England: Footsteps of
St. Thomas More
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9 Days / 7 Nights, London: Windsor Castle, Runnymede, Hampton Court, Lambeth Palace, Chelsea,
Crosby Hall, Tower of London, Oxford, Canterbury, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, National Portrait Gallery
TOUR FEATURE INCLUDES:
Windsor Castle, London
Sir Thomas More, known to Roman Catholics as Saint Thomas More since 1935, was an
English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: USA
We depart USA en route to London, with
complimentary meals and beverages served aloft.
DAY 2: LONDON
Upon arrival in London, meet your Homeric Tours
representative who will escort you throughout your
tour. Enjoy a panoramic city tour en route to our
hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodations. (D)
DAY 3: LONDON
After breakfast, we visit Milk Street, a prosperous
residential area, where Thomas More was born
on February 7, 1478. St. Lawrence Jewry was the
family parish church and where Thomas lectured
on Augustine’s City of God. Tour the Guildhall
where the crypt has a fine stained glass window of
More. While studying law at Charterhouse, More
attached himself to the strict Carthusian Monastery
to receive spiritual guidance. Visit Lincoln’s Inn,
More’s law school. We then visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, to see Blackfriars, where, in 1523, Thomas
More in his opening address argued for “Freedom
of Speech,” the first such argument ever recorded.
Thomas More was a major influence on Shakespeare. This evening, attend a Shakespeare play
followed by dinner at a London restaurant. (B,D)
DAY 4: LONDON: WINDSOR CASTLE / RUNNYMEDE
& HAMPTON COURT
Afetr breakfast, we visit Windsor Castle, built by
William the Conqueror, who invaded England
in 1066. It was here that Thomas More served at
Henry VIII’s court. Henry VIII completed
St. George’s Chapel in 1528 and was later buried
there. King John signed the Magna Carta in
1215 at the large meadow (“mede”) close to
Windsor Castle, We return to London for dinner
and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 5: LAMBETH PALACE / CHELSEA /
CROSBY HALL / TOWER OF LONDON
Morning visit to Lambeth Palace where Thomas
More served the Archbishop and Lord Chancellor Morton. It is also where he was interrogated
prior to his imprisonment at the Tower of London.
Thomas More attended Chelsea Old Church and
rebuilt the side chapel in 1528. The Chelsea Old
Library owns two important Thomas More works
of art. Continue to the Tower of London where
Thomas More was imprisoned in the Bell Tower
for being found guilty of treason and beheaded on
Tower Hill. His final words were, “The King’s good
servant, but God’s First.” Thomas More is buried in
the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula. We visit Tower
Hill, the site of Thomas More’s execution, marked
by a plaque. Last stop is All Hallows Church where
More made many pilgrimages on foot to visit the
famous Marian Shrine. (B,D)
•Round-trip air: USA – ENGLAND – USA
•Meet and assist upon arrival by your Homeric Tours representative
•Private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach throughout
•English speaking Catholic tour guide(s)
•Your choice of 3, 4 or 5 star hotels
•7 Nights of hotel accommodation
•Breakfast and dinner daily
•6 Days of sightseeing tours
•All transfers
•All entrance fees
•Hotel taxes and service charges
•Porterage of one suitcase per pers
•USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program
The itinerary may be modified and tailored to the specific
requirements and budget of your group.
* Ask about our church donation program
Canterbury. In 1170 Thomas Beckett was murdered
in his own Canterbury Cathedral by the Knights of
Henry II. He was canonized shortly after and for
centuries pilgrims have flocked to his shrine. The
shrine of Thomas Becket was destroyed by Henry
VII. Visit where Thomas More’s eldest daughter
Meg and her husband William Roper lived,
opposite St. Dunstan’s Church. The Roper family
vault is where Thomas More’s head is buried.
Return to London for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 8: LONDON: HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT /
WESTMINSTER / NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
After breakfast, we board our motorcoach and
travel to Oxford where Thomas More studied for
two years. He was sent to Oxford by Archbishop
and Lord Chancellor Morton and attended
Canterbury College, now known as Christ
College. Thomas More also served as high Steward
of Oxford in 1518 and wrote a letter defending
Greek studies at Oxford. After our visit at Oxford
and some free time to explore on our own, we
return to London for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
This morning we will see the Houses of Parliament
and see More’s coat of arms in the House of Commons. We visit the impressive Westminster Abbey.
Thomas More served in parliament in 1504, which
met in the Chapter House of Westminster Abbey.
We will also visit Westminster Hall where both
More and his father practiced law. Visit the plaque
which marks the spot where Thomas More was
tried for treason on July 1, 1535. We will also visit
Westminster Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral
of London. At the National Portrait Gallery see
magnificent portraits of the More family, Henry
VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and more.
Afternoon at leisure to explore. Farewell dinner at
a local restaurant. (B,D)
DAY 7: LONDON: EXCURSION TO CANTERBURY
DAY 9: RETURN USA
Morning drive through the Kentish countryside
to Canterbury, the most important ancient city in
England and traditional home of the Archbishop of
After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our
flight home. (B)
DAY 6: LONDON: EXCURSION TO OXFORD
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