Travel-Learn Program
From London to Canterbury: Dickens Trail
When: September 05, 2012 - September 12, 2012 (iCal)
Description
Join us for "A Dickensian Feast" of landmark visits to places made famous in the life and work of Charles Dickens. In London, visit the author’s grave in the Poet’s’ Corner of Westminster Abbey and explore the Charles Dickens Museum, where Oliver Twist was written. From London, journey to Canterbury, stopping at famed locales, including settings of such Dickensian classics as Great Expectations and David Copperfield. Excursions will bring us to some of the author’s favorite retreats. Whether a literary enthusiast or not, this journey holds the promise of an unforgettable experience.
Activity level: Moderately Active
Featuring Study Leader
Dorothy "Dot" Dudley
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Cost
From $3,890 per person, based on double occupancy.
Itinerary
Day 1 – U.S./London, England
We depart this morning on a daytime flight to London. After arriving in Heathrow Airport this evening, we will be met and transported to our city center hotel. A late supper will be awaiting us upon check in.
Day 2 - London
Today begins with a panoramic tour of London. Starting in Westminster, our guide will introduce us to 1,000 years of English history, embodied in the Poets’ Corner at Westminster Abbey (where Dickens is buried), St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, and finally, The Charles Dickens Museum. The only surviving London home (1837-1839) of Dickens, with four floors of paintings, rare editions, manuscripts, and original furniture, it is where he completed The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist. The rest of the day and evening are free to explore and sample London’s great restaurants.
Day 3 – Rochester
It’s a short drive through the Kent countryside to the city of Rochester, home of the annual Dickens Festival. Along the way, we’ll stop at Knole House, the country home of the Sackville family since 1600. Once in Rochester, we’ll explore the many locations in the city that are mentioned in Dickens’ novels. The important Restoration House is featured in Great Expectations as Miss Havisham’s house, while the chalet at Eastgate House once stood on the grounds of Gad’s Hill, and was used as the author’s study. Time permitting we may also explore Rochester Castle, with the tallest keep in the country. It’s a short drive from here to Canterbury for dinner.
Day 4 - Canterbury
Canterbury is featured in David Copperfield, and this morning, we take a walking tour of the ancient city, rich in atmosphere and dominated by its cathedral, the final destination on the Pilgrims’ Way and infamous scene of Thomas Becket’s demise. We’ll view its mysterious crypt and medieval stained glass; investigate the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey; and explore the vestiges of St. Pancras church, a one-time pagan temple. This afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5 - Broadstairs
Our excursion today is to Broadstairs on the far northeast tip of Kent: Dickens’ favorite summer resort from 1839 - 1851. We’ll visit the Dickens House Museum, former home of Mary Strong (model for Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield), and its wonderful collection of memorabilia. Further down Harbour Street is the Tartar Frigate, which Dickens described as, “the cosiest little sailor’s inn . . . that is to be met around the coast.” And on your walk through town, we’ll catch glimpses of the sentinel-like Bleak House perched high on the edge of the cliff, which was Dickens’ favorite holiday retreat from 1840-52, and is open to the public. We’ll return to Canterbury for a free evening.
Day 6 – Kent/London.
After a free morning in Canterbury, we’ll wend our way leisurely through the Kent countryside back to London, stopping at a country tavern for lunch en route. From our mid-afternoon return to London, time will be your own to pursue individual interests.
Day 7 – London
Today we are free in London. We may decide to further explore old Dickensian hangouts, including Furnival’s Inn, Blackfriars Bridge (a 12-year-old Dickens frequently crossed this bridge while working at Warren’s Blacking Factory to visit his father in the Marshalsea prison); or the Roman Bath, where he played and bathed as a child. Or visit the former home of actress Frances Ternan whose daughter, Ellen, became involved with Dickens in 1857. Possibly the inspiration for Estella in Great Expectations. In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner.
Day 8 – London/U.S.
Morning transport to the airport for returning flights to the U.S.
