The Triumphs and Tragedies of Sir Walter Raleigh and Thomas Harriot: A Historical Journey

October 23 - November 4, 2022

About the Tour

Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of Harriot’s Death

Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618) was immortalized as a dashing figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603), as England's intrepid explorer and colonizer of Virginia, and as a hero in England's defeat of the Spanish Armada. His most reliable lieutenant, chief scientist, and principal investigator from 1583 until his death was the renowned mathematician, nautical engineer, and astronomer Thomas Harriot (1560-1621). This journey will explore their interconnected lives and ventures in England, Ireland, and North America.

Though their temperaments and lifestyles could not have been more different, Raleigh and Harriot collaborated on virtually everything for thirty-five years—except privateering, romantic escapades, and making war. Raleigh is remembered for those flamboyant adventures. Harriot is remembered more for his intellectual exploits in mathematics, mapping of the moon, and his noteworthy treatise A Brief and True Report on the New Found Land of Virginia (1588, 1590). Raleigh’s life, by contrast, was pocked with some largely forgotten misadventures as a supposed bloody butcher of Irish rebels, his fifteen-year imprisonment in the Tower of London, and his beheading in 1618 for treason. Both the bright and darker sides of Raleigh and Harriot’s lives will be examined on this intimate journey across Ireland and England behind the curtains at the historic sites where Raleigh and Harriot made their dents in history and at museums and libraries where artifacts of their careers are carefully preserved.

Raleigh and Harriot were together in Ireland through their glory days across England. While Harriot was not held in the Tower of London, he delivered books and wines that Raleigh savored there. And he was one of the few faithful friends who heard and transcribed Raleigh’s last words near the portals of St. Margaret’s Church at Westminster Abbey where Raleigh met his executioner on 29 October 1618. On this recreated historical pilgrimage we will revisit these fateful events from the lips of authoritative historians and gifted guides carefully chosen for this unique exposure of two of the Elizabethan era's most famous characters.

The Journey

Sunday, October 23

Most of us will depart as a group from Washington DC on a flight that will take us to Ireland where Sir Walter Raleigh's meteoric public career began in 1580 in the aftermath of the gory massacre of hundreds of Irish patriots and their collaborators who sought to expel hated English overlords from their sacred homeland. We'll pick up on his notable heritage and formative years later. But there's no better place to begin than on the island where Raleigh's crushing of an Irish rebellion brought him to the attention of Queen Elizabeth and the royal court in London. Ireland was also where Raleigh assigned Thomas Harriot to survey and map a vast estate awarded to him by Queen Elizabeth for his services in quelling Irish aspirations and in launching an English empire in North America.

Day 1

  • Depart from Washington DC (and other connecting cities)

Monday, October 24

We will land at Dublin's international airport on our way to the land of Youghal (pronounced y’all)—where Raleigh lived as he surveyed his Irish estate. Although most of us will be bleary-eyed from overnight journeys, we'll begin our discussions of Raleigh's many adventures in Ireland as we bus from Dublin to the historic site of Castlemartyr (near Youghal) where we will lodge while in Ireland. Castlemartyr and nearby Youghal are Sadly, the windy bluff of Smerwick where Raleigh and the poet Edmund Spenser celebrated the bloody execution of Irish rebels in 1580 is above Dingle Bay on the west coast of Irelandtoo far off our journey route. But as we travel, we will recount the saga of how Raleigh made his mark in Ireland and won his vast estate along the Blackwater River in County Cork and how Harriot used his mastery of geometry to chart both the Carolina coast where Raleigh conducted his first American explorations and Raleigh’s Irish estates. We'll arrive in County Cork for lunch at the cozy Castlemartyr Resort where we will be welcomed by the local leaders of a vibrant movement to preserve and promote Youghal’s deep history and the story of Sir Walter’s residence there. After a long day of travel and our safe arrival at Castlemartyr we can spend the rest of our day relaxing at this glamorous resort and its charming environs.

Day 2

  • Arrive in Dublin
  • Transfer via motor coach to Castlemartyr
  • Welcome and Lunch at hotel
  • Free time to explore on own or rest from travel
  • Overnight Castlemartyr Resort

Tuesday, October 25

We’ll spend most of this day in the historic walled town of Youghal--the epicenter of Raleigh's Irish estate. He was, in fact, the Lord Mayor of the town during the reign of Elizabeth and he managed both the town and his estate from a manor house still standing and nestled in a corner of Youghal. On the first full day of our journey, we'll focus on the rich historic landmarks of the town. We’ll begin with a walking tour through Youghal's narrow streets where we will encounter buildings, walls, and gardens that predated even Raleigh's residency there. A Benedictine monastery dating from the 12th century; a water gate from the 13th century; a collegiate chapel established in the 13th century and expanded in the 14th; a Norman tower known as Tynte's Castle from the 15th century; and a host of other buildings and ruins from Raleigh's era in the 16th century. At the center of the town is the Georgian landmark Clock Gate Tower completed in 1777, almost a mirror of Philadelphia's Independence Hall. After lunch we will tour, hear heavenly music, and bow our heads in reverence at St. Mary's Collegiate Church as the ornate chapel celebrates its 801st year as a place of worship and shrine for the ancestors of Youghal. We will conclude our town visit with a private tour (thanks to its present owners) into Myrtle Grove, the 16th century residence and offices of Sir Walter Raleigh. After this unique experience we will savor our experiences of the day over a festive welcome dinner and more Irish welcomes from our host Irish friends in County Cork.

Day 3

  • Full Breakfast at hotel
  • Motorcoach to Youghal
  • Youghal Guided Walking Tour
  • Lunch in Village
  • Private Tour of St. Mary's Collegiate Church
  • Private Tour of Myrtle Grove (not open to public)
  • Welcome Dinner
  • Overnight in Castlemartyr Resort

Wednesday, October 26

Having watched the dramatic ebb and flow of the tidal washes that occur twice daily on the coast of Ireland, we will on this day take an excursion up the scenic and historic Blackwater River. We will gander at many a natural wonder and what can be seen of the historic castle homes of Thomas Harriot at Molena Abbey, the poet Edmund Spenser at Kilcolman Castle, and Raleigh (who was also himself a much-noted poet) at Lismore Castle. We'll debark for a visit to Raleigh's impressive “third” home at Lismore. Much of the territory we will observe from Molena Abbey to Lismore were parts of Raleigh’s estate which were carefully surveyed and mapped by Harriot following his return from North America where he mapped the barrier islands of North Carolina. From Lismore we'll get on a bus that will take us for an unforgettable lunch at Ballymaloe House (a facility operated by the award winning Ballymaloe Cookery School, Organic Farm and Gardens). As we ease back toward Castlemartyr after a scrumptious meal, we'll make a stop at William Penn's Irish residence Shannengary Castle just west of Youghal. After a brief afternoon rest, we will be treated to an authentic Irish pub crawl and traditional music and entertainments through the evening streets of Youghal. We'll take our cues from some of our local hosts.

Day 4

  • Full Breakfast at hotel
  • Guided private boat excursion up Blackwater River viewing Molena Abbey, Kilcolman Castle, Lismore Castle
  • Lunch at Ballymaloe House (operated by the award winning Ballymaloe Cookery School, Organic Farm and Gardens)
  • William Penn Irish Residence in Shannengary
  • Evening Pub Crawl with Irish Entertainment
  • Overnight in Castlemartyr Resort

Thursday, October 27

This will be a day of travel to take us from Raleigh's Ireland to the West Country and Salisbury Plain of England where Raleigh spent his richest years at the principal English estate awarded to him by Queen Elizabeth. If flights from Cork to Bristol, England, have been restored in 2021, we'll scurry from Youghal to Cork where we will take an Aer Lingus flight from there to Bristol. Our itinerary won't allow us to linger in Bristol which was one of the greatest of the English slave trade centers. Instead, we will make a bee line to Sherborne where lies Raleigh's beloved Sherborne Castle and Garden. The impressive house today is smaller than Raleigh’s grand edifice, but it is still privately owned by the family that took over the place from the absentee Raleigh while he lived at the Tower of London. But in preparation for our tour of Sherborne, we will this day visit the impressive Montacute House located in the village of Yeovil, a few miles from Sherborne. Built by a prickly neighbor, Sir Edward Phelips, a prominent lawyer in Parliament, this unaltered architectural gem rose in 1598 just as Raleigh's financial situation was sinking toward bankruptcy. How ironic it was that Phelips became one of the leading prosecutors of the ringleaders in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in which both Raleigh and Harriot were implicated. Despite all of these connecting links to Raleigh's fall from grace, we will be at Montacute also because some of the greatest Elizabethan portraits from the National Portrait Gallery are displayed here while the NPG is being rebuilt over a five-year period of time. After our tour of Montacute we will repair to the renowned Eastbury Hotel in Sherborne for dinner and rest.

Day 5

  • Full Breakfast at hotel
  • Travel to Cork International Airport by motor coach for Aer Lingus flight
  • Arrival in Bristol UK
  • Lunch in Bristol
  • Travel Bristol to Sherborne
  • Private tour of Montacute House
  • Arrive The Eastbury Hotel
  • Dinner at The Eastbury Hotel
  • Overnight at The Eastbury Hotel

Friday, October 28

We'll saunter by bus over to Sherborne Castle and Gardens for the morning. Here we will be treated to one of the greatest highlights of our entire tour. We have arranged for the veteran archivist and curator of Sherborne, Ann Smith, to provide us with a “bespoke tour” that will enable us to confront a wide diversity of documents and artifacts from Raleigh's rough and tumble life. If you could never conceive of Raleigh from his numerous suave and well-dressed portraits as a pipe-smoker, you'll get to see here the impressive pipe from which he probably took his last puff as he walked to the scaffold and his execution. We’ll also see rare or even one of a kind Thomas Harriot wax seal on a document intended to preserve Sherborne for Bess should Raleigh face execution. These are a few of the numerous Raleigh treasures preserved in this still surviving house that Raleigh and Bess and their children considered home. We'll enjoy lunch in the town of Sherborne and then dinner there too. For those who have not been to Stonehenge or who would like to go again, we will provide an optional afternoon jaunt to this mysterious monument that has attracted millions of visitors—including Benjamin Franklin who hypothesized about its astrophysical purpose and function when he visited there with his son William in 1757. While Franklin sashayed Lord Pembroke’s palatial Wilton House (14 minutes by auto today) for dinner, we’ll have our evening meal together in Sherborne.

Day 6

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Private tour of Sherborne Castle & Gardens
  • Lunch in Sherborne
  • Optional group visit to Stonehenge or free time to explore Sherborne
  • Dinner in Sherborne
  • Overnight at The Eastbury Hotel

Saturday, October 29

We will now resume our journey on the trail of Raleigh from Sherborne Castle to London. But with a very important stop in Winchester where Raleigh's political and legal problems turned from threat into imprisonment. After the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, Raleigh lost many of his special preferments and means of support when James VI of Scotland was crowned as James I of England. A few of his many enemies implicated both Raleigh and Harriot in a supposed plot to kidnap the new king on his triumphal parade from Scotland to London. Immediately Raleigh was escorted to the Tower of London. He was held there awaiting trial. Meanwhile, when plague threatened London, his trial was moved to Winchester. In November he came before a jury of four knights, four esquires, and four gentlemen in the same Great Hall of Winchester Castle built by William the Conqueror and which still houses the legendary great Round Table of King Arthur. We will here receive a lively rendering of Raleigh's dramatic defense of his words and threats against King James and wonder how it was that he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to be hanged and, like all traitors at the time, drawn and quartered. We will enjoy a lunch in Winchester and will then proceed to London and our lodgings at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel, our cozy base for the next six nights. Indeed, we will open our stay in London with a celebratory dinner at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel where we can memorialize our experiences in Ireland and the West Country or talk about our forthcoming experiences in London and its environs.

Day 7

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Depart Sherborne by motor coach to Winchester
  • Tour and talk at the Great Hall of Winchester Castle on King Arthur and Raleigh
  • Lunch in Winchester
  • Free time to shop and enjoy Winchester
  • Depart Winchester by motor coach to London
  • London Welcome Dinner at hotel
  • Overnight at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

Sunday, October 30

A visit to Greenwich is always a wonderful day—if the weather cooperates. We will have faith that the gods will cooperate. From previous tours we know that our travelers like to take a leisurely boat down the Thames to Greenwich directly to a unique lunch at Trafalgars Tavern. White bait is the most popular item on the menu here and even if you don't like to see little eyes on the tiny fish you are eating, we guarantee that you'll love a dish of white bait or something else from their varied menu. You then have your choice of great venues where you can take your own tour. The National Maritime Museum is filled with maritime treasures ranging from the days of Raleigh explorations, the Spanish Armada, and England's predominance on the world's oceans from then through the Second World War. We will discuss two aspects of Thomas Harriot’s career: (1) His role as instructor of English ship captains in the theory and crafts of navigation; and (2) the maps of Ireland he drew for Raleigh among the collections of the Museum. Greenwich was the safe down river place where Henry VIII's two daughters, Mary I and Elizabeth I, were born and grew up in this lush haven. Probably the tourist favorite here is the Royal Observatory which was established in 1675 and where since 1833 atop one of its turrets a ball is lifted up an iron rod every day to drop precisely at 1 p.m. Mariners departing to cross the world's seas have since that time been able to set chronometers to determine correct positioning at nearly any point on earth. As a location where precise time has been a supreme value for hundreds of years, the Observatory was chosen in 1884 as ground zero for global time known as Greenwich Mean Time. Our travelers will be able to return via boat to our dock near Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel whenever each person has finished exploring the historic sites of Greenwich and also enjoy the down town shops that are always great places for finding choice memorabilia and gifts from our tour of Raleigh's England.

Day 8

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Boat to Greenwich
  • Lunch at Trafalgar Tavern
  • Free time to shop in Greenwich or to join a group that will hoof around to the National Maritime Museum, The Queen's House, and The Royal Observatory
  • Return to London by boat at leisure
  • Overnight at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

Monday, October 31

No combined Raleigh and Harriot tour would be complete without a trip to Oxford where both of them studied at what is now Oriel College. Moreover, Harriot was a local boy who was born and grew up in the town of Oxford. We will bus from London in the morning and will tour Oriel College where our two subjects are among the large galaxy of intellects, scientists, and world leaders who have made their mark around the world. We will get a private look behind the curtain here and be able to view some of the College's Raleigh and Harriot treasures. We will also take a look at a portrait at Trinity College said to be of Harriot. Whether it is or not, it has been accepted as Harriot by scholars and publishers for many years. Since Oxford is the home of some of the greatest scholars on Raleigh and the Elizabethan era, we will meet and converse with a few of these stars. We will also enjoy lunch in the town and take a walk around pausing at such renowned landmarks as the Radcliffe Camera (1748, a reading room), the Bodleian Library (1320,”Old Bodley”), and the Old Ashmolean (1683), which now houses the Museum of the History of Science. We'll also saunter by some of Oxford's historic colleges which have made the University a center of learning, competition, and contemplation for almost a millennium. After our tour, we'll bus back to London in time for those travelers wanting more to venture out to London's vibrant and magnetic West End for an early group dinner and the opportunity for theatre goers to select a play that they might wish to see on their own. Since our hotel is only a few short blocks from the West End theaters, we can stroll at our leisure among the theaters and even buy tickets onsite.

Day 9

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Depart London by motor coach to Oxford
  • Private tour of Oriel College, a constituent college of Oxford University
  • View of Raleigh and Harriet treasures
  • Lunch in town
  • Guided walking tour of Oxford
  • Return by motor coach to Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel
  • Group dinner in the West End for theatre goers
  • Overnight at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

Tuesday, November 1

Although the National Portrait Gallery is closed for rebuilding over the next five years, we will be treated on this day with a unique seminar arranged for us at the NPGs conservation laboratory. The NPG has been examining all of its Elizabethan portraiture during the last decade and the unanticipated findings in portraits including of Elizabeth and Raleigh are astonishing. Our guide will be Dr. Charlotte Bolland, Senior Curator of Research and of 16th Century Collections at the NPG. We will then stroll down St. Martin's Street through Trafalgar Square taking note of Raleigh and American historic corners along the way. We'll swing by Benjamin Franklin's House on Craven Street (the only Franklin home still standing) and then pause at the Sherlock Holmes Tavern for lunch. Both Franklin’s residence and the Sherlock Holmes Tavern are very close to the site of the grand Durham House which was provided to Raleigh as a London residence. It was at the Durham House where Harriot conducted his school on navigation and where Harriot lived while he worked with Raleigh to explore and colonize the Carolina coast and Virginia. After lunch we'll bus over to the British Museum—one of the great museums of the world. Among other things relating to our central figure in the Museum are the original watercolors sketched and colored by the artist John White when he and Harriot were sent by Raleigh to Virginia in 1585. These small, but powerful drawings have defined the way we envision American Indians from the 16th century to the present. It takes almost a special dispensation from Elizabeth II to see these fragile gems of art. But our viewing has been permitted by the Museum's curator Kim Sloan, Curator of British Drawings and Watercolours, who will be our guide and notable authority. There will be time afterward for us either to spend the afternoon in the engrossing galleries of the British Museum, take a walk around the entertaining Bloomsbury neighborhood or return to Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth to rest up for your own evening of dining, revelry, or theatre in the West End or elsewhere.

Day 10

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Depart hotel for St. Martin's Place
  • Private talk at the National Portrait Gallery Conservation Laboratory on Elizabethan Portraits
  • Strolling walking tour (Trafalgar Square, National Gallery—George Washington Statue, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Benjamin Franklin House)
  • Lunch at Sherlock Holmes Tavern
  • Private showing of John White Watercolors and tour of British Museum
  • Return by motor coach to Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel or stay and explore on your own
  • Free time
  • Overnight at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

Wednesday, November 2

We visit two places on this day where doom surrounded Raleigh. It was at the grand mansion house owned by the Duke of Northumberland known as Syon where Raleigh was said to help formulate the 1603 plan (Bye Plot) to kidnap King James VI of Scotland before he could be crowned King James I of England. Harriot lived at Syon throughout these stormy years. Once the storm blew over for Harriot, he used Syon as his laboratory and observatory for two decades. It was here that Harriot observed the Sun and mapped its spots; the Moon of which he drew a map; and identified moons circling Jupiter and Saturn. Both Raleigh and the Duke of Northumberland were found guilty of treason against the King. Both also were imprisoned at the Tower of London for the rest of their lives. Since Harriot continued his residence at Syon House, he was able to serve both Northumberland and Raleigh as purveyor of books, clothes, food, and anything else they needed while imprisoned. We will have lunch at Syon or nearby where we will be able to pause and talk about plight of Harriot and his two imprisoned patrons—Raleigh and Northumberland. Given this background, we will next proceed to the Tower of London itself for a special guided tour of the spaces where Raleigh and Northumberland lived during some of the saddest, but most productive periods of their lives. We will leave the Tower with bowed heads for the fate of these great figures of the Elizabethan era. But we will also understand that the Tower of London was always a very special prison—used almost always to confine prominent, even knighted political prisoners until the government could decide what to do with them. We'll head back to Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth from which we can all, once again, choose a play or some other entertainment for the evening in London.

Day 11

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer by motor coach to Brentford, England
  • Private tour of Syon House
  • Transfer by motor coach to Central London
  • Lunch
  • Special tour of the Tower of London
  • Transfer by motor coach hotel
  • Overnight at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

Thursday, November 3

The culminating events of our Raleigh tour will occur on this day. When King James I decided the time had come in 1618 for Raleigh to be executed, he gave two exceptions to the directive of the 1603 court that had declared Raleigh a traitor. The first deviation was to declare that Raleigh would only lose his head at the hands of an axeman! There would be no need to draw and quarter his body as was normal in the case of traitors. The second modification was that Raleigh's head was to be handed over to his widow Bess who would be awaiting nearby after it was severed. Thus ordered, Raleigh was removed from the Tower of London on October 28, 1618 and held in a guard house adjacent to St. Margaret Church which is still today in the shadow of Westminster Abbey where kings and queens are crowned and married and funeralized. We will go to St. Margaret Church on the 402nd anniversary of Raleigh's execution. We will get all of the particulars from a colorful denizen of the Church, one Jeremy Fairhead. He'll describe to us the events of that day, where the scaffold was located, and how bodies and remains were scurried from one place to another. After this solemn commemoration, we'll hear a rendering of Raleigh's memorable speech from the scaffold. We’ll distribute copies of the notes taken by Thomas Harriot of the speech as he witnessed both the speeches and the bloody execution. Travelers will have the option of touring the adjacent Westminster Abbey afterword. We will be free for some last-minute shopping or sight-seeing during the rest of the afternoon. For the evening, we will venture out to our journey organizers' favorite newly discovered restaurant. It's called Browns' and it's located in the St. Martins area. We favor this place for our celebratory Farewell Dinner because it has wonderful food in a courtroom setting. In fact, it was formerly a courthouse. Here we will be subpoenaed one and all to give testimony to our gathered travelers as to the fast friends and good memories we will take from our Raleigh pilgrimage forever.

Day 12

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer by motor coach to Central London
  • Private, guided tour of St. Margaret Church
  • Self-guided tour Westminster Abbey
  • Transfer to by motor coach to Radisson Blu Hotel or explore on own
  • Free Afternoon
  • Farewell Dinner at Browns Brasserie & Bar Covent Garden
  • Overnight at Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel

Friday, November 4

We'll get a timely start to London Heathrow from which we will depart to Dulles International Airport (and other destinations)

Day 13

  • Full breakfast at hotel
  • Transfer by motor coach to London Heathrow Airport
  • Group Flight to Dulles International Airport, Washington (and other destinations)

Even such is time, that takes in trust. Our youth, our joys, our all we have, and pays us but with age and dust.

-Sir Walter Raleigh

Journey Organizers

The DeLuca and Tise team have designed and directed illuminating group journeys, conferences, and commemorative events for nearly thirty years focusing on historical figures including Benjamin Franklin, Sir Walter Raleigh, William Penn, and the Wright brothers to numerous destinations including England, Scotland, France, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Thailand, the Caribbean Islands and across the USA.

Larry E. Tise

Larry E. Tise, PhD, is a native of North Carolina with degrees from Duke University and the University of North Carolina. As former State Historian for both North Carolina and Pennsylvania and Wilbur and Orville Wright Orville Wright Distinguished Professor at East Carolina University, he is experienced in many realms of history. He has published eighteen books and many articles including studies on Benjamin Franklin, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the Wright brothers. For more information visit larrytisehistorian.com.

Kathleen DeLuca

Kathleen (Kathy) DeLuca, CMP, CSEP, is a native of New Jersey with a degree from Temple University. She is Founder/Owner of Events Plus, Inc., a world-wide producer of events and meetings for 22 years. As a leader in the events industry, she served on prominent industry boards including the International Live Events Association (ILEA), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), and the CMP Board. She is a past international president for ILEA, an organization she devoted over 20+ years of service. As mentor in the events industry, she has presented at conferences and taught several course sessions for the World Bank. For more information visit Events Plus, Inc.

Myrtle Grove
Youghal, Ireland

Trip Details

Group Air Travel

Sunday, Oct 23

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Dublin International Airport (DUB)

United Airlines #126

Depart: 10:05 AM

Arrive: 10:05 AM, May 24th

Friday, Nov 4

London Heathrow (LHR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

United Airlines #919

Depart: 12:15 PM

Arrive: 4:40 PM

Date

Airport

Flight

Depart

Arrive

Sunday, Oct 23

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Dublin International Airport (DUB)

United Airlines #126

10:05 PM

10:05 AM May 24th

Friday, Nov 4th

London Heathrow (LHR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

United Airlines #919

12:15 PM

4:40 PM

Flights through other cities will connect through Dulles International Airport to the group flight and may incur additional costs.
  • Group flights are economy class.
  • Purchase to other classes of service, including Business are pending seat availability.
  • MileagePlus miles earned for members of this program.
  • Group passengers with applicable MileagePlus status may secure complimentary Economy Plus seating.

Hotel Accommodations

(Post-Covid-19 substitutions of hotel properties may be necessary)

Castlemartyr Resort

County Cork, Ireland
5 star hotel
Deluxe Twin Double and Deluxe King
Visit website

Located on the historic passageway between the port town Youghal and the city of Cork

The castle from which the village of Castlemartyr takes its name was first built in 1210 by The Knights Templar. Located on the historic passageway between the port town Youghal and the city of Cork, Castlemartyr was included in the great Irish estates presented by Queen Elizabeth to Sir Walter Raleigh and which Raleigh eventually sold to the renowned chemist Richard Boyle, the first Earl of Cork. Nestled in the picturesque woodlands of East Cork, this resort offers luxurious first-class service, the finest in accommodations, dining and recreational activities. Its 103 guestrooms and suites offer contemporary design with old world elegance. Attractions include The Spa at Castlemartyr, a renowned inland links-style golf course, a state-of-the-art gym including a fitness studio, a private lake with swans and miles of unspoiled walking tracks, all graced by the mystery and power of the ancient ruins nearby.

The Eastbury Hotel

Sherborne, Dorset
4 star hotel
Luxury Double and Deluxe Rooms
Visit website

A luxury Georgian country house style hotel and unique boutique spa with lovely gardens set in the heart of the historic town of Sherborne.

A luxury Georgian country house style hotel and unique boutique spa with lovely gardens set in the heart of the historic town of Sherborne. A warm and welcoming hotel infused with personal touch and exceptional service. Originally an 18th century Georgian gentleman's residence, the Eastbury rooms are infused with immense warmth, character and offer a real home feel. Guests have exclusive use of two lounges, a library, beautiful walled gardens and private dining in our pod. Luxurious sofas to curl up on, fresh flowers, a warming fireplace, a game of chess, backgammon or bridge, interesting reads and quiet time.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth

London, England
4 star hotel
Standard Double Room/Twin Room
Visit website

Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel is a luxury hotel situated in the beautiful and historic Bloomsbury district.

Set on a quiet road off lively Bloomsbury Street, Radisson Blu Edwardian Kenilworth Hotel is a luxury hotel situated in the beautiful and historic Bloomsbury district--a fashionable residential area and the location of numerous cultural, intellectual, and educational institutions. The hotel is housed in a grand, red-brick mansion block typical of its affluent Bloomsbury neighborhood. The bright, modern lobby is flooded with natural light from numerous arched windows and a trio of sleek wooden reception desks. An abundance of modern art on display, from sculpture to paintings, lends an air of high-brow sophistication to the hushed atmosphere, while eclectic furnishings introduce a sense of welcoming coziness.

Sherborne Castle
Sherborne, England

Trip Packages

Land Only Package:

  • 11 overnight accommodations in 4 star rated hotels: 3 nights Youghal; 2 nights Sherborne; 6 nights London, includes VAT and service
  • Complimentary wi-fi at all hotels
  • 27 Meals – 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Luggage handling at all hotels and on coaches for group flights
  • Flight from Cork, Ireland to Bristol, UK
  • Behind-the-scenes, guided visits to group sites as noted in program
  • All entrance fees to all sites visited as group
  • Deluxe air-conditioned coach transportation on all group excursions not within walking distance
  • Knowledgeable speakers, docents and guides
  • Gratuities for local guides, docents, restaurants, and drivers on all included excursions
  • An on-site professional host, author and historian specializing in Sir Walter Raleigh
  • An on-site Events Plus, Inc. travel/events director

Air & Land Package:

  • Everything included in Land Only package
  • Departing transatlantic flight from Philadelphia International Airport to Dublin Airport on American Airlines (other USA cities available)
  • Returning transatlantic flight from London Heathrow Airport to Philadelphia International Airport, PA (deviations permitted)
  • Transfers for group flights from Dublin International Airport and to London Heathrow International Airport
  • Airline taxes and fees (subject to change by airline)

Package Exclusions:

  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Items
  • Passport/Visa
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Gratuities not listed above

Package Prices

Register early to secure your spot! This historical journey is limited to 30 to 35 people to create an enjoyable, intimate experience for all.

Air & Land

Double Occupancy

$5,415

per person

Air & Land

Single Occupancy

$6,825

Land Only*

Double Occupancy

$4,125

per person

Land Only*

Single Occupancy

$5,535

RESERVE YOUR SPOT *Above packages are based on Pre-Covid pricing. Subject to change based on Post-Covid pricing of venue admissions, hotels, restaurants, etc. *Land only package does not include transatlantic air flights and airport transfers.

We have made every effort to minimize the hotel prices for single travelers. Single travelers may change to double occupancy up to 30 days prior to departure and will be refunded the single supplement. Travelers changing from double occupancy to single will be invoiced the single supplement amount.

Payment

Per person due dates:

  • 50% payment due 10 days after registration (invoice will be sent via email)
  • Final payment due July 15th 2022

The paid deposit will confirm your reservation on The Journey. Invoices for the final payments will be emailed to you thirty (30) days prior to the due dates of July 15th, 2022. Make checks payable to Events Plus, Inc. An invoice will be sent to the email address that you have provided, which will include the address to mail your payment.

Covid-19 Clause

Health guidelines and travel restrictions are being monitored as we all await the resumption of safe travel throughout the world. Global vaccines are in progress and this remains a crucial component of safe travel. We remain optimistic that this customized Journey will move forward and have opened our registration.

We understand the times are still uncertain and we continue to monitor circumstances to ensure safe travel. We are steadfast in our goal to provide this program only when we are confident it is safe to do so.

Nevertheless, we would like to establish a network with those interested in joining us in this Journey when circumstances allow. To that end, we are offering a risk-free registration for those individuals at this time. We will communicate directly with registrants with further details as we approach travel dates and when financial deposits will be required. We also provide registrants additional educational material in preparation for the journey. To be included in this special list of communicants, it is necessary to register. We are offering a penalty free refund to registrants should it be necessary to cancel this Journey. However, we will offer the option and encourage registrants to maintain their registered status if we postpone or reschedule this journey.

Disclaimer/ Responsibility

Events Plus, Inc. (EPI) and/or its employees and contractors serve only as agents of suppliers and act only in the capacity of agent in all matters pertaining to travel and have no control over third party, independent suppliers. Whether by plane, rail, bus, ship or any other means of conveyance, we shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss occasioned by neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the tour. This includes but is not limited to hotels, airlines, transportation companies, car rentals, restaurants, venues, public attractions, or third-party entities/persons including organizations supplying services, products, or materials in connection with the tour.

We are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, pandemics, defective vehicles, or the negligence or default of any third party.

Delays and cancellations caused by airlines or other transportation entities are out of the control of Events Plus, Inc.

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary or reverse the order of events from that published in The Journey whenever, in our professional judgment, conditions warrant or it is deemed necessary for the comfort, convenience and safety of the attendees. This includes substitution of equal value for hotels, restaurants or visits, speakers and guides identified in the website or printed materials.

We reserve the right to cancel this tour up to 60 days prior. If cancelled by Events Plus, Inc., all payments on deposit with Events Plus, Inc. will be returned. In the case of Land Only Packages, airline ticket costs purchased on own and fees to re-deposit miles will be the responsibility of the purchaser.

Cancellation

All cancellations MUST be in writing. Date of cancellation is the date that written notification is received by Events Plus, Inc.

Cancellation Dates

Penalty

Up through October 1st, 2021

$400

October 2nd through December 22nd, 2021

25%

December 23rd through July 15th, 2022

50%

July 16th through August 31st, 2022

75%

After September 1st, 2022

100%

Cancellations MUST be by email or mailed letter. The date of your cancellation determines the percentage retained by Events Plus, Inc. The date of recorded cancellation is the actual date that written notification is received by Events Plus, Inc.

Name changes are permitted up to 14 days prior to departure. After that date, changes will incur an administrative fee of $100 as well as any penalties incurred by airlines, hotels, or third party suppliers.

If the trip is cancelled by Events Plus, Inc., a complete refund will be paid.

We strongly recommend for your protection that you purchase travel insurance to cover any unforeseen situations and medical emergencies while abroad including medical evacuation. All travelers are advised to review their medical insurance for international medical coverage.

Syon House
Brentford, England

Things to Know

Air Travel

The total tour package includes a group flight on American Airlines from Philadelphia to Dublin with a return flight from London to Philadelphia. Those traveling from other cities can join the group in Philadelphia or purchase the land only package. The group flight is coach class and no deviations from the dates of travel are permitted on the flight to Dublin. Deviations are permitted if you wish to extend your stay in London or other European cities.

If you wish to extend your stay either before the tour or you are planning to utilize frequent flyer miles or other discounts, please choose the land only package. Only the Air & Land Package includes transportation from and to these airports.

All group airline seats not confirmed by January 30th will be released and participation options after that date will be for the Land Only Package.

Our entire group will travel on a flight from Cork International to Bristol Airport as part of both Air & Land and Land Only Packages. Transportation to and from the Cork and Bristol airports are also included for all.

Attire

The attire for the trip is casual, comfortable clothing. There will be some events where business attire will be required. These occasions will be identified on the final itinerary. Please wear comfortable shoes at all times.

Currency

While on this tour we will utilize both Euros and British Pounds. Your ATM card is best to use for withdrawing cash but check with your bank to find out fees and notify them of your travel plans. AAA members can also order currency from local offices or purchase currency debit cards. Clear all credit cards with your bank for travel before departing the USA. Be sure you are utilizing a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Some establishments in Europe will not accept American Express cards.

Featured Guests

All the fabulous people you will meet during your time with us are a result of personal relationships and recommendations of friends and colleagues. They all have expertise in Sir Walter Raleigh and the venues we are visiting. There will be information on our featured dignitaries, speakers, docents, curators, and guides added to the website so you can learn about their areas of knowledge.

Ground Transportation

Ground transportation from Dublin International to Walter Raleigh Hotel and from Radisson Blu Hotel to London Heathrow Airport will be provided for Air & Land Package attendees only. If you are not traveling on the group flight, your transportation to and from hotels and airports will be your own responsibility or may be purchased through Events Plus, Inc. Price quoted upon request.

Throughout our tour, bus transportation will be provided as identified in The Journey and daily outline for all our scheduled visits and meal functions. We will walk to locations that are within comfortable walking distance. Transportation during free time or for visits that are not part of our itinerary are not included in the cost of the tour.

Health and Medical

All of our trips include a reasonable amount of walking. You must be able to get on and off motor coaches on your own or must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. In the case of wheelchairs, we cannot guarantee all venues included in our itinerary can accommodate with elevators (lifts). When you register, you will find a place to indicate any special needs/assistance or requests. Any physical or mental condition that may require special assistance must be in writing. It is imperative that we are made aware of all restrictions and, in particular, walking or stair climbing, as well as dietary restrictions and allergies, etc. so that we can make special arrangements well in advance of our travel.

Itinerary

Updates to the schedule will be posted on our website so be sure to check back often. A final itinerary will be included with travel documents prior to our trip departure. Please note that, as with any trip, we may have to alter the schedule on-site from day-to-day. We try very hard not to do that but sometimes it is necessary. You will be informed of any changes at our Welcome and Orientation when we arrive in Youghal. We also make announcements on our coach with daily changes.

Meals

We include breakfast each day at all our hotels. As customary with all our historical journeys, we will celebrate with our traditional Welcome Dinner in Youghal and reminisce at our Farewell Dinner in London. We include nine lunches and five additional dinners in specially selected restaurants and/or specialty locations. All alcoholic beverages are on your own. While we do our best to accommodate food allergy concerns, we cannot guarantee cross-contamination.

Mobile Phones

If you plan to use your mobile phone internationally, call your provider to arrange for an international plan on your phone. If you do not have an international plan added, you need to turn roaming off on your phone to avoid data from downloading. Wi-Fi is available at the hotels and some of the locations we will be visiting.

Things To Bring

Airline e-ticket, passport (leave a copy with family member and carry one with you), prescription medications (keep in your carry on), travel umbrella

Travel Documents

Passports are not included in the package cost. All passports are the responsibility of the individual traveler. A passport valid for at least six months after the completion of this trip is required for USA citizens on this journey. USA citizens do not require a VISA. If you are not a USA citizen, please contact your embassy or consulate to ensure you obtain the proper documentation.

Travel Protection / Insurance

Events Plus, Inc. highly recommends the purchase of travel insurance. Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover international medical emergencies. Travel insurance also covers cancellation should a misfortune occur preventing you or your travel companion from traveling. Travel trip cancellation covers cancelled flights and trip cancellation should a misfortune occur preventing you or your travel companion from traveling. Allianz Travel Insurance and Progressive Travel Insurance are among the many companies that offer trip cancellation and medical insurance.

Wi-Fi

All hotels offer complimentary wi-fi in guest rooms and lobby.