Itiner ary presents DAY 1
Wednesday, June 23, 2015
Ju n e 2 3 - 2 9 , 2 0 15
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Index 2
Join Us
LETTER FROM ANDREW LANNERD, TOUR DIRECTOR
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Itinerary 12-13
Tour Details 14
Insurance Information 01
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Join us
A N D R E W LAN N ERD TOUR DIRECTOR
PA S T T R AVELER REVIEWS: “You really hit the mark on hotels, restaurants, travel arrangements, and everything else!” “Thank you for providing us with an experience we will never forget” “We travel to England quite often, but this week was by far our best visit” “We had such a wonderful time and you were an amazing host”
It is with the greatest of pleasure to unveil my latest tour, Elegant Estates & Magnificent Gardens, taking place in a country very close to my heart. The joy of traveling and exploring new areas of the United Kingdom has been a passion of mine for many years. My own experiences have created a wealth of knowledge that I intend to share with you during this unforgettable tour. Each hotel, country house, restaurant or experience has been carefully selected to ensure that our time together is memorable from start to finish. Not just memorable, but special and unique. Apart from the enjoyment of England’s best stately homes, we will be exploring many of the nation’s finest gardens, and staying at some wonderful hotels, including Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire – where we will dine privately in the magnificent Doric Dining Room, frequently used by King Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France – during his 5 years of living at Hartwell House. In recent years, Hartwell House has become a favorite spot for celebrities including frequent overnight stays by former President Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and the Sultan of Brunei. In my book, traveling is about creating a blend of unique and memorable experiences, paired with delicious meals and superior accommodations. In this tour you can be assured of the combination of all three - alongside my personal touches, which will ensure your enjoyment of the entire experience. 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 during your free time. I do hope you will join us for this memorable tour, where we will explore together, the very best of England! Best,
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
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Itiner ary DAY 1
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
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AM transatlantic arrivals into London Travel to Covent Garden in Central London
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Check in at the Fielding Hotel*
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Afternoon time to rest or explore London at your leisure 2:30PM | Great Britons* (Optional)
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6:30PM | Welcome to London dinner* Overnight accommodations at the Fielding Hotel*
A convenient journey from Heathrow or Gatwick airports
Located in Covent Garden, just steps from London’s best theatre, shopping and dining
Curator-led tour of the National Portrait Gallery
Located in Covent Garden
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 London at your leisure. Join us in the afternoon for an optional curator-led tour of the National Portrait Gallery, where we will explore iconic paintings of some of the most famous British sons and daughters. From Queen Elizabeth I to the Beatles -- this expert-led visit will be a great way to start the tour. In the evening, we will enjoy a 3-course dinner where we will toast the beginnings of our week together exploring the best of England.
National Portrait Gallery
Covent Garden 03
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Itiner ary DAY 2
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
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Full English or Continental Breakfast* Coach to Chartwell: home & gardens of Sir Winston Churchill*
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Lunch at your leisure at Chartwell Coach to Sissinghurst: the most famous gardens in England*
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Time to explore Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens* Coach to Rye*
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Gourmet 3-course dinner in Rye* Overnight accommodations at The George Inn, Rye*
London to Chartwell: 36.8 miles | 1 hr
Chartwell to Sissinghurst: 32.1 miles | 50 mins
Sissinghurst to Rye: 20.7 miles | 38 mins
Details We will begin our day together with a delicious breakfast -- then we are off to Chartwell, the beloved home and gardens of Sir Winston Churchill. The estate remains very much as it was during his lifetime, and was the place from which Sir Winston drew inspiration from 1924 until the end of his life. After Chartwell, we head to the most magnificent gardens in England, Sissinghurst. Located in the beautiful, rolling countryside of Kent, Sissinghurst was the renowned home and gardens of novelist, Vita Sackville-West. After Sissinghurst, we will visit Rye, one of the best preserved medieval towns in England, where we will enjoy a gourmet 3-course dinner together and will stay in The George Inn, built in 1575.
Chartwell
Sissinghurst
Rye, England
Sir Winston Churchill
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
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Itiner ary DAY 3
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Thursday, June 25, 2015
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Full English or Continental Breakfast* Coach to Brighton*
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Lunch in Brighton* Tour of The Royal Pavilion, Brighton* Afternoon, evening and dinner at your leisure in Brighton Overnight accommodations at Drakes Hotel, Brighton*
Rye to Brighton: 50.4 miles | 1 hr 29 mins
Details After breakfast, we will head to the seaside city of Brighton --- renowned for its eccentric Royal Pavilion, amusement pier, and general sense of fun. We will enjoy a lunch upon arrival and then a tour of The Royal Pavilion, Brighton – the opulent seaside home of King George IV (1762-1830). After our tour, you will have the afternoon to explore the many great sites of Brighton including the Lanes – renowned for its famous jewelry, vintage and antique shops. Also, why not take a stroll along the World-famous Brighton Pier. After a great day, you’ll appreciate staying in the luxurious Drakes Hotel, located on Brighton’s famous seafront – just steps from the sea.
The Royal Pavilion
The Lanes, Brighton
Brighton Pier 05
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Itiner ary DAY 4
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Friday, June 26, 2015
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Full English or Continental Breakfast* Morning departure for Arundel*
• • •
Tour of Arundel Castle and gardens* Lunch at your leisure in Arundel Coach to Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire*
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Pre-dinner drinks in the elegant Library* Private 3-course dinner*
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Overnight accommodations at Hartwell House, Buckinghamshire*
Brighton to Arundel: 22.4 miles | 41 mins
Arundrel to Hartwell House: 87.1 miles | 2 hrs 3 mins
Located in the magnificent Doric Dining Room at Hartwell House
Details The day will begin with a lovely breakfast at our hotel by the seaside, then we are off to the charming and picturesque town of Arundel – home to the magnificent Arundel Castle. The castle was established on Christmas Day 1067, and is still today home to the Duke of Norfolk. After our tour of the castle’s glorious state rooms, you will have some time to explore the charming village just outside the castle gates. After lunch, we are then off to Buckinghamshire for our luxurious dinner and overnight stay at Hartwell House. Its most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, who lived there with his Court for five years. Situated in 90 acres of landscaped parkland, Hartwell House will provide us with an unforgettable country house experience.
Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle | Interior E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
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HARTWELL HOUSE
DAY 4 ACCOMMODATIONS
Hartwell House is a beautifully restored 17th century stately home. The magnificent rooms are superbly furnished with antiques and hung with fine paintings. Many of the exquisitely designed bedrooms and suites are in the house and some in Hartwell Court, the converted coach house, or the Old Rectory. With high ceilings, fine fabrics and dreamy views over the extensive landscape, it is a truly idyllic setting.
Hartwell House Drawing Room
Hartwell House Spa 07
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Itiner ary DAY 5
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Saturday, June 27, 2015
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Luxurious full breakfast at Hartwell House* Travel to Waddesdon Manor*
• • •
Tour of Waddesdon Manor* Lunch at Waddesdon Manor* Coach to Oxford*
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Time to explore Oxford and dinner at your leisure Overnight accommodations at the Vanbrugh House Hotel*
Hartwell House to Waddlesdon: 7.8 miles | 19 mins
Waddlesdon to Oxford: 25.7 miles | 40 mins
Details After a delicious breakfast at Hartwell House, we will head to Waddesdon Manor, one of the most recognizable and famous of England’s country houses. The house was built in the Neo-Renaissance style of a French château between 1874 and 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. After a few hours of exploring the house and gardens, we will enjoy a delicious onsite lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to Oxford where you will have some time to explore why the city has long influenced and attracted the world’s greatest scholars. Our overnight accommodations for the next two nights will be the chic Vanbrugh House Hotel, located in the heart of historic Oxford.
Waddesdon Manor
Vanbrugh House Hotel
Waddesdon Manor
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Waddesdon Manor
OXFORD
DAY 5 & 6 INCLUDED ACTIVITY
Bridge of Sighs
Bodleian Library 09
Christ Church
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Itiner ary DAY 6 • • • • • •
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Full English or Continental Breakfast* Morning expert-led tour of Oxford’s historic universities* Traditional Sunday Roast Pub Lunch* Afternoon at Blenheim Palace & Gardens* Evening on your own to relax or see the sites of Oxford Overnight accommodations at Vanbrugh House Hotel*
Details After breakfast, we will enjoy a behind-the-scenes, expert-led tour of some of the many universities that make Oxford a worldwide center for higher education. After our tour we will enjoy a traditional Sunday pub lunch, in one of Oxford’s oldest establishments. During the afternoon we will visit Blenheim Palace & Gardens, the monumental and breathtaking residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. Back in Oxford; enjoy a relaxing evening at the end of another great day exploring England’s glorious past.
Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace Interior
Blenheim Palace E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
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Itiner ary DAY 7
*INCLUDED WITH TOUR
Monday, June 29, 2015
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Full English or Continental Breakfast* Coach to the Tetbury, in the heart of the Cotswolds*
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Time to explore the lovely village of Tetbury An afternoon exploring the Cotswolds*
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Coach to London*
• • •
Check-in at the Fielding Hotel (where tour began) Evening 3-course “Farewell Dinner” in the Covent Garden area* Overnight accommodations at the Fielding Hotel, Covent Garden*
Oxford to Tetbury: 47.3 miles | 1 hr 16 mins
To include gardens and picturesque villages
Cotswolds to Covent Garden: 99.5 miles | 2 hrs 3 mins
Details Our day begins in Oxford, and then we are off on a picturesque drive into the heart of the Coltswolds. We will have some time to explore the lovely village of Tetbury, home to many wonderful shops and restaurants. Following lunch, we will explore some of the Cotswolds most charming villages and gardens – leaving you with a definite memories of one of the most charming and picturesque areas of England. Following our tour, we will head back to Covent Garden where we will finish the tour with a three-course “Farewell Dinner” at the end of a memorable week.
Village of Tetbury
Covent Garden
The Cotswolds 11
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Tour Details
$3,150 PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
Single occupancy is also available; See below for details.
THIS IS A LAND-ONLY PACKAGE Airfare to and from the United Kingdom is NOT included. INCLUSIONS
• •
13 meals 7 nights of deluxe accommodations
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Superior motor coach transportation between tour destinations Guides, tours and admission fees at tour venues Travel insurance
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Divided between London, Rye, Brighton, Buckinghamshire, Oxford and London
(see page 14 for more information)
SPECIAL EXTRAS INCLUDED
• • • • •
Curator/expert led tours Wine included with all group dinners Snacks at various points on tour Welcome goodie bag with various gifts/niceties Visiting England’s best gardens in June, the month when they look best
EXCLUSIONS
• • •
Airfare to/from the United Kingdom Meals over and above the 13 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. Transcendent Travel Services, LLC 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 events we are unable to add participants once the maximum has been reached. Should you wish to add extra nights in London prior to the start or at the end of the tour, please specify when booking. We will be happy to make those arrangements with our hotel in London, alleviating the need to switch hotels before or after 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 more than two single occupancy rates. Those are available on a first-come first-serve basis at $3,900. Tour pricing is based on an exchange rate of $1.66 to the pound as of 4/15/14. Although we do not anticipate this, should the exchange rate exceed $1.80 to the pound within 120 days of departure, a $325.00 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 itinerary, 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 booking please inform us of any special dietary requests (vegetarian, allergies, etc.). PAYMENTS
The following payment schedule will apply per person. All payments are to be received by Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. PAYMENT
RECEIVED DATE
$500
AT TIME OF BOOKING
$900
NOVEMBER 15, 2014
$900
JANUARY 15, 2015
$850
FEBRUARY 15, 2015 (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, Transcendent Travel Services, LLC reserves the right to cancel a passenger’s participation in the tour and to hold all payments to date. 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: Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. All payments should be mailed to: Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. P.O. Box 06166 | Chicago, IL 60606-0166. CANCELLATION POLICY
The following cancellation charges will apply if any person cancels their participation on the tour: • 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, Transcendent Travel Services, LLC reserves the right to offer the tour at a later date. SUBSTITUTIONS
Transcendent Travel Services, LLC 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 120 days prior to travel or charges will apply.
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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 at the sole discretion of the tour planners and Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. 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. RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibility of Transcendent Travel Services, LLC 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. Transcendent Travel Services, LLC 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.
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
Insur ance In fo
The Managing General Underwriter is
Seven Corners, Inc.
Travel insurance is included with the package price for each guest. 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
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens | Day 2 Activity
E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5
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Arundel Castle Gardens Day 4 Activity
For more information, or to book your spot on the tour, call Transcendent: Experience Based Travel at 1.866.654.7508 or e-mail info@transcendent-travel.com. w w w. t r anscendent - t r avel . co m
The Royal Pavilion Music Room | Day 3 Activity E L E G A N T E S TATES & MAG N IFICEN T G ARDE NS | TOUR 2 0 1 5