Canterbury and Kent Christmas Markets 2012 

Make your way to the Abbots Barton Hotel in Canterbury today, where your Tour Manager is waiting to greet you. After settling in, take a walk and familiarise yourself with your surroundings before dinner this evening. (D)

This morning we discover some of Canterbury's rich and varied history on a guided walking tour of some of its main sights. Canterbury's centre is remarkably well preserved, with great examples of half-timbered buildings and other Medieval architecture, as well as the remains of its 14th century city wall. Our tour finishes with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, which is easily Canterbury's most famous landmark and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was founded in 597 when the Kingdom of Kent converted to Christianity, and though it has undergone some structural changes over the years, the mighty structure still boasts some original features. Your afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Canterbury Tales exhibition, a fascinating museum that recreates 14th century England through Geoffrey Chaucer's famous narrative. (B,D)

We take a coach to nearby Rochester today. The town was a favourite of Charles Dickens, who based many location descriptions on the buildings here. In celebration of this, the Dickensian Christmas Market is held in the town every year. Set in the grounds of the atmospheric castle, the aroma of mulled wine and roast chestnuts fills the air. The Christmas feel is enhanced by the traders and locals, along with street entertainers, dressed inperiod costume. We enjoy time to explore the market or even Rochester's Victorian High Street, before we return to Canterbury. (B,D)

Today we travel by coach to Tenterden, where we join the Kent & East Sussex Railway for an interesting journey through the picturesque Rother Valley. The heritage railway's stations have been lovingly restored to look as they would when they opened, which adds to the charm of the area's pretty scenery. Following this we enjoy a wine tasting and a tour of the premises at a local vineyard, before heading back to Canterbury for a farewell meal. (B,D)

After breakfast the tour concludes, and you are free to leave Canterbury at your leisure. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Where shown, meals are included in the price of your holiday