✨ The Forgotten Kingdoms:
A Journey Through British Folklore & Legends

9 Nights | Small Group | September 2026

Step beyond the guidebooks and into the storybook...

Wander misty moors, haunted castles, enchanted forests, and coastal cliffs as you trace the forgotten paths of Britain’s most enduring myths. On this handcrafted 9-night journey through England and Wales, you’ll uncover tales of dragons, giants, faerie realms, and ancient kings—woven into landscapes as magical as the legends themselves.

Designed for curious travelers and lovers of lore, this immersive small-group adventure blends historic charm, natural beauty, and local storytelling. Stay in boutique countryside inns and manor houses, dine in rustic pubs and garden restaurants, and explore places whispered about in Celtic myth and Arthurian fables.

Whether you're standing at the gates of Tintagel Castle, kayaking near a drowned kingdom, or hearing ghost stories beside a firelit hearth, every moment will feel like a page from an ancient tale brought to life.

** Please note that the itinerary is subject to change and will be finalized 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Any necessary adjustments will be communicated to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in England – Into the Cotswold Veil

Broadway or Lower Slaughter

• Welcome toast in a 15th-century coaching inn

• Stroll ghostly village lanes where monks once walked

• Evening: Private storytelling session by a firelit hearth — local legends & lore

• 🌙 Overnight: Historic countryside inn

Day 2: Whispering Woods & Witches of the West

• Visit Rollright Stones – prehistoric circle shrouded in witchy folklore

• Explore the haunted ruins of Minster Lovell Hall

• Optional: Foraging walk with a folklorist/naturalist
  🌙 Overnight: Same inn

Day 3: To Wales – Dragon Country & Dark Lakes

Base: Betws-y-Coed (Snowdonia foothills)

• Cross the border with tales of red dragons and ancient kings

• Walk through Gwydir Forest, once home to druids and spirits

• Pub dinner with local musicians sharing Welsh ghost ballads
  🌙 Overnight: Fairy-tale stone guesthouse in the forest
  

Day 4: Into Snowdonia – Giants & Stormy Peaks

• Ascend Mount Snowdon via train or guided hike

• Hear the legend of Rhitta Gawr, the giant slain by King Arthur

• Visit Beddgelert, the resting place of Gelert, the loyal hound
  🌙 Overnight: Same inn

Day 5: Mystical Portmeirion & the Drowned Kingdom
Base: Portmeirion (a surreal, Italian-style village)

• Morning in Portmeirion, an enchanting folly of color and style

• Visit Cantre’r Gwaelod, Wales’ version of Atlantis

• Sunset walk among tidepools said to whisper lost voices
  🌙 Overnight: Eccentric coastal inn
  
  

Day 6: Along the Wild Borders – Castles & Curses

Base: Hay-on-Wye

• Journey through the Brecon Beacons

• Explore Carreg Cennen Castle, a windswept ruin with subterranean legends

• Visit a local bookbinder in Hay who preserves mythical texts
  🌙 Overnight: Cozy inn with countryside views

Day 7: Arthur’s Realm – Tintagel Awaits

Base: Tintagel, Cornwall

• Travel southwest to Tintagel Castle, birthplace of King Arthur

• Walk the clifftop footbridge to the ruins above crashing seas

• Optional: Candlelit tour of Merlin’s Cave at low tide
  🌙 Overnight: Ocean-view manor

Day 8: Standing Stones & Sea Mist

• Visit the Merry Maidens or Men-an-Tol, mysterious stone circles

• Explore St. Nectan’s Glen, a moss-draped waterfall with healing legends

• Closing group dinner in a smugglers’ pub by the sea
  🌙 Overnight: Same inn
  

Day 9: Return Journey to Bath – Roman Echoes & Final Farewell

Base: Bath

• Gentle scenic drive back east

• Explore Bath Abbey, Roman baths, and Georgian myths

• Farewell feast in a secret garden restaurant
  🌙 Overnight: Elegant townhouse hotel

 
Day 10: Departure

• Morning transfers to Bristol or London

• Hugs, laughs, and promises to return to the lands of mist and magic…

🌿 Trip Highlights

• Explore ancient stone circles, medieval ruins, and wild moorlands

• Visit Tintagel Castle, Merlin’s Cave, and the mythic peaks of Snowdonia

• Hear local legends from storytellers and folklore experts

• Forage with a local naturalist and dine on seasonal countryside feasts

• Stargaze in a dark-sky preserve where ancient druids once walked

• Travel in comfort with private transport and a local guide
  

PAYMENTS, DEPOSITS, AND CANCELLATIONS:

• Deposit: To confirm a booking, travelers are required to pay a non-refundable deposit. This deposit is necessary to secure the reservation. 
• Final Payment: The final payment of the entire balance is due no later than 90 days before the trip departure date unless otherwise specified in the Special Conditions or on the itinerary page for a specific trip. 
• Payment Plans: Payment Plans are available for your convenience.
  
• Booking Process: Bookings can be made through the online booking system.
• Booking Confirmation: A booking is considered confirmed only when the service provider confirms it in writing, and our client intake form has been returned. Until that confirmation is received, there is no contract between the traveler and the service provider.  
• Last-Minute Bookings: For bookings made 60 days or less before the trip departure date, the entire trip cost must be paid at the time of booking, and it is non-refundable.
  
• Cancellation Information: The cancellation policy is applicable to all MASTERFULLY PLANNED EVENTS, LLC journeys. The written notice must be received by certified mail or email.  Cancellation fees are based on the total value of the trip and are as follows:
  •  91+ days prior to departure: 100% of the initial trip DEPOSIT is non-refundable. 
  •  0 to 90 days prior to departure: 100% of the trip COST is non-refundable.
    
• Transfers:  You may transfer your reservation to another traveler, depending upon availability, by notifying us at least 91 days prior to the journey for a transfer fee of $500 per person, after which time our cancellation policy applies. MPE  is not responsible for additional expenses such as airline cancellation fees, visa fees, vaccinations, purchases of clothing or equipment, or other expenses that may occur as a result of the cancellation 

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• Travel Insurance: All travelers participating in Masterfully Planned Events are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to have travel insurance before the trip begins. 
• Coverage Requirements: The travel insurance must cover specific aspects, including personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, and evacuation expenses (including helicopter rescue and air ambulance internationally). Additionally, it is recommended that the insurance also addresses personal property and trip cancellation coverage.
• Importance of Trip Cancellation Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance is emphasized as it may be the only means of receiving reimbursement for non-refundable expenses (e.g., flights, hotels, tours, experiences etc.) all of which are paid in advance of of the trip. If the trip is canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled for any reason, whether voluntarily or involuntary by the traveler or as a result of Masterfully Planned Events's actions for under under-enrolled trip, or Force Majeure.
• Understanding Your Policy: Travelers are responsible for understanding the specifics of their travel insurance policy. They should ensure that their policy covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary and check for exclusion clauses that might limit the coverage needed.
• Existing Health Insurance: Travelers are advised to check their existing health insurance policy to see if it provides the necessary coverage while traveling outside their home country.
• Verification of Policy: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify the details of their insurance policy with their insurance provider to ensure that it meets any international coverage and limitations.
• Assumption of Costs: Travelers are responsible for assuming all costs of medical care and transportation provided during the trip, including any minors traveling with them.
• Timing for Insurance Purchase:** Many travel insurance companies require the policy to be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment to any service provider to cover pre-existing conditions or provide "cancel for any reason" coverage.

TRAVEL AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

• Passport Copy: To ensure a smooth travel experience, you will need to provide MPE with a color copy of your passport and any other requested identification. This will be requested in our client intake form, you will receive the link, after payment (check your inbox!)
• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip ends.
• Visa and Entry Requirements: Check the entry requirements for each country on your itinerary. Regulations vary based on your citizenship. 
• Travel Documents: You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for your destinations. Unfortunately, MPE cannot obtain these documents for you.
• Itinerary Changes: If your travel documents are not in order, you may face delays or changes to your travel plans. Any costs incurred due to these issues are your responsibility.
• Entry Denial: We are not liable if you are denied entry to or exit from any country due to insufficient documentation or missing immunizations. 
• For more detailed information on travel requirements, visit: http://www.travel.state.gov/
• Waiver: If you are paying for yourself and another traveler, each participant must individually agree to and sign the Terms & Conditions Waiver to be eligible for travel.

TRIP DIRECTOR:

• MPE Experiences offers hosted tours, providing you with both a local in-country tour guide, where applicable and a dedicated trip director. Your MPE trip director acts as your personal concierge, ensuring that every aspect of your tour runs smoothly. Our experienced trip directors are seasoned travelers who accompany you throughout the entire journey, allowing you to focus solely on enjoying yourself and having fun. Depending on the trip destination and group size, your experience may have both a dedicated Host as well as a Trip Director.

ROOMMATE MATCHING POLICY:

• If you are booking a double room, you must either book for two people or indicate who you are sharing with. Each person must book individually for the double room package, which is priced per person.
• If you choose a double room at the time of booking and do not have a confirmed roommate, please be aware that you are FULLY responsible for the full payment if you do not have a roommate 90 days prior to the trip. MPE will not make roommate matches on behalf of travelers, however, if there are two people looking for a shared room, we will offer to connect to the two parties with their consent.
• Roommate matching is offered as a courtesy. Most matches result in wonderful friendships, but success is not guaranteed. If you decide during the tour that you no longer want to share a room, you will need to request and pay for a single room at all accommodations. This cost can be shared between both people in the room if it is a mutual decision. If you are a very light sleeper or if you snore, you may want to consider booking your own single room.

FLIGHT INFORMATION:

• MPE recommends booking flexible/refundable air tickets when possible
  
• We recommend if you are planning on booking your airfare more than 90 days in advance, or before we have contacted to you confirm the trip is FULLY sold, that you understand your airline's cancellation, and refund policy and/or cover your flight with trip cancellation coverage.
  
• If you would like assistance booking international flights for your trip please indicate that on our client intake form. MPE’s Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options. Our international flight management fee is USD $100.00 + per ticket.

⎯ A full and complete summary of the above policies is included within the Terms & Conditions Waiver required to travel. ⎯