Albion Journeys 2022 Brochure by justgoholidays

Discover Britain's Glorious Heritage 2022 Departures

A Wonderful Opportunity to Explore & Experience... Albion Journeys

Albion Journeys is partnered with a number of key heritage organizations based in the UK, working closely with them so that we can give guests privileged access to their amazing and fascinating properties. Albion Journeys is proud to pledge support to these great causes helping them to conserve our heritage for years to come. We also operate a collection of tours in partnership with The Royal Oak Foundation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation based in the USA, with a contribution of the tour cost going to help the work of these two charities. We are very proud to have the backing of these two wonderful organizations.

Castle Howard

About our partners in the USA The Royal Oak Foundation

Carisbrooke Castle

The Royal Oak Foundation seeks to raise awareness of and advance the work of the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland by inspiring support from the United States for the Trust’s efforts to preserve and protect historic places and spaces. Albion Journeys has been working with Royal Oak since 2013 and several hundred Royal Oak members have already travelled with us.

National Trust for Historic Preservation The National Trust for Historic Preservation protects significant places in America where history happened, representing diverse cultural experience by taking direct action and inspiring broad public support. Albion Journeys has been working with the organization since 2014.

THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION

Nostell Priory

Americans in Alliance with National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Source: English Heritage Photo Library Picture Reference: N100272

Heritage Partners

Albion Journeys specializes in heritage tours of Great Britain and Ireland and we pride ourselves in offering a unique experience. We create fascinating escorted tours with carefully crafted itineraries that unlock Britain’s rich history, with behind-the-scenes tours, guest lectures and insights from the owners of the properties themselves. Our years of experience and attention to detail mean that you will always be well looked after when you travel with us.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Delve Deeper into Britain’s Heritage It’s the little extras that set Albion Journeys tours apart from the rest Carefully chosen itineraries We work closely with our partner heritage organizations to create unique and insightful itineraries that truly unlock Britain’s history and culture. Our itineraries are carefully researched to ensure that they provide a valuable and enriching experience. Our in-house planners are always on hand should you have any questions before you travel with us.

Caring staff If you have booked an Albion Journeys tour before you will already be on first name terms with our customer service team! They will look after you from your first enquiry through to your arrival in the UK, and work hard to ensure that any special requests or arrangements you may need are carried out. Our team work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure your tour runs smoothly.

Tailored reading lists If you want to understand more about the themes of your tour, we provide a full reading list that should enable you to fully engage with the subject before your tour begins. We ensure that our reading lists are entertaining as well as informative, and they often include a mix of fiction as well as factual tomes. It is up to you how much you want to use the reading list, but you can be sure that it will help spark lively conversation!

Special guided tours We arrange tours by the house owners themselves wherever possible, to really bring historic houses alive. We also offer behind-the-scenes tours or private tours with special access, and even talks by curators at historic houses, to make sure you get the full story and the most out of your visit.

Exclusive themed talks by experts The majority of our tours include an after-dinner talk by an expert in their field that promises to be both informative and engaging. Whether it is a leading historian, fascinating writer or learned expert, we arrange guest speakers who will enhance the themes of your tour and provide some captivating background or intriguing insight. With the chance for you to ask questions at the end of the talk, these interactive experiences are an opportunity not to be missed. Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Hartwell House

Linlithgow Palace and St Michael’s Church

Hand-picked hotels Your journey through Britain’s colorful past won’t end after a day of excursions. We’ve chosen your principal hotels for their character and history and full descriptions can be found on our website. These hotels are complemented by conveniently located overnight hotels at the beginning and end of your stay.

Three hotels featured on these tours that are of particular interest are Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, with all profits supporting the charity’s conservation work. Middlethorpe Hall is a beautiful red brick country house which was built at the end of the 17th century, while Bodysgallen Hall is believed to have begun life as a watchtower for Conwy Castle in the 13th century. Hartwell House’s most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, who lived there with his Court for five years. 3

Your Tour, Your Way We are happy to book any room upgrades or extras you might require to make your stay more special. For everything from extra nights at your hotel to additional transfers or theater trips, contact the Albion Journeys office to discuss prices and availability.

Travel with your favorite Tour Directors

A Wonderful Opportunity to Explore & Experience...

Here at Albion Journeys we are aware that as well as an excellent itinerary and quality hotels, exceptional Tour Directors help make your tour special, so we’d like to introduce you to some of our team members…

David Robertson

Beaulieu Palace House

Create your perfect tour

A tapestry at Hever Castle, dating back to 1550

room upgrades, extra nights, excursions, theater trips...

We can book weekend theater or sightseeing breaks in central London as an add-on to your main tour.

David left the world of commerce nine years ago to become a tour manager so that he could share his love for travel and flex his organizing skills. David is very welcoming and simply loves sharing his passion for the UK with his clients. David is originally from the Midlands but now bases himself in the North of England.

"Extraordinary, professional, caring and informative."

Carolyn Russell Carolyn has traveled extensively all over the world with tour groups, previously spending a lot of time in Cuba and North America. She now prefers to travel with groups in the UK, sharing her love of the country's history with her clients. Carolyn is also our resident expert on the Royal Family; we challenge you to find something that she doesn't know about them. When not managing tours, Carolyn lives in central London.

"Carolyn was spectacular – so well organized, knowledgeable, and professional. She made this tour work perfectly and flawlessly."

Kristin Foord Kristin Foord has been a tour manager both in Europe and the UK for the last ten years. Her previous career included being a flight attendant, an operations manager on board cruise ships and then running a textile and wallpaper company with her partner. Kristin has also worked in the hospitality industry. She is delighted to be working in the travel industry and having the opportunity to share her knowledge and pleasure of the UK with others.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Tour Map

Bonnie Prince Charlie & the Jacobite Rebellion

Scotland

A Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District

Classic Scotland featuring the Edinburgh Tattoo Aristocrats & Manor Houses & a Grand Tour to the North

Edinburgh

Glorious Gardens & Grandeur of North Wales

England

A Tour Around the Treasure Houses of England

York Manchester

Ireland Behind the Scenes of Bridgerton & the Regency Era

The Regal Estates & Jacobean Manors of Norfolk & Suffolk

Holkham Hall

Birmingham

Wales

London

Step Back in Time - Traditional Country House Christmas

Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee & Royal Palaces

Travel Safely The wellbeing of our customers is our number one priority and when you join one of our vacations you will notice enhanced safety and cleaning protocols both on the journey and at the hotels.

Historic Kent Castles, Gardens & Coastline

South of England Stately Homes & the Isle of Wight

For a more detailed map for each tour, please see the tour pages

Contents Tour Description

Page

South of England Stately Homes & the Isle of Wight May 2 to 11, 2022

6-7

Bonnie Prince Charlie & the Jacobite Rebellion May 8 to 18, 2022

8-9

Glorious Gardens & Grandeur of North Wales June 5 to 14, 2022

10-11

Historic Kent Castles, Gardens & Coastline July 2 to 10, 2022

12-13

A Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District July 2 to 10, 2022

14-15

Aristocrats & Manor Houses & a Grand Tour to the North July 17 to 26, 2022

16-17

Behind the Scenes of Bridgerton & the Regency Era July 31 to August 7, 2022

18-19

Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee & Royal Palaces August 8 to 17, 2022

20-21

Classic Scotland featuring the Edinburgh Tattoo August 18 to 23, 2022

22-23

A Tour Around the Treasure Houses of England September 4 to 15, 2022

24-25

The Regal Estates & Jacobean Manors of Norfolk & Suffolk September 11 to 18, 2022

26-27

Step Back in Time - Traditional Country House Christmas November 30 to December 5, 2022

28-29

This brochure was printed before the 21st June 2021 date of the UK government’s four-step roadmap when all our lives may return to normal so, of course, our approach remains flexible to react to evolving government guidelines. Please visit our website before you depart for our latest safe travel updates:

albionjourneys.com/covid19 When traveling with us we do ask you to respect each other and the staff around you, everyone deserves to feel safe on vacation or whilst working. Please remember if you have Covid-19 symptoms you must not travel.

These symbols indicate that our business has robust Covid-19 protection measures in place to deliver enhanced safety and cleaning protocols. Blenheim Palace Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Osborne House

South of England Stately Homes & the Isle of Wight May 2 to 11, 2022 $5,490 (USD) or $6,698 (CAD) pp

Special extras included in your itinerary Guided

Farringford House

tour of Standen Guided tour of Petworth House Guided tour of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Guided tour of Goodwood House Guided tour and lunch at Osborne House Guided tour of Farringford House Exclusive garden visit and refreshments at Nunwell House Introductory talk at Jane Austen’s House Museum Guided tour of Watts Chapel and refreshments at Watts Gallery

Petworth House Wa�s Gallery Jane Austen’s House Museum Petworth House Merchant’s House

LONDON Polesden Lacey Standen

Parham House

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Goodwood House Carisbrooke Nunwell House Castle

Osborne House Farringford House

Brighton Royal Pavilion

Renowned for its idyllic countryside and stunning coastline, the picturesque South of England is peppered with spectacular estates. Here we uncover captivating stories and treasures contained within properties such as impressive Polesden Lacey and opulent Petworth House. We combine these fascinating discoveries with a trip to the Isle of Wight, a delightful holiday destination popularized in Victorian times. Here we delve into the history of the ‘Garden Isle’ with visits to some of the island’s finest properties including Osborne House, the Italianate seaside retreat of Queen Victoria.

Ten Day Itinerary Monday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Tuesday: Polesden Lacey and Standen This morning we visit Polesden Lacey, described as a ‘delicious house’ by the Queen Mother on her honeymoon there. This peaceful countryside retreat is most closely connected to Dame Margaret Greville who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time with lavish parties at the manor, which remains home to her extensive collection of art and ceramics. We also have time to wander the beautiful gardens which boast wonderful views out across the rolling Surrey Hills. Next we visit Standen, one of the finest examples of an Arts and Crafts property, which combines the skills of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. The rooms are decorated with Morris’ wallpapers and textiles with William de Morgan pottery to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and we discover more on our special guided tour of the house. Later we check in to the South Lodge Hotel, our base for the next three nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Parham House and Petworth House We head to Parham House, an idyllic Elizabethan family home with award-winning gardens. The timeless beauty of the house has changed little

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

over the centuries since the foundation stone was laid in 1557. During the Second World War, Parham became home to 30 evacuee children before being requisitioned for billeting Canadian officers. Outside, the gardens consist of beautiful pleasure grounds, a four-acre walled garden, an orchard, a vegetable garden and a 1920s Wendy house. Immortalized in Turner’s paintings, Petworth House is an impressive estate that combines a deer park landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown with a vast 17th-century mansion, which houses the National Trust’s finest collection of art and sculptures. We enjoy a guided tour of the house and discover masterpieces by the likes of Van Dyck, Reynolds, Blake and Turner himself, displayed in the opulent state rooms and North Gallery. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Thursday: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Today we visit the popular seaside resort of Brighton, where we enjoy a guided tour of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery located in the Royal Pavilion Garden. Here we discover exciting displays of history and fine art, combining to tell the story of Brighton and the world we live in today. Afterwards we enjoy lunch together in a local restaurant followed by some free time. Explore Brighton’s unique antique and boutique shopping area in the Lanes or visit the Prince Regent’s lavish Royal Pavilion. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday: Goodwood House and Southampton Merchant’s House After checking out of our hotel, we make our way to Goodwood House, built in 1616-17 by the 9th Earl of Northumberland. The family of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon have lived here for over 300 years, dating back to the 1st Duke of Richmond – the illegitimate son of Charles II. We enjoy a guided tour of the Old House and the State Apartments, restored to their original Regency splendor. The current Duke is the founder of the renowned Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival Meeting and although the house is famous for its sporting heritage, it also provides a spectacular setting for one of the most significant private art collections in the country. We continue to Southampton, a lovely city steeped in maritime heritage. We visit Merchant’s House where we take in the history of Southampton’s ‘old town’. Built around 1290 by a wealthy wine merchant, the house survived many centuries of domestic and commercial use largely intact and has now been restored to its mid-14th century appearance. From Southampton, we catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight and check in to the Royal Hotel, where we stay for the next four nights. In the evening we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Saturday: Osborne House Today we are treated to a lovely leisurely visit to Osborne House with a guided tour and lunch included. Osborne House was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 as a seaside retreat away from London and Windsor. The Italianate palace reflects Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s tastes and passions, and boasts spectacular views across the Solent. We take an intimate glimpse of royal family life as we wander through the magnificent Royal Apartments as well as the walled gardens and grounds where we find the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the royal children to learn household management. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday: Carisbrooke Castle & Museum and Isle of Wight Villages This morning we head to Carisbrooke Castle. Over the centuries Carisbrooke has been an Elizabethan artillery fortress, a prison for a king and a royal summer residence. Visit the museum, walk around the award-winning Edwardian-style garden and admire the panoramic views from the castle walls. The museum was founded by HRH Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, as a memorial to her husband, Prince Henry of Battenburg, and cares for over 30,000 items connected to the Isle of Wight’s history. In the afternoon we enjoy a scenic drive through some of the Isle of Wight’s most picturesque and charming villages. Meals: Breakfast

Monday: Farringford House and Nunwell House & Gardens Our first visit today is to Farringford House, the home of famous poet Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson lived here from 1853 until his death in 1892, and the house remained in the Tennyson family until 1945. More than half a century later, this dramatic Gothic house has been meticulously restored to its 19th-century splendor to reflect Tennyson’s tastes and lifestyle. We enjoy a guided tour of the house and explore its exciting treasures. Outside, the walled kitchen garden has been lovingly recreated. We continue on to Nunwell House, a beautiful family home since 1522, set in five acres of tranquil gardens with stunning views across the Solent. We enjoy an exclusive visit of the gardens and a historical guided tour of the exterior of this private house, taking us back through time. After refreshments, we have time at leisure to wander around the gardens. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday: Jane Austen’s House Museum and Watts Gallery This morning we catch the ferry back to the mainland and head to Jane Austen’s House Museum, the charming house in Chawton where she spent the last eight years of her life. It was in this country cottage where Austen did the majority of her mature writing, including the timeless

Pride and Prejudice. We enjoy an introductory talk here before exploring the house and its treasures, including first editions of Austen’s books. We spend the rest of the day at Watts Gallery and Artists’ Village, a building intended to provide ‘art for all’ and finished shortly before artist George Frederic Watts’ death. After major restoration work, the gallery walls are hung with a large selection of Watts’ prolific output. In addition to visiting the gallery, we enjoy a guided tour of the Arts and Crafts chapel, designed by Watts’ wife Mary, followed by refreshments. Later, we return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* Return ferry crossings to the Isle of Wight 2 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 3 nights at the South Lodge Hotel 4 nights at the Royal Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 8 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 lunch at a local restaurant Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One and Nine – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two to Four – South Lodge Hotel, Horsham Nights Five to Eight – Royal Hotel, Ventnor (Isle of Wight) For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Bonnie Prince Charlie & the Jacobite Rebellion

Monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Glenfinnan, Loch Schiel

May 8 to 18, 2022 $5,990 (USD) or $7,308 (CAD) pp

Special extras included in your itinerary Private

Edinburgh Castle

out-of-hours guided tour and refreshments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Audio guided tour of Edinburgh Castle Guided tour of the House of Dun Guided tour of Drum Castle Guided tour of Craigievar Castle Guided tour of Castle Fraser Guided tour of Brodie Castle Tour of Dallas Dhu Distillery with whisky tasting Cruise on Loch Ness Scenic Jacobite train journey Cruise on Loch Lomond Audio guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia Evening tour of the Edinburgh Underground Vaults Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie just over 300 years on from his birth. Prince Charles Edward Stuart, born to the exiled Stuart King James II, was raised in the belief that his family were the true rulers of Britain. Supported by his fellow Jacobites, he landed in Scotland in 1745. His planned invasion of England started promisingly but ultimately ended in a disastrous defeat with the Prince forced to go on the run. We tell the fascinating story of the young prince’s time in Scotland, visiting the places where he sought refuge, in a tale that has shaped Scottish history and has been immortalized in books and songs, from Sir Walter Scott to the Outlander TV series.

Eleven Day Itinerary Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Edinburgh airport, a private transfer will take you to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, our hotel for the next two nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Monday: Palace of Holyroodhouse, National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle We enjoy a private guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, followed by refreshments. Today the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, back in September 1745, Bonnie Prince Charlie set up court at the palace. We go behind the ropes in selected rooms and into the West Drawing Room, used by the Royal Family and not normally open to the public. Next, we venture to the National Museum of Scotland, which houses a significant collection of material relating to the Jacobite story.

Brodie Castle Dallas Dhu Dis�llery Culloden Ba�leﬁeld Inverness Fyvie Castle Loch Ness Craigievar Castle Glenﬁnnan Monument Fort William

House of Dun

Glencoe Hun�ngtower Castle

Castle Fraser Aberdeen Drum Castle

Perth

Loch Lomond Palace of Holyroodhouse Linlithgow Palace Na�onal Museum of Scotland Dumbarton Castle EDINBURGH

Drum Castle

We then enjoy an audio guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, which has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history. Meals: Breakfast

Tuesday: Linlithgow Palace, Huntingtower Castle and Perth We begin at the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. Built by successive Stuart kings, Linlithgow was a comfortable country retreat visited by Charles Edward Stuart during his march south in 1745.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

From here we make our way to Huntingtower Castle. Saturday: Inverness, Culloden Lord George Murray was born at Huntingtower, and Battlefield, Loch Ness and both he and his brother Charles were involved in Urquart Castle earlier Jacobite risings. We start with some free time in Inverness. This Afterwards, we visit the city of Perth, ‘Gateway to vibrant city is full of historical buildings including the Highlands’. A former capital of Scotland, Perth Inverness Castle perched picturesquely above the has a rich history that stretches back over 800 years. River Ness. We then continue to our overnight hotel, From here we visit Culloden Battlefield, scene of Fonab Castle. the final battle of the 1745-46 Jacobite rising. We Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: House of Dun, Drum Castle and Aberdeen The Georgian House of Dun was built for David Erskine, a distant cousin of John Erskine, the fervent Jacobite. On our guided tour we discover subtle nuances that hint at David Erskine’s clandestine loyalties, such as the white roses (a symbol of the Jacobite cause). Next we enjoy a guided tour of Jacobite Drum Castle. Alexander Irvine, 17th Laird of Drum, fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden. After the defeat, he was listed ‘never to be pardoned’ but managed to make his way back to Drum where his sister hid him in a secret room to avoid capture. Our final stop is the ‘Granite city’ of Aberdeen. We then check in to the Marcliffe Hotel, where we stay for two nights. After dinner, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Thursday: Craigievar Castle and Castle Fraser Our day begins with a guided tour of Craigievar Castle, built in the 17th century and boasting a fine collection of baroque furniture and original Jacobean woodwork plus the Order of Battle for the Battle of Culloden. Afterwards we visit Castle Fraser for a guided tour. This magnificent fortified castle was one of the strongholds of the Fraser Clan, who came out for the Jacobites in the 1745 rebellion. Meals: Breakfast

Friday: Fyvie Castle, Brodie Castle and Dallas Dhu Distillery Fyvie Castle blends 13th-century origins with opulent Edwardian interiors. This magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress was once a Royal stronghold before being owned by five successive families. We continue on to Brodie Castle where there are tales of government troops camped out in the wood behind the castle. As well as an extensive library, the house has a major collection of paintings plus antique furniture and ceramics which we discover on our guided tour. Our day finishes at the Dallas Dhu Distillery which operated between 1899 and 1983. Today we can see how whisky was made in the 1900s and sample a wee dram. This evening, we check in to the Rocpool Reserve Hotel, our base for the next two nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

also spend time at the state-of-the-art visitor center which puts this infamous period of Scottish history into vivid context. Next we experience the sights, wildlife and history of Loch Ness on a scenic cruise. The loch is most famous for the legend of the elusive Loch Ness monster that is said to live in its deep waters! We then make our way to Urquart Castle, one of the most famous castles in the Highlands. In 1689 government troops were stationed here and on their departure in 1692, they blew up the gatehouse to ensure the location could not be used by the Jacobites.

Charlotte Square Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. After dinner, we take a trip beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town, to the eerie Underground Vaults. Largely unchanged since the 18th century, we discover more about the city’s history on our tour as we explore a world of streets, tunnels and vaults that were once the main streets of Edinburgh until they were built on top of. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Edinburgh airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

What’s Included

Meals: Breakfast

Sunday: Fort William, Jacobite train journey and Glenfinnan Monument This morning we visit Fort William, where we board the famous Jacobite Train which takes us across the mountainous west coast of Scotland to the port of Mallaig. This iconic railway takes in wonderful sights such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Afterwards we rejoin our coach to visit the Glenfinnan Monument – a chance to stand on the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore on 19 August 1745 and raised the Stuart standard. We then travel to our overnight hotel, the Glenfinnan House Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Monday: Glencoe, Loch Lomond and Dumbarton Castle Our day begins at Glencoe. Showcasing a dramatic landscape of towering peaks and sweeping glens, Glencoe is regarded by many as a natural monument to the infamous massacre of February 1692. We then embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond, situated amidst one of Scotland’s most idyllic and unspoilt areas in the Trossachs National Park. Our final visit is to Dumbarton Castle, once a military base and prison. Aeneas MacDonald, one of the ‘seven men of Moidart’ who had accompanied Charles Edward Stuart to Scotland, was imprisoned at the castle after the Battle of Culloden. We then make our way to the Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort where we stay overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday: Royal Yacht Britannia and Edinburgh Underground Vaults We return to Edinburgh where we step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia for an audio guided tour of the Queen’s former floating Royal residence, used for both state visits and family holidays. Following this, we have some free time at leisure in Edinburgh before checking back in to the Kimpton

Return

airport transfers from Edinburgh* nights at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel 1 night at the Fonab Castle Hotel 2 nights at the Marcliffe Hotel & Spa 2 nights at the Rocpool Reserve Hotel 1 night at the Glenfinnan House Hotel 1 night at the Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort Welcome drink and canapés Full Scottish/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 7 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage 3

*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One, Two and Ten – Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh Night Three – Fonab Castle Hotel, Pitlochry Nights Four and Five – Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, Aberdeen Nights Six and Seven – Rocpool Reserve Hotel, Inverness Night Eight – Glenfinnan House Hotel, Glenfinnan Night Nine – Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, near Glasgow For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Glorious Gardens & Grandeur of North Wales June 5 to 14, 2022 $5,490 (USD) or $6,698 (CAD) pp

Conwy Castle

Special extras included in your itinerary

Guided

Plas Newydd House

walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon Guided tour and lunch at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens Guided tour and refreshments at Plas Tan y Bwlch Guided tour of Erddig Hall House and Gardens Boat cruise with fish and chips supper Guided tour of Portmeirion Heritage train journey on the Welsh Highland Railway Guided tour and lunch at Tatton Park Guided tour and lunch at Waterperry Gardens Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Plas Newydd House

Conwy Castle and Plas Mawr Bodnant Garden Betws-y-Coed

Ta�on Park Chester Erddig Hall

Caerau Gardens Plas Brondanw Gardens Plas Tan y Bwlch Portmeirion

Stra�ord-upon-Avon

Waterperry Gardens

Ten Day Itinerary Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Monday: Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace We head to Stratford-upon-Avon and enjoy a guided walking tour of the town, forever associated with England’s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. We also visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where we discover the extraordinary story of Shakespeare in the house where he was born and grew up. Later, we continue our journey to Wales, checking in to Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels, where we spend the next six nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Penrhyn Castle Plas Cadnant Anglesey

Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens

North Wales, a land blessed with rugged mountains, beautiful beaches and picturesque villages is also home to some of the most striking gardens in the UK, many of which surround magnificent houses with centuries of history to uncover. From world-renowned gardens to hidden gems, we encounter a remarkable array of sweeping landscapes, woodlands, valleys and displays of abundant flowers and shrubs which thrive in the unique climate of this region.

Tuesday: Bodnant Garden and Penrhyn Castle This morning we first visit Bodnant Garden, nestled in the Snowdonian foothills. Created over 150 years, this world-famous garden is home to National Collections and Champion Trees and boasts sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland. Our next stop is the magnificent Penrhyn Castle. Built in the 19th century in a Neo-Norman style, Penrhyn was constructed on a massive scale over a period of 13 years and offers superb views of Snowdonia. There is so much to see here, from the outstanding collection of paintings, restored Victorian kitchens and a railway museum. Meals: Breakfast

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Wednesday: Isle of Anglesey, Plas Newydd House & Gardens and Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens Today we cross the 19th-century Menai Bridge to spend the day on the Isle of Anglesey, where our first visit is to the fine country house of Plas Newydd. Its most famous past resident is the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo in 1815. The elegant interior reflects the 1930s, thanks to its associations with the artist, socialite and fallen WWII soldier Rex Whistler. The garden’s climate allows extraordinary plants to flourish, including tender exotics and Mediterranean plants. We continue on to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, a series of historic gardens which are gradually being restored, where we enjoy a guided tour and lunch. We discover the walled garden with curving walls, secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and upper woodland garden with the remains of a 19th-century folly. After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thursday: Plas Tan y Bwlch, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy Castle & Plas Mawr

design with rare fruit trees and a national collection Monday: Waterperry Gardens of ivies. Today we travel to Waterperry Gardens, where We then travel to Caerau Gardens, with their far we enjoy lunch followed by a guided tour. Made reaching views over the Berwyn Mountains and famous by Beatrix Havergal who managed her Bala Lake. Situated at over 1,000ft above sea level, School of Horticulture for Ladies here from 1932 to this fine example of horticultural excellence was 1971, the eight acres of landscaped gardens now started in 1994 by Toby and Stephanie Hickish. include a formal knot garden, water-lily canal and a There is plenty to explore, including herbaceous delightful riverside walk. borders, laburnum-covered pergolas, rose gardens, Afterwards, we travel to the Castle Hotel castellated yew topiary, spring gardens full of Windsor – MGallery, where we enjoy a farewell rhododendrons and azaleas, an arboretum with dinner together. fine Japanese maples, lime walkways, woodland Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner walks and more. Later we cross the border into England and make our way to Chester. The history of this lovely city spans the centuries, from the remains of its Roman Amphitheatre to the eye-catching medieval Rows that line its streets. Here we are treated to a fish and chip supper cruise along the picturesque River Dee, complete with an informative commentary and a few fun-filled games of bingo! Setting sail from the heart of the city, we head towards the historic Aldford Iron Bridge, built in 1824 for the 1st Marquis of Westminster. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Home to the Snowdonia National Park Environmental Studies Centre, Plas Tan y Bwlch boasts a spectacular Victorian garden, native and exotic plants, rare trees and shrubs. We enjoy refreshments and a guided tour (please note there is no access to the house itself). We then make a short stop in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed in the Snowdonia National Park. The backdrop of coniferous forests has earned this area the name ‘Little Switzerland’. From here we head to the medieval walled town of Conwy to visit the imposing Conwy Castle. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imposing castle was built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century and is considered to be among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain.

Saturday: Portmeirion, Welsh Highland Railway and Plas Brondanw Gardens The day starts with a guided tour of Portmeirion, an Italianate village created by Sir Clough WilliamsEllis, inspired by his visits to the Mediterranean. Its unique atmosphere has been featured on camera many times, most famously in the iconic 1960s British TV series The Prisoner. Next, we board the Welsh Highland Railway and enjoy a picturesque trip to the quaint coastal town of Porthmadog, admiring the awe-inspiring scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the way. Stunning coastlines, ancient woodlands, towering mountains, sparkling rivers and historic castles create an enchanting and memorable journey. We then visit Plas Brondanw Gardens. The house and gardens were given to Sir Clough Williams-Ellis by his father in 1902 and the gardens are regarded by some as his finest creation. Inspired by the gardens of renaissance Italy, he created a unique landscape with stone walls, topiary and avenues of trees leading the eye to the dramatic mountainous backdrop.

Our next stop is Conwy’s Plas Mawr, a perfect example of an Elizabethan town house, built between 1576 and 1585. The authentic period atmosphere is enhanced by the many furnishings original to the house, skilled friezes and ornamental Meals: Breakfast, Dinner plasterwork, fully restored to its former glory. This evening we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Friday: Erddig Hall, Caerau Gardens and Chester Erddig Hall is an atmospheric early 18th-century house that reflects the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ life of a gentry family, and offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the family and their servants. Here we enjoy a guided tour of the house and gardens, which include a superb walled garden, now restored to its former 18th-century formal

Sunday: Tatton Park Leaving Wales we journey east to Tatton Park, where we enjoy a guided tour followed by lunch. Built by Samuel Wyatt, Tatton Park is one of Britain’s most complete estates, with a landscaped deer park and exquisite formal gardens. The opulent interior is crammed with collections of silver, china, glass and fine furniture made by Gillows. Outside, year-round color is provided by the Rose, Italian and Japanese gardens. From here we travel south to the Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel, where we stay overnight.

Tuesday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 6 nights at Bodysgallen Hall & Spa 1 night at the Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel 1 night at the Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 6 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a local restaurant Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Night One – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two to Seven – Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, near Llandudno Night Eight – Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel Night Nine – Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery, Windsor For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Historic Kent Castles, Gardens & Coastline

THIS TOUR IS ALSO

AVAILABLE IN

2 021

July 2 to 10, 2022

$4,990 (USD) or $6,088 (CAD) pp

Hever Castle

Special extras included in your itinerary

Guided

tour of Chartwell Gardens Private guided tour of Hever Castle Guided tour by the Head Gardener and refreshments at Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Exclusive out-of-hours garden tour of Sissinghurst Castle Garden Guided walking tour of Canterbury Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral Guided tour of Whitstable Exclusive guided tour of Leeds Castle Guided tour and afternoon cream tea at Godinton House Guided tour and lunch at The Salutation Gardens Audio guided tour of Windsor Castle Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Ightham Mote

Windsor Castle

LONDON

Down House Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Chartwell Hever Castle

Leeds Castle

Windsor Castle

Ightham Mote Bodiam Castle

*Please note: the 2021 tour itinerary may differ slightly from the 2022 itinerary shown.

Whitstable

Margate The Saluta�on Gardens Sandwich Canterbury

Godinton House Sissinghurst Castle Garden

The romantic county of Kent offers a multitude of historic treasures, from enchanting castles and stately homes to imaginative gardens and delightful coastal towns. On this captivating break we learn about Kent’s role in shaping English history, and discover some of its famous residents such as Anne Boleyn, Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill. In a county famed for its castles, we also explore historic Hever and impressive Leeds Castle. We combine these fascinating architectural wonders with the peacefulness of the Kentish coast, as we experience the classic seaside charm of Margate and Whitstable.

Nine Day Itinerary Saturday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery, where we stay overnight. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Sunday: Chartwell and Ightham Mote Today we first visit Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill’s beloved home from 1924 to the time of his death. The house is still home to many of the great statesman’s personal and political mementos, including an amazing collection of gifts he received from other world leaders. Our guided tour of the gardens takes in Churchill’s personal painting studio hidden in the grounds, the romantic Golden Rose Avenue, the special walled garden, the lakes and the pretty water features. Next, we explore the moated manor house of Ightham Mote, once described by historian David Starkey as ‘the most beautiful and the most interesting of English country houses’. Built nearly 700 years ago, atmospheric Ightham has been home to medieval knights, courtiers to Henry VIII and Victorian High Society. From here, we travel to the Chilston Park Hotel where we stay for the next five nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Monday: Hever Castle and Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Sissinghurst Castle Garden

We head to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, where we

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

enjoy a private guided tour. Dating back to the late 13th century, this double-moated castle is home to various historic artifacts including Tudor portraits and furniture, as well as two prayer books inscribed by Anne Boleyn. The castle was lavishly restored by American millionaire, William Waldorf Astor, in the early 20th century. We continue to Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, a fine example of horticultural excellence, created by contemporary of Charles Darwin and patron of Victorian plant hunter, John Rogers. We discover its interesting history as we enjoy the combination of world-class British sculpture, secret pathways and stunning floral displays on a guided tour with the Head Gardener followed by refreshments. This evening we enjoy dinner together in a local pub. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday: Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Tenterden and Bodiam Castle This morning we head to Sissinghurst Castle Garden where we enjoy an exclusive out-of-hours garden tour. Created in the 1930s by novelist Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson around the ruins of an Elizabethan manor house, these world-famous gardens are laid out as a series of individually-planted ‘rooms’, including a fragrant Herb Garden and Rose Garden. After lunch (not included) in the picturesque town of Tenterden, we continue to Bodiam Castle. This archetypal 14th-century moated castle gives us a glimpse of medieval splendor and boasts an original wooden portcullis, spiral staircase and battlements. After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral and Whitstable We start the day in Canterbury. The city has a fascinating history which we learn about on our guided walking tour. We also enjoy a guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in England, dating back to Norman times. In 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the cathedral and ever since it has been a site of Christian pilgrimage. Canterbury Cathedral

Whitstable

Thursday: Leeds Castle and Godinton House We visit Leeds Castle, a quintessential moated castle set in 500 acres of glorious parkland, where we enjoy an exclusive early morning guided tour. Dating back to the 12th century, it was once home to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The castle’s last private owner was Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress who lovingly restored the castle to its former glory. We discover more of the castle’s fascinating history as well as its wealth of furnishings, paintings, tapestries and antiques on display. Our next stop is Godinton House, a delightful Jacobean property incorporating a medieval hall and ornate carvings, where we enjoy a guided tour and afternoon cream tea. Godinton is a much-loved home where each room reflects the tastes of those who have lived here with an excellent collection of furniture, art, and curios. We also have time to explore the 12 acres of tranquil gardens, surrounded by ancient parkland. Meals: Breakfast, Cream Tea, Dinner

Friday: Margate, The Salutation Gardens and Sandwich This morning we enjoy a scenic drive to the coastal town of Margate. This town epitomizes the charm of a classic British seaside resort, with its unspoilt sandy bays, retro shops and a friendly atmosphere. As Margate is also home to a thriving arts community, you may like to browse the Turner Contemporary, a beautiful gallery overlooking the sea. We continue to The Salutation Gardens in Sandwich, where we enjoy a guided tour and lunch. Designed in 1912 by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, the exquisite gardens are divided into a sequence of symmetrical ‘rooms.’ After around 70 years, the gardens sadly fell into disorder, but with a new owner and head gardener at the helm, an extensive restoration project was undertaken in 2005. We then head to the historic town of Sandwich, where we may have the chance to meet the Town Crier!* Once a major port, there are still many original medieval buildings dotted around this enchanting town, making it a delight to explore. Later, we check back into our Windsor hotel where we stay for the last two nights of our tour.

Next is a guided tour of Whitstable, a picturesque fishing and harbour town on the north coast of Kent, renowned for its fresh oysters and connections to Charles Dickens. You can enjoy sampling these culinary delights during dinner in a popular local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

*subject to availability Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday: Down House and Windsor Castle Our first stop today is Down House, home of scientist Charles Darwin and his family for 40 years. Several rooms have been recreated as they

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 3 nights at the Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery 5 nights at the Chilston Park Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 6 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a traditional local pub 1 dinner at a popular local seafood restaurant Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One, Seven and Eight – Castle Hotel Windsor – MGallery Nights Two to Six – Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

appeared when he lived here including the study where he wrote On the Origin of Species. The house is surrounded by extensive gardens; Darwin’s ‘outdoor laboratory’. We then visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is still one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II today. Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodeled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and state occasions. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art, which we admire during our audio guided tour. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together back at our hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sunday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

A Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District July 2 to 10, 2022 $4,990 (USD) or $6,088 (CAD) pp

View from Lake Windermere

Special extras included in your itinerary Guided

tour of Wentworth Woodhouse tour and lunch at Castle Howard Guided walking tour of York Guided tour of Harewood House Lake Windermere boat cruise Scenic drive along Coniston Water Guided tour of Brantwood House Guided tour of Rydal Mount House & Gardens Morning coffee at Blackwell Guided tour of Holker Hall Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Guided

Harewood House

Rydal Mount Beatrix Po�er Gallery and Hawkshead Brantwood House Coniston Water

Lake Windermere Blackwell Kendal

Holker Hall

Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Cartmel

LAKE DISTRICT Fountains Abbey

Castle Howard

York Harewood House

Gawthorpe Hall Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Wentworth Woodhouse

Castle Howard

From rolling moors and picturesque valleys to towering mountains and sparkling lakes, glorious Yorkshire and the stunning Lake District are two contrasting regions of outstanding natural beauty. Home to three of England’s National Parks, these vibrant landscapes have a rich heritage and are scattered with picturesque rural villages renowned for their historic charm. On this fascinating break we combine this magnificent scenery with an exploration of some of the regions’ finest houses and estates, discovering architectural grandeur, superb collections and enchanting gardens along the way.

Nine Day Itinerary Saturday: Arrival

On arrival at Manchester airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester. In the evening join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Sunday: Wentworth Woodhouse and Brodsworth Hall & Gardens This morning we enjoy a guided tour at Wentworth Woodhouse, built by the 1st Marquess of Rockingham between 1725 and 1750 and one of South Yorkshire’s hidden gems. The Baroque west front and the Palladian east front combine to create an intriguing house of two completely different architectural styles. Having been closed to the public for over 25 years, the house is now in the process of being restored to its former glory and boasts magnificent State Rooms, acknowledged to be some of the finest of the Georgian era. Next we visit Brodsworth Hall and Gardens. Built in the 1860s in the Italianate style for the wealthy Thellusson family, the house has survived with remarkably few changes. Brodsworth tells the story of the changing fortunes of the people who lived and worked here, while the beautiful pleasure gardens have been restored to their full Victorian splendor. Later, we check in to the Middlethorpe Hall Hotel, where we spend the next three nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Monday: Castle Howard and York Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and television adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel and has also appeared in the popular series Bridgerton. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, this magnificent 18th-century residence offers worldrenowned collections and stunning architecture, all set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking scenery. We are treated to lunch and a guided tour here. We continue to York, where we enjoy a guided walking tour. The city is steeped in history, from its founding by the Romans in 71AD to its wealth as a medieval wool trading centre and there is plenty of evidence of this fascinating past left to admire, from the Roman city walls to the surviving medieval streets known as the Shambles. After our tour, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant in York.

We disembark in Lakeside and travel the short distance to the Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel, our base for the next three nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Thursday: Coniston Water, Brantwood House, Beatrix Potter Gallery and Rydal Mount This morning we enjoy a scenic drive alongside Coniston Water with its backdrop of spectacular scenery. We then celebrate the Arts and Crafts movement at Brantwood House, former home of John Ruskin. Brantwood is filled with many fine paintings, beautiful furniture and Ruskin’s personal treasures and offers a fascinating insight into the world of the famous writer, artist and social reformer. We discover more on our guided tour.

Tuesday: Harewood House, York Minster and Treasurer’s House

Our next stop is the picturesque village of Hawkshead where we visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery. The 17th-century building was once the office of Beatrix’s solicitor husband and now exhibits her wonderful drawings and illustrations.

Built in the 18th century, Harewood House is one of the greatest Treasure Houses in England, with interiors designed by Robert Adam, furniture by Thomas Chippendale and an outstanding art collection ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to 20th-century art. Set in a magnificent ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, Harewood is still home to the Lascelles family and reflects the changing tastes and styles of the past 250 years. We enjoy a guided tour here and discover the house’s highlights.

Later we visit Rydal Mount, poet William Wordsworth’s family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 until his death in 1850. The house retains a lived-in, family atmosphere and contains portraits, personal possessions and first editions of the poet’s work, which we learn more about on our guided tour. We also explore the beautiful terraced gardens, landscaped by the poet and set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District countryside.

We then have the opportunity to explore the iconic York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and home to some of the most stunning stained glass windows that have led to the Minster being described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of England’.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Afterwards, we visit Treasurer’s House in the heart of York. The property has a 2,000-year-old history and was the first house given complete with its contents to the National Trust in 1930. This is thanks to Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist who not only restored this magnificent architectural gem but used it to stage his remarkable collection of antique furniture, art and textiles. After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Fountains Abbey and Lake Windermere Cruise Leaving our hotel, we travel to the largest monastic ruin in Britain, Fountains Abbey. Nestled in the Skell Valley, the ruin is surrounded by some 800 acres of gorgeous countryside, including the Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden with its wonderful views, cascades, follies and statues, and a medieval deer park. We continue on to Bowness-on-Windermere, where we embark on a picturesque boat cruise across Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, with magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and wooded islands. Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Friday: Blackwell, Holker Hall and Cartmel We start with a visit and morning coffee at Blackwell, one of Britain’s finest Arts and Crafts houses. Designed by MH Baillie Scott, Blackwell retains many of its original decorative features, including spectacular plasterwork and stained glass, while the rooms contain furniture and objects by many of the leading Arts and Crafts designers. We continue to Holker Hall, home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, where we enjoy a guided tour. Dating back to the 16th century, with alterations and additions in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is a delightful family home with fine displays of antique furniture and art. We return to the hotel via Cartmel, an unspoilt medieval village that has grown up around its famous 12th-century medieval Priory. Around the village square is an assortment of 16th to 18th-century buildings housing traditional pubs and quirky shops. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday: Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Gawthorpe Hall After checking out of our hotel, we head to Kendal and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, originally designed as an opulent house by architect John Carr in 1759. This award-winning art gallery now showcases a variety of works by a wealth of artists including George Romney, Daniel Gardner and John Ruskin.

We then visit Gawthorpe Hall, an Elizabethan country house affectionately referred to as the ‘Downton of the North’. Family seat of the Shuttleworth family for over 300 years, the hall was redesigned in the 1850s by architect Sir Charles Barry, designer of the Houses of Parliament and the ‘real’ Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle. The hall houses the North West’s largest collection of portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery as well as the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, a wonderful collection of intricate lace, embroidery and needlework. Later we travel back to the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sunday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Manchester airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from Manchester* 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel 3 nights at the Middlethorpe Hall Hotel 3 nights at the Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 7 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a local restaurant Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One and Eight – Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester Nights Two to Four – Middlethorpe Hall Hotel, near York Nights Five to Seven – Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel, Windermere For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Aristocrats & Manor Houses & a Grand Tour to the North

THIS TOUR IS ALSO

AVAILABLE IN

2 021

July 17 to 26, 2022 $5,490 (USD) or $6,698 (CAD) pp

Chatsworth House

Special extras included in your itinerary

Castle Howard © NTPL/John Millar

Guided

house tour and afternoon tea at Chatsworth House Guided tour and refreshments at Fairfax House Guided tour of Fountains Abbey Private house tour and refreshments at Castle Howard Guided State Rooms tour at Alnwick Castle Guided tour of The Alnwick Garden Audio guided tour and afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Cragside

Alnwick Castle

Castle Howard

Fountains Abbey Harrogate Fairfax House

York

Nostell Priory

Hardwick Hall

No�ngham

Blenheim Palace

Cragside

Ten Day Itinerary Sunday: Arrival

Monday: Highclere Castle After breakfast, we journey to the world-famous Highclere Castle, residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and filming location for the much-loved Downton Abbey television series and movie. Entrance includes access to the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars of the castle, which explores the achievements of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. From here, we travel to Leicestershire and the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel where we stay for the next two nights.

Durham

Chatsworth House

Our unforgettable tour explores the architectural grandeur and superb collections of some of Britain’s finest estates, some still family homes to this day. From the worldfamous Highclere Castle, the ‘real Downton Abbey’, to Winston Churchill’s birthplace of Blenheim Palace and beyond, we discover several historic treasures and their society stories. We juxtapose these fine manor houses with the dramatic landscapes of the north, providing us with the perfect opportunity to explore Britain’s rich heritage and diverse countryside.

LONDON Highclere Castle

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday: Chatsworth House and Nottingham We start the day at Chatsworth House where we enjoy a house tour followed by afternoon tea. This magnificent estate is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has witnessed sixteen generations of the powerful Cavendish family and boasts grandiose interiors, wonderful grounds and a superlative art collection. Chatsworth also appeared as Pemberley in the 2005 movie adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

*Please note: the 2021 tour itinerary may differ slightly from the 2022 itinerary shown.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

En-route back to our hotel, we make a short stop in Nottingham. One-time lace capital of the world, Nottingham is renowned for its landmark buildings, each of which tells its own chapter in Nottingham’s history, including the Lace Market with its stunning architecture. Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Wednesday: Hardwick Hall, York and Fairfax House Our first visit is to the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall. Ordered in the 16th century by Bess of Hardwick, England’s richest woman after her Queen, Elizabeth I, Hardwick is a striking Elizabethan treasure. The lavish number of windows (at a time when glass was a luxury) inspired the neat phrase, ‘Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall’. We then travel north to the historic city of York. Here we visit Fairfax House, a stunning Georgian town house that has been restored to its former glory, providing a perfect time capsule of life in Georgian times with a richly-decorated interior and a fine collection of English 18th-century furniture. We enjoy refreshments here after our guided house tour.

We then make a short stop in the beautiful city of Durham, where we find an abundance of impressive historic buildings and sights. Highlights include the 11th-century Durham Castle, and the magnificent Norman cathedral which sits on a rocky promontory high above the River Wear, affording an imposing feature of Durham’s skyline. Later, we check in to the Lumley Castle Hotel, our base for the next two nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday: Alnwick Castle, The Alnwick Garden and Cragside Still home to the Duke of Northumberland and his family, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England and has featured in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. Inside the medieval walls are lavish State Rooms filled with an eclectic array of furniture, ceramics and art collected by the Percy family over hundreds of years, which we discover on our guided State Rooms tour. We also enjoy a guided tour of the meandering and magnificent 12-acre garden.

This evening we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant in York. Afterwards, we make our way to our hotel for the next two nights, the Bridge Hotel & Spa.

This morning we visit the largest monastic ruin in Britain, Fountains Abbey, where we enjoy a guided tour. Nestling in the Skell Valley, the ruin is surrounded by some 800 acres of gorgeous countryside, including the Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden with its wonderful views, cascades, follies and statues, and a medieval deer park. Our next stop is the elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate, located in the heart of scenic Yorkshire. Notable sights include the Royal Pump Room and the Grade II listed Royal Hall, and don’t miss the attractive Montpellier Quarter with its pedestrianized streets lined with 19th-century buildings. After dinner at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Friday: Castle Howard and Durham Our first visit of the day is to Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for over 300 years, where we enjoy a private guided tour and refreshments. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and television adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel, as well as providing the backdrop for various scenes in the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton. This magnificent 18th-century residence, surmounted with its iconic gilded dome, offers world-renowned collections and stunning architecture, all set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking scenery. Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 3 nights at the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel 2 nights at the Bridge Hotel & Spa 2 nights at the Lumley Castle Hotel 1 night at the Hartwell House Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 8 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a local restaurant Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Thursday: Fountains Abbey and Harrogate

What’s Included

Alnwick Castle

We then enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Cragside, built high into the rock above the clear waters of Debdon Burn. Once the home of Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, this imposing house is packed to the rafters with fascinating gadgets from the era. It was also the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity and in 2014, a fully-working Archimedes Screw was installed, once again producing enough energy to light the house. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sunday: Nostell Priory Today we visit Nostell Priory, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece which has been the home of the Winn family for 300 years. Set in landscaped parkland, Nostell is also home to England’s best documented collection of Chippendale furniture, designed especially for the estate. Later, we check back in to the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, where we stay overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Monday: Blenheim Palace We head to Blenheim Palace, designed on an awe-inspiring scale by Vanbrugh and set in beautiful parkland landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb

Your Hotels Night One – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two, Three and Eight – Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, near Melton Mowbray Nights Four and Five – Bridge Hotel & Spa, near Wetherby Nights Six and Seven – Lumley Castle Hotel, Chester-le-Street Night Nine – Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture and we learn more on our audio guided tour followed by a delicious afternoon tea. From here we travel to Hartwell House Hotel, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Tuesday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: as this tour travels from the Home Counties to the north of England and back, some days will involve fairly long journeys. The order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

NEW

Behind the Scenes of Bridgerton & the Regency Era July 31 to August 7, 2022 $4,490 (USD) or $5,478 (CAD) pp

Pulteney Bridge, Bath

Special extras included in your itinerary

Guided

tour of Rangers House Exclusive guided tour of Hatfield House Guided tour of Wilton House Guided walking tour of Bath Exclusive after-hours guided tour of No. 1 Royal Crescent Guided tour of Badminton House Guided tour of Bowood House Audio guided tour of Hampton Court Palace Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Rangers House

Hatfield House

Badminton House Ha�ield House Windsor Fashion Museum and Royal Crescent LONDON Bowood House Rangers House & Gardens Bath Hampton Court Palace Mompesson House Jane Austen’s House Museum Wilton House Salisbury

Dearest gentle reader, there is nothing quite like a cultural breakaway to lift the spirits and this esteemed tour is a most sought-after pursuit! Set to be the diamond of the season, join us for a wonderful voyage around some of Britain’s most cherished country homes and classical gardens; all of which received their fair dose of screen time during the filming of the hit television series Bridgerton. From Hatfield House and Badminton House to Hampton Court Palace and Wilton House, we take in some of the best English stately manors during our grand tour. Don’t miss out – Lady Whistlesdown requests your company and high society awaits!

Eight Day Itinerary Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Monday: Rangers House and Hatfield House Our first excursion is certainly a highlight. This morning we journey to Rangers House, which provided the exterior for Bridgerton House itself. Sitting pretty on the edge of Greenwich Park in London, this elegant Georgian villa houses the Wernher Collection, a remarkable selection of works of art amassed by diamond magnate Sir Julius Wernher. With nearly 700 pieces on display, from ivories and jewellery to paintings and porcelain, we enjoy a guided tour of the property to discover more. We then head north of London to Hatfield House. Currently home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family, it provided the filming location for the interiors of the flamboyant Featherington home and the Gentleman’s Club. Think regal, damask wallpaper and gilded French mirrors aplenty! We take in everything from the Grand Staircase with its elaborate carvings to the fine furniture and tapestries during our exclusive guided tour.

Mompesson House

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Tuesday: Salisbury, Mompesson House and Wilton House This morning we check out of our hotel and travel west to Salisbury, which is crammed with hundreds of buildings listed for their historical and architectural merit. Located within Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, we have the chance to explore Mompesson House, which provides the perfect example of a Queen Anne style townhouse. Its most notable features include magnificent plaster work, an elegant carved oak staircase and fine period furniture. Outside, the charming walled garden has traditionally planted herbaceous borders. We have some free time in this historical city to enjoy lunch (not included) before we journey to Wilton House for our guided tour. Set in 21 acres of landscaped parkland, the property boasts wonderful Palladian architecture and supplied the opulent interiors for many Bridgerton scenes. The entrance hall and portrait room provided the interiors for the Duke of Hastings’ residence, while the grounds were used to recreate London’s famous Hyde Park.

performed on screen for a variety of Bridgerton scenes, including the home of Lady Danbury, the Duke and Daphne’s morning rooms and the inside of the Foundling Hospital in the London slums. Very versatile indeed! The estate is currently home to the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, and we find out more about them and the history of the property during our guided tour.

Royal Crescent, Bath

This afternoon we head back into Bath with time to explore at leisure. The ancient Roman Baths are certainly worth a look; being one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world, they still flow with natural hot water. Later, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Friday: Bowood House and Jane Austen’s House Museum

Later we check in to the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath where we stay for three nights. Meals: Breakfast

Wednesday: Bath Walking Tour, Assembly Rooms, Fashion Museum Bath and No. 1 Royal Crescent

Today we check out of our hotel and, in keeping with the Regency theme of our tour, we head to Bowood House. Family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, Bowood is a fine Georgian house which holds a unique collection of historical artifacts and family heirlooms built up over nearly 300 years; from Queen Victoria’s wedding chair to Napoleon’s death mask. We discover its wealth of treasures on our guided tour. Outside are 100 acres of beautiful parkland, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown.

The day begins with a guided walking tour of Bath. Graced with wonderfully well-preserved Georgian architecture, this elegant Regency city was certainly ready for its close up when the producers of Bridgerton came location-scouting! Our tour takes us through the most photogenic streets before we head to the Assembly Rooms. Instantly recognizable as the backdrop for many of the lavish Bridgerton ballroom scenes, they were once the hub of the Georgian social calendar. Within the Assembly Rooms we visit the Fashion Museum Bath. Founded in 1963, it houses a world-class collection of contemporary and historic dress, from the 18th century through to modern day. Later we enjoy an exclusive, after-hours guided tour of No.1 Royal Crescent. This popular Georgian townhouse museum was used for the exterior of Lady Featherington’s home. Meals: Breakfast

Thursday: Badminton House and Bath Our day starts at Badminton House. Nestled within an expansive rural idyll, this impressive country pile Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 4 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 3 nights at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 3 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 2 dinners in local restaurants 1 lunch in a local pub Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wilton House

What’s Included

Bowood House

We enjoy lunch together at a local pub before heading to Jane Austen’s House Museum; the charming house in Chawton where the famous author spent the last eight years of her life. This is where she did the majority of her mature writing, and we learn all about the author and her family during our self-guided visit. From here we return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we stay for the last two nights of our tour. After dinner, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker.

Your Hotels Nights One, Two, Six and Seven – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Three to Five – Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Saturday: Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace has always been a much-loved filming location, and it was used in Bridgerton as the exterior of St James’s Palace. You may remember the scene in the very first episode when the carriages carrying debutantes to Queen Charlotte’s Ball swept into a magnificent courtyard? Here we enjoy an audio guided tour and have the chance to learn all about the fascinating world of the Tudor court, including the private life (and very public dramas) of Henry VIII. Outside, the enchanting riverside gardens provide wonderful photo opportunities. Later, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at a restaurant in Windsor. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

NEW

Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee & Royal Palaces August 8 to 17, 2022 $5,490 (USD) or $6,698 (CAD) pp

Buckingham Palace

Special extras included in your itinerary Guided

tour of Royal London tour of Eltham Palace Audio guided tour of Buckingham Palace Guided tour of Clarence House Guided out-of-hours private tour of Kensington Palace Private guided tour of Hampton Court Palace Guided walking tour of Cambridge Guided tour of Burghley House Guided tour of Hatfield House Audio guided tour of Windsor Castle Guided tour of Frogmore House Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Guided

Windsor Castle

Burghley House Sandringham King’s Lynn

Kensington Clarence House Palace Queen’s House Greenwich Kew Gardens Eltham Palace Cambridge Hampton Buckingham Court Palace Palace

Ha�ield House Windsor Castle and Frogmore House

London Horse Guards

Kew Gardens

LONDON The Savill Garden

You are cordially invited on a grand tour of England’s Royal Palaces to celebrate one of the most significant milestones in British history, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. During this regal affair we discover a fascinating range of sovereign landmarks; starting in London before venturing further afield to Cambridge, King’s Lynn and of course Windsor. Follow in the footsteps of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch as we weave our way around a splendid collection of magnificent palaces, Royal residences, famous country retreats and some of the most glorious gardens in England.

Ten Day Itinerary Monday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to The Royal Horseguards Hotel, where we stay for the first four nights of our tour. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Tuesday: Royal London, Eltham Palace and Queen’s House Greenwich We start today with a guided tour of Royal London, by coach and on foot, which includes the Tower of London, the oldest building in London. Offering a peek into thousands of years of history, this former Royal residence also served as a prison where many a noblemen met their gruesome death. Next, we take a guided tour of the unique Eltham Palace, where Henry VIII spent much of his childhood in the 16th century. Once a medieval palace, then highly popular for Christmas celebrations in Tudor times, it was leased from the Crown and transformed by millionaires into an Art Deco mansion in the 1930s. We continue to Inigo Jones’ architectural masterpiece, Queen’s House, in Royal Greenwich. This borough of London was the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary, and Henry VIII had two of his six weddings here. The House itself was the first Classical building in the UK and is filled with world-famous artwork. This evening we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

No trip to London is complete without a visit to the famous Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. We enjoy an audio guided tour of the stunning State Rooms; these are the public rooms where The Queen and other members of the Royal Family entertain their guests on ceremonial, State and official occasions. We then visit the nearby Clarence House for a guided tour. Once the home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for almost five decades, this is now the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. We discover more about how the house has been altered to reflect the changes in occupancy over nearly two centuries. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for further exploration of London. Meals: Breakfast

Thursday: Kensington Palace, Kew Gardens and Kew Palace Today we enjoy an out-of-hours guided tour of the gorgeous Kensington Palace. The Palace – now the official residence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children – boasts the impressively manicured Sunken Garden, a favorite of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. We also wander through Victoria’s re-imagined childhood rooms and take in the majestic King’s State Apartments. Afterwards we get a chance to stretch our legs during a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Dating back to the early 18th century as a Royal palace, Kew Gardens is now a globally-renowned institution for plant-based research. There are a range of different areas to explore and we also discover Kew Palace, once home to George III and Queen Charlotte. Meals: Breakfast

Friday: Hampton Court Palace and Cambridge This morning we check out of the hotel and head to Hampton Court Palace for a dive into the fascinating world of the Tudor court during our private guided tour. We experience the private life (and very public dramas) of Henry VIII, while we explore one of Europe’s most sophisticated palaces and the enchanting riverside gardens. We continue to Cambridge for a guided walking tour. Highlights include the exquisite architecture, ancient colleges and the pleasant river which winds its way around this classic university city.

The Queen herself and the private residence of four generations of British Monarchs since the 1860s. We learn all about its Royal connections during our visit, discover the collection of Royal cars in the Transport Museum and enjoy some time outside to discover the magnificent walled and water gardens. Afterwards we head to nearby King’s Lynn, a charming market town renowned for its extensive history. With a wander around the cobbled narrow streets, flanked with old merchants’ houses, we soak up the story of the town’s maritime trade and fishing communities. This evening we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant in Cambridge.

Back at the hotel tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sunday: Burghley House We start today with a guided tour of Burghley House, one of the grandest houses of the first Elizabethan Age, built (and mostly designed) by William Cecil, the Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I. Inside the house we discover historic collections comprising of works of art, early tapestries, impressive Japanese ceramics and sculptures. The rest of the day is at leisure for further exploration of Cambridge. Meals: Breakfast

Monday: Hatfield House and The Savill Garden This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family. The house was built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, one of Elizabeth I’s most important advisors. There are superb examples of Elizabethan craftsmanship, such as the Grand Staircase with its elaborate carving and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel. From here we travel to The Savill Garden, Britain’s finest ornamental garden. Created in the 1930s, highlights include the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens and the New Zealand Garden. The Rose Garden is an extra special addition, opened by The Queen in 2010 and perfumed with the most beautiful rose bed scents. We then continue to the stylish and centrallylocated Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we stay for the last two nights of our tour. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday: Windsor Castle and Frogmore House

Today we visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is We then check in to our hotel for the next three still one of the official residences of Queen nights, the University Arms. Elizabeth II today. Established in the 11th century After dinner at the hotel, we enjoy a fascinating by William the Conqueror, it is regularly used for talk with a guest speaker. ceremonial and State occasions. The magnificent Meals: Breakfast, Dinner State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art to admire during our audio Saturday: Sandringham and King’s Lynn guided tour. Our first visit today is the ultimate country We then head to Frogmore House, nestled within retreat, the Sandringham Estate, loved by the Home Park of Windsor Castle and a firm Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

favorite as a royal retreat for centuries. During our guided tour we discover the impressive Mary Moser Room, commissioned by Queen Charlotte to reflect her passion for botany.

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 4 nights at The Royal Horseguards Hotel 3 nights at the University Arms Hotel 2 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 4 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 2 dinners in local restaurants Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One to Four – The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London Nights Five to Seven – University Arms Hotel, Cambridge Nights Eight and Nine – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

The Mary Moser Room, Frogmore House

Wednesday: Buckingham Palace and Clarence House

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Classic Scotland featuring the Edinburgh Tattoo August 18 to 23, 2022 $3,990 (USD) or $4,868 (CAD) pp

Special extras included in your itinerary Guided

The Kelpies

tour of Scone Palace Audio guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse Guided tour of Stirling Castle Three-course meal, wine & whisky and recital by members of the Edinburgh Tattoo at the Amber Restaurant within the Scotch Whisky Experience Prime location seat for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Cruise on Loch Lomond Guided walking tour of Glasgow

Scone Palace S�rling Castle

Six Day Itinerary Thursday: Arrival

On arrival at Edinburgh airport, a private transfer will take you to the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel in Edinburgh, our base for the next three nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Friday: Scone Palace, Perth and Palace of Holyroodhouse This morning we head to Scone Palace, crowning place of Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce and Charles II and family home of the Earls of Mansfield. We enjoy a guided tour of the palace with its fine collections of furniture, porcelain, ivories, clocks, paintings and other objets d’art.

Perth

Loch Lomond Edinburgh Castle Mackintosh at the Willow Tearooms Glasgow The Kelpies Palace of Holyroodhouse

Loch Lomond

Join us as we combine the iconic landmarks and historic attractions of the vibrant Scottish cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow with magnificent castles and palaces which have played a key role in Scotland’s history. We complement our tour with a truly remarkable experience – the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, with an exclusive dining package and prime location seats. Set against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and a spectacle like no other, the Edinburgh Tattoo combines music, dance, lights and marching bands with daredevil displays of skill and military showmanship, featuring hundreds of performers gathered from all corners of the UK and across the world.

Scone Palace

Next we visit the city of Perth, located on the banks of the River Tay. A former capital of Scotland, Perth has a rich and influential history that stretches back over 800 years. Due to its location, it is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

In the afternoon we return to Edinburgh and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. It was also previously home of Mary, Queen of Scots and used during filming of the 2019 movie of the same name. Plenty of dramatic events during her reign occurred here and we find out more during our audio guided tour. We also have the chance to view the State Apartments as well as the Queen’s Gallery which hosts a program of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. Tonight we dine together at a local restaurant and enjoy with a wee dram in a whisky bar. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday: Stirling Castle, The Kelpies, Amber Restaurant Scotch Whisky Experience and Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo We head first to Stirling Castle where we enjoy a guided tour. Originally built in the 12th century, with additions and renovations undertaken over the years, the castle has played a key role in Scottish history. As well as being an important outpost during the Wars of Scottish Independence, the castle was once home to the doomed Mary Queen of Scots, who is said to haunt the castle to this day. From here we make our way back into Edinburgh, passing the famous Kelpies, the largest equine sculptures in the world. Stirling Castle

Edinburgh Castle

What’s Included Return

Sunday: Edinburgh Castle We check out of our hotel and head up to Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, which has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history. Highlights include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Royal Palace and the 16th-century Great Hall. We then enjoy Sunday lunch together in a local restaurant. After lunch there is some time for you to spend at leisure – you may wish to explore the city further or engage in some retail therapy in some of Edinburgh’s stylish boutiques – before we travel to the voco Grand Central Glasgow, where we stay for the remainder of our tour. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel.

*supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday: Loch Lomond Cruise, Mackintosh at the Willow Tearooms and Glasgow walking tour This morning we head northwards to embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water on mainland Britain. The loch is situated amidst one of Scotland’s most idyllic and unspoilt areas in the Trossachs National Park and boasts a stunning mountain backdrop and a variety of wildlife.

In the late afternoon, we transfer by black cab to start our Edinburgh Tattoo experience at the award-winning Amber Restaurant within The Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile. Here we enjoy a three-course, specially selected Scottish meal with wine and a wee dram of whisky before enjoying a brief recital by members of the Edinburgh Tattoo cast.

airport transfers from Edinburgh* nights at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel 2 nights at the voco Grand Central Glasgow Welcome drink and canapés Full Scottish/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 2 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 3 dinners in local restaurants (including the Amber Restaurant within the Scottish Whisky Experience) 2 lunches in local restaurants Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage 3

Your Hotels Nights One to Three – Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh Nights Four and Five – voco Grand Central, Glasgow For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

We return to Glasgow and enjoy lunch together at the famous Mackintosh at the Willow Tearooms which boast a variety of beautiful spaces, each with their own character and unique design. First opened in 1903, these are the only surviving tearooms designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Afterwards we enjoy a guided walking tour of Glasgow, including St Mungo’s, City Halls and Old Fruitmarket, Trongate Steeple and the Tenement House as well as a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of Scotland’s most magnificent medieval buildings. The present building was consecrated in 1197 but not everything is old! The cathedral has one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows Afterwards we are escorted to the Castle Esplanade to be found in Britain. to take our seats in a prime location for the This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner together at spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Hosted a local restaurant. each year, the show brings together musicians Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and performers from every part of the world for a fabulous display of international culture. Tuesday: Departure Please note: we advise you to be prepared with waterproofs etc in case of inclement weather during the Tattoo. It will go ahead whatever the weather. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

A private transfer will take you back to Edinburgh airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

Perth

A Tour Around the Treasure Houses of England

THIS TOUR IS ALSO

AVAILABLE IN

2 021

September 4 to 15, 2022 $6,190 (USD) or $7,552 (CAD) pp

Burghley House

Special extras included in your itinerary Guided

Palace House tour at Beaulieu guided tour at Leeds Castle Exclusive out-of-hours Champagne guided tour of Hatfield House including Champagne greeting, a two-hour guide and complimentary guidebook Private guided tour of Holkham Hall led by Hall Steward with refreshments Guided tour of Doddington Hall and Gardens Guided tour of Chatsworth House Private guided tour of Castle Howard, with refreshments and guidebook Guided tour and lunch at Harewood House Guided tour of Burghley House Audio guided tour and afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Audio

Holkham Hall Lincoln Cathedral

Castle Howard Harewood House

York

Chatsworth House Doddington Hall

Lincoln Holkham Hall Burghley House Ickworth House

Blenheim Palace

Ha�ield House LONDON

RHS Garden Wisley

Beaulieu

*Please note: the 2021 tour itinerary may differ slightly from the 2022 itinerary shown.

Leeds Castle

The Treasure Houses of England are a collection of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles, each with its own unique charm, stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Together, the houses display some of the most important art collections in the world, showcasing exquisite examples of fine furniture, porcelain, china and portraiture. On this captivating tour, we explore nine of these impressive places, alongside other historic gems, giving us a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries.

Twelve Day Itinerary Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Audleys Wood Hotel where we stay for two nights. In the evening join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Monday: Beaulieu After breakfast, we make our way to the Beaulieu Estate, set in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Palace House, the ancestral home of the Montagu family since 1538. Remodeled in the 1800s, it is a fine example of a Victorian Gothic style country house adorned with family treasures. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday: RHS Garden Wisley and Leeds Castle Today we travel first to RHS Garden Wisley, the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship garden. Extending over 240 peaceful acres – from beautiful rose gardens to tranquil woodland – Wisley offers a wealth of inspirational ideas on design and cultivation techniques. Our next stop is Leeds Castle, a moated castle set in 500 acres of glorious parkland. Dating back to the 12th century, it was once home to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. The castle’s last private owner was Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress who lovingly restored the castle to its former glory, and we discover more during our audio guided tour. From here, we travel the short distance to the Chilston Park Hotel where we stay overnight.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

After dinner at the hotel we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Hatfield House We travel northwards to Hatfield House, built in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, one of Elizabeth I’s most important advisors. Look out for the superb examples of Elizabethan craftsmanship as we learn more on our exclusive, out-of-hours Champagne guided tour.

Devonshire and has witnessed 16 generations of the powerful Cavendish family. The house has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes of succeeding generations and boasts grandiose interiors and a superlative art collection. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Sunday: Castle Howard and York

Our first visit of the day is to Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for over 300 years, where we enjoy a private guided tour with refreshments and Later we check in to the stunning Ickworth Hotel on a complimentary guidebook. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as the Ickworth Estate – a magnificent National Trust Brideshead, as well as providing the backdrop for property and our base for the next two nights. various scenes in the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner This magnificent 18th-century residence offers world-renowned collections, all set within 1,000 Thursday: Holkham Hall, Norfolk acres of breathtaking scenery. villages and Ickworth House This morning we enjoy a private guided tour led by one of the most experienced Hall Stewards followed by refreshments at Holkham Hall, an elegant 18th-century Palladian mansion. The spectacular Marble Hall was inspired by the Temple of Fortuna Virilis and the Pantheon in Rome, while the magnificent State Rooms boast a range of superb collections.

We then return to York. There is plenty of evidence of the city’s fascinating past to admire, from the Roman city walls to the surviving medieval streets known as the Shambles. A must-see is York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and home to stunning stained glass windows.

We also make a short stop in Castle Acre and Swaffham. The tranquil village of Castle Acre boasts an extraordinary wealth of history. With its castle, parish church and abbey, it is a rare and complete survival of a Norman planned settlement, while the small market town of Swaffham boasts many attractive Georgian buildings.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On returning to the Ickworth Estate we explore Ickworth House itself. This Neo-classical mansion is most notable for its enormous central Rotunda commissioned by the 4th Earl of Bristol to house his priceless treasures. The impressive Italianate garden offers box hedges and Mediterranean planting plus a Victorian stumpery planted with shade-loving ferns.

Later this evening we enjoy dinner together at a local pub in York.

Monday: Harewood House When Edwin Lascelles started building Harewood House in 1759, he employed the finest craftsmen of the time: architect John Carr, interior designer Robert Adam, England’s greatest furniture maker Thomas Chippendale and visionary landscape gardener ‘Capability’ Brown. The house is filled with an outstanding art collection ranging from Renaissance to 20th-century masterpieces, and we discover more on our tour followed by lunch. Later we check in to the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel in Leicestershire where we stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday: Doddington Hall and Lincoln

Tuesday: Burghley House

Begun in 1595 by the great Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson, Doddington Hall was completed in 1600 and has never been sold or cleared out since. Still a much-loved family home, the unfussy exterior contrasts with an elegant Georgian interior, full of captivating collections that reflect 400 years of unbroken family occupation. We learn more on our guided tour of the hall and gardens.

This morning we start our journey south, stopping to enjoy a guided tour of Burghley House, cited as England’s greatest Elizabethan house. Home to William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, Burghley offers a unique glimpse into the way great houses have been lived in from the time of Elizabeth I to the present day.

After our visit, we have some free time at leisure in Lincoln, a compact city with a well-preserved medieval quarter full of quaint cobbled streets. Don’t miss Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic buildings filled with beautiful medieval decoration. From here, we make our way to our hotel for the next three nights, the Grand Hotel & Spa in York. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday: Chatsworth House Today we travel to Derbyshire where we enjoy a guided tour of Chatsworth House. This magnificent pile is home to the Duke and Duchess of Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

We continue on to our overnight hotel, the Hartwell House Hotel, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday: Blenheim Palace We head to Blenheim Palace, designed on an awe-inspiring scale by Vanbrugh and set in beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture and we learn more on our audio guided tour followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

Afterwards we travel east to check in to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner

Thursday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: as this tour travels from the south to the north of England and back, some days will involve fairly long journeys. The order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 2 nights at the Audleys Wood Hotel 1 night at the Chilston Park Hotel 2 nights at the Ickworth Hotel 3 nights at the Grand Hotel & Spa York 1 night at the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel 1 night at the Hartwell House Hotel 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 10 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a local pub Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One and Two – Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke Night Three – Chilston Park Hotel, Lenham Nights Four and Five – Ickworth Hotel, near Bury St Edmunds Nights Six to Eight – Grand Hotel & Spa, York Night Nine – Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, near Melton Mowbray Night Ten – Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury Night Eleven – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

The Regal Estates & Jacobean Manors of Norfolk & Suffolk September 11 to 18, 2022 $4,790 (USD) or $5,844 (CAD) pp

Special extras included in your itinerary Guided

walking tour of Cambridge High tea at Sandringham Guided gardens tour at Blickling Hall Guided tour of Ickworth House Guided walking tour of Flatford Introductory talk at the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, Lavenham Exclusive out-of-hours Champagne guided tour of Hatfield House including Champagne greeting, a two-hour guide and complimentary guidebook Themed evening talk by a guest speaker

Blickling Hall Cambridge

Sandringham

Norwich

Oxburgh Hall Cambridge

Cromer Blickling Hall

Ickworth House, Park & Gardens Lavenham Guildhall Fla�ord

Ha�ield House LONDON The Vyne

A defining period of British history and culture; for the first time Scotland, Wales and England were united under one monarch, the Jacobean era left its indelible mark on many of England’s historic houses. The Jacobean style can be characterized by flamboyant design and extravagant detailing both inside and out. From the unique architectural style of Ickworth to the sumptuous interiors of Blickling Hall, we discover the homes of Britain’s aristocracy while also exploring the historic cities of Cambridge and Norwich, which flourished during this period.

Eight Day Itinerary Sunday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Audleys Wood Hotel. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Monday: Cambridge This morning we head to the historic city of Cambridge. Renowned for its world-famous university, the city is home to many architectural wonders and landmarks that we have the chance to discover as part of a guided walking tour. From punters on the River Cam to the majestic college buildings such as King’s College Chapel, we explore the many sights of this fascinating city before enjoying lunch together at a restaurant in Cambridge. We continue on to the stunning Ickworth Hotel on the Ickworth Estate – a magnificent National Trust property and our base for the next five nights. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday: Sandringham

Oxburgh Hall

Today is spent exploring the house, gardens and museum of the Sandringham Estate, the country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen. Built in 1870, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. The interiors are home to many astonishing exhibits such as a historic collection of arms and armor brought back from the Far East and India in 1876, while the walls are hung with family portraits by leading contemporary court painters. The

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

mostly informal gardens include woodland walks, rockeries, magnificent sweeping lawns, lakes and streams and the more formal North Garden. The museum, housed in the former coach houses and stable block, holds extraordinary collections of Royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia. After our visit, we enjoy high tea. After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Meals: Breakfast, High Tea, Dinner

Wednesday: Cromer, Blickling Hall and Norwich Our first stop is Cromer, a classic seaside resort on the north Norfolk coast famous for its tasty crabs and boasting wide open beaches and a traditional pier. The town also has a range of small independent shops, art galleries and cafés. Set at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park, our next stop is Blickling Hall, one of the country’s finest Jacobean houses and once home to the Boleyn family. We enjoy a wonderful guided garden tour to experience the grounds of the house in more detail for an experience that is truly unique. We then enjoy a trip to Norwich, home to some impressive period buildings, including the cathedral, a magnificent structure that befitted Norwich’s 12th-century status as England’s second city and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. Meals: Breakfast Cromer

Thursday: Ickworth House and Oxburgh Hall We start the day exploring Ickworth House itself in more detail with a guided tour. This Neo-classical mansion is most notable for its enormous central Rotunda commissioned by the 4th Earl of Bristol to house his priceless treasures. The impressive Italianate garden mirrors the house architecture, with box hedges and Mediterranean planting plus a Victorian stumpery planted with shade-loving ferns.

Friday: Constable at Flatford and Lavenham Today we roam the Suffolk countryside with a guided walk to discover the locations immortalized by John Constable’s most famous paintings; created around the hamlet of Flatford in the heart of beautiful Dedham Vale. We then pay a visit to picturesque Lavenham, a remarkably well-preserved Tudor village in Suffolk. The woollen-cloth industry turned the town into one of the richest in the country during the 15th century, with the church of St Peter and Paul built from the proceeds of local industry. Next, we enjoy an introductory talk before we take in the magnificence of the National Trust’s Guildhall of Corpus Christi – a potent reminder of Lavenham’s former prosperity. Afterwards, there are plenty of small shops and quirky tearooms to visit. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday: Hatfield House and The Vyne Leaving our hotel, we travel to Hatfield House, home of the 7th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family. The estate has been in the Cecil family, one of England’s foremost political families, for 400 years. The house was completed in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and superb examples of Jacobean craftsmanship can be seen throughout such as the Grand Staircase with its elaborate carving and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel. The State Rooms are rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries and we learn more on our exclusive, out-of-hours Champagne guided tour. Hatfield has a prolific resumé as a filming location and has been featured in numerous high-profile TV and film productions such as The Crown, Rebecca, Anna Karenina and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2. If we’re fortunate, there may even be the chance to see Hatfield as a working set if a new production is filming during our visit, although this is not guaranteed. We continue on to The Vyne, a splendid Tudor red-brick mansion set in 13 acres of attractive gardens. It was built for King Henry VIII’s Lord Chamberlain before becoming the Chute family home for over 300 years.

After our visit, we travel back to the Audleys Wood Hotel where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

What’s Included Return

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 2 nights at the Audleys Wood Hotel 5 nights at the Ickworth Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 5 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 lunch at a restaurant in Cambridge Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One and Seven – Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke Nights Two to Six – Ickworth Hotel, near Bury St Edmunds For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Hatfield House

Next is Oxburgh Hall with its picturesque moat complete with swans. This romantic house has been home to the Catholic Bedingfield family since the 15th century. We discover the secret priest’s hole as well as the intricate embroidery crafted by Mary Queen of Scots while she was in the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Other fascinating features include the Catholic High Victorian interiors – some of the best remaining examples in Britain. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Step Back in Time - Traditional Country House Christmas

THIS TOUR IS ALSO

AVAILABLE IN

2 021

November 30 to December 5, 2022

$3,990 (USD) or $4,868 (CAD) pp

Waddesdon Manor

Special extras included in your itinerary Audio

guided tour of Windsor Castle walking tour of Oxford Afternoon tea at the Randolph Hotel Festive lunch at Waddesdon Manor Private carol singing performance at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel Guided

Oxford Windsor Castle

Blenheim Palace Ashmolean

Waddesdon Manor Oxford

Greys Court Windsor Castle Ham House & Gardens

LONDON Kew Gardens Richmond

Christmas in England conjures up images of Dickensian London and A Christmas Carol or traditional country houses where families gather around roaring fires. We celebrate the spirit of Christmas past and catch a glimpse of festivities of times gone by as we travel from London to the pastoral Home Counties. We enjoy enchanting visits to magnificent properties which are specially decorated for the season, from the royal residence of Windsor Castle to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. To complete our festive getaway we experience the magic of Christmas at Kew and also visit the lovely city of Oxford, where we indulge in the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea and have time for some Christmas shopping.

Six Day Itinerary Wednesday: Arrival

On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, our base for the next two nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Meals: Dinner

Thursday: Windsor Castle, Ham House and Kew Gardens We start our day with a visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is still one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II today. Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodeled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and state occasions. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art for you to admire, beautifully decorated at this time of year. We find out more of the castle’s history on our audio guided tour.

Kew Gardens *Please note: the 2021 tour itinerary may differ slightly from the 2022 itinerary shown.

We continue to Ham House and Gardens, one of Europe’s greatest 17th-century houses nestling on the banks of the River Thames. This atmospheric mansion with fine interiors and historic gardens has remained virtually unchanged for 400 years. The atmosphere of a 17th-century Christmas is recreated during the festive season with decorations adorning the house and gardens.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Later, a festive treat awaits us at the world-famous Kew Gardens, where the iconic architecture and tree canopies are brought to life, drenched in Christmas color and sparkling with seasonal decorations. Discover an enchanting festive trail of lights that winds its way through the botanic gardens, before enjoying some seasonal treats from one of the many enticing stalls.

Waddesdon Manor

Monday: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Meals: Breakfast Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.

This evening we enjoy a late dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

What’s Included

Friday: Blenheim Palace and Greys Court Today we visit Blenheim Palace, set in over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms are sumptuously dressed for Christmas and reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture.

Blenheim Palace

We continue on to Greys Court, a filming location of the hugely popular Downton Abbey TV series and film. Set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns, this picturesque Tudor mansion has a rich patchwork of styles, including 18th-century additions and 20th-century interiors. The house is still furnished as an intimate family home, having been occupied until 2003, and is beautifully decorated during the countdown to Christmas.

Return

Sunday: Waddesdon Manor Checking out of the hotel, we head to Waddesdon Manor, built by the wealthy Rothschild family in the style of a Renaissance château and filled with royal treasures. We have time to explore the interiors, given an extra sparkle around Christmas with lavish festive decorations, before enjoying a festive lunch here. The Christmas theme continues into the gardens with light trails and stunning illuminations, including Waddesdon’s 30ft high real Christmas tree with its magical fairy lights, as well as a charming Christmas Fair offering a range of yuletide treats. Afterwards, we check back in to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we toast the festive season with a farewell dinner this evening and enjoy a private carol singing performance, highlighting some of the traditions and customs during this special time of year.

airport transfers from London Heathrow* 3 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 2 nights at the Hartwell House Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English/Continental breakfast each day 3-course table d’hôte dinner on 3 nights at the hotels (with after-dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a local restaurant Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports

Your Hotels Nights One, Two and Five – Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Three and Four – Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury For more information on these hotels please visit our website. We have a limited number of single places available with no supplement on this tour. These sell quickly.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Later, we check in to the Hartwell House Hotel, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels, where we stay for the next two nights. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Saturday: Oxford and the Ashmolean Museum This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of Oxford, known as the city of dreaming spires and famed for its world-renowned university colleges, some of which we visit during our tour. We take in the city’s highlights before visiting the Ashmolean, the world’s first public museum. Founded in 1683, the museum focuses on art and archaeology and the world-famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary paintings and sculptures. There is then time for a spot of retail therapy before indulging in a festive afternoon tea at the Randolph Hotel in the heart of the city. Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Blenheim Palace

Frequently Asked Questions How do I make a booking? You can book via our website, www.albionjourneys.com or over the telephone on our toll-free number 1-866-834-8358. Our offices are open 9:00am - 5:00pm EST Monday to Friday. If you have any questions or queries you can also email us at info@albionjourneys.com.

When are payments due? When you confirm your booking with us, a non-refundable deposit of $750 (USD) or $925 (CAD) per person is required to secure your place. The final balance payment must be paid to us no later than 90 days prior to the tour departure date. Of course, full payment can be made at the time of booking if you prefer and for bookings made less than 8 weeks before the tour departs this will be a requirement.

Are there single traveler room supplements?

How much walking will there be on these tours?

We have a small number of rooms on each tour that are sold with no single supplement; once these are sold out we charge a supplement for any additional single rooms which varies for each tour. You can contact us to enquire about single supplement prices. Please book early as single rooms sell fast.

As much or as little as you like. Any included guided tours will operate at a fairly relaxed pace, as with many historic houses and gardens, you may experience some uneven flooring and steps along the way. Of course, you will always have the option to explore any venue by yourself at your own pace. Any specific tour in this brochure with more than an average amount of walking will be clearly noted in the itinerary. If you have any specific concerns, please contact us.

Are room upgrades available? All of the hotels on these tours have been hand-picked for their high quality of accommodation and service. However, in some instances room upgrades are available and we would be happy to assist you to arrange these should you be interested.

What are the arrangements for luggage?

The standard luggage allowance is one item of hand luggage and one suitcase per person Can you arrange extra hotel restricted to a maximum weight of 20kgs (44 nights? pounds). We do provide porterage at each Yes, if you decide to arrive a few days before the of the hotels used on our tours, however, as How can I pay? start of the tour or leave a few days after the with all things of a personal nature, it is your We accept debit and credit cards (except end of the tour, we are happy to arrange extra responsibility to ensure your suitcase is loaded American Express), for deposits and nights’ accommodation. However, this service onto the vehicles we use throughout the tour. full payment. is only available at hotels that feature in the tour on which you are traveling and a $35 (USD) What clothing should I bring? What paperwork will I receive? or $45 (CAD) administration fee is charged for Comfortable leisurewear is recommended When your booking is confirmed, we will email this service. for the daytime. In the evening many you a booking confirmation document along with participants prefer to wear smarter dress a copy of our full Terms and Conditions. 90 days Are meals included? for dining. Whilst gentlemen may choose to prior to the tour, we will prepare and send you All breakfasts are included on all tours. Certain wear a jacket in the restaurant in the evening, our Travel Pack with your finalized information, lunches and dinners are also included and you at most hotels this is not obligatory, we will of reading list and tour itinerary details. should study the tour itinerary in this brochure course inform you if any hotel does have a dress to determine what meals are included on your code. It is advisable to bring layered clothing Do I need travel insurance? chosen tour. Meals not mentioned are not and a light waterproof jacket. We recommend Yes, this is essential; we can only accept a included and all beverages are at your own sturdy footwear when visiting gardens as the booking on the basis that you have taken out a expense throughout the tour. ground may be soft underfoot. Many historic full and comprehensive travel insurance policy properties request ladies do not wear high heels to cover the full duration of your trip. We will What do I do about any dietary which may damage flooring. ask you to confirm this to us. If you choose not requirements? to take out travel insurance, this is done so Can you arrange my flights to against our advice and at your own risk; we will Please inform us at the time of booking, we the UK? ask you to sign a declination form indemnifying will pass your information on to the hotel, us from any responsibility or cost in the event of property or restaurant who will do their best to Albion Journeys do not arrange your air travel accommodate your requirements. for our tours; this is your responsibility and medical emergency or repatriation. gives you the flexibility to decide on your How many passengers will be in Do I need a passport and visa? own routing. the Albion Journeys tour group? It is your responsibility to ensure you have What should I budget for tipping? Typically, between 10 and 30. a full passport and we recommend that it is While it is not compulsory, it is customary to valid for 6 months after the return date of your What is the role of the tip the coach driver and Tour Director as well as trip. Tourist visas are not required for US or offering a small gratuity to the transfer drivers to Tour Director? Canadian citizens visiting the UK for under 90 acknowledge the services they have provided. As Our friendly Tour Director will meet you for a days solely for the purpose of tourism. If you a guideline we suggest a rate of £5 per day for welcome dinner at the beginning of each tour. are not a US or Canadian citizen or you are Their role is to facilitate the smooth organization your driver, £10 per day for your Tour Director combining your visit with business, it is your of all operational aspects of the tour. If you have and a couple of pounds for your transfer driver. responsibility to check the requirements for any queries or experience any issues during the Gratuities for hotel staff and the tour guides you visiting the UK, you can do this by visiting the may meet at properties on your day trips are tour, they are there to assist you. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to covered by Albion Journeys. determine whether you need a visa to enter the Will the excursions change? United Kingdom. All tours offered subject to availability. Terms and Please note that we plan our tours far in conditions apply. Errors and omissions excepted. advance and the order and availability of excursions may be subject to change. In the event of a property not being available to visit, we will substitute with a similar visit, and you will be informed of the full details.

Enquiries and Bookings visit our website at albionjourneys.com or email info@albionjourneys.com

Bodnant Garden

Kensington Gardens

Sissinghurst Castle Garden

Ickworth House

Costumed Interpretors at Hardwick Hall

Terms & Conditions It is important that you read the following booking conditions. These Booking Conditions form the basis of your contract with us. Please read these sections carefully as they apply to all bookings you make with us unless otherwise specified. All vacations are operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd trading as Albion Journeys. 1. VACATION PAYMENT: When you make a booking you must pay a deposit for every person named on the booking. Deposits per person and the balance due date (the period before the departure date on which your full balance normally becomes due) are: Deposit

Balance due date

$750 (USD) $925 (CAD)

90 days before departure

If you cannot make a payment by card at the time of booking, please speak to one of our Reservations staff to discuss other options. You can make payments against your balance anytime between making the booking and the balance due date. If the balance is not paid on time we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you and apply cancellation charges as set out in clause 3. For bookings made after the balance due date, the full amount is due at the time of booking. Call toll free: 1-866-834-8358

Please note if you booked a vacation with a booking date in 2019 or 2020, your contract is with Albion Journeys Llc. All bookings have now been taken over by Just Go Holidays Ltd trading as Albion Journeys and your booking has moved over to be contracted with Just Go Holidays Ltd. Any balances that are due will be paid to Just Go Holidays Ltd trading as Albion Journeys. 2. OUR AGREEMENT: A contract is formed when we issue to you the booking confirmation document and terms and conditions. It is important you read through these and any other documents you receive and advise us of any inaccuracy within 14 days of the document date. By accepting the booking is correct you agree to our terms and conditions. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracy in any document within 14 days of our sending it out. This contract and all matters arising out of it will be governed by English law and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

3. VACATION CANCELLATION BY YOU: If you want to cancel your booking after we have confirmed it with you either verbally, over the telephone or by email, you can do so over the phone or in writing. The following cancellation charges will apply: 365 to 182 days prior to departure

$500 (USD) $625 (CAD)

181 to 91 days prior to departure

$750 (USD) $925 (CAD)

90 days or less before departure

100% of the program cost is non-refundable

If any member of your party is prevented from traveling, that person may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) providing we are notified no less than two weeks before departure. Full terms and conditions will be provided with your booking confirmation. They are also available on request or via our website: albionjourneys.com/terms-and-conditions.

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