On this incredible whirlwind tour, you will be in awe as you walk in the footsteps of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling in London, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Oxford, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands. Your breath will be stolen by the dazzling beauty of the lands that gave birth to The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience that has never been offered before.
London
Platform 9 3/4
Old Harry Rocks
Hotel Miramar
Stonehenge
Radcliffe Camera
The Eagle and Child
Christ Church College
Edinburgh Castle
The Elephant House
The Jacobite Steam Train
Atholl Palace
On this tour, you will not only explore iconic sites relating to J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling, but you will also see world-famous sites and experience the most breathtaking scenery that England and Scotland have to offer. In each city, you will stay at high-quality establishments, including the beautiful Hotel Miramar overlooking the sea in Bournemouth and the grand Old Parsonage Hotel in the center of Oxford. A comfortable luxury coach will transport you from place to place. In addition, all breakfasts, three lunches, and a celebratory dinner are covered in your ticket cost.
During this tour, you will receive guiding from author, historian, and avid fantasy fan Solomon Schmidt, who will present a wealth of information and fascinating stories relating to these authors’ lives and works. You will be provided with wireless headsets that make for easy listening no matter the location – whether you’re standing atop the majestic cliffs of Old Harry Rocks or walking through the enchanting streets of Oxford! Please be advised that although we will be transported around the country in a luxury coach, some days will include several miles of easy walking.

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Throughout this tour, you will have personal freedom to break away from the group and explore on your own if you wish. For six of the eight nights, you will also be able to make your own dinner plans and spend time strolling through incredible cities like Oxford and Edinburgh. This tour will be exhilarating, informative, but also relaxing.
REGISTER FOR THE TOUR

Tour Leader Solomon Schmidt

Solomon Schmidt is the author of the History Bites® series and host of the History Bites YouTube channel. He started writing at the age of twelve, and since then, he has published eight books with two more forthcoming. Over the last few years, Solomon has traveled across the United States speaking and exhibiting his books at many different conferences.
Solomon is not only passionate about U.S. and world history, he is also an avid fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling. He has devoted thousands of hours to reading their works, studying their lives, and helping people learn more about them. Solomon’s books on these authors sprang out of his passion to share their stories with others, whether you are a newcomer to their books or a dedicated fan already!
Join Solomon on this unforgettable adventure as he leads you into the real-life worlds behind the three greatest fantasy authors of all time.

The most organized, safe, well accommodated, and fun tour I have ever taken! Days were filled with incredible sites, excellent food, and enough time to enjoy each place. Met new friends, scholars, and guides that were exceptionally knowledgeable on the three authors we centered on. I do recommend this tour for anyone who seeks to enhance their knowledge library of Tolkien, Rowling, and Lewis. Solomon is a natural born orator and his love and knowledge of these authors will enhance anyone’s education (new to the books or those like myself who have thrived on them for years). Live your dream take the tour.

- Heather G.

Best tour ever. This was a well-organized, fun, interesting and all together great tour. I learned so much and saw so much.

– Rich S.

This tour was such an experience, it’s hard to put into words. I can sum it up in one, though: amazing. I went into this tour as blind as possible, and I left with such a deep appreciation for not only these authors that I love, but also for a new culture and a sense of fantasy and wonder. I appreciate the efforts made to keep everything scheduled. You see so much, and I'm glad they allowed time to just exist in these places without feeling overly rushed Something else I appreciate is the freedom to just go explore what's out there – you're not in a singular location for too long, and when you touch down, it's so worth it to get your bearings and just go explore! That route not only gave me the experience of learning from Solomon, but also just doing it my way and being an explorer and making my own story in a new place. I took this trip with my best friend, and I definitely can say it's the greatest adventure we could’ve gone on this far. I highly recommend it!

– Jay Y.

This is the best tour I’ve ever been on.

Joe C., 40-year-veteran tour bus driver

This trip far exceeded my expectations. Solomon was extremely knowledgeable. Although my interest was mostly in J.R.R. Tolkien, I found that the more I learned about the other authors, the more captivated I was by their stories as well. The trip was so well put together, and information was so on point. I can honestly say it was the best tour I’ve ever been on.

– Michael P.

One of the best vacations I’ve ever had! Breathtaking countryside and beautiful architecture.Everywhere I looked, there was more impressive and amazing to see! Our tour guide leader, Solomon, was intelligent, well spoken, and kind. Learning about the rich history of the UK and about Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling‘s lives was fascinating! Very well organized tour and a perfect balance between guided time and free time. All of the accommodations were beautiful, and the food was delicious. I would definitely take this trip again!

- Lisa L.

Once in a lifetime experience! I had such a great time with History Bites Tours. The whole experience was amazing. Solomon did a great job leading, and it was a well organized tour. I was very sad when it was time to depart.

- Judah A.

This trip was a dream come true for me! The whole experience was well organized, and each location was thoughtfully picked. Each place we visited had smooth access and everything was easy. The restaurants especially got us in, handled our group size well, and provided amazing food! Restaurants and tour locations were all great picks. Going into this I had some fear our hands would be held the entire time. Thankfully there was plenty of time for roaming both during the tour itself and within each day afterward. History Bites did a superb job balancing tour and exploration. Solomon was educational and fun! I learned plenty of new and interesting things about the authors and locations we were visiting. Overall, the entire event was well worth the price! I would go on another in a heartbeat!

- David S.

London

July 5 - 6

On Saturday morning, you will begin your experience of London at Parliament Square, where you will have some time to explore the area around Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. You will also have the option of being taken to King’s Cross Station for a visit to Platform 9 ¾ and the Harry Potter Gift Shop.
From Parliament Square, we will make our way to the magnificent Tower Bridge over the mighty River Thames and on to lunch at the Ivy Tower Bridge, where you can look across the water and see the Tower of London on the other side!
After a relaxing lunch, we will head to the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth, where J.R.R. Tolkien himself was a frequent guest!
Experience London and stop at Platform 9 ¾!
Platform 9 3/4
Harry Potter Gift Shop
Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Ivy Tower Bridge
The Tower View Room, our private dining room for lunch
Big Ben
Westminster Abbey
Buckingham Palace

Bournemouth and Stonehenge

July 7

Get ready for a relaxing morning by the sea on the beautiful Bournemouth coast! Our tour starts in the morning with a drive and a walk to Old Harry Rocks, an incredible vista of enormous chalk cliffs and spectacular ocean views. While there, we will talk about how the sea inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s imagination in his creation of Middle-earth and the incredible mythological tales behind it. You will have time to explore the majestic scenery around you or simply relax and soak in the surroundings.
Once our visit to Old Harry Rocks is complete, it’s back to the Hotel Miramar for a fine Sunday Lunch at the hotel, and afterwards, we will drive to the world-famous site Stonehenge. After we arrive, you will have time to visit the ancient monument and take in the beautiful countryside surrounding it.
From Stonehenge, we will continue on to the Old Parsonage Hotel in Oxford! Feel free to stroll through the enchanting streets of the city and have dinner wherever you wish.
See the majestic Old Harry Rocks, stay at the Hotel Miramar, and visit Stonehenge!
Old Harry Rocks
Hotel Miramar
Front Lawn of the Hotel Miramar
Bournemouth Beach and Pier
Stonehenge

Oxford

July 8 - 10

Oxford. It’s been called the City of Dreaming Spires and is home to the thousand-year-old Oxford University. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis lived here for most of their lives. Professor Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings while living at 20 Northmoor Rd, and just a short drive away is The Kilns, home of C.S. Lewis and his brother Warren for over thirty years. It was here that Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia and housed refugee schoolchildren during World War II…sound familiar?
Tolkien and Lewis both taught at Oxford University and spent countless hours walking through the beautiful countryside surrounding the city. They were also members of an informal writer’s group called the Inklings, who met often at The Eagle & Child pub in Central Oxford.
Harry Potter filming locations are sprinkled throughout the city, including Duke Humfrey’s Library, which became Hogwarts Library, and the magnificent Christ Church College. Christ Church houses the Bodley Tower Staircase, which was the location for Professor McGonagall’s introduction to the new students in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In addition, the dining hall of the college served as the inspiration for the Great Hall of Hogwarts.
You will visit all of these sites and more during our two-and-a-half days in Oxford. The Old Parsonage Hotel, where you will stay for all three nights in Oxford, is a five-star establishment with a fine restaurant, and it is conveniently located near the city center, just a short walk from many restaurants, shops, and iconic sites, including Tolkien’s church.
After lunch on Wednesday, July 10, we will make our way to the Residence Inn in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland and home of J.K. Rowling!
Stroll through Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires! Enter the literary world of Tolkien & Lewis and explore Harry Potter filming locations!
20 Northmoor Road
Tolkien’s grave
The Kilns
C.S. Lewis’s grave
The Eagle and Child
Duke Humfrey’s Library
Christ Church College
Bodley Tower Staircase
Christ Church Dining Hall
Magdalen College, where C.S. Lewis taught
Merton College, where Tolkien taught
Radcliffe Camera, famous landmark and library of Oxford University
Old Parsonage Hotel
Inside the Old Parsonage

Edinburgh

July 11

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our whirlwind tour through Edinburgh, the home city of J.K. Rowling and capital of Scotland. Just a short walk away is Greyfriars Kirkyard, which contains a number of mysterious tombstone names: McGonagall, Sirius Black, Tom Riddle. From the Kirkyard, you can see George Heriot’s School, which was founded almost 400 years ago and shares remarkable similarities with Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
From there, it’s on to the enchanting Victoria Street in the city center, which houses the Museum Context Harry Potter store. Nearby is The Elephant House, where Rowling spent hours tirelessly putting pen to paper to complete what eventually became Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Following these sites, we will take a scenic walk through the city to the Balmoral Hotel, where Rowling checked in to finish the final Harry Potter book.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to the mighty Edinburgh Castle, which looms over the city and is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest castles in the world. You will be able to roam this amazing historic site using handy self-guided touring devices.
Once our time in Edinburgh is complete, we will drive through Scotland to our hotel in Fort William in preparation for our incredible ride on the Jacobite Steam Train next day.
Travel to Edinburgh, the home of J.K. Rowling, and visit historic Edinburgh Castle!
Greyfriars Kirkyard
George Heriot’s School
Victoria Street
Elephant House
Balmoral Hotel
View from Edinburgh Castle

Fort William and The Jacobite Steam Train

July 12

Fort William is a beautiful town located in the magnificent Scottish Highlands and situated close to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. On Friday morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the Fort William Railway Station for the start of our amazing ride on The Jacobite Steam Train.
This spectacular journey will take us 84 miles through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, past inspiring vistas of lush meadows, thick forests, crystal lakes, and rolling hills. Around lunchtime, the train will stop in the lovely town of Mallaig, where you will be free to have lunch at any place of your choice and spend time exploring the town. From there, we’ll return to the train station for the last leg of our trip back to Fort William.
To Potter fans, The Jacobite is also known as Hogwarts Express, and during your ride, you will pass by remarkable Potter filming locations and be able to immerse yourself in the real-life places that inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing the world of Harry Potter into existence!”
Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, though, riding on The Jacobite is a once-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
After arriving back in Fort William and before heading to our hotel in Edinburgh, we will drive to Pitlochry, Scotland, to celebrate the tour with a memorable last dinner at the Atholl Palace, a luxurious establishment nestled in lush, green forests and hills. The perfect end to an incredible week!
Journey through the Scottish Highlands on The Jacobite Steam Train, AKA Hogwarts Express!
Fort William
The Jacobite Steam Train
Mallaig
Atholl Palace
Scenery around the Atholl Palace
Dining at the Atholl Palace

Included In This Tour

• 8 nights’ lodging in 4- and 5- star hotels
• 8 breakfasts*
• 3 lunches*
• 1 dinner*
• Travel on a dedicated luxury coach throughout the tour
• All entrance and guides fees
• Ticket for The Jacobite Steam Train
• Wireless headset
• History Bites hat
• History Bites t-shirt
• Copy of The Life & Works of J.R.R. Tolkien History Bites by Solomon Schmidt
• Copy of The Life & Works of C.S. Lewis History Bites by Solomon Schmidt
• Copy of The Life & Works of J.K. Rowling History Bites by Solomon Schmidt (forthcoming)
*Alcohol not included
Please note: airfare is not included
 

Pricing

$3,995 per person*
*Based on double occupancy. Single-person accommodations are available upon request for an additional fee of $1,199.

Payment Policy:

1st Installment – 25% of tour price due at registration.
2nd Installment – additional 25% of tour price due by February 5, 2024.
Outstanding balance – remaining 50% of tour price due by April 5, 2024.
or
Pay total amount of tour price due by April 5, 2024.

Cancellation Policy:

100% refund up to April 4, 2024.
Since we prepay hotels, meals, transportation, and entrance fees in advance, we are unable to offer refunds after April 4, 2024.* However, you may transfer your tour ticket to another person by notifying History Bites Tours.
*A full refund will be given should there be government restrictions that make traveling to the UK impossible.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
In the unlikely event that costs for hotels, food, transportation, etc., increase substantially, tour prices will be increased. Should tour costs increase more than 5%, tour members will have the option of accepting the increased ticket price or receiving a full refund. History Bites Tours reserves the right to cancel this tour.
Please note: Tour venues subject to change. History Bites Tours shall be under no obligation or liability to any person as a result of any inaccuracy, misdescription, or changes to any tour by History Bites Tours or any other party.

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Image credits:
1.     Stonehenge: © albo/Fotolia https://www.britannica.com/topic/Stonehenge
2.     London: ISTOCK/MAMMUTH https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/70705/15-things-you-might-not-know-about-big-ben
3.     Old Harry Rocks: Visit Dorset https://www.visit-dorset.com/things-to-do/old-harry-rocks-p1306933
4.     The Jacobite and scenery: © West Coast Railways https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/steam-train-trip
5.     Christ Church: © Lee F. Mindel, FAIA https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/harry-potter-sets-christ-church-college-oxford
6.     Elephant House: Travel Top6 https://traveltop6.com/united-kingdom/edinburgh/cafes/the-elephant-house
7.     Platform 9 ¾: Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d2350633-Reviews-Platform_9_3_4-London_England.html
8.     C.S. Lewis: https://www.britannica.com/biography/C-S-Lewis
9.     J.K. Rowling: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/contributor/author/j.k.-rowling/
10.   London: DFDS
11.  Harry Potter Gift Shop: https://www.kingscross.co.uk/harry-potters-platform-9-34
12.  Ivy Tower Bridge: Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d12670367-Reviews-The_Ivy_Tower_Bridge-London_England.html
13.  The Tower Bridge View Room: Tripadvisor https://www.privatediningrooms.co.uk/restaurant/ivy-tower-bridge/
14.  Big Ben: © The Constructor
15.  Westminster Abbey: HistoryExtra https://www.historyextra.com/period/medieval/brief-history-westminster-abbey-london-henry-iii-service/
16.  Hotel Miramar: https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/accommodation/hotel-miramar-p403
17.  Hotel Miramar front lawn: Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g186262-d295803-Reviews-or10-Hotel_Miramar-Bournemouth_Dorset_England.html
18.  Old Harry Rocks sky view: © Kevmrc https://www.kevmrc.com/old-harry-rocks-england
19.  Bournemouth Beach and Pier: https://www.bournemouth.co.uk/things-to-do/bournemouth-beach-p1242373
20.  Stonehenge: © Encyclopedia Britannica
21.  Eagle and Child: © Raymond Knapman https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1996370
22.  Duke Humfrey’s Library: © Mark LaFlaur
23.  Christ Church College: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/harry-potter-sets-christ-church-college-oxford
24.  Christ Church Dining Hall: https://www.chch.ox.ac.uk/visiting-christ-church/hall
25.  Bodley Tower Staircase: https://onestepwanderer.com/harry-potter-oxford/
26.  Merton College: https://travelguide.michelin.com/europe/united-kingdom/great-britain/england/oxfordshire/oxford/merton-college
27. The Old Parsonage Hotel: https://www.oldparsonagehotel.co.uk/
28. Inside The Old Parsonage Hotel: ©dynarghdesign https://www.parsonagegrill.co.uk/
29.  Edinburgh Castle: © Jack Delany https://medium.com/@jack.delaney/edinburgh-castle-guide-8cf8876f1966
30.  Greyfriars Kirkyard: © outdooractive.com
31.  George Heriot’s School: https://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/george-heriots-school-band-concert-s1-3-choir
32.  Victoria Street: https://edinburgh.org/blog/harry-potter/
33.  Balmoral Hotel: © Booking.com
34.  View from Edinburgh Castle: © Jack Delany https://medium.com/@jack.delaney/edinburgh-castle-guide-8cf8876f1966
35.  The Jacobite front view: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/tours/glenfinnan-mallaig-the-jacobite-steam-train-0bc4c2a1
36.  Fort William and Ben Nevis: https://www.blythedale.co.uk/ben-nevis-scotland/
37.  Mallaig: © VisitScotland/Allan Jamieson https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/mallaig-p236601
38.  Atholl Palace 1: © TripAdvisor
39.  Atholl Palace 2: © trivago.ae 
40.  Scenery around the Atholl Palace: Copyright holder is unknown
41.  Dining at the Atholl Palace: © https://www.offpeakluxury.com

This tour is not authorized, prepared, approved, licensed, or endorsed:
by the Tolkien Estate, Middle-earth Enterprises, New Line Cinema, Weta, WingNut Films, Amazon, Embracer Group, or any other individual or entity associated, with and bearing the sole rights to the name TOlKIEN and to Tolkien’s books or movies and shows based on his books.

This tour is not authorized, prepared, approved, licensed, or endorsed:
by the C.S. Lewis Company, Netflix, Walt Disney Pictures, Walden Media, 20th Century Fox, New Line Cinema, MGM, WingNut Films, Warner Bros., Embracer Group, Middle-earth Enterprises, the Tolkien Estate, or any other individual or entity associated, with and bearing the sole rights to C.S. Lewis’s books or movies and shows based on his books.

This tour is not authorized, prepared, approved, licensed, or endorsed:
by J. K. Rowling, Warner Bros., the Walt Disney Pictures, Walden Media, 20th Century Fox, C.S. Lewis Company, Netflix, or any other individual or entity associated, with and bearing the sole rights to the HARRY POTTER books or movies and shows.

Have Questions? Contact us at solomon@historybites.com

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