Land Package:
$3540 per person
$1170 single supplement (single room)
A $500 deposit will reserve your spot on this trip!
25% payment is due no later than 120 days prior to departure. Final payment in full due no later than 90-days prior to departure along with copies of government issued passports and proof of UK Electronic Travel Authorization (£10).
We will depart on the evening of Wednesday, October 7th on a non-stop, overnight flight to London's Heathrow International Airport for a morning arrival to make the most of day one in the UK.
Airline ticketing is not included in the quoted rate, arrangements will be made closer travel date.
We will arrive in London bright and early! Once making our way through UK Border Control and collecting checked bags we will be greeted by a local assistant to help guide the group to a motor coach transfer to our London hotel to drop off bags before exploring the local London area with your £30 Oyster Card and 3-Day London Pass.
When you are ready to attack the town some suggestions to get your feet wet with London are the Tower of London & Jewel House and the Tower Bridge experience (both included in The London Pass, included in your trip). After your initial London excursions we will have a group welcome dinner at at a very special location.
After dinner, feel free to explore more of the city as the day turns into night, or settle in for the evening.
Accommodation: Ibis Styles London Southwark 3* or similar (3 nights)
Your first morning waking up in London! Good morning! This morning we will be taking in the church of the Kings and Queens of England since 1066 - from weddings to coronations to funerals this is the architectural marvel that has nearly stolen many shows! If you are an early riser, join us for our morning venture to Westminster Abbey for the 8:00am Anglican service and Communion, if you are feeling like sleeping in, grab your Full English Breakfast and head to the Abbey for the 9:30am tour, included in your 3-day London Pass.
From the spiritual heart of Westminster we journey to the mother-church of the United Grand Lodge of England since 1933 - London Freemasons' Hall on Great Queen Street. Enjoy the tour of this wonderful building, the Museum of Freemasonry, and the gift shop.
When we're done at Freemasons' Hall we will journey down the block to...no, not the muffin man's bakery, though we are quite near Drury Lane, but the Freemason's Arms public house for lunch, and maybe a pint or two of bitter.
If the gents plan to visit Lodge Jamrud No. 4372 (below), head that way early and check out the famous bespoke neighborhood of Savile Row nearby and pass through Picadilly Circus.
Take a short walk to the one of the many theatres of London's famous West End theatre district and take in a show, or keep walking through to the famous Picadilly Circus - London's answer to NYC's Times Square. If you tire with Picadilly, the world famous Fortnum & Mason department store is only a few more minutes walk.
If the pint of bitter whet your whistle and you're ready for a world class cocktail, head the other direction to the equally world famous Savoy Hotel where you will find the bar that literally wrote the book on cocktails - and is the longest surviving cocktail bar in London, American Bar. Speaking of cocktails, check out The London Pass as you may find a freebie included along with the other 90+ included attractions.
The Lodge was formed over 100 years ago on December 14, 1921 and met in the compound of Fort Jamrud, located in a Mohammedan village near the Khyber Pass in what is now Pakistan. After the Partition of India in 1947 that divided British India into two independent states, India and Pakistan, the Lodge relocated to London where it has remained to this day.
Formed in 1946, the Lodge attracts members from all the Counties surrounding London and many from much further afield such as Wales and even France. This Lodge is proud of turnout at each meeting, normally over 75% of the membership (45), as well as their post-Lodge festive boards
Our last full day and evening in London. Use the day to check out any of the things that you have always wanted to see, make the most of the included activities on The London Pass, or hit up some of the outlying areas. Some recommendations are:
86 St James's Street is a Crown property and Grade II listed. At the time of its construction the building was described as "High Victorian". The property consists of seven levels which includes the lower ground floor and basement. The present building at 86 St James's Street was built between 1862 and 1865 following a design by Sir James Thomas Knowles (1831-1908). On 3 December 1977 The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales obtained a lease for Mark Masons' Hall, which is now the headquarters of 10 Orders of Freemasonry.
In the 1160s the current site for the establishment of a larger monastic complex for the Knights Templar was purchased to be used as their headquarters in England. In addition to the church, the new compound originally contained residences, military training facilities, and recreational grounds for the military brethren and novices, who were not permitted to go into the City without the permission of the Master of the Temple.
If you have seen all of London that you care to see, here are a few outside of London recomendations:
Visit the town of Bath known for its Roman built natural hot spring baths and beautiful architecture including the Bath Abbey with its carving depicting Jacob's ladder and the photo-worthy Pulteney bridge.
Royston Cave has been welcoming visitors since its discovery in 1742. It has been speculated that the cave may have been used by the Knights Templar before their dissolution by Pope Clement V in 1312.
One of England's most popular cities by the sea, Brighton is just what you need on a sunny day in England. Enjoy the beach, the Royal Pavilion, "The Lanes," the Brighton Pier, and much more.
Today we will check out of our London hotel and begin heading to York with a stop in the beautiful city of Cambridge, home to the University of the same name. Leave your luggage safely in the coach while you enjoy free time exploring the city.
In Cambridge you can explore the campus and take tours of the various colleges, try your hand at "punting," explore museums and shops, and pay honor the those American servicemembers from WWII at the American military cemetery. You will have no trouble filling your time here with things to do. If you are up for a bite and a pint The Eagle Pub & Restaurant, linked to Watson & Crick's discovery of human DNA as well as WWII history, is a must and a great opportunity to get a traditional British Sunday Roast lunch (not included).
Head back on the coach to continue the journey to York
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly 3* or similar (3 nights)
After arriving in York and checking into the hotel we will have a group dinner at . After dinner enjoy an evening stroll around the town that was founded by the Romans in the year 71 A.D, or head back to the hotel for a quiet and restful evening.
This morning, of our first full day in York, we will start the day with an 8:00am stroll around the medieval walls of the 13th & 14th century city of York. The oldest remnants of the wall go back to the Roman founding of a fort here in 71 AD, and pieces date to the Viking era in the mid 800's, but the majority of these walls are from the 13th and 14th century. Walking the wall can be done at ones own pace, and the stroll can end at each walker's discretion, but the full wall walk will last roughly 2-hours.
After strolling the city walls, we will head to the church that dominates the York skyline, York Minster. The congregation of this church is recorded to have begun in the year 627 when a wooden church was built to baptize Edwin, the King of Northumbria. The present structure was built with the intent to rival that of Canterbury, and construction began in 1220 with consecration and formal completing in 1472. Did it make the mark in its competition with Canterbury? You can be the judge of that, but there may be a reason that the two Arch Bishops of the Church of England preside from Canterbury and York.
In the late afternoon, meet at Bettys Café Tea Rooms - York or similar for afternoon tea (subject to confirmation). Taking a small meal in the middle of the afternoon with a pot of tea has its origins in England in the nineteenth century. Anna, Duchess of Bedford, would get peckish at around four p.m. but would have to wait until eight o’clock before dinner was served in her home. She would order a pot of tea with cakes to accompany it, and the tradition of afternoon tea was born. Anna was a friend of Queen Victoria, and the fashion soon spread throughout the country.
Remember that thing about Vikings and the city walls? At JORVIK Viking Center we will dive deep into the history of life in the Viking era in Northern England.
After JORVIK explore York independently and find a nice spot for dinner (gents, be aware it is custom for the Lodge to have a post-meeting Festive Board). Walk the Shambles, the street that may have been the inspiration for Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, with its variety of shops and coffee/tea shops.
If you're like me you and planning to take home the British sweet treats that aren't available in the US stop by the Tesco or Sainsbury's to collect your stash! Alternatively, ditch the gents a bit early and enjoy a 60-minute evening cruise of the River Ouse (boarding begins 5:30pm, cruise 6:00-7:00pm (not included).
This Lodge, Chartered April 26, 1876 takes its name from the original Roman name of the town. Eboracum 1611 has been meeting in its current building since 1885, a building built by The Institute of Popular Science and Literature in 1845 for the purpose of providing an education for the men or York.
Northern England has so many great places to offer, but here are thee amazing locations that are perfect for day-trips from York:
Visit the town's famous college and cathedral, dare to take the 325 steps to the top of the tower? Durham is a wonderful town full of the British charm that is displayed in the above photo, sure to delight!
Have you seen that famous bridge somewhere else but it just isn't coming to you? If so you have probably tried the city's famous brown ale. Unfortunately no longer brewed in Newcastle, there are plenty of things to make a day of.
If the Beatles or Titanic history are your thing, you need to take the train to explore Liverpool. From the Cavern Club to Abbey Road and Strawberry Fields the Beatles history is still very much alive in Liverpool.
If you spent the day exploring moe of York, or headed back to York for the evening, consider visiting Alcuin Lodge No. 6300. This Lodge was consecrated on May 29, 1946 and is named after the Scholar Alcuin whose motto “Learn in order to teach” is now the motto of the Lodge. They meet at Castigate House, a different location than Eboracum Lodge No. 1611.
This Lodge, Chartered in 1975, calls Phoenix Hall (pictured above) its home. Phoenix Hall was opened on April 5, 1785 and is widely believed to be the oldest surviving purpose built Masonic Hall in England, and the second oldest building in Sunderland, the other being the 1719 Sunderland Parish Church of the Holy Trinity across the street, the two being the only Grand 1 Listed buildings in the town. The building was build by Phoenix Lodge No. 94 which meets on the 1st Wednesday excluding August.
This Lodge, Chartered on June 11th 1980, calls Wearside Masonic Hall its home. If you choose to visit the Brothers of St. Peter's Lodge on this evening you will be able to see their annual Installation of Officers. While St. Peter's is a relatively new Lodge in the scope of the history of the UGLE, also meeting in this building is Palatine Lodge No. 97 (2nd Thursday excepting July & August). Palatine Lodge has the distinction of having what is widely believed to be the oldest existing Charter in the UGLE, if we are lucky there may be able to view it that evening. St. Peter's Lodge gets their name from their history of being originally made up of members of St. Peter's Church in Sunderland.
Rosslyn Chapel and its possible connections to the Knights Templar after their supposed escape from France in 1307. Here is a snippet of history from the Rosslyn Chapel website:
"Rosslyn Chapel has enjoyed a rich, and sometimes turbulent, history. Founded in 1446 as a family chapel, the building was incomplete when the founder,, died in 1484. His son, Sir Oliver St Clair, roofed the choir with its stone vault but did not complete his father's original design.
Following the Reformation, the Chapel fell into disrepair and, in 1650, Cromwell's troops attacked Rosslyn Castle and stabled their horses inside the Chapel.
Following a period of Victorian repair and restoration, the Chapel was rededicated in 1862 and weekly services began again."This is a must-do for any Masonic minded person in the area. There are many tales regarding the history of Rosslyn Chapel and its possible connections to the Knights Templar after their supposed escape from France in 1307. Here is a snippet of history from the Rosslyn Chapel website:
"Rosslyn Chapel has enjoyed a rich, and sometimes turbulent, history. Founded in 1446 as a family chapel, the building was incomplete when the founder,, died in 1484. His son, Sir Oliver St Clair, roofed the choir with its stone vault but did not complete his father's original design.
Following the Reformation, the Chapel fell into disrepair and, in 1650, Cromwell's troops attacked Rosslyn Castle and stabled their horses inside the Chapel.
Following a period of Victorian repair and restoration, the Chapel was rededicated in 1862 and weekly services began again."
To get the most out of the day we are going to get an early start from York. En route to the Scottish capital we will stop at Rosslyn Chapel in Rosslyn, Scotland. This is a must-do for any Masonic minded person in the area. There are many tales regarding the history of
After Rosslyn Chapel we will head into Edinburgh and begin exploring all that this wonderful city has to offer including Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyroodhouse, at opposite ends of the Royal Mile, hence the name. Check out the decommissioned yacht of the Sovereign, Royal Yacht Britania (if the Royal sites are up your alley check out The Royal Edinburgh Ticket for access to those and much more); Need some traditional Scottish wear? If so visit Kinloch Anderson for the finest in highland attire!
If you are interested in checking out a wee dram of Scotia's most famous export you are in luck! The Scotch Whisky Experience is right on the Royal Mile, for the true aficionado there is The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, multiple distilleries (including Gin, too!).
Then, there is the most famous food item of Scotland - Haggis! If you are interested in trying it there are several opportunities, but for the interested and not, the most highly recommended lunch spot is Oink Edinburgh: Delicious Hog Roasts. This place is wonderful; whole hog roast, 3 options on pork quantity on the sandwich, sage stuffing or scratch made haggis, and an option of sauces including: apple, homemade mustard mayo, homemade BBQ, homemade chili cheese, and/or homemade chili jam.
Whatever you do, this city on 7-hills is sure to please.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland is right near the heart of the city, so if you are on the Royal Mile or nearby make your way to the Grand Lodge of Scotland for our 2:00pm tour, visit to the museum, and the gift shop (where you will find Grand Master Mason's Choice - the special scotch blended for the Grand Master of Scotland).
Accommodation: Yotel Edinburgh 4* or similar (1 night)
From settling into a cozy and quiet pub or one with live music to enjoying a live theatre performance or just enjoying the Scottish sunset you will surely find great things to keep you occupied in the bustling capital city of Scotland.
Two Lodges are scedued to meet in Edinburgh this evening:
The Lodge of Holyrood House (St. Luke) No. 44 - Dating to 1734, this Lodge meets at 7:00pm at:
23 St. John Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8DG
The Roman Eagle Lodge No. 160 - Chartered February 7, 1785 this Lodge originally worked in Latin. Meetings are at 7:00pm at:
2 Johnston Terrace, EH1 2PW
This morning we will check out St. Andrew's - a lovely city on the coast and the home of golf.
St. Andrews is best known for being the birthplace of golf, right here at the storied "Old Course" established circa 1400. Whether golf is your game or not St. Andrews is a lovely seaside town and you can be happy strolling the streets, peeking into the shops, or roaming the college campus where The Prince and Princess of Wales met. If you are interested in getting a tee time start working on that early, as it is the Mecca of the sport.
We are working on a potential departure gathering with a Scottish Lodge, more details to come.
Travel by train from Edinburgh to London. Arrive at St. Pancras station and transfer to your airport hotel. Check in for your last night before your departure tomorrow.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow 4* or similar (1 night)
Departure day is here, be not sad for its coming but happy for the great time you have had!
As today is a daytime flight we will be departing Edinburgh in the first half of the day and, with the adjustment for time zones, arriving back in the U.S. just a few hours later.
Land Package:
$3540 per person
$1170 single supplement (single room)
A $500 deposit will reserve your spot on this trip!
25% of the total cost os due 120 days prior to departure (June 10, 2025).
Final payment in full due no later than 90-days prior to departure (July 10, 2025) along with copies of government issued passports and proof of UK ETA.
Included in Land Package:
Not Included in Land Package
Can be Arranged Separately
Mandatory Items Not Included
Recommended/Optional Items not included
The mission is to provide you with great vacations, but especially those with a culinary focus! Regardless of the reason for your Getaway we will make it spectacular with all of your interests, hobbies, and favorite flavors in mind!
In addition to a passion for all things food, Jordan is an active Freemason as a member and Past Master of Terre Haute Lodge No. 19, F.&A.M. (Indiana), currently serving as Secretary. In addition to his Lodge and Grand Lodge appointments on the Internet Inquiry Committee and as an Asst. Ritual Instructor he is also the founding Secretary of the Wabash Valley Masonic Library, Inc. (501c3) and Friends of the Terre Haute Masonic Temple, Inc. (501c3). The history and kinship of Freemasonry are what keep him coming back for more, and in his travel he has visited Lodges across the U.S. and in the U.K.