AUGUST 7-13, 2017
INTRODUCTION
WFYI and the British Telly Club are so excited to be partnering again in 2017 with Transcendent to present “Victoria” a 6-day tour of England for you, our loyal WFYI friends and patrons. As the home for the best in British drama, we are pleased to present the opportunity for you to give yourself a behind-the-scenes look at Queen Victoria. In partnership with Transcendent: Experience Based Travel, WFYI will be hosting you for 6 magnificent days as we travel between London, the Isle of Wight, Brighton and Windsor making stops to see gorgeous interiors at Buckingham Palace, Osborne House, the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, Windsor Castle as well as exclusive access to renowned Queen Victoria experts who will bring “Victoria” alive for us. The WFYI and Transcendent team will be with you every step of the way to help make connections between our tour stops and the great British programs you’ve come to love on Public Television. In between “scouting locations” with us you’ll have time for exploring shopping and dining on your own, but we are really looking forward to spending a fantastic time together making that change from looking at someone else’s pictures and videos to making your own. Sincerely,
RICHARD MILES & STEPHANIE COLLINS WFYI
A TOUR OVERVIEW WITH YOUR HOST: ANDREW LANNERD ANDREW LANNERD | TOUR DIRECTOR The reign of Queen Victoria lasted from 1837-1901, and Victoria ruled over an empire on which the sun never set. She gave her name to an age of progress and innovation. It is a great pleasure to unveil this remarkable 6-day tour of England which will take participants behind-the-scenes of Victoria’s remarkable life and reign. Along with other unique stops, we will discover the palace where she was born and came to the throne, as well as her beloved home on the Isle of Wight, Osborne House. Throughout the tour, participants will hear from experts and historians on Victoria including incredible access to Victoria’s clothing from the curators that look after the royal collection. In addition, guests will be staying at some sumptuous hotels, exploring lavish homes and gardens and enjoying fine dining along the way. In my book, traveling is about creating a blend of unique experiences, paired with delicious meals and superior accommodations. In this tour you can be assured of all three – alongside our personal touches and attention to detail which will ensure your enjoyment of the experience. I do hope you’ll join us for this remarkable tour of England in August 2017!
"You really hit the mark on hotels, restaurants, travel arrangements, and everything else!"
FROM TRANSCENDENT'S PAST TOUR PARTICIPANTS:
"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."
QUEEN VICTORIA EXPERTS AND HISTORICAL ADVISORS ON THE TOUR INCLUDE: HELEN RAPPAPORT | WRITER & HISTORIAN Author of Magnificent Obsession; Victoria, Albert and the Death that Changed the Monarchy—a study of the impact of Prince Albert’s premature death in 1861 on England, the monarchy, and Queen Victoria, and covering the first terrible ten years of her retreat from public view. Her 13th book The Victoria Letters has been written to tie in with the ITV/PBS drama series and was published in the autumn of 2016. She is currently a historical advisor for the ITV series “Victoria” premiering on PBS in January 2017. Helen is scheduled to join us for part of the tour where she will talk in-depth about the death of Prince Albert and its effect on the life and reign of Queen Victoria.
IAN SHAPIRO | ROYALTY EXPERT We are pleased to be joined by royalty expert Ian Shapiro who will speak to us about the reign of Victoria as seen through historical documents, ephemera and signed items. Ian is a renowned speaker and writer on the subject of royalty and his specialty is in the documentation, care and authentication of historical objects. 3
DAY 1 • • • • •
ITINERARY Monday, August 7, 2017
MORNING ARRIVALS TO LONDON LATE AFTERNOON EXCLUSIVE VISIT TO KENSINGTON PALACE BEHIND-THE-SCENES TOUR AND CURATOR LOOK AT QUEEN VICTORIA’S CLOTHING EARLY EVENING “WELCOME TO LONDON” GROUP DINNER OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL, KENSINGTON
This morning as you arrive to London you will be greeted by your knowledgeable host for the week, Andrew Lannerd who will get you settled into your lovely hotel – just steps from Kensington Palace. We begin our in-depth look at Queen Victoria today, at her birthplace: Kensington Palace. This afternoon, guests will enjoy a very exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the “Victoria Revealed” exhibition at Kensington Palace with the curator of the exhibition, as well as exclusive access to the room where Queen Victoria was born. In addition, you will enjoy a curator-led look at historical clothing worn by Victoria that is not on public display. Following our unforgettable afternoon at Kensington Palace, we will enjoy an early evening “Welcome to London” dinner as we toast an enjoyable week ahead. Overnight accommodations will be at Kensington’s top-rated Royal Garden Hotel, located close to all that London has to offer.
KENSINGTON PALACE, THE BIRTHPLACE OF QUEEN VICTORIA
GUESTS WILL ENJOY A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THE HISTORICAL CLOTHING WORN BY VICTORIA... V IC TORIA’S WED DING DRE
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DAY 2 • • • • • •
ITINERARY Tuesday, August 8, 2017
AN ELEGANT BREAKFAST AT OUR HOTEL IN KENSINGTON A MORNING AT THE RENOWNED VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM (THE V&A) A GROUP LUNCH AT THE V&A A VISIT TO THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL AND THE ALBERT MEMORIAL AN AFTERNOON TOURING THE STATE APARTMENTS AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL, KENSINGTON
Today after a delicious breakfast, we will spend the morning at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) where we will enjoy exclusive access to its renowned collections followed by a group lunch at the museum. Later in the day we will visit the Royal Albert Hall and the Albert Memorial—both commissioned by Queen Victoria to honor her husband Prince Albert who died suddenly in 1861 at age 42. In the afternoon we will enjoy a glorious look around the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace. Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to reside at Buckingham Palace and today it remains the official London residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Guests will tour 18 of the magnificent State Apartments as well as the gardens of the palace. The evening will be at your leisure for theatre or further evening exploration of London.
VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM
ROYAL ALBERT HALL & THE ALBERT MEMORIAL
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THE STATE APARTMENTS | BUCKINGHAM PALACE
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©HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II
ITINERARY
DAY 3 Wednesday, August 9, 2017 • • • • • •
A FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST AT OUR KENSINGTON HOTEL COACH JOURNEY TO SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND A FERRY TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT AFTERNOON AT OSBORNE HOUSE ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT ELEGANT GROUP DINNER ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT OVERNIGHT AT THE ROYAL HOTEL ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Today after breakfast, we will travel to Southampton in our luxury coach and then head to the Isle of Wight via ferry. The Isle of Wight is located four miles off the coast from Hampshire and is home to Osborne House, the beloved home of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their children. At Osborne House, guests will enjoy a marvelous look around this intimate royal residence and you’ll quickly see why Victoria and Albert loved it so much. This was also the site of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901. We will then head to our beautiful home on the Isle of Wight, The Royal Hotel where guests will enjoy a memorable dinner and overnight stay in the lovely surroundings of the Isle of Wight.
RIGHT & LEFT: OSBORNE HOUSE BELOW: QUEEN VICTORIA AT OSBORNE HOUSE
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ITINERARY
DAY 4 Thursday, August 10, 2017 • • • •
BREAKFAST IN OUR BEAUTIFUL HOTEL ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT TRAVEL TO BRIGHTON ON ENGLAND’S SOUTH COAST PRIVATE TOUR & DRINKS RECEPTION INSIDE BRIGHTON PAVILION OVERNIGHT AT DRAKES OF BRIGHTON
Today after breakfast, we will journey to the wonderful seaside town of Brighton, home to Brighton Pavilion a splendid royal palace. We will enjoy a private tour as well as a drinks reception within the splendor of the palace. Queen Victoria was the last monarch to use the pavilion. Apart from the Royal Pavilion, guests will have time to enjoy charming Brighton. Our base in Brighton will be the top-rated Drakes Hotel located right on the seafront, and a close walk to all that Brighton has to offer.
BRIGHTON PAVILION
BRIGHTON PAVILION MUSIC ROOM
DRAKES HOTEL
DAY 5 • • • • • •
ITINERARY Friday, August 11, 2017
BREAKFAST AT DRAKES OF BRIGHTON MORNING OF EXPLORATION IN BRIGHTON VISIT TO RENOWNED SAVILL GARDENS - ONE OF BRITAIN’S GREATEST ORNAMENTAL GARDENS TRAVEL TO OAKLEY COURT NEAR WINDSOR GROUP DINNER AT OAKLEY COURT OVERNIGHT AT OAKLEY COURT NEAR WINDSOR
Today you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast and further exploration of wonderful Brighton. Perhaps you’ll want to take the morning to explore The Laines, known for wonderful small shops and boutiques. Or you may want to take a relaxing walk along the beach. Brighton is your oyster this morning. After lunch we will journey to the wonderful Savill Gardens, renowned as one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens. After our time in the garden, we’ll be off to Oakley Court our magnificent accommodations near Windsor for the next two evenings. There you will enjoy the splendors of staying in a top-rated country house hotel. After our dinner together we will enjoy a lecture from our special guest speaker, Ian Shapiro about Victoria & Albert’s special connection to the Windsor area.
BRIGHTON
ABOVE: THE LAINES, BRIGHTON BELOW: OAKLEY COURT, OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR TWO EVENINGS
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ITINERARY
DAY 6 Saturday, August 12, 2017 • • • • • •
A LUXURIOUS BREAKFAST AT OAKLEY COURT A TOUR OF THE STATE APARTMENTS AT WINDSOR CASTLE A VISIT TO ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL, WINDSOR TIME TO EXPLORE WINDSOR AT YOUR LEISURE ELEGANT “FAREWELL DINNER” AT OAKLEY PARK OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT OAKLEY PARK
Today, as you awake in your country house bedroom, you’ll look forward to the day ahead in Windsor, the most royal of all towns in England. Guests will enjoy a look around the State Apartments at Windsor Castle so loved by Victoria & Albert. Following your look around the State Apartments, you’ll enjoy a visit to the St. George’s Chapel, the site of so many major events in Victoria’s life. Later in the afternoon we will see the spot where Victoria & Albert are buried, followed by an elegant “Farewell Dinner” back at Oakley Park where we will toast a week of exploring the life and reign of Queen Victoria.
ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL
ABOVE & BELOW: WINDSOR CASTLE
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$3,850 PER PERSON (DOUBLE OCCUPANCY)
$4,600 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)
This is a land-only package, airfare to and from the United Kingdom is NOT included. INCLUSIONS: • 12 superior meals • 6 nights of deluxe accommodations divided between London, the Isle of Wight, Brighton and Windsor. • Superior motor coach transportation between tour destinations, guides, tours and admission fees at tour venues SPECIAL EXTRAS INCLUDED IN YOUR ITINERARY: • Curator/expert led tours at various times • Wine included with all group dinners • Snacks at various points during the tour • Welcome goodie bag with various gifts/niceties EXCLUSIONS: • Airfare to/from the United Kingdom • Meals over and above the 12 included in the tour package • Personal expenses • Mixed drinks • Insurance (this may be purchased via Transcendent for a nominal fee - see below) 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. 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 to make those arrangements with our hotel in London, alleviating the need to switch hotels 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 a limited number of single occupancy rates. Those are available on a first-come, first-serve basis at $4,600.
PLEASE NOTE: Single rooms in the United Kingdom are often much smaller than double rooms. Paying a single supplement does not guarantee you a full size double room. We will do our best to accommodate mobility requests and 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.). As a tour participant you agree that your image may be used by WFYI or Transcendent in any way deemed appropriate, but not limited to, publication in newspapers, magazines, and other print media, use in broadcast media, Television or video projects, publication via the Internet, and use in marketing materials used by WFYI or Transcendent. Tour pricing is based on the current exchange rate of $1.30 to the UK pound. Should the exchange rate rise above $1.60 to the pound within 120 days prior to the start of the tour, Transcendent reserves the right to bill each tour participant an additional $300 USD in order to cover the additional expense. PAYMENTS The following payment schedule will apply per person. Payments to be received by Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. PAYMENT
RECEIVED DATE
$700
AT TIME OF BOOKING
$1,100
FEBRUARY 25, 2017
$1,100
MARCH 25, 2017
$950
FINAL PAYMENT BY MAY 25, 2017
= $3,850
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY RATE
No order/reservation will be processed without the $700 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.
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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 3181 | New York, NY 10185-3181 Credit Card payments may be made by calling 1.866.654.7508 or online at www.transcendent-travel.com. CANCELLATION POLICY The following cancellation charges will apply if any person cancels their participation on the tour: - 50% cancellation fee after the first deposit. No cancellations or refunds within 120 days prior to the beginning of the tour. Should world conditions affect the staging of the tour (natural disasters, war, terrorism), Transcendent Travel Services, LLC reserves the right to offer the tour at a later date. SUBSTITUTIONS Up to 120 days prior to the tour, 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. A Substitution fee of $400 will apply. All substitutions must take place no later than 120 days prior to the tour, or additional charges will apply. 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, cancelled or modified at the sole discretion of Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. Should you miss meeting the start of the tour or any event during the tour duration all financial responsibility to catch up with the tour will fall on the participant. 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, natural disasters, landslides, strikes, weather delays, illness or accidents are the responsibility of the passengers. INSURANCE For a nominal fee per traveler, we are pleased to offer our guests peace of mind as we travel together. Travel Insurance is HIGHLY recommended, and may be purchased directly from Transcendent for the following competitive rates: TRAVELER AGE
INSURANCE PREMIUM PER TRAVELER
18 - 30
$100
30 - 45
$125
45 - 60
$150
60 - 75
$200
75 +
$250
Insurance via Transcendent covers the following: • Medical Coverage up to $15,000 • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) $25,000 for Primary & Spouse; $5,000 for Dependent Children • Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation $300,000 • Emergency Medical Reunion $50,000 • Return of Mortal Remains Up to $50,000 The purchase of insurance is optional, but highly recommended. We will be pleased to answer any questions you have about this coverage. *This policy does not cover tour participant cancellation, it covers the individual during the duration of the tour. Should you choose NOT to purchase the insurance, any fees incurred by the individual are the responsibility of the individual traveler. In addition Transcendent is not liable for any charges not covered by the insurance policy/ vendor. All insurance inclusion and exclusion information will be provided to the traveler in advance of travel. ANY QUESTIONS? Contact Transcendent Travel at info@transcendent-travel.com or call toll free 1.866.654.7508.
THE ROYAL HOTEL ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT | DAY 3 ACCOMMODATIONS
THE SAVILL GARDEN, ONE OF BRITAIN’S FINEST | DAY 5 ACTIVITY
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A 6-DAY WFYI TOUR OF ENGLAND
UNFORGETTABLE SITES! LUXURIOUS OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT VICTORIA: HER LIFE, HER FAMILY AND HER REIGN
Space is limited BOOK TODAY! FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO BOOK YOUR SPOT EMAIL INFO@TRANSCENDENT-TRAVEL.COM OR CALL TOLL FREE 1.866.654.7508