T I NA’S TR A DI T I O NA L T E A RO OM TO U R S O F E NG L A ND P R E S E NTS :
11-18 SEPTEMBER 2014
STATELY HOMES &
AfternoonTeas A S E V E N DAY TO U R O F E N G L A N D
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INDEX
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JOIN US - L E TTE R F ROM TI N A JE S S O N
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BRIEF OVERVIEW - L E TTE R F ROM THE TOU R LO GI S T I C S D I R E C T O R
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ITINERARY
12-13
TOUR DETAILS
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INSURANCE INFO 01
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JOIN US We are thrilled and excited to be sharing this unique travel and cultural experience especially designed for friends of Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen. You’ve seen various places in England on TV, you’re probably a fan of Downton Abbey, I know I am. You’ve watched the films, read novels and the books set in historical England. You may have even heard me speak about some of the quaint little towns and villages of England where I grew up. You’ve dreamed of a chance to visit or revisit, experience and explore, but you really don’t know where to start. Well, here at Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen we have put together an exclusive tour of Great British Stately Homes & Tea Rooms of England, including some of my own favorite culinary treats which I know you’ll enjoy. We will be stopping at some of the most interesting Stately Homes, and staying at the most luxurious country house hotels in the most loved towns and cities in England. You’ll experience the history, the artisan crafts and take a few afternoon teas along the way. I will be your guide on this specially designed tour of all my favorite places, foods and stories. This tour, open to friends of Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen, will present you with an eyewitness opportunity to experience the country, the people, the history and the culture that influenced my craft. Join us for this 7-Day Stately Homes & Afternoon Tea Tour of England which has been especially designed to be an intimate, outstanding, unique luxury tour of England travelling through the beautiful rolling countryside and
picturesque villages, towns and cities of The Home Counties, The Peak District, The Midlands and The Yorkshire Dales. Taking time out for tea is a way of life in Great Britain and we have attempted to include every type of country house, stately home and tea room so you truly get a feel for historical England. This tour is limited to a small group in order to provide a superior personal experience and to create many cherished memories. Each overnight stay has been hand-picked for maximum luxury and in keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of some amazing opportunities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We will not rush you from venue to venue, and each day is designed to spend as little time on the luxury executive coach as possible. We will visit delightful country homes and castles and you will not be expected to walk too far, unless you wish to. Each day, over breakfast, the Tour Logistics Director, Andrew Lannerd, and I will provide a brief overview of what we will be seeing, including special points of historical significance and interest. During the day, I’ll be your guide together with local experts who will escort you behind the scenes of the homes, settings and sites, while giving you some free time to explore for yourselves. Highlights are sure to include the tour around Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is set, taking a private afternoon tea at Chatsworth House which is in my home county of Derbyshire, exploring ‘the shambles’ in York, the medieval street where original
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Tudor buildings lean over and touch roofs, before we head to Betty’s Tea Room, the place that inspired my own business.
historical Stately homes and castles partnered with some stunning afternoon teas, will make for memories that will last and last.
The complete tour package includes ground transportation via luxury coach (with on board WC), 14 meals and overnight accommodations for 7 nights.
Regards,
We trust you will join us for this chance of a lifetime! Some of England’s greatest cities and
Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen & Tina’s Traditional Tea Room Tours
Tina Jesson, Owner
BRIEF OVERVIEW It is with the greatest of pleasure that we unveil this Stately Homes and Afternoon Tea tour, taking place in a country very close to my heart. I have been fortunate enough to spend large amounts of time in the United Kingdom; including a period living in London, so putting together all the logistics of this tour, has been a complete joy. I have always been passionate about visiting English stately homes. On my own travels, one by one, year by year I have been able to visit all of the country houses and places which we will cover on this tour. I can truly say, that in a seven day period you will be seeing the very best that England has to offer.
Apart from the enjoyment of stately homes, we will be exploring two of the most beautiful counties in all of England. Yorkshire and Derbyshire are filled with picturesque and exquisite towns that will long remain in your memory. Throughout the tour, please feel free to regard me as your personal England concierge. I have an absolute passion for all things English, so I’ll be very happy to recommend unique experiences for you during your free time. I do hope you will join us for this memorable tour. Best,
From the magnificence of Chatsworth to the elegance of Highclere Castle (aka Downton Abbey), each tour participant will be in for a trip of a lifetime. In 2012, I led a tour for 23 people from Indianapolis on a Benjamin Britten tour of the UK, so I have a great deal of experience with planning elegant tours and events --- so don’t worry, you’ll be in good hands! 03
Andrew Lannerd
Tour Logistics Director
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DAY 1
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
ITINERARY Thursday, September 11 • •
AM TRANSATLANTIC ARRIVALS INTO LONDON TRAVEL TO WINDSOR (JUST OUTSIDE LONDON AND A CONVENIENT JOURNEY FROM LONDON’S HEATHROW AIRPORT)
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CHECK IN AT THE HARTE & GARTER HOTEL*
(LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM WINDSOR CASTLE, AND NEXT TO WINDSOR & ETON CENTRAL TRAIN STATION)
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AFTERNOON TIME TO REST, OR EXPLORE WINDSOR CASTLE*, AT YOUR LEISURE
(EACH GUEST WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A TICKET TO TOUR WINDSOR CASTLE)
• •
6:30PM | WELCOME TO WINDSOR DINNER* OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE HARTE & GARTER HOTEL IN WINDSOR*
DETAILS
If you are arriving on an overnight transatlantic flight, take the day on your own to check-in to the hotel, rest, relax or explore the magnificent state apartments at Windsor Castle. Our first official event of the tour will be a “Welcome to Windsor” three course dinner at 6:30pm. The early dinner time will allow travelers to adjust to the time difference and get a great night’s rest. You will be staying at the wonderful Harte & Garter Hotel in Windsor. The hotel overlooks Windsor Castle, and you will be able to explore the many quaint shops – as they are just steps from our hotel.
WINDSOR CASTLE TOWER
WINDSOR CASTLE
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DAY 2
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
ITINERARY Friday, September 12 • • •
BREAKFAST AT HOTEL* MORNING TO EXPLORE WINDSOR & LUNCH AT YOUR LEISURE 12:30PM | COACH DEPARTS WINDSOR FOR HIGHCLERE CASTLE*
(45 MILES, 1 HOUR DRIVE)
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TOUR OF HIGHCLERE CASTLE*
(AKA DOWNTON ABBEY)
• •
AFTERNOON TEA* 5:30PM | COACH DEPARTS FOR STRATFORD UPON AVON*
(SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE)
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DINNER AND EVENING ON YOUR OWN TO EXPLORE STRATFORD UPON AVON OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT ARDEN HOTEL, STRATFORD UPON AVON*
DETAILS
You may begin the day with a delicious full English breakfast at the hotel, followed by a walk and lunch in beautiful Windsor. At 12:30, we will depart in our own private coach to visit Highclere Castle. Highclere has been made famous by the popular series, Downton Abbey. You will be able to tour the magnificent house and visit the gardens. Following our tour, we will enjoy a traditional afternoon tea -- then we are off to Stratford upon Avon, William Shakespeare’s birthplace, and home to some wonderful Elizabethan architecture. The evening will allow time on your own to explore the beauty of Stratford upon Avon; our overnight accommodations at the Arden Hotel will be right in the town centre. STRATFORD UPON AVON
DOWNTON ABBEY 05
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HIGHCLERE CASTLE
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DAY 3
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
ITINERARY Saturday, September 13 • •
BREAKFAST AT HOTEL* MORNING AND LUNCH ON YOUR OWN (AMPLE TIME TO EXPLORE STRATFORD UPON AVON)
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12:30PM | COACH DEPARTS STRATFORD UPON AVON FOR STAFFORDSHIRE*
(1 HOUR, 30 MINUTE DRIVE)
• •
AFTERNOON TOUR OF THE WEDGWOOD FACTORY AND VISTOR’S CENTRE* LATE AFTERNOON WE WILL DEPART VIA OUR COACH FOR DERBYSHIRE*
(1 HOUR DRIVE)
• • •
WE WILL ARRIVE AT BREADSALL PRIORY, DERBYSHIRE WE WILL ENJOY A THREE-COURSE DINNER TOGETHER* OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT BREADSALL PRIORY, DERBYSHIRE*
DETAILS
After breakfast, why not take the morning to explore magnificent Stratford upon Avon. We will spend the afternoon touring the Wedgwood Factory and Visitor’s Centre where we will see first-hand how Wedgwood has been produced by skilled craftsman since 1759. Then we will head to Breadsall Priory in Derbyshire where we will enjoy a three-course dinner together. Guests will also have time to enjoy the resorts many amenities including its beautiful grounds and spa. DERBYSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE
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WEDGWOOD FACTORY
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DAY 4
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
ITINERARY Sunday, September 14 • • • • •
BREAKFAST AT HOTEL* MORNING DEPARTURE FOR CHATSWORTH TOUR AND TIME TO EXPLORE THE GARDENS* PRIVATE FULL AFTERNOON TEA AT CHATSWORTH* LATE AFTERNOON DEPARTURE FOR YORK*
(2 HOUR DRIVE)
• •
DINNER AT YOUR LEISURE IN YORK OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE CHURCHILL HOTEL IN YORK*
(A SHORT WALK FROM YORK MINSTER AND THE MAGNIFICENT TOWN CENTRE)
DETAILS
We will begin the day at Chatsworth, the most magnificent of all the English Country Houses. Upon arrival, you will be amazed at the glories of the house, its collections and impeccable gardens. After you’ve had a few hours to explore at your leisure, the group will enjoy a sumptuous full afternoon tea in the conservatory. In the late afternoon we will depart for York, a delightful walled Roman city filled with lovely architecture as well as wonderful attractions, shops and restaurants. Our hotel is just a short walk from York Minster founded in 637 AD. The Churchill Hotel has hosted many famous guests including King Edward VI (when Prince of Wales) in 1898. CHATSWORTH STAIRCASE
CHATSWORTH
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DAY 5
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
ITINERARY Monday, September 15 • • • • • •
BREAKFAST AT HOTEL* WALKING TOUR OF YORK*, TIME TO SHOP/EXPLORE, & LUNCH AT YOUR LEISURE FULL AFTERNOON TEA AT THE WORLD FAMOUS BETTY’S TEAROOM* OPTIONAL: CHORAL EVENSONG AT YORK MINSTER* DINNER AT YOUR LEISURE IN YORK OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE CHURCHILL HOTEL IN YORK*
DETAILS
After breakfast, we will enjoy a group walking tour of York, pointing out all the highlights that make this city so special, including the famous York Shambles. After our tour, you will have a few hours to explore or shop at your leisure. Then we will visit the World Famous Betty’s Tearoom --- where you will enjoy a delicious and elegant afternoon tea. Following the afternoon tea we will have an optional visit to a choral evensong at York Minster cathedral – this will be a day to long remain in your memory! YORK MINSTER
YORK SHAMBLES 09
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*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
DAY 6
ITINERARY Tuesday, September 16 • •
BREAKFAST AT HOTEL* AM DEPARTURE FOR MELTON MOWBRAY, LEICESTERSHIRE (2 HOUR DRIVE)
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STILTON CHEESE AND PORK PIE TASTING AND DEMONSTRATION* EXPLORE THE VILLAGE OF MELTON MOWBRAY AT YOUR LEISURE* ARRIVE AT THE MAGNIFICENT STAPLEFORD PARK* THREE-COURSE DINNER IN THE STAPLEFORD PARK DINING ROOM* OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT STAPLEFORD PARK*
DETAILS
After our departure from York, we will visit the charming Leicestershire village of Melton Mowbray, home to English Stilton Cheese and the traditional Pork Pie. We will enjoy a sampling of the two, as well as a demonstration. You will also have some time to explore this quaint village on your own. Following our visit to Melton Mowbray, we will head to the magnificent Stapleford Park where we will dine in the glorious dining room and enjoy an unforgettable overnight visit. Stapleford Park is set in 500 acres of glorious grounds, and building of the house begun in 1402. Today Stapleford Park is one of England’s most renowned country house hotels. This will be an unforgettable overnight experience!
STAPLEFORD PARK
PORK PIES
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DAY 7
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
ITINERARY Wednesday, September 17 • • • • • • • • •
BREAKFAST AT HOTEL* AM DEPARTURE FROM STAPLEFORD PARK, LEICESTERSHIRE* ARRIVAL AND CATERED LUNCH AT HATFIELD HOUSE, HERTFORDSHIRE* GUIDED TOUR OF HATFIELD HOUSE AND GARDENS* LATE AFTERNOON DEPARTURE FOR LONDON* ARRIVE LONDON, COVENT GARDEN* CHECK-IN AT THE FIELDING HOTEL, COVENT GARDEN* EVENING THREE-COURSE “FAREWELL DINNER” IN THE COVENT GARDEN AREA* OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE FIELDING HOTEL, COVENT GARDEN*
DETAILS
After our morning departure from Stapleford Park we will visit Hatfield House, one of the finest Jacobean houses in England. Hatfield is renowned for its gardens as well as the Old Palace’s connections to Queen Elizabeth I. It was at Hatfield in 1558 that Elizabeth learned that she had become queen. We will enjoy a catered lunch and guided tour of Hatfield, and then continue on to London’s Covent Garden where we will stay in the heart of the city --- just steps from the Royal Opera House, and all of London’s major attractions. The final event of the tour will be a memorable three-course candlelit dinner, where we will toast a wonderful journey to the finest country houses in England.
HATFIELD HOUSE INTERIOR 11
HATFIELD HOUSE INTERIOR
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TOUR DETAILS PRICE: $3,150 PER PERSON
(based on double occupancy) This is a land-only package, airfare to and from the United Kingdom is NOT included. INCLUSIONS: - 14 meals - 7 nights of deluxe accommodations (divided between Windsor, Stratford upon Avon, Derbyshire, York, Leicestershire and London) - Executive motor coach transportation between tour destinations - Guides, tours and admission fees at tour venues - Travel Insurance (see page 12 for more information) EXCLUSIONS: - Airfare to/from the United Kingdom - Meals over and above the 14 included in the tour package - Personal expenses PASSPORTS: Every tour member must have a valid passport that will be in effect for at least six months after the date of the conclusion of the tour. Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen must receive a copy of that passport no later than 120 days prior to departure. IMPORTANT NOTES: Space is extremely limited on this tour, and because of the exclusivity of the included events, we are unable to add participants once the maximum has been reached. Should you wish to add extra nights in London at the end of the tour, please specify when making your booking. We will be happy make those arrangements with our hotel in London, alleviating the need to switch hotels and the official end of the tour.
All pricing is based on double occupancy. Upon request, we will make every effort to match a single guest with another interested party interested in sharing a room. Due to the exclusive nature of the hotels involved, including hotels with a limited number of rooms, we are only available to offer two single occupancy rates. Those are available on a first-come first-serve basis at $3,900 each. Tour pricing is based on an exchange rate of $1.60 to the pound as of 9/1/13. Although we do not anticipate this, should the exchange rate exceed $1.80 to the pound within 60 days of departure, a $300.00 surcharge will be added to the final balance of each tour participant. We will do our best to accommodate mobility needs. Because of the age of many of the buildings on the literary, there will not be an elevator at every stop nor in every hotel. Each day will involve a good deal of walking, and ability to maneuver steps. Please make us aware of any special needs when booking. At the time of your booking please inform us of any special dietary requests (vegetarian, allergies, etc.). PAYMENTS: The following payment schedule will apply per person. All payments should be submitted to Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen. PAYMENT
RECEIVED DATE
$500
AT TIME OF BOOKING (NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 30, 2013)
$800
JANUARY 15, 2014
$900
MARCH 15, 2014
$950
MAY 15, 2014 (FINAL PAYMENT)
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TOUR DETAILS
CONTINUED
No order will be processed without the $500 first payment. Should any payment be in arrears more than one payment period and no payment arrangement entered into, Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen reserves the right to cancel a passenger’s participation in the tour and to hold all payments to date.
ITINERARY VARIATION If unforeseen circumstances beyond our control necessitate, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and/or destinations, and to substitute hotels if circumstances warrant. Venues, attractions and destinations may be adjusted or modified.
FORM OF PAYMENT Two forms of payment are available at no extra charge: Check or money order. Credit Card payments will incur a fee of 5%. All payments should be made out to: Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen, and mailed to: 1735 Cape Hatteras Court, Brownsburg, IN 46112.
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE Those items listed in the exclusions, as well as laundry, valet service, food not included, after-hours tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages or other expenses of a personal nature or any other items not specified on the itinerary are not included in the tour price.
CANCELLATION POLICY The following cancellation charges will apply if any person cancels participation on the tour:
RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility of Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen is strictly limited. We shall not become liable for delays, losses, or accidents incurred by said persons or operators to passengers and baggage from whatsoever cause. Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen also reserves the right to change the routing, hotels, and/or sightseeing and any service offered, should local conditions in our opinion warrant; the extra cost, if any, must be paid by the passengers. The right is reserved to refuse any person on this tour. The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act or omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. This passage contract in use by the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carrier(s) and the purchasers of the tour and/ or passengers. All additional expenses caused by war, landslides, strikes, weather delays, illness or accidents are the responsibility of the passengers.
- 50% cancellation fee after the first payment - No cancellations or refunds within 120 days prior to the beginning of the tour Should world conditions affect the staging of the tour, Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen reserves the right to offer the tour at a later date. SUBSTITUTIONS Tina’s Traditional Old English Kitchen recognizes that circumstances occur where it may be necessary to cancel participation in the tour. Substitutions are encouraged so that cancellation fees can be avoided. The only additional cost for a substitute is the insurance premium, as these payments cannot be transferred. Substitution deposits/payments must be received before a refund to the original passenger is made. They must be made no later than 60 days prior to travel or charges will apply.
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INSURANCE INFO Travel insurance is included with the package price for each guest. THE MANAGING GENERAL UNDERWRITER IS SEVEN CORNERS, INC. A fully detailed copy of the policy will be sent to tour participants’ one-month prior to departure.
COVERAGE TYPE
COVERAGE AMOUNT
TRIP INTERRUPTION
$5,000
MEDICAL EXPENSES
$50,000
LOST/STOLEN BAGGAGE
$250
DENTAL EMERGENCY
$500
ACCIDENTAL DEATH
$25,000
EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION
$300,000
24 HOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
INCLUDED
CHATSWORTH
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BREADSALL PRIORY, DERBYSHIRE (OUR OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS ON DAY THREE)
STAPLEFORD PARK, LEICESTERSHIRE (OUR OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS ON DAY SIX)
SPACE IS LIMITED
For more information, or to book your spot on the tour, contact: Tina Jesson | 317.858.4345 | tina.jesson@gmail.com or Andrew Lannerd | 317.372.3156 | andrewlannerd@hotmail.com