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Combines one of Europe's richest prehistoric regions with one of Britain's finest Roman and Georgian cities. Unlike conventional sightseeing tours, every itinerary is led by an expert archaeologist and is designed to place each site within its wider historical and archaeological context.
Uniquely spectacular and fascinating it may be, Stonehenge is not alone. It stands amid one of the world’s greatest concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age constructions, burial mounds and earthwork enclosures of various shapes and sizes, a vast sacred area of exceptional potency. The study of this broader context is a distinguishing feature of this tour.
This full-day experience combines Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury, bringing together some of England's most significant archaeological landscapes and historic cities in a single journey, led by an expert archaeologist. There is ample time to explore the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and the city's celebrated Georgian architecture before returning through the remarkable prehistoric landscape of southern England. This tour features countryside walks to explore the sites in detail.
MORNING
Stonehenge landscape and Roman Bath
AFTERNOON
Avebury landscape
Visit the largest man-made tumuli in Prehistoric Europe - Silbury Hill. Silbury Hill is a man-made mound in Wiltshire, England. It is the tallest prehistoric artificial hill in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The hill is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site and is near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. The hill was constructed around 2500 BC. It is thought to have been built as a burial mound, although its exact purpose is not known for sure. It is thought to have been built as a burial mound, although its exact purpose is not known for sure. The hill stands at a height of 37 meters (130 feet) and has a base diameter of 160 meters (520 feet). It is made from chalk and clay and was built using a technique known as terrazzo (or ‘pounded earth’). Silbury Hill is an astonishing feat of engineering, and its size and scale are testimony to the skill and dedication of its Ancient builders.
Enter the 5500-year-old Neolithic tomb at West Kennet long barrow, a Neolithic monument located in Avebury, Wiltshire, England. The barrow consists of a burial chamber with an attached passageway and side chambers. It is roofed with large slabs of stone, and the entrance is flanked by two massive upright stones. The West Kennet long barrow was built around 3750 BC, and it is one of the largest and best-preserved examples of its type in the country. In recent years, the barrow has been the subject of archaeological excavations, and it is now open to the public.
We finish by visiting the world's largest stone circle at Avebury, with its beautiful medieval village situated inside. As John Aubrey in the 1600's notes [Avebury]...'does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church.'
Avebury is a small village in Wiltshire, England, best known for its extraordinary stone circles. The Avebury Stone Circles are among the largest and most impressive megalithic monuments in the world, and they have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.The stones are thought to have been erected between 2600 and 2400 BC, and they may have been used for astronomical purposes or for ritual ceremonies. We will explore the stone circles, walk along the avenue, and finish the day with a drink at the Red Lion pub.
Visit the Stonehenge 'builder's village' Durrington Walls, a large henge situated in the beautiful Wiltshire landscape. The site consists of a large circular earthwork with a diameter of over 500m. Within the earthwork are two large timber circles, thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes. The site is believed to have been constructed around 2600 BC, making it one of the earliest known examples of this type of monument. It is thought that Durrington Walls was used as a ceremonial centre for the local population, and is an important archaeological site that provides insight into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors.
Woodhenge is a prehistoric monument that was built during the Late Neolithic period. The monument consists of a series of six concentric rings of wooden posts, consisting of 168 posts in total. The posts are arranged in a symmetrical pattern and were possibly connected by lintels. Woodhenge is thought to have been used as a ceremonial site, and it may have been aligned with the movements of the sun and moon.
The power of Stonehenge lies in its inspired evocation of our shared past. A fusion of imagination and history.
Although many theories and ideas have been put forwards over the centuries to answer the enigma of ‘what is Stonehenge?’, perhaps of more significance is why this monument evokes the need in people to travel vast distances to walk amongst these stones and throughout this landscape. The answer to this may be beyond our current understanding, but what we do know is this ‘force’ on visitors is not new. Archaeological evidence indicates Neolithic and Bronze Age peoples travelling (perhaps over weeks and months) the length and breadth of the British Isles and continental Europe to stand in the midst of this testament to human ingenuity. Like these ancient travellers, you too should pilgrimage to Stonehenge along paths well-worn and truly experience this iconic symbol of Britain and our shared past humanity.
Bath is one of the supreme achievements of British architecture and urban design. The Romans harnessed the hot springs to create a resort of some brilliance. But it was in the 18th century that visiting Bath became highly fashionable, with architects transforming and extending the city into the stunning creation we see today. Bath offers an opportunity for an independent lunch.
We can arrange Roman Bath tickets for you, if desired.
FURTHER DETAILS
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Not included is the admission to sites. This will be added to your personal quotation.
This experience is classed as moderate. However the day can be adapted to suit needs.
Our in–house team can work closely with you to arrange an expert–led sightseeing private transfer between London and other cities or travel terminals.
From £1195.00 per group
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Expert archaeologist guide throughout the day
Luxury Mercedes V-Class with professional chauffeur
Explore Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury
Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests
Door-to-door collection from London (other areas catered for)
Every itinerary is tailored to individual interests. Please contact us to discuss your ideal day.
"We were led on our tour by a fabulous Archaeologist guide who was full of information, ready for every question, and finding ways to connect with each of the members of the tour, kids included.
Even though this review is coming nearly a year after that tour, we still look back on it as one of the highlights of our visit, and we would sign up for another tour through this group in a heartbeat."
"I took the Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury tour, and I'll say at the outset that it was terrific. Edward is knowledgeable, personable, and funny, everything you could ask for in a guide. Although we learned a lot, I should also point out that the tour was great fun, ending up at a convivial pub. I was so thrilled with everything I took from the experience, that I talked about it to friends long after I returned to New York."
“This was by far one of our favorite parts of our trip to England. We had a small group led by our guide and archeologist, Edward. He was super knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited.
If you find yourself wanting to visit Stonehenge, definitely go with this tour company. You will not be disappointed! We still talk about this day when anyone asks about our trip!"
Combine this Stonehenge & Bath tour with another of our private tours
for an unforgettable two-day journey through southern England.