Description
Package Includes: Your own expert guide - Blue Badge top guiding qualification, transport by Mercedes or similar. All entry fees, accommodations for 4 nights at The Rookery or similar London Hotel, bed and breakfast daily. Includes tours of Scotswolds/Oxfordshire, London Highclere, Entry to Waddesdon Manor and Highclere afternoon tea at Highclere and Dinner at the Criterionelect.
Tour Details:
DAY 1 Cotswolds/Oxfordshire Day Oxfordshire is home to many of the Downton Abbey film locations; from Yew Tree Farm to the village pub, Mrs Crawley's house to scenes in Downton Village (in reality the village of Bampton), including the church. Our tour of Oxfordshire sites will transport any Downton Abbey fan deep into the world of the Granthams.
DAY 2 Highclere Day Highclere is a beautiful Castle and landscape. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Coach House. Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland, landscaped by the world famous “Capability” Brown (2016 is the 300th Anniversary of his birth). The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, and the current Castle stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester for some 800 years. Dinner at the Criterion The Criterion (established 1874) is a real restaurant at Piccadilly Circus in London. Edith Crawley meets Michael Gregson at the Criterion for dinner. She tells Michael that she never could have eaten at a public restaurant before the war, although her mother would allow the Ritz on very rare occasions. While they are here, Michael reveals his plans to become a German citizen so he can divorce his wife and marry Edith. Edith and Michael then share their first kiss.
DAY 3 London Day Soak up some period style and tour film locations, including Lincoln’s Inn Fields where Roseamund, Edith and Rose stroll in the evening, and St Pancras Railway Station where Michael and Lady Edith meet. Follow in the footsteps of Lady Rose MacClare during her ‘coming out’ at Buckingham Palace in the 2013 Christmas special - although in reality the scenes were shot at nearby Lancaster House.
The Rookery is located in the fashionable area of Clerkenwell, between the West End and London’s central business district, known as The City. It is like Soho in the east, with bustling street life and a plethora of fascinating places to eat and drink. Quietly located a short distance from the Barbican, St Paul’s, Holborn and The Tate Modern, the only remaining early houses in Peter’s Lane have been repaired and extended to create our delightful small hotel. Inside, The Rookery is all period charm. Polished wood panelling, stone flagged floors, open fires and genuine antique furniture give the place a warm, homely atmosphere – more private club than hotel. If the Rookery is unavailable a similar hotel will be booked.
Item Special Note
Tour Dates are limited, based on availability and must fall between March and September of 2016 Dates TBA. Valid Through September 2016. Airport transfers not included.