Century Tours

06/06/2024

Remembering today the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy . One of our fathers was off the beaches in HMS Emerald, so a very personal day for us as well .

We feel honoured to be able to take groups and show them places like this to keep those stories alive for future generations.

Here are just a few photos from a tour this March when it was a little cooler than today but no less inspiring.

It was also a year today since we were in Gallipoli, Turkey, touring the beaches there. Another amazing feat of arms by very brave young men.

It’s lovely to see how the veterans are being received and treated in Normandy this week. Nothing less than they deserve. RIP to all those who didn’t come home and bless the dwindling veterans who are still able to make their journey over to France.

03/05/2024

We're not your average tour company...

We specialise in creating tailor-made tours for ready-made groups.

If you are:
* A group of friends or family wanting a different kind of getaway
* A social group wanting a trip together with an itinerary focused on your interests
* A corporate team wanting an incentives, rewards or team-building trip

We can create something completely unique and take away all the stress of organisation and admin! (If you're usually the organiser of your group trips, I'm sure that's music to your ears. We know how hard it can be!)

What we do:
* We research activities based on your interests and put forward suggestions to create a tailor-made itinerary for 3 or more days
* We find the perfect accommodation that suits your group, that's often hired exclusively for you to use
* We arrange all the travel and logistics
* We book your chosen activities
* We can create above average catering packages booking incredible dining experiences as part of your trip
* We offer a door-to-door collection and return service
* We send a tour manager with you to manage everything on the ground - so you don't even have to think about where you need to be when

When we say 'all you need to do is pack' - we mean it!

Some of our bespoke itineraries have included:

A family history tour for a father and son - following in the footsteps of a grandfather/great-grandfather who served in WW1

A food and drink tour in France for a group of friends - with market tours, tasting experiences, a Michelin dining experience and French cookery workshop

A stately home stay for a corporate team - with exclusive hire of an incredible stately home, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking and a dinner with after dinner entertainment

Ideal group sizes are 6 - 50, but we can cater from 2 - 200!

If you'd like us to put together a proposal for your group - send us a message and let's chat.

30/04/2024

What an incredible week we've had, running a Food & Drink Tour of Normandy with a lovely group of 7.

I think it's fair to say - we've eaten a lot of cheese and drunk a lot of cider, but there's far more to the Normandy gastronomy scene than that...

Our trip included:
* A 3-course meal at the oldest restaurant in France - La Couronne of Rouen - famous for inspiring American chef Julia Child
* A tasting tour around the market in Honfleur - trying local produce including artisan chocolate, caramels, honey bread, home-made sausages, oysters and of course cheese, cider and calvados
* A private tour and French Whisky tasting at La Spiriterie, Chateau de Brueil
* And an amazing cookery workshop with Brigitte Dumant at her traditional Normandy longhouse.

Here's just a few photos from our fabulous, food-fuelled trip!

27/03/2024

First trip of the year to the beaches and sights of Normandy . Had a great time with a fantastic group from the American Embassy in London . Lovely time of year to visit as we had many of the sites to ourselves . Looking forward to being back in a few weeks time for a cheese and wine tour !

30/01/2024

Would you call yourself a foodie? Then our French Gastronomy Tour might be just what you need in your life!

We've created the most amazing food and drink tour, taking in the tasty delights of Normandy.

Famed for its soft cheeses such as Camembert and Neufchatel, its caramels, oysters and snails to name but a few of the delicacies of this region, as well as its Calvados and cider, it's a perfect place to set the tastebuds tingling.

Our itinerary includes:
* 3-Course Lunch at La Couronne in Rouen, the oldest restaurant in France where American chef Julia Childs discovered her love of French cuisine.
* Visit to Fromagerie Graindorge cheese factory
* Private guided tour and whisky tasting experience at Chateau du Breuil
* Dinner at a traditional Creperie
* Private guided tour of Honfleur's food market with a seafood and oysters tasting platter for lunch
* Private tour of Domaine Dupont Calvados Distillery with tasting
* Michelin restaurant experience at Le Pave d'Auge
* French cookery workshop in a traditional French long house
* Excursion to Bayeaux with optional photography workshop
* Private guided tour of Benedictine Palace with cocktail blending experience
* Excursion to the harbour town of Boulogne sur Mer

PLUS travel from the UK and accommodation all sorted for you, so all you have to do is pack!

PRICE FROM JUST £1,600 pp for 5 days with all of the above included.

If this has whet your appetite and you'd like to find out more, please drop us a message.

15/01/2024

Ooh, here's a tasty nugget of information for anyone in over the next couple of weeks.

Grab a FREE TACO on a Tuesday at The Grand Hotel Birmingham!

The Grand Hotel in Colmore Row, loved by Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise, is opulent and you can eat there for nothing

13/01/2024

Is anyone else missing the sparkle of Christmas lights on these cold, dark evenings? No wonder we can all feel a bit down once the festivities are over, everywhere looks a bit dull.

If you want to keep the magic alive just a little bit longer, did you know there are some light festivals you can visit right up until the end of February?

Take a look at these:
Canary Wharf Winter Lights Installations - from 17th Jan - 27th Jan
https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/winter-lights/

Battersea Power Station Light Festival - from 25th Jan - 25th Feb
https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/events/light-festival-2024/

Bristol Light Festival - from 3rd Feb - 12th Feb.
https://bristollightfestival.org/

Definitely worth a visit to brighten up a dull winter evening post-Christmas!

Our third-edition festival will illuminate Bristol city centre from 3-12 February with 11 light artworks from 5-10pm.

02/01/2024

Now all the Christmas and New Year films are coming to an end, you're probably wondering what to watch. Well, make sure you have the date of 26th January in your diary and schedule some sofa time to watch the new 9-part WW2 epic 'Masters of the Air'.

This series is the latest collaboration between Hollywood heavyweights Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, who are executive producers on the series, and is being made by the companies behind battlefield sagas 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific'. If they are anything to go by - this is going to be an unmissable watch.

The show is based on Donald L Miller's book Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought The Air War Against N**i Germany.

It follows the story of The Eighth Air Force, known as the "Mighty Eighth", who did the unthinkable, flying into the heart of Germany over Berlin, Hanover, Leipzig and Dresden in broad daylight in an attempt to destroy vital German networks including rail facilities and oil refineries, while in full air-to-air combat.

Its all-star cast includes Elvis actor Austin Butler, the new Doctor Who Ncuti Gatwa, British actress Lauren McQueen, Saltburn's Barry Keoghan, Fantastic Beasts actor Callum Turner and Spielberg's son, Sawyer Spielberg.

We're not only planning on watching, we're also releasing a brand new tour to coincide with the show's release. More details on that to follow shortly....

Take a look at the trailer in the link below.

A follow-up to "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific," Spielberg and Hanks' new mini-series promises high-flying action set in World War II.

13/11/2023

When you catch the going down of the sun at one if the small, now-peaceful Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries.

Speechless.

12/11/2023

Lest we forget...

How special, to be here walking the battlefields of Ypres and The Somme on remembrance weekend.

We'll be at the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate this evening to pay our respects.

RIP brave souls 🙏

21/10/2023

Just mucking about in London, as you do, before our Mayflower-themed tour later. Time for a brew and brekkie beforehand, then Andy can get on to the serious history bit!

15/09/2023

Well, we never thought we'd be delivering a battlefield tour as a honeymoon!

But when Jessica and Shaun were planning their big day, with Jess's parents Allyson and Mike travelling from Michigan to join them in the UK, they thought it would be a perfect opportunity to plan a family-moon so they could make some special memories together after the whirlwind of the wedding.

A retired US Coast Guard, Mike had always wanted to visit the Normandy beaches and learn more about the D-Day landings. Jess and Shaun (and Allyson) would have preferred something a little more romantic! So we planned a tailor-made trip to France that all four could enjoy.

It was a delicate balancing act, making sure we included plenty of the battlefield sites for Mike, but tempering that with some alternative experiences to make special family memories.

Alongside visits to Omaha Beach, Juno Beach, the American War Cemetery, Merville Battery, Pegasus Bridge and various museums, we planned in some down-time in the beautiful historic town of Bayeux, a visit to a cider and calvados brewery and an incredible meal at a Michelin-star restaurant, Le Pave d'Auge.

To finish their French adventure, (and to inject a little more romance!) we planned for them 3-nights in Paris with tickets to the Moulin Rouge, a Seine river cruise, a day tour taking in the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles and more.

It was an incredible honour to be able to plan and deliver this very special tour. We felt like honorary Davanzos by the end!

Definitely a unique experience. One we won't forget, and hopefully our guests won't too.

08/09/2023

It's a tough job running a tour in Normandy...

25/08/2023

Woohoo! We're winners in this year's SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards!

We have been awarded:

Best Bespoke Group Tours Company 2023
Leading Provider of Themed Movie Tours 2023

We are thrilled to have been recognised for providing an excellent service to our clients. What we do is quite unique, creating completely tailor-made tours around your interests.

Our tours are all-inclusive, with transport, accommodation, activities and catering all taken care of and one of our tour managers is with the group every step of the way to ensure the whole trip is seamless, so all our guests have to do is pack and enjoy.

If you have a group of friends, family or colleagues who would like a hassle-free getaway full of tailor-made activities, why not ask us to put together a bespoke itinerary?

Call 0333 006 8800 for more information.

21/08/2023

Has anyone else done this? Have you created a trip around a local festival?

Every year, we head out with a group of 50 friends for a long weekend in Germany to attend the Gäubodenvolksfest in Straubing. This is the locals' answer to Oktoberfest.

Not only is it a fantastic excuse to dress up and enjoy some beer, but it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

We make it a fun-filled focal point of the annual trip, but also take the time to discover more of the region.

We've explored the stunning city of Munich and the more traditional Bavarian town of Regensberg as part of our annual beer festival trips. Next year, we're adding Rothenburg ob der Tauber to the itinerary on the recommendation of a friend.

Local festivals provide a wonderful reason to visit a new place, explore the region and connect with its people.

Thousands of people travel and congregate for the more well-known, such as the Rio Carnival or La Tomatina (tomato festival) in Spain. But there are so many out there that you could work into a trip itinerary.

Is there one you never miss, or one on your bucket list?

07/08/2023

Have you thought of adding a professional photo shoot as part of a special holiday itinerary?

Whether it's a romantic getaway, or a big family or friends get-together - getting an album of professional photos taken to remember it by is a wonderful keepsake. And it means you don't have to rely on a restaurant waiter to take a group shot with you all in, and not a selfie stick in sight.

It's something we often suggest to our tour groups.

We took our own advice and booked a couple's photo shoot on our last trip to Edinburgh and I love the results!

Thank you Daz Mack - Photographer Extraordinaire for these beautiful photos.

08/07/2023

Bit of research for our new Mayflower walking tour - pub stops included of course

08/06/2023

We've spent an incredible couple of days on tour in Galipolli with Pete and Margaret.

By sheer coincidence, after we'd booked to come, Margaret discovered her Great Uncle had served in the Galipolli campaign.

Private Charles Edward Kershaw of the 4th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, died on board a hospital ship on 24th August, 1915 and was buried at sea. He is remembered on the Helles Memorial and we were able to pay our respects whilst visiting today.

It has made Pete and Margaret's bucket-list trip to visit the landing sites and Commonwealth War Graves here in Turkey all the more poignant.

We have visited Anzac Beach, Sulva Bay, Lone Pine, The Nek, V Beach, Helles Memorial, Deniz Feneri Lighthouse, The Martyrs Memorial, Redoubt Cemetery, Hill 10 Cemetery and the Newfoundland Memorial, Eceabat Memorial and the Canakkale Destani Tanitim Merkezi Museum.

16/05/2023

What makes Brighton special?

Not only was it the backdrop for ABBA's Eurovision win with 'Waterloo' in 1974 (very topical this weekend!), but it's been the playground of princes and has become a bohemian mecca for artists, actors and musicians seeking a place to kick back, have fun and enjoy its relaxed and inclusive vibe. Sir Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher, Fat Boy Slim and even Hollywood actress Cate Blanchett to name a few have all owned homes here.

We loved a day trip this weekend, taking a small group of American visitors to experience a traditional British seaside town with a twist. We were blessed with stunning sunshine which always helps for a day at the seaside, but it'd be hard not to have a great time in Brighton. You can see why it's been nicknamed 'London on Sea'. It's buzzing!

We started with a guided tour of the flamboyantly fabulous Royal Pavilion, built by George IV as his party central holiday home, it has become the only royal palace in the UK to have been sold to a public body. It's now owned by Brighton and Hove Council, who have done an incredible job of restoring it for everyone to enjoy.

A walk to the seafront leads to the pier with all the fun of the fair at your fingertips, and the i360 glass lift for those with a head for heights. Andy couldn't resist a pot of cockles from the seafood shack! But you're spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants. Fun fact - there are more restaurants in Brighton and Hove than anywhere else in the country with a ratio of one restaurant for every 250 people. There is also over 1,400 licensed premises - so no need to go thirsty.

For those with a thirst for shopping, The Laines has a wonderfully eclectic mix of independent and boutique stores intermingled with big brands, eateries, cafes and pubs. Its winding maze of streets are a joy to discover. You never know what you'll find around the next corner.

And if you prefer to sit, relax and take it easy - there's no better place to enjoy the pastime of people watching!

It's easy to see why Brighton has been listed in the top ten best seaside towns in the world. If you haven't made it there yet, we suggest you add it to your to do list.

It really is unique, and special.

11/04/2023

How amazing is this place?! A Viking village available to hire for events. Watch this space, we see a time-travelling Viking adventure in our future.

Who wants to join us for a trip into the past, discovering your inner Viking?

13/03/2023

***LAST CHANCE TO BOOK ON OUR EARLY-BIRD OFFER!!***

Our Early-Bird Offer ENDS ON 31st MARCH.
BOOK TODAY TO SECURE YOUR PLACE!

Discover the Somme on a 4-day tour commemorating the start of the battle on 1st July.

Thur 29 June - Sun 2 July 2023

Includes:
⏩Return travel from The Midlands, UK (or pick-ups can be arranged en-route to Eurotunnel)
⏩Eurotunnel crossings
⏩3 nights accommodation
⏩All meals
⏩Expert guide
⏩Travel and entry to sites of interest and museums with guided tours
⏩Attendance at annual memorial ceremony

SEE BELOW FOR FULL ITINERARY

***Early bird price from: £695pp***

Contact us for more details and to book:
Tel: 0333 006 8800 or Email: [email protected]

This Somme Anniversary Tour will commemorate the start of this momentous 4-month campaign of WW1 when in just one day, on July 1st 1916, a staggering 57,470 casualties were suffered by the British, including 19,240 killed. These unimaginable losses were the worst in the history of the British Army.....

02/03/2023

Do literary festivals and talks with authors interest you?

As a massive fan of all things literary, it would be remiss of me to not post something on World Book Day! So, I'd like to highlight the wonderful events that take place all around the country that showcase amazing authors and their craft.

Unless you search for these things, like I do, they will probably never pop up on your radar. But I'm sure there will be a literary event for everyone - and I encourage you to give it a go!

My son still talks about the time we went to see Michael Morpurgo give an interactive Q&A and talk in Birmingham (he was absolutely wonderful!).

As a member of The Beatrix Potter Society I've attended exclusive events in London at the V&A Museum and Westminster, discussing her life, talent and legacy.

I've been to fiction-writing workshops that have given me fresh appreciation for the skill and determination needed to complete a novel!

And I'm currently awaiting the launch of ticket sales for what will be an incredible event in London in June, being organised by Queen Consort Camilla. A literary festival with the likes of Dame Judy Dench, Ken Follett (one of my all-time favourite authors) and the wonderfully expressive Gyles Brandreth as speakers.
Link to the event below - and for anyone interested we'll be organising a weekend tour to attend.

If you love reading, please consider going along to a literary festival - or look out for talks with an author near you. Google is great at finding them if you put the right things in search.

That's my two-penneth on World Book Day. I hope it's made you consider trying something new?

The Queen’s Reading Room charity is delighted to be staging its inaugural literary festival on the 11th June 2023 Set in the stunning surrounds of Hampton Court Palace, The Queen’s […]

27/02/2023

A priceless heirloom. A ship full of suspects. Can you solve the mystery of the stolen Sapphire in the Kite?

Brought to you by Century Tours, this fun evening of entertainment puts you at the heart of the action. During a four-course meal, the mystery will unfold with suspicious characters, motives a-plenty and a few red herrings along the way.

Use your detective skills to catch the culprit and return the necklace to its rightful owner.

Tickets are £40pp and include:
• 2-hour whodunnit immersive experience
• Welcome drink
• Delicious 4-course meal
• Fun activities and entertainment
• PLUS you’ll be helping raise vital funds for bereavement
support charity Edward’s Trust

Visit the website for more info and to book your tickets here: https://edwardstrust.org.uk/product/whodunnit/

03/02/2023

We have made the centre page spread of the Express & Star today with Dave Turner's grandad's incredible story.

If you haven't visited the WW1 battlefields, why not join us in July and hear the story flrst-hand from Dave.

01/02/2023

An event we've just added to our calendar!

The Household Division present A Military Musical Spectacular - “Orb and Sceptre”

Featuring the Massed Bands of the Household Division, Massed Pipes and Drums alongside The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery who are making a welcome return to Horse Guards Parade in 2023, with their First World War- era 13-pounder guns, the horses and firework finale will deliver a spectacular of sound and colour.

Celebrating The Coronation of King Charles III and commemorating the iconic music of Sir William Walton whilst recognising the military’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of soldiers - from the work of Florence Nightingale through to the present day, this epic production, using innovative live music and modern technology, will celebrate British military music and pageantry in the most stunning and iconic of backdrops, Horse Guards Parade.

A showcase of precision drill and world class military horsemanship wrapped around the traditional Beating Retreat and Sunset ceremony.

Tickets are on sale now from just £20: bit.ly/mms2023

31/01/2023

Wonderful to see this story being shared in the media. Keep your eyes peeled in this week's Express & Star for the printed version.

Thank you Nurture Media for your help in spreading the word.

The story of a Black Country teenager who joined the army aged just 14 and went on to fight at the Somme during the First World War will be retold by his grandson.

23/01/2023

How amazing does this look?!

Tickets to this immersive theatre experience are now included in our 'Infamous Criminals of London' weekend.

We can't wait!

20/01/2023

Fabulous idea here for schools!

20/01/2023

Do you have a favourite restaurant that's always your go-to when planning a special meal? Or do you like trying new places?

Maybe you have a selection you choose from, depending on just HOW special the occasion?

It's a tough job, but we test out various restaurants so we have a choice to include as part of our all-inclusive tour and event packages.

This week, we tried Above at HIDE in Mayfair.

Co-founder and executive chef, Ollie Dabbous, is one of London's top-rated chefs and we love that he's quoted as saying "I became a chef simply because I loved eating."

Here's a little preview of our amazing meal. This place is definitely going on our 'extra special' list for a real treat!

12/01/2023

Do you love staying somewhere a little bit special and out of the ordinary?

We had a wonderful show around at Shropshire's Weston Park today, former residence of the Earls of Bradford, and discovered this little gem. One of a few self-catering accommodation options based in the heart of the stunning park grounds.

A stay here is now definitely on our wishlist!

Find out about all their quirky spaces to stay here: https://www.weston-park.com/stay/

The Temple of Diana, built in the 1760’s for Sir Henry Bridgeman, is located within 1,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland on the Weston Park estate and ...