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Our Tour Information
Tour – HE12
Date – 092612A
Host – 51122
* To travel with our group use the information above
We will be traveling on SEPTEMBER 26, This Trip Visits: England
Trip Includes: Roundtrip Airfare, 5-Night stay in First Class Midlands Hotel, Daily Breakfast and Dinner (dinner in London on your own), Deluxe Motorcoaches, Guided Sightseeing, Entrance Fees, Study Guide, Gratuities, Administrative Fee, Fuel surcharges, Lecture Program, Two Continuing Education Units Available
ITINERARY
Day 1 – DEPART USA
Your Wesley Heritage travel study program begins as you depart the United States on your international flight to London.
Day 2 – ARRIVE in ENGLAND
Your first view will be of Westminster Abbey where royalty are christened, married and buried. You will visit St. Paul’s Cathedral where John Wesley often worshipped. On the day of his conversion, Wesley came here for an afternoon service and was deeply moved by the choir’s anthem, “Out of the Deep Have I Called Unto Thee, O Lord”. Afternoon arrival at your hotel. Dinner on your own.
Day 3 – LONDON and the MIDLANDS
Experience the lifestyle of our British cousins as you explore the vibrant town of London. You’ll be impressed with the regal adornment of Buckingham Palace. Drive by the major city sites such as Marble Arch, Speakers Corner of Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square and much more. John Wesley left his mark on the town of London. You’ll have a lecture at City Road Chapel, site of Wesley’s home and grave. Across the street in Bunhill Fields Cemetery, Susanna Wesley is buried along with other famous personages such as John Bunyan and Daniel Defoe. You’ll walk on Aldersgate Street where on May 24, 1738, John Wesley had his “Warming of the Heart” experience. You’ll walk past the entrance of “Little Britain” where Charles Wesley had his conversion experience just three days earlier. In the late afternoon, you will depart for the Midlands area, where you will spend the next five nights at a first class hotel. Breakfast and dinner are included throughout the rest of your stay.
Day 4 – BRISTOL and BATH
In the ancient port city of Bristol, you’ll have a lecture in one of Wesley’s early centers of ministry, the “New Room”. This oldest Methodist building in the world is unusually attractive in its basic simplicity. Then visit the home of Charles Wesley, the famous hymnwriter. Bath, a spa town of Roman origin, deserves its name. Since the first century, the warm waters have refreshed and healed. You’ll see the unique Roman baths and enjoy this beautiful city of 18th century streets and quaint shops.
Day 5 – COTSWOLDS and GLOUCESTER
Enjoy a scenic drive through the charming villages of the Cotswolds where honey colored cottages cluster together in secluded valleys. Enjoy a visit to Burton-on-the-Water, one of the most visited Cotswolds villages. The city of Gloucester boasts a small church which changed the world! You’ll learn about George Whitefield, who grew up in the congregation of St. Mary de Crypt. He was at Oxford with the Wesley brothers and became an ardent member of their Holy Club. Known as the greatest orator of his day, George Whitefield’s talents led him to minister in America. St. Mary de Crypt also produced Robert Raikes, founder of the Sunday School movement. Both Whitefield and Raikes had a profound influence upon Wesley. Wesley left his fellowship at Lincoln College to take over Whitefield’s Bristol ministry, leading to the founding of the “New Room”. He also embraced Raikes Sunday School movement. At St. Mary de Crypt, the first Women’s Society was founded.
Day 6 – BIRMINGHAM and COVENTRY
In Birmingham, you’ll visit the boyhood home of Francis Asbury. Sent to America by Wesley, Asbury became the first elected bishop of the American Methodist Church. On the evening of November 14, 1940, a holocaust of bombs and fire destroyed much of Coventry. Experience the pain and the triumph of the townspeople when you visit the beautiful cathedral. The charred ruins of the old cathedral sit next to the exciting architecture of the modern cathedral. They stand together as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the British people.
Day 7 – EPWORTH
The quiet English countryside and green, rolling hills will delight you as you travel to remote Epworth in the Fen Country. Here Samuel and Susanna Wesley raised their brood of children in the Old Rectory while he served the Parish Church for 39 years. You’ll become familiar with the upbringing and early life of John and Charles Wesley when you visit their childhood home. You’ll see Memorial Church, built with contributions from around the world. Enjoy a worship service with the local people of Epworth. Then visit St. Andrews Church at Epworth.
Day 8 – STRATFORD and OXFORD
You’ll glimpse life as it was in the day of William Shakespeare when you visit his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. Not far away, he courted his wife, Anne Hathaway, in the garden of her delightful thatched-roof cottage. You’ll also drive past Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. Learn about the educational background of the Wesley brothers John, Charles and Samuel, Jr. when you view Christ Church College at Oxford University.
Day 9 – DEPARTURE
Say farewell as you return to the USA or enjoy the exciting extension to Ireland.
