England with John Wesley and C.S. Lewis

Sep 21 Mon Depart New York – Fly London

Sep 22 Tue Arrival in London – Coventry Visit (B, D)
Morning: Arrive in London. Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a “BEN WITHERINGTON – TUTKU” sign. Depart for Coventry (approx. 2-hour drive). Coventry Visit: Explore Coventry Cathedral, a symbol of peace and reconciliation, offering historical and religious significance that ties into the values of Methodism, especially in promoting social justice. Methodist Central Hall: Learn about Coventry’s connection to Methodism and its role in the city’s spiritual life. Evening walk in Coventry to understand the role of the city in the industrial revolution, which heavily influenced John Wesley’s focus on social issues. Evening: Stay overnight in Coventry.

Sep 23 Wed Coventry – Epworth (B, D)
Morning: Depart from Coventry to Epworth (approx. 2.5 hours drive). Visit The Old Rectory, where John Wesley grew up. Explore the room where he had his first spiritual experience and learn about the daily life of the Wesley family. Visit St. Andrew’s Church, where Samuel Wesley (John’s father) served as rector and learn about the powerful influence of Susanna Wesley, whose spiritual guidance shaped John and Charles Wesley. Reflection on the roots of Methodism in this small English village and how it spread globally due to the Wesley brothers’ efforts. Evening: Continue to York for an overnight stay.

Sep 24 Thu York (B, D)
Morning: Visit the Central Methodist Church in York, one of the earliest Methodist chapels in the region, and learn about the church’s founding and role in the Methodist revival. York Minster: Explore this grand Gothic cathedral, while reflecting on its historical context in relation to Methodism. John Wesley’s ministry was born in an age of widespread Anglican influence, and York Minster offers insight into the religious tensions that led to the rise of Methodism. Walk around The Shambles, a medieval street with its own rich history. Afternoon: Free time to explore more of York, with options to visit museums or the York Castle Museum. Evening: Stay overnight in York.

Sep 25 Fri York – Durham – Leeds (B, D)
Morning: Depart from York and head to Durham (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Visit Durham Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture, and a site where Wesley preached during his travels. Although not a direct Methodist site, the cathedral’s history provides important context to the religious environment Wesley was navigating. Afternoon: Travel to Leeds (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Visit Leeds City Methodist Church, another key Methodist site in the north of England. Reflect on the historical development of the Methodist movement in industrial cities like Leeds, where Wesley’s preaching helped to establish a strong working-class Christian community. Evening: Stay overnight in Leeds.

Sep 26 Sat Leeds – Stratford-upon-Avon – Cotswolds (B, D)
Morning: Depart from Leeds for Stratford-upon-Avon (approx. 3 hours drive). Visit Holy Trinity Church, where William Shakespeare is buried. Shakespeare’s works indirectly influenced Methodism, particularly in the way he examined faith and human experience. Walk around the town and reflect on the cultural climate of the time when John Wesley began his mission. Afternoon: Continue to the Cotswolds region (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Explore the charming towns and villages of the Cotswolds, an area that represents the simplicity and spirituality of early Methodist outreach. Learn about the Methodist movement’s emphasis on simplicity and “circuit riders” who traveled across rural England to spread the Gospel. Evening: Stay overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Sep 27 Sun Stratford-upon-Avon – Oxford (B, D)
Morning: Depart for Oxford (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Visit Oxford’s Wesley Memorial Church, a tribute to the Wesley brothers and the roots of Methodism in the city. Explore the Methodist History in Oxford, where Wesley was a student at Christ Church College. Here, he and his brother Charles formed the Oxford Holy Club, the foundation of the movement that would lead to the Methodist Revival. Afternoon: Take a walking tour of Oxford University to gain further insight into the influence of the Wesley brothers on the spiritual and academic life of the city. Evening: Stay overnight in Oxford.

Sep 28 Mon Oxford – Bristol – Bath (B, D)
Morning: Depart for Bristol (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Visit The New Room, built by John Wesley in 1739, the world’s first Methodist meeting house and a key symbol of the Wesleyan movement. Learn about Wesley’s work in Bristol, where he faced opposition but remained committed to his mission of spreading the Gospel to the poor and working-class communities. Afternoon: Travel to Bath (approx. 1 hour drive). Visit The Roman Baths and explore the city’s Georgian architecture. Although Wesley didn’t found a church here, he did visit often and preached to the people. Evening: Stay overnight in Bath.

Sep 29 Tue Wesley’s London (B, D)
Morning: Depart for London (approx. 2 hours drive). Visit Wesley’s Chapel & Museum in City Road, a central site in Methodist history. The chapel was the center of the Methodist movement for many years. Walk around the Wesley’s House, and explore exhibits that reflect John Wesley’s life and contributions to Christianity and the Methodist faith. Afternoon: Visit Marble Arch and Hyde Park, significant locations in Wesley’s life, as he believed in preaching to people in open spaces. Visit Trafalgar Square and Westminster Abbey, sites connected to England’s Christian heritage and its intersections with Methodism. Explore St. Paul’s Cathedral, where Wesley often worshipped. Reflect on how the Cathedral’s grandeur contrasts with Wesley’s humble beginnings and his focus on humility. Evening: Stay overnight in London.

Sep 30 Wed London (B, D)
Visit Methodist Central Hall and the British Museum. Evening: Stay overnight in London.

Oct 1 Thu London (B, D)
Depart from Hotel to Greenwich, the site of London’s maritime history. Board on Thames River Cruise to see London’s iconic landscape. Panoramic walk from Trafalgar square. Start at Trafalgar Square – Admire Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. Walk down The Mall – Head west, passing St. James’s Park. Buckingham Palace – Stop to see the iconic palace. Constitution Hill – Walk towards Green Park. Hyde Park Corner. Evening: Stay overnight in London.

Oct 2 Fri Departure (B)
Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight back to New York. End of our services.

- Roundtrip international air fare between NEW YORK
- LONDON (Participants are responsible for their own transportation to/from New York)
- 1 Night at DoubleTree by Hilton in Coventry or similar
- 2 Nights at Novotel York Centre in York or similar
- 1 Night at DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City or similar
- 1 Night at Hotel Indigo Stratford Upon Avon, an IHG Hotel or similar
- 1 Night at voco Oxford Thames, an IHG Hotel or similar
- 1 Night at Leonardo Hotel Bristol City in Bath or similar
- 3 Nights at Lime House Library in London or similar
- 10 Dinners (per dinner, 3 course at Restaurant)
- 10 Breakfasts at Hotels
- Coach service as listed in offer
- City tax
- All transfers with modern private AC Coach
- Local Tour Guide for each City
- Tour Leader throughout the tour (Operator)
- Driver’s Accommodation
- Tour Leader’s Accommodation
- Tips and gratuities during stay
- Fees/admission to the Museums (Per person)
- York Castle Museum admission fee
- Christ Church College admission fee
- The Roman Baths admission fee
- Thames River Cruise Tour admission fee
- Guides & Leaders Meals admission fee

- Lunches
- All extra service/fees/admission that is not mentioned above
- Guide’s and Driver’s Tips recommended fee is GBP 4 per person per day
- Travel and health insurances, any kind of insurance