STATELY ESTATES
Stately Homes, Castles and Gardens
9 Days

ou are cordially invited to sample the life and style of the English aristocracy, to see what it was like, and still is, to be Lord or Lady of the Manor, or the Duke and Duchess. With us you will visit some of the most beautiful and historic homes in all of Britain. Travel throughout England on this sumptuous tour of estates, mansions, castles, and the gardens that adorn them. Learn what it was like to live in such splendor in times past and present day.

Day 1 - Departure
Depart from your home destination.
(Airport transfer and/or airfare*)

Day 2 – Arrival in London
Your tour begins when you are greeted by your personal chauffeur at the airport who will take you, in style, to your luxury London hotel. Take the afternoon** to relax; perhaps have a spot of tea. Tonight, you dine at the elegant Simpson’s in the Strand Restaurant in Covent Garden, one of London’s most historic restaurants and made famous by such movies as the Guns of Navaronne and by the stories of Sherlock Holmes. This bastion of English dining elegance serves a plethora of exquisitely prepared traditional British dishes.

Day 3 – A Royal Visit
Today, you visit one of England’s most impressive historical monuments and an ancient home of royalty - Hampton Court Palace. A magical tour inside and out, Hampton Court offers a choice of six individual tours, costumed guides, and 60 acres of spectacular riverside gardens, including the world famous “Maze”. Hampton Court Palace, built in the early 16th Century by the then Archbishop of York, Cardinal Wolsey, was once home to Henry VIII, and currently contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection, property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. But beware, since Hampton Court Palace was opened to the public in 1838 by Queen Victoria, Jane Seymour’s ghost has been reported to be seen roaming its halls. After your ‘royal visit’ you return to your luxury hotel and prepare yourself for an exciting evening in London’s famous West End attending a show at one of the many renowned theatres. (Selection of performance to be chosen at time of booking.)

Day 4 – The People’s Princess / Chatsworth
This morning, you visit Kensington Palace. Kensington Palace was once a favored home of some of Britain's most famous kings and queens and the setting for many great events and dramas in royal history. Originally a private country house, the building was acquired by William III and Mary II in 1689 and was adapted for royal residence by Sir Christopher Wren, the famous architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Most recently Kensington Palace was the home of Diana, Princess of Wales. During your visit, you will be treated to the Princess Diana Exhibit (exhibit available only through Nov. 1, 2007), a stunning exhibition of photographs of Diana, alongside a display of her elegant evening dresses. In the afternoon, you will pick-up your rental car (all cars automatic drive unless otherwise requested) and you will drive through the beautiful English countryside to the Chatsworth Estate. Your luxury hotel is located on the estate itself. This is a great night to look around town and make a few new friends at a local pub. And, since you have your own car, you are free to go and do whatever you like.

Day 5 – Chatsworth House
Welcome to Chatsworth House located in the magnificent surroundings of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park from where Chatsworth gets its title of “the Palace of the Peak”. Chatsworth is one of Britain’s best loved historic houses and estates. The first house at Chatsworth was built by 'Bess of Hardwick' (c. 1527-1608) and her second husband Sir William Cavendish (1505-57). They bought the manor of Chatsworth in 1549, and its construction began in 1552 and continued for many years. Chatsworth has been the home of the Dukes of Devonshire since the first Duke in 1694. Today it is home to 12th Duke, his wife, the Duchess, and their son.  Chatsworth House offers something for everyone to enjoy, from famous works of art and the spectacular fountains in the garden to the finest shopping, food and drink, and many miles of free walks. Tonight is yours to do as you wish, whether it be a quiet meal in the hotel’s restaurant or a journey into one of the nearby villages for a visit to one of the local pubs or restaurants. Enjoy!

Day 6 – Haddon Hall / Bakewell
Today you’re off to Haddon Hall. Built in the 12th century, it is now the home of Lord and Lady Edward Manners, whose family have owned it since 1567. A fortified medieval manor house, it has been described as “the most perfect house to survive from the middle ages”. Then drive just a few miles north to Bakewell, an ancient market town dating back to 924 AD, in the center of the Peak District. Home of the famous “Bakewell Pudding”, we’ve arranged for you to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea. Travel back to the hotel at your leisure and get a good rest tonight, for tomorrow, you travel on.

Day 7 – Onto Oxfordshire
Your drive this morning will take you into Oxford. After checking in to your luxury hotel, you proceed on to Blenheim Palace, well known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Set in beautiful parkland of 2100 acres, which was landscaped by famous Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in the 1760's, the Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns and formal gardens, and is now home to the Duke of Marlborough. Head back to your hotel and you will enjoy a superb dinner at one of Oxford’s finest restaurants… right in your hotel!

Day 8 – Highclere Castle and Punting
Highclere Castle awaits! Home to Lord and Lady Carnarvon, the Castle itself stands on the site of an earlier house that, in turn, was built on the foundations of the medieval palace of the Bishops of Winchester who owned this estate from the 8th century. Highclere Castle is known as one of England’s most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst spectacular parkland. This afternoon, when you return to Oxford, you will enjoy one of its classic traditions – punting. Guided punting on the river with champagne will be a wonderful way to enjoy Oxford’s beauty, and give you time to reflect on the incredible estates you have seen throughout the week. Tonight is yours to do as you please.

Day 9 - Return to London and Flight Home
Drive into London’s Heathrow airport, where you will drop off your rental car. Depart for home.
(Airport transfers and/or airfare*.)

* Additional fees apply.

SUMMARY (What's included in your tour price):

Day 2 - Luxury sedan chauffeured transport to hotel, dinner at Simpson's-in-the-Strand, luxury hotel

Day 3 - Full English breakfast, Hampton Court Palace entry fees, superior seats for West End theatrical production, luxury hotel

Day 4 - Full English breakfast, Kensington Palace entry and exhibit fees, superior class rental car, luxury hotel

Day 5 - Full English breakfast, Chatsworth House entry fees, superior class rental car, luxury hotel

Day 6 - Full English breakfast, Haddon Hall entry fees, superior class rental car, Afternoon Tea, luxury hotel

Day 7 - Full English breakfast, Blenheim Palace entry fees, dinner at 5-star restaurant, superior class rental car, luxury hotel

Day 8 - Full English breakfast, Highclere Castle entry fees, guided punting with champagne, superior class rental car, luxury hotel

Day 9 - Full English breakfast, luxury sedan chauffeured transport to airport

(Days 1 and 9 - airfare not included in tour price)

The above tour is subject to change without notice.
E&OA