedral in London. Westminster Abbey is the most prominent religious monument in the UK but also the final resting place for thousands of influential figures ranging from poets, scientists, politicians, and monarchs. Some of the famous tombs at the church include Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Edward V and more. From there we will travel to Cambridge, home to the Neo-platonists and one of the greatest minds of all time, Sir Isaac Newton, another Hermeticist. 

After lunch we will take a scenic boat ride, known as “punting on the Cam” and enjoy a visit to King’s College Chapel for evensong, home ot the world famous King’s College Choir. You will want to make sure you stop in for a bite to eat or drink at the famous Eagle Pub in Cambridge. For instance, this pub is significant in WWII history as well as the “think tank” for the discovery of DNA.

Overnight in Cambridge.

We will visit Round Church, one of the only 4 standing churches in the world that was built by the Knight’s Templar. Next we will visit and explore King’s College Chapel and it’s beautiful stain glass and art. The afternoon is free for exploring Cambridge. It’s a wonderful town to explore with its colleges, museums and open air market.

Overnight in Cambridge.

We will first travel to Ely and visit their amazing Cathedral that includes a Stain Glass Museum. Ely Cathedral has origins dating back to AD 673 when St Etheldreda built an Abbey Church. The present building dates back to 1083, and was granted Cathedral status in 1109. From there we travel to Lincoln, the land of Tennyson and others who revered Mary Magdalene.

Lincoln is close to Robin Hood legends, with Sherwood Forest not far away. You will learn how the legend of Robin Hood and Maid Mariam ties into the traditions of Christ in Ancient Britain. We will visit Lincoln Cathedral and learn of the traditions that tie it to Mary Magdalene. Lincoln Castle is nearby along with the old shops and pubs to explore. We will finish the day with Evensong at Lincoln Cathedral.

Overnight in Lincoln.

First thing today, we will transfer to Lyme Park, a beautiful estate located in Chesire, England. Lyme Park and its hall have been used in several films and television programs. The exterior of the hall was used as Pemberley in Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. As we continue on with our journey to Edinburgh we will overnight in Gretna Green; the traditional site of runaway weddings.

Pre-trip movie suggestion: “The Pride and Prejudice” We will then make the drive to Scotland.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

We are off to Stirling and a visit the Bannockburn Battlefield Visitor Center. You will learn about Robert the Bruce and the last ride of the Templar Knights on this battlefield to secure independence for Scotland. While in Stirling we will also make a visit to Stirling Castle. The castle has a long, eventful and sometimes bloody history, with its first recorded event beginning in 1107 AD. 

Pre-trip movie suggestion: “Braveheart”

Overnight in Edinburgh.

We will begin our day with a tour of Holyrood Palace, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Holyrood Palace was built in the 1600’s and has its own connection to Hermeticism. You will have a chance to see the ancient abbey that predates HOlyrood as well as its beautiful gardens. For those of you up to the challenge, there is a hike nearby to Arthurs Chair that allows for an amazing view of Edinburgh. The rest of the day will be spent exploring, shopping, and enjoying lunch on the Royal Mile at your leisure.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

The final day of our tour will culminate with our visit to the amazing Rosslyn Chapel, built in the 1400s by the St. Clair family. Rosslyn, is a sacred site full of symbolism and energetic ley lines. Our visit will include a walk through Roslin Glen and a visit to Rosslyn Castle; ancestral home to the St. Clair (Sinclair) family of Templar fame. 

Rosslyn is the perfect conclusion of the tour that culminates in understanding the true grail legend and those who sought to protect it. From there we will travel to Temple Village to visit the Old Temple Kirk. The name “Temple” refers to its historical connection to the Knight Templar. It was known anciently as “Balantrodach,” from the Scottish Gaelic “Baile nan Trodach.” The phrase means “town of the warriors,” another reference to the Knights Templar.

Farewell dinner that evening for the Traditions Tour.

Overnight in Edinburgh.

We conclude our Traditions of Christ in Ancient Britain Tour today as we depart home from Edinburgh.