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Explore gardens,
castles and grand manors set against the glorious
English countryside on this leisurely-paced vacation
that includes overnights in London plus six nights in
the heart of England. You begin with a panoramic tour of
London where you’ll view Buckingham Palace, Westminster
Abbey and the Tower of London. Visit Windsor Castle,
home of Queen Elizabeth II, and later a visit to Warwick
Castle, the finest medieval castle in England, gives you
the opportunity to explore its dungeon, armory, and
beautifully manicured gardens. Learn about student life
in England when you visit both Eton College and the
magnificent academic city of Oxford for a guided visit
of Christ Church College. This journey also includes a
visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William
Shakespeare; a tour of The Wedgwood factory and museum;
the splendor of Blenheim Palace; and free time to
independently explore the ancient Roman town of Bath.
For a complete picture of the English countryside, your
Cotswolds experience begins with a visit to Hidecote
Manor Garden. To truly appreciate this scenic region,
amble along the main thoroughfare of Broadway, the
showcase village of the Cotswolds, and drink in the
charm of wisteria-covered 17th century cottages.
- Spend six nights at
Brandon Hall Hotel & Spa situated in the heart of England.
- Explore magnificent Blenheim Palace, the
birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
- Step back in time as you explore the
excavated Roman baths complex in Bath.
- Experience the inspiring natural beauty of
England during excursions to the Cotswolds and Peak District.
Day
1: Overnight Flight
Enjoy a week exploring the magnificent treasures that
England has to offer on this leisurely-paced tour.
Depart on an overnight flight.
Day 2: London, England - Tour Begins
From the bustling metropolis of London, transfer to the
glorious "Heart of England," where you will spend each
night of your tour. This afternoon you might
independently explore the wonderful grounds of Brandon
Hall or enjoy a stroll to the nearby village. This
evening, join your fellow travelers for a special
welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Brandon - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Brandon
Journey to the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of
playwright William Shakespeare. See Shakespeare's
birthplace and his wife's childhood home, Anne
Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage. Afterwards, enjoy some
free time to visit the many charming shops and welcoming
pubs in town. This afternoon, get behind the scenes of
the Royal Shakespeare Company during a backstage theater
tour. (B)
Day 4: Brandon - Oxford - Blenheim Palace - Brandon
Travel to the magnificent academic city of Oxford, the
seat of England's oldest university. A stroll in the
historic city center reveals the many colleges and
museums of this enchanting city. Later, visit the
birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and experience the
English Baroque splendor of Blenheim Palace, set amidst
gorgeous parkland in the Oxfordshire countryside. (B, D)
Day 5: Brandon - Stoke-on-Trent - Peak District -
Brandon
Travel north to the city of Stoke-on-Trent, famous as
the pottery capital of Britain. A visit to the Wedgwood
Visitor Center features a tour of the working factory
and museum. Continuing north, enter one of England's
regions of outstanding natural beauty, the Peak District
National Park. Travel through beautiful hill country and
idyllic villages to visit the town of Bakewell, a lovely
traditional town and home of the delicious "Bakewell
Tart." (B)
Day 6: Brandon - Bath - Brandon
This morning travel to the ancient town of Bath. At the
Roman Baths Museum you will explore the excavated Roman
spa complex dating from the 1st century. The afternoon
is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful and
historic city, well known for its stunning Georgian
architecture. (B, D)
Day 7: Brandon - Cotswolds - Brandon
The Cotswolds is a complete picture of the English
countryside. Symbols from England's past are visible
across the land - from the great houses to small
churches, from the rolling landscape to the fertile
valleys. Spend the morning exploring the charming
villages of the region, including Stowe-on-the-Wold and
Bourton-on-the-Water. Your Cotswolds experience is
complete with a visit to Hidecote Manor Garden, one of
England's great Arts and Crafts gardens. Return to
Brandon Hall to celebrate the end of a wonderful trip
with a delightful farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 8: Brandon - London - Tour Ends
Your journey exploring the Treasures of England ends.
(B)

Extend Your Vacation with...
Optional 2-Night
Stay in London - $399 USD pp, double, land only
2 Meals: 2 Breakfasts
Day 8: Brandon -
London
Spend the day
discovering this magnificent capital at your leisure. The
friendly personnel at your hotel will gladly assist you with
optional sightseeing tours that are available, showcasing the
major sites of London. Perhaps this evening you will enjoy a
night out at the theater in London's spectacular West End. (B
from base tour)
Day 9: London
Enjoy another full day
at leisure to explore the many museums and attractions of
London, or perhaps just relax. There's so much to see and do in
this historic city: the Tower of London, the National Gallery,
Madame Tussauds wax museum and the British Museum are among the
myriad of options. London is also one of the shopping capitals
of the world - be sure to sop by Harrods's department store,
another famous British institution! (B)
Day 10: London -
Tour Ends (B)
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Uniquely For You
Royal Shakespeare Theatre |
| The
Royal Shakespeare Company is one of the
best known theatre companies in the
world. Located in Stratford-upon-Avon,
birthplace of William Shakespeare, they
have been entertaining theatre-goers for
more than a century. You
behind-the-scenes tour will include an
introduction to the colorful history of
the company, an insight into the two
theatres and a look at aspects of
current productions. As the Royal
Shakespeare Company performs in a fully
working theatre, each tour is a unique
experience, and may include the
opportunity to see backstage at the
Royal Shakespeare Theatre or The Swan.
The backstage section of the tour offers
a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes at
one of the busiest theatres in the
world. With the theatres always full of
activity, tours will vary according to
the access available on the day. |
Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| May 18 2006 |
$1099 |
$1589 from NYC |
| Sep 07 2006 |
$1099 |
$1849 from NYC |
| Oct 19 2006 |
$1049 |
$1539 from NYC |
| Mar 22 2007 |
$999 |
$1299 from NYC |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin
occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights.
Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE
4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please
confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that
feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
8 days, 10 meals
6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 7 - Brandon Hall Hotel & Spa, Brandon
NOTES:
- Days of features are
interchangeable.
- Due to tour scheduling, return
flights should not be booked prior to 11:30 a.m.
- Hidecote Manor is only
available from mid-March through October. This is reflected in
the tour price.
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