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“The Guide Made the Difference”

written by MatthewMcD on 05/09/2011

One Day: Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath

Without a doubt, the best part of our tour was our tour guide, David. He was the perfect mix of proper school teacher, bawdy club comedian and whip cracking shepherd. He managed to keep us on schedule throughout the day, educating us about the details both large and small while finding all of the hidden gems that were important to each of us at the different locations. Better than a movie trailer, he built anticipation for the next venue by entertaining us with stories and tips on what to expect, painting a vivid picture before we arrived. Even with all the rigor, there was flexibility built in for unexpected surprises; like the presence of the Queen at Windsor and the impromptu changing of the guards ceremony for visiting Japanese dignitaries.

The only problem we had with the tour was the participants who failed to heed the warning on the web site that indicated that this is a strenuous tour. This tour MOVES, you have to be ready to listen to the tour guide, they show you all the best locations; they know where the history is hiding! This is not a tour for people who cannot walk up a flight of stairs, can't follow basic instructions, need to be carried, or need to be coddled. This is a tour for people who are eager to get the "sip from the fire hose" of historical lessons for three amazing locations. There is plenty of time to nap on the bus.

The side benefit of the great history lessons is that I am better at Jeopardy! David connected the dots on so much of my haphazard and missing English history that I have retained his lessons long after the trip. I highly recommend the tour. The coach is comfortable and the countryside beautiful, and, if you are not careful, you just might learn something.