York Christmas tour - 1 day

We arrive at the imposing York station and start our guided tour. Right outside the platforms you'll be greeted by the sight of the city walls, some of the most complete in all England. We follow the walls and cross the River Ouse and head up to York Minster, built largely from the early 13th century and containing over half of England's surviving medieval stained glass. After a chance to spend time in its wonderful interior we turn our attention to the city's Roman past. As the settlement of Eboracum it was the capital of Britannia's northern province where two Roman Emperors died and where one was proclaimed. Following the Roman street patterns along historic Petergate we can see the wonderful centuries old buildings in The Shambles and the curiously named Whip-ma-whop-ma-gate. We continue via the 14th century timber framed Merchant Adventurer's Hall to the castle at Clifford's Tower before we break for lunch. Perhaps a snack at a riverside cafe or warm yourselves in one of the ancient inns. Our guide will continue the exploration of York by taking you into the centre to the delightful Christmas markets set up all around the city.

The 15th century Guidhall and the medieval Barley Hall provide a tempting indoor market full of Christmas gifts and local Yorkshire produce where as the outdoor markets around Parliament Street are stocked full of unique arts and crafts gifts that can suit all tastes and budgets. Against a backdrop of Roman, Viking and Medieval history we have a rewarding afternoon browsing around St Nicholas Fayre.

• Meet the International Friends tour guide at 7.30am outside WHSmith bookstore at London King's Cross station (note: We do not depart from St Pancras station, which is next door).
• Tour normally returns to London King's Cross around 9.45PM

Tour includes:

• Return rail travel to York by fast train
• Entrance to the Christmas Market
• Services of a Tour guide throughout