Explore Southern England & Dublin
September 12-26, 2014
Tour Leaders: John & Barb Munson
Stone Henge
Overview
Are you looking for a leisurely wellness vacation that allows you to explore one of the greatest cities
in the world and then visit seaside villages along the English Channel? This tour begins with three
spectacular days in the city of Dublin, Ireland where participants will have the opportunity to see the
top ten attractions of this magnificent place. A fourth day will find the group enjoying a leisurely hike
in the Wicklow Mountains while admiring the Irish countryside. Upon completion of the Ireland leg of
our tour, participants will fly to south central England to take in three distinctly different cultural
communities. Ancient sea ports, market towns, and the mysterious Stone Henge will encompass
some of the adventure in this southern English portion of the tour. With much flexibility and very low
levels of difficulty this tour is a good fit for many ages and stages.
Trip Itinerary
September 12 - Depart from home
Your adventure takes off with a flight across the Atlantic, departing from Chicago O’Hare or if you are
flying from a different airport, meeting the group in Dublin. After arriving in Dublin on the morning of
September 13th the group will transfer from the airport to a centrally
located hotel close to all of the incredible sites. The rest of the day is
yours to relax and catch up on sleep if needed. Your tour leaders will
provide guidance for easy to walk places of interest. In the evening,
the group will gather for a dinner in the hotel followed by an
orientation with the tour leaders. Overnight in Dublin.
September 14, 15 - Explore Dublin
After a group breakfast in the hotel, the group will begin to explore
the spectacular city of Dublin. Some examples of sites and scenes can be found at this web page:
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186605-Activities-Dublin_County_Dublin.html) Dublin has
it all, a charming mix of medieval, Georgian, and modern architecture, a wealth of history and culture,
a legendary literary tradition, bountiful shopping, dining, nightlife and of course, incredible
characters! Take in the top 10 most visited places (Dublin Zoo, National Aquatic Center, Guinness
Storehouse, The National Gallery of Ireland, National Botanic Garden, National Museum of Ireland –
Archaeology, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, , Book of Kells, Farmleigh House, Kilmainham Gaol (jail)). Of
course, the next 10 most visited places will entice you as well. Overnight in Dublin.
September 16 - Wicklow Mountains National Park
After the adventures in Dublin, you will spend a day exploring
Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, just an
hour train ride from Dublin. This National Park extends over
20,000 hectares of upland mountain scenery on the doorstep
of Dublin. The landscape is a product of the interaction
between humans and nature over thousands of years, yet you
can still get a tangible feeling of wilderness
(http://www.wicklowmountainsnationalpark.ie/visit.html).
You’ll pack a lunch for this hike, but will be back in Dublin in time for an evening dinner on the town.
Overnight in Dublin.
September 17, 18, 19 - Swanage, UK
Upon completion of your Ireland leg of the trip, the group will
fly to south central England and begin this new adventure by
visiting the beautiful coastal village of Swanage
(http://www.virtual-swanage.co.uk/). Swanage was a popular
seaside resort in Victorian times and families today continue to
enjoy its shallow, calm beach. The recently restored Swanage
Pier is a popular spot for fishing. Diving trips and boat tours
also depart from this pier. You will not want to miss a trip
through the local countryside on the Swanage Steam Railway
as the group will visit Corfe Castle in a nearby village. Each day,
you’ll have many places from which to choose. Coastal trail
hiking, village exploring, visiting bird sanctuaries, and more will
all be possible. Your tour leaders will facilitate new adventures each day and provide guidance on
which highlights fit best with your interests. Overnight in Swanage.
September 20, 21, 22 - Explore Dorchester and surrounding villages
Your next visit will find the group in the town of Dorchester
(http://www.visit-dorchester.co.uk/)where you will explore local villages,
investigate Roman ruins, and shop in the local market. Dorchester is the
county town of Dorset, England. A historic market town, Dorchester lies on
the banks of the River Frome, in the Frome Valley, just south of the Dorset
Downs and north of the South Dorset Ridgeway. Dorchester is noted as being
home and inspiration to the author Thomas Hardy, whose novel The Mayor of
Casterbridge was based on the town. One day the group will hire a local
coach to see some of the beautiful outlying villages of this unique part of the
UK. Of course, a tour would not be complete without a visit to the brilliant
Earthworks of Maiden Castle. Overnight in Dorchester.
September 23, 24, 25 - Revel in Salisbury
Leaving Dorchester, the group travels north to the quaint village of Salisbury
(http://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/explore/salisbury-and-surroundings). Salisbury is a cathedral city in
Wiltshire, England, near the edge of Salisbury Plain. It sits at the confluence of five rivers: the Nadder,
Ebble, Wylye and Bourne are tributary to the Avon, which flows to the south coast and into the sea at
Christchurch, Dorset. It’s the only city in the county, and also the second largest settlement in the
county. It has also been called New Sarum to distinguish it from the original site of settlement to the
north of the city at Old Sarum. Described as the City
in the Countryside, it will make an excellent destination
for a short break. With timbered buildings, an Early
English Gothic Cathedral home to the famous
Magna Carta, a thriving market, a buzzing arts scene,
museums, and some of England’s finest historic houses,
they’re just waiting to be explored. Each day, you will
form small groups and set out to explore the landscapes,
villages, and more. Of course, a stay in Salisbury would
not be complete without a visit to the world renowned
Stone Henge! Overnight in Salisbury.
September 26 - Return home
Bus transfer to London. Fly home.
COST: $3,439 (USD)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,050 (USD)
INCLUDED: Cost includes all accommodations, breakfast each day, 4 group dinners, coach bus transport in
the UK, and 2 UWSP Adventure Tours tour leaders (flying out of O’Hare). Please note, cost includes land only
rate, per person, with double occupancy accommodations. Single rooms may be limited. Depending on
weather and other variables, some activities or accommodations may change prior to or during the tour. This
tour will accommodate most fitness/health levels, however it is suggested that all participants have at least a
moderate/fair level of fitness and health. There are many options built into the itinerary to maintain flexibility
and ensure a leisurely wellness adventure for everyone aboard.
NOT INCLUDED: Flights to Dublin and Bournemouth with a return home from London, meals except where
specified in itinerary, extra purchases (such as souvenirs and alcoholic beverages), bus driver gratuity,
additional activities and admissions/passes, laundry, and travel insurance. Your trip leader will assist with
making flight arrangements so that the entire group is on the same flight to Bournemouth from Dublin.
TOUR LEADERS: John & Barb Munson, 715-340-4855, barbjohn@charter.net
GROUP SIZE: 16 maximum
CONTACT: Trevor Roark, 715-340-8186, adventure.tours@uwsp.edu
REGISTRATION: print registration, complete, & send along with $400 (pp) nonrefundable deposit
WEBSITE: www.uwspadventuretours.com