Plantagenet Themed Historical Tours of France & the UK
Journey through the medieval world, where extraordinary places and human stories bring the past to life
“Discover the Past, Enrich your Story”
- ★★★★★5.0 from 17 Google reviews
- 20 maxguests on every tour
- Maxhosts every tour herself
- Photo booksent after every journey
- No feefor monthly payment plans
Explore our 2027 tours
In 2027, we'll journey through France and England, exploring three very different chapters of the medieval world
Plantagenets in France
21 April – 4 May 2027
The Plantagenet story began in France in 1154. Explore places connected to their early history and their lasting role in the Hundred Years' War.
Twin/Double fromUS$8,495
Explore the tour Plantagenets in France
Wars of the Roses
26 September – 7 October 2027
Travel through England's most significant Wars of the Roses sites and uncover a story of family, power, loyalty, and loss that still echoes through the landscape today.
Twin/Double fromUS$7,495
Explore the tour Wars of the Roses
The Cathar Story
10 – 22 October 2027
Travel through the heart of Cathar country and discover a remarkable story of belief, belonging, and conviction, where history feels both personal and profoundly human.
Twin/Double fromUS$8,495
Explore the tour The Cathar StorySimply wondering which journey might be right for you? Please get in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
Book back-to-back
These two journeys have been deliberately scheduled so they can form one longer journey.
Save an extraordinary $500 USD pp on each tour by booking both
Ask Max about booking bothDesigned around connection
Connection is the key
I don't simply want to take guests to historical sites and tell them what happened there. I want to encourage them to feel those places, to understand the people who once walked through them and to become emotionally connected to their stories.
A personal relationship begins long before the tour
By the time we meet in person, I don't want to feel like a stranger who has suddenly appeared to manage their tour. A relationship has already begun.
A maximum of 20 guests
I will never take more than 20 guests on a Plantagenet Discoveries tour. I want people to know the others they're travelling with, share experiences with them and form friendships along the way.
A personally designed photo book after every journey
Soon after returning home, every guest receives a personally designed photo book created specifically for their tour.
History should also be fun
The history matters enormously, but so does laughing together and enjoying the experience of discovering it.
“Don't just visit these extraordinary sites, let them become part of your story.”
Every tour includes:
See the full list- Unwavering personal care from Max, your friendly Australian Tour Manager
- The services of a fully accredited local tour guide
- Staying in high-quality deluxe accommodation
- Daily breakfast provided and most dinners, depending on the length of the tour
- Welcome event on the first evening of our tour including dinner, a glass of wine and the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers
- Our exclusive Travel Treasures bag filled with wonderful surprises, including a Plantagenet Discoveries monogrammed shirt
- Entry into all included sites
- Fun and games for those who wish to participate (ie. trivia quiz, themed puzzles)
From Heart to History
I’m Maxine, but please call me Max, and I’m the founder and host of Plantagenet Discoveries.
In 2017, after experiencing a beautifully curated tour of Scotland, I went searching for something similar focused on the Plantagenets, particularly in France. But nothing existed. So, I created it.
I don’t do “big and flashy.” I do thoughtful, personal, and quietly unforgettable.
If you're the kind of traveller who’s not just looking to see the past, but to feel it, to walk where they walked, and to truly wonder who they were… then welcome. I’ve been saving you a seat.
What our customers say
Read guest stories
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Choose your tour and get in touch
Simply send me an email and let me know which journey you're interested in.
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Complete your booking documents
Tour Participant Agreement Form and Traveller Questionnaire.
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Pay your US$1,000 deposit
Once the deposit has been paid, your place on the tour is secured.
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Choose how you'd like to pay the balance
You can pay the remaining balance by monthly payment plan or in full by the final payment date.
How to book
There's no complicated online booking system, and you don't need to have everything figured out before you get in touch. We'll take it one step at a time together.
View More Information
The sinking of the White Ship at the start of the 12th century, considered to be the greatest peacetime maritime disaster of the Middle Ages, was the catalyst that would eventually pave the way for the rise of the Plantagenets. This turbulent dynasty would at one point rule an empire that stretched from the Scottish border to the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Who were the Plantagenets?
Originating in France, the Plantagenet name was derived from the sprig of broom (planta genista) that Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou and Duke of Normandy, wore in his hat. A dynasty plagued by madness, betrayal and brutal civil war began when Geoffrey’s son was crowned Henry II in 1154, and ended 331 years later in 1485 with Richard III dying on the battlefield.
Rise of a Dynasty: Unveiling the Plantagenets
From the White Ship to Richard III. Read the whole story in order, one reign at a time.
Start with Part 1: The White Ship-
1120
The White Ship sinks
Read Part 1 -
1154
Henry II is crowned
Plantagenets in France -
1199
Richard the Lionheart dies after Châlus-Chabrol
Plantagenets in France -
1455
The Wars of the Roses begin at St Albans
Wars of the Roses -
1485
Richard III falls at Bosworth
Wars of the Roses
Possible journeys in 2028
Frequently Asked Questions
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Each tour is limited to a maximum of 20 guests. This allows us to get to know one another as we travel, share our love of history, and enjoy a more personal experience at the places we visit.
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Absolutely! Many of our guests travel with us on their own, including some who are taking their very first solo trip. Our tours are designed to make everyone feel welcome and included, with plenty of opportunities to get to know others who share your interest in history. You may arrive on your own, but you'll soon find yourself part of the group.
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You don't need to be particularly fit to enjoy our tours, but you do need to be comfortable spending time on your feet and walking reasonable distances. Many of the historic places we visit have uneven ground, cobbled streets and stairs, and occasionally there may be a bit of a climb involved. We travel at a comfortable pace and there are opportunities to rest along the way. If you're unsure whether a particular tour will suit you, please get in touch and we can talk through the itinerary together.
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Flights are not included in the tour price. Our guests travel from many different parts of the world, often with their own travel plans before or after joining us, so arranging your own flights gives you the flexibility to choose the itinerary and airline that best suits you.
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Absolutely. I understand that a tour is a significant investment, so we offer monthly payment plans to make it easier to spread the cost over time. After your deposit has been paid, the remaining balance can be divided into monthly payments, with the final payment due 90 days before your tour begins.
There’s no additional fee for choosing a payment plan, and we’ll agree on the payment schedule with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll receive an invoice each month for the agreed amount, rather than having to remember when a payment is due.
If a payment plan would make your journey a little easier to manage, just let me know when you book and I’ll be very happy to arrange one for you.
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Not at all! You don't need to arrive with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Plantagenets, or even know very much about the particular story we're exploring. That's part of the pleasure of travelling together. Between our knowledgeable guides, the stories I share along the way, and the interests and knowledge of fellow travellers, we all learn an incredible amount from one another. There's also plenty to enjoy in the places we visit beyond the history itself. Who knows? You may even discover a new passion!
From the blog
Not ready to book just yet?
Perhaps this is the first step towards discovering the past and enriching your story.
Discover the Past, Enrich your Story
Your tribe awaits!
I will never take more than 20 guests on a Plantagenet Discoveries tour.
Four years ago, a scouting trip through France and England unexpectedly placed me in London during one of the most significant royal events of our lifetime. This is the story of what it felt like to watch history unfolding around me following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.