The Best of York
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Port
Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$184
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 8 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Historic York is among the most beautiful and enchanting cities in England. To get there, you will follow an ancient Roman route -- now known as the A-1 motorway (freeway). It runs between the North Yorkshire Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, not surprisingly leading to the city of York itself. King George VI once said, "The history of York is the history of England," and time spent exploring its ancient snickleways (alleys) and awe-inspiring cathedral will confirm this.
Travel to the center of the city and begin a guided tour of the imposing York Minster (Cathedral), whose Gothic architecture has earned it a worldwide reputation as a masterpiece of construction. The cathedral stands on the site of the crowning of Constantine, the Roman Emperor who established Christianity as the faith of the Roman Empire in the 4th century. Today's church was built over the course of two and a half centuries, from the 1220s to the 1470s. Step into the vast nave, where so many choirs have sung praises to God. Enjoy the stunning stained glass and the intricate beauty of the Chapter House, one of the most ornately crafted rooms in Europe.
You will have several hours to explore York's Old Town. Purchase lunch in one of the many local cafés and restaurants (at your own expense).
The sinuous vibrancy of the surrounding quarter, known affectionately as the Shambles, is a great place to lose yourself in medieval history and do some shopping at the same time -- multi-tasking for the truly ingenious! And don't miss the opportunity to scale York's historic wall and walk along the ancient ramparts of the town.
Meet up with your guide and reboard the coach to return to Newcastle and the ship.
Notes:
Lunch is not included. You will have time to purchase lunch at your own expense during the tour. Travel time to York is approximately two hours each way. A ship's escort will accompany you on the motorcoach, and a local guide will board the coach in York. There will be no narration between the ship and York. Minimum age to climb the tower is 8 years. Tour does not operate on Sundays.