Make your own way to Howfield Manor, located two miles outside of Canterbury. If you’re driving, there is free on-site parking available. Alternatively, you can fly to London Gatwick, where you’ll meet your tour manager for the scenic transfer to your hotel.      However you arrive, unpack and settle into your fabulous new surroundings, perhaps by exploring the hotel, which dates back to the 12th-century, and its charming gardens. Later on, join your tour manager for a guided orientation walk of nearby historic Canterbury. Famous for its UNESCO-listed cathedral, which provided the setting for Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Canterbury is the cradle of English Christianity and the spiritual home of the Church of England. Wander along the city’s cobble-stone streets, lined with timbered buildings and encircled by Roman walls, before returning to your hotel, no doubt excited for the coming days.

Step back in time this morning as you visit the historic Cinque Ports at Hythe and Rye. The Cinque Ports (Five Ports) were formed in the 12th century to furnish ships and men for the King’s navy. In their heyday, they were thriving hubs of trade and commerce, frequented by royalty, raconteurs, writers and smugglers alike.   Call first at Hythe, one of the original Cinque Ports. Walk along the Royal Military Canal, which stretches for 28 miles and was built as part of a defence network in anticipation of a possible invasion of England during the Napoleonic Wars. Visit St Leonard’s Church, which dates back to the 10th century, and explore the town centre, with its impressive collection of Georgian, medieval and Norman buildings. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Victorian seafront promenade, near where Hythe’s once-bustling harbour stood (the harbour has now completely disappeared due to silting).    The tour continues to Rye, added belatedly as one of the Cinque Ports in 1287 after New Romney’s harbour was severely damaged by a storm. Rye, now two miles inland, was one of the busiest Cinque Ports. Enjoy a tour of this fascinating town, as you wander its winding, narrow streets, paved with history and legends, including Rye’s most famous – and picturesque – street, Mermaid Street. Discover the town’s fascinating medieval history as you visit the castle, now a museum, and the town gates, both of which date back to the 14th century. After the tour, enjoy some time at leisure, possibly stopping for a bit to eat (payable locally). Later this afternoon, why not join the optional visit to Terlingham Vineyard? English wine’s stock has risen dramatically in recent years, and Kent has very much been at the heart of this push. Located just outside of Folkestone on the Kent North Downs, this family owned vineyard is a sustainable, boutique vineyard, producing unique artisanal wines. Enjoy a tour, followed by the chance to join a tasting session, and take some bottles home with you if you like what you taste! If you’d like to continue exploring Canterbury, your driver will be happy to drop you there.