Tuesday, September 30, 2008

South West England Luxury Independent Travel Tour Package

England's South West

CONTACT ACROSS THE POND VACATIONS FOR FURTHER DETAILS AT INFO@ATPVACATIONS.COM, OR CALL 310-791-6101

 

12 Days – from $5,495.00* per person

(based on double occupancy)
Individual Tour +

Your Tour Price Includes:

  • Airport transfer via luxury sedan from airport to your hotel, including airport ‘meet and greet’
  • 10 nights in 4 ½ to 5 star hotels**
  • Full English breakfast, daily
  • Seven days car rental luxury sedan (automatic shift car)
  • First class BritRail tickets from Plymouth to London
  • Thermae Bath Spa Session including massages, and more
  • Excellent seats to a West End London theatrical production of your choice
  • A one-of-a-kind dining experience at The Purple Carrot at Lewtrenchard Manor in Devon
  • Entrance fees/tickets for:
    • London Eye Pimm’s Flight
    • Stonehenge
    • Eden Project
  • Visit:
    • Bath & Pump Rooms
    • Cotswolds
    • Westonbirt Arboretum
    • Tetbury
    • Malmesbury Abbey and Gardens
    • Glastonbury Abbey
    • Tintagel Castle
    • St. Michael’s Mount
    • Penzance
    • Dartmoor National Park
    • Lanhydrock House
    • Land’s End
  • Luxury airport transfer to London airport upon departure

* (Land only price)

SUMMARY

Day 1 - Departure from U.S. to London, England

Day 2 - Arrive Dublin, 4½ star hotel in London

Day 3 - Full English breakfast, London Eye Pimm's flight, sightseeing as desired, 4½ star hotel in London

Day 4 - Full English breakfast, collect luxury rental car, Stonehenge and visiting nearby village(s), Salisbury Cathedral, 5 star hotel in Bath

Day 5 - Full English breakfast, Roman Baths and Pump Room, Thermae Bath Spa 2 hour session, including massage, 5 star hotel in Bath

Day 6 - Full English breakfast, Glastonbury Abbey, remaining sightseeing on own (suggestions included), 4½ star Manor House Hotel

Day 7 – Full English breakfast, Dartmoor National Park and sightseeing on own, unique dining experience at The Purple Carrot, 4½ star Manor House Hotel

Days 8, 9 and 10 - Full English breakfast daily, sightseeing on own (suggestions included), 4½ star hotel in Cornwall

Day 11 - Full English breakfast, rental car return, first class BritRail tickets to London, premiere seats to top theatrical production, 4½ star London hotel

Day 12 - Full English breakfast, return to airport via luxury sedan with chauffeur

London and the South West of England are regions rich in heritage and culture. The South West, in particular, is known for its connections with legendary, literary, religious, and political figures such as King Arthur, Agatha Christie, John Wesley and Jane Austen to name but a few. It is a region with a magnificent coastline, 2 national parks, 4 World Heritage sites (including well known icons such as prehistoric Stonehenge and Georgian Bath), and the historic Cotswolds. The area is particularly ideal for spring and autumn travel. Enjoy!

Day 1 – Departure – You depart on your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 – Welcome to London – You will be greeted at the airport and depart in a luxury sedan (Mercedes Benz E-Class or similar) and taken to your 4 ½ star centrally located London hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore, at will. (London Hotel: Waldorf Hilton hotel or equivalent.)

Day 3 – Lovely London – After a full English breakfast, you will find there is so much to explore. We will arrange for you to have a flight on the London Eye (with complimentary Pimm’s cocktail). Let us know what you’d like to see – we can arrange tickets ahead of time for you so you can avoid many of the queues. Take in the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, a cruise down the River Thames, or shopping at Harrod’s! In London, there’s always plenty of amazing things to do and see. (London Hotel: Waldorf Hilton hotel or equivalent.)

Day 4 – Bath and Beyond… – Today you will collect your luxury car (Mercedes E220 or similar) and head south west. Your first stop – mysterious and enigmatic Stonehenge. Situated high on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance. Erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC by no less than three different cultures, its orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features. Have a look around the quaint village of Amesbury, just 2 miles away. Or, stop in at Salisbury Cathedral, a magnificent 13th century cathedral with Britain’s tallest spire. Situated in the largest medieval close in Britain, it is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings and eight acres of lawns and houses the world’s best preserved Magna Carta (AD 1215) and Europe’s oldest working clock (AD 1386). Then it’s on to the beautiful Georgian town of Bath, where you will check in at your 5-star hotel. Treat yourself tonight at the hotel’s Dower House Restaurant for one of the best meals in town with food that is innovative and elegant. Go on… indulge. (Bath Hotel: Royal Crescent Hotel or equivalent.)

Day 5 – Bath Spa – After breakfast, we recommend a trip this morning to the Roman Baths and Pump Room. The ancient Romans were the first to capitalize on the only natural hot spring in Britain, building a temple and bathing complex more than 2000 years ago. The baths were once one of the finest in the Roman world. View the Georgian grandeur of the Pump House and see the remains of the ancient Roman baths and temple. Later in the day, enjoy a bit of pampering for yourself. We have arranged a 2 hour spa session for you at the world famous Thermae Bath Spa, where you will enjoy the natural thermal waters of the Minerva Bath, an open air rooftop pool with spectacular views over Bath, aroma steam rooms, complimentary use of towel, robe and slippers, a back, neck & shoulders massage and a Reviver facial or a back, neck & shoulders massage and foot massage. After your day of baths in Bath… the evening is yours to enjoy an elegant dinner in or around town, or even join the locals at a good, old-fashioned English pub. (Bath Hotel: Royal Crescent Hotel or equivalent.)

Day 6 – Delightful Devon – This morning, you’ll be on the trail again, heading further south west. Stop by Glastonbury Abbey, one of the oldest religious foundations in Britain, steeped in history and legend. Glastonbury Abbey boasts extensive Abbey ruins, largely destroyed during Henry VIII's Reformation in 36 acres of beautiful parkland. Major features include St. Mary's Chapel, the Abbot's Kitchen, and reputedly the graves of King Arthur and his wife, Guinevere. Another famous legend is that of Joseph of Arimathea, who it is claimed buried the Chalice of the Holy Grail here, and along with his followers, built a settlement and small church in the area. Continue on a beautiful drive to your home for the next 2 nights, the beautiful Jacobean Lewtrenchard Manor. Hidden away in a wooded hollow just beneath the wild tors of Dartmoor, Lewtrenchard is a house virtually untouched by time. The original manor was mentioned in the Domesday Book, but today’s impressive Jacobean dwelling, set in its own shrub filled gardens and surrounded by peaceful parkland, dates from the early 1600’s. (Devon hotel: Lewtrenchard Manor or equivalent.)

Day 7 – Dramatic Dartmoor – Today is a day of exploration. We suggest a visit to Dartmoor National Park. The Park covers an area of 368 square miles - the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England. Throughout the year Dartmoor is an exceptionally beautiful place to visit, with deep wooded gorges, beautiful lake-like reservoirs and tumbling rocky rivers. (Perhaps you’re familiar with Dartmoor as the infamous locale where Sherlock Holmes’ hell hound sought its victims in the “Hound of the Baskervilles”.) After this day of exploration, return to the warmth of a fireplace and a glass of sherry at the Lewtrenchard Manor hotel. Tonight, you will have a unique gastronomic experience in the South West like no other at the Purple Carrot, located in the hotel, itself. A private dining room provides a birds-eye view of the three rosette, state-of-the-art kitchen in action. Your dining experience there will include:

  • Eight Course Personalized Menus (pre-arranged with Chef Patron)
  • Champagne at the Chef’s Kitchen Bar
  • Exclusive Bibendum Wine Cellar- wine matched to compliment each course
  • Activity from kitchen captured on cameras and viewed on large flat screen
  • Special viewing areas within the room to watch the chefs in action
  • One course cooked in front of guests in the room

Why call it Purple Carrot? – purple carrots were one of the original colors of carrots along with red and white. They were first introduced to England country in the 15th century. (The orange pigment was first introduced to make it more acceptable in society as it was recognized as a good cheap source of vegetable.) Calling the room Purple Carrot emphasizes Lewtrenchard’s philosophy about food “going back to nature” and “roots” as 80% of produce used in the Lewtrenchard Kitchen comes directly from the vegetable garden. Purple carrots will obviously feature on the menu too! Purple Carrot is available to book on Friday and Saturday evenings.*** Champagne and canapés are included! (Devon hotel: Lewtrenchard Manor or equivalent.)

Days 8, 9 and 10 – Cornwall’s Coast – This morning, you press on to the final leg south west in your journey. Cornwall is the most south westerly county in England, and is most famous for its stunning scenery. But there is more to Cornwall than its extraordinary views – here you are privy to great local food, intriguing history, fascinating sightseeing and historical traditions. Across the Pond Vacations will provide you with routes, such as a driving trip to Lanhydrock House and Tintagel Castle, the Eden Project (we’ll even include tickets for you!), Lands End, St. Michael’s Mount, and Penzance. You may even wish to extend your stay in this area – there’s so much to see and do! (Just let us know.) Your home for the next 3 nights… Fowey Hall. Fowey Hall was the inspiration behind Toad Hall in “Wind in the Willows” and sits in a spectacular location overlooking the sailing and fishing port of Fowey on the South Cornish coast, within its original walled gardens and with commanding views of the river estuary and far out to sea. The town and the local sandy cove at Readymoney are both a short walk from the hotel, which is also within easy reach of the many superb attractions in Cornwall, including The Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. (Cornwall Hotel: Fowey Hall or equivalent.)

Day 11 – Return to London – You drive east today toward Plymouth where you will return your rental car. Then, it is first class via BritRail back to London. Catch up on your last minute shopping (don’t forget that trip to Harrod’s or Harvey Nichols!). This evening, we thought it might be nice to go out with a bang at a spectacular West End theatrical production**** – your choice of production – we’ll secure the best seats in the house for you! Your final night is back at the 4½ star hotel where you started (unless otherwise requested). (London Hotel: Waldorf Hilton hotel or equivalent.)

Day 12 – Farewell, charming England – Your luxury sedan and chauffeur will await you at your hotel to return you to the airport. We hope you have had a wonderful time exploring this England’s South West!

* Prices from $5,495/pp based on double occupancy. Single and triple occupants will change rate. Final price will be based upon exchange rate at time of booking, and time of year traveling.
** Hotels listed in tour description indicate first choice. Equivalent hotels of same star quality and location supplied if first choice unavailable.
*** If your stay in Lewtrenchard Manor does not fall on a Friday or Saturday night, your package will include the equivalent credit in the hotel’s fine restaurant.
**** Not available Sunday nights – Sunday matinees are available. Alternative evening entertainment can be provided if unavailable.

+ All individual tours can be made into group tours for already assembled groups.

CONTACT ACROSS THE POND VACATIONS FOR FURTHER DETAILS AT INFO@ATPVACATIONS.COM, OR CALL 310-791-6101

 

Yuletide Luxuries - Christmas Season in England

Yuletide Luxuries

(Christmas Season Travel)

11 Days – from $6,995.00* per person (based on double occupancy) Individual Tour +

CONTACT ACROSS THE POND VACATIONS AT 310-791-6101, OR E-MAIL INFO@ATPVACATIONS.COM

Your Tour Price Includes:

  • Airport transfer via luxury private chauffeured sedan (Mercedes S class) from airport to your hotel, including airport ‘meet and greet’
  • Nine nights in 4 ½ to 5 star hotels**
  • Breakfast, daily
  • Three days car rental luxury sedan (automatic shift car)
  • Private driver/guide for ½ day London tour
  • Private driver/guide to and from Kent
  • First class BritRail tickets from London to York
  • First class BritRail tickets from York to Birmingham
  • Whisky tasting or cooking class (dependent on dates)
  • Seats to Christmas Singalong at the Roy Albert Hall or to a West End London theatrical production of your choice (dependent on dates)
  • Four nights dinner at fine dining restaurants including Leeds Castle “Christmas Kentish Evening” dinner
  • Opportunity to visit:
    • Trafalgar Square Norwegian Christmas Tree
    • Ice Skating at Somerset House
    • All London’s famous sites, attractions and shopping
    • Leeds Castle
    • Christmas Shopping in York
    • York Minster and all York sites and attractions
    • Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham
    • Coventry
    • Stratford-upon-Avon
    • Warwick
    • The Cotswolds (drive the Romantic Road)
    • Bath sites and attractions and surrounding areas
    • Stonehenge
  • Airport transfer via luxury private chauffeured sedan (Mercedes S class) from London hotel to airport

SUMMARY OF WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR PRICE:

Day 1 – Transatlantic flight to London (on own) (Wish to include this in your tour package? Just ask an Across the Pond Tour Manager for a quote.)

Day 2 – Luxury airport transfer, including meet and greet, dinner at ‘Galvin at Windows’, 5* London Hilton Park Lane hotel

Day 3 – Full English breakfast, half-day private guided tour in luxury car, 5* London Hilton Park Lane hotel

Day 4 – Full English breakfast, private car and driver/guide to and from Leeds Castle in Kent, “Christmas Kentish Evening” 4-course dinner at Leed's Castle, 5* London Hilton Park Lane hotel

Day 5 – Full English breakfast, first class train tickets to York, dinner at Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa, 5* Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa

Day 6 – Continental breakfast, first class train tickets to Birmingham, 5* Hyatt Birmingham (Club King Room)

Day 7 – Continental Breakfast, rental car (Mercedes C class or similar), 4-course dinner at Buckland Manor Hotel, 5* Buckland Manor Hotel

Day 8 – Full English breakfast, 5* Buckland Manor Hotel

Day 9 – Full English breakfast, 5* London Ritz Hotel

Day 10 – Full English breakfast, whisky tasting session (or cooking class), Royal Albert Hall Christmas Concert or theatrical production in the evening (dependent on dates and availability), 5* London Ritz Hotel

Day 11 – Full English breakfast, return to airport via chauffeured car

Warm chestnuts on a cold, crisp day whilst shopping at some of the world’s best-loved Christmas markets; ice skating in the court of a 16th century palace; a fine 4-course dinner (including a carved turkey and mulled wine) at a castle in Kent; a Christmas Sing-Along at the Royal Albert Hall – what a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season! Across the Pond Vacations’ Winter Wonderland independent travel package brings you yuletide merriment in the lap of luxury. Christmas only comes once a year… why not enjoy it to the fullest?

Day 1Departure – You depart on your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 – Welcome to LondonYou will be greeted at the airport and depart in a luxury sedan (Mercedes Benz E-Class or similar) and taken to your 5-star centrally located London hotel. You may feel a bit jet-lagged, so we’ve arranged for you to have a lovely dinner at ‘Galvin at Windows’ at the London Hilton Park Lane, where you can enjoy 360 degree views of London from this 28th floor restaurant. (London Hotel: London Hilton Park Lane or 5-star equivalent.)

Day 3 – Luxurious London – After a full English breakfast, you will be treated to a private tour in a Mercedes S Class chauffeured car with official Blue Badge driver/guide. The guide is at your disposal this morning to explore London. This afternoon, we recommend embracing the Christmas spirit. Start your afternoon off by ice skating at Somerset House, a palace originally built in the 16th century.  Skating at Somerset House is one of the most glamorous activities on a winter day in London. Take in the beautiful surroundings and listen to music as you glide around the ice beneath the Tiffany Christmas tree. Then, view the tree at Trafalgar Square. Each year since 1947, a Christmas tree has been given to the people of London from the people of Norway in gratitude for Britain's support for Norway during World War II. The tree, often found with carolers surrounding it, is usually a Norwegian spruce over 20 meters high and 50-60 years old. It is selected from the forests surrounding Oslo with great care several months, even years, in advance. Next, how about a bit of shopping at the famous Harrod’s? If shopping doesn’t suit your fancy whilst at Harrod’s, you can always visit their spa, “Urban Retreat”, located on the top floor of the world-famous department store. The evening is yours to explore any of London’s gastronomical delights from one of its many Michelin star restaurants. (London Hotel: London Hilton Park Lane or 5-star equivalent.)

Day 4 – Kentish Kristmas – The morning is yours to continue exploring the city, or even to take your time over breakfast, read the paper, and just relax. This afternoon, your chauffeur will collect you at your hotel and take you to Maidstone, Kent in the south east. There, you’ll visit Leeds Castle where you will be transported through 900 years of the castle’s history and experience an eclectic mix of period architecture, sumptuous interiors and family treasures just waiting to be discovered, including internationally renowned aviaries and beautiful gardens. This evening, you’ll enjoy a “Christmas Kentish Evening” at the castle. Celebrations begin at 7.00pm in the Terrace Room with a mulled wine reception. Guests are then welcomed into the oak-beamed Fairfax Hall where a four-course banquet-style dinner is served. After dinner the music changes tempo to a toe-tapping combination of folk music and a chance to join in some country dancing. After the festivities, your private car and driver await to return you to your hotel in London. (London Hotel: London Hilton Park Lane or 5-star equivalent.)

 

Day 5 – Yuletide York – After breakfast, you travel north, via First Class BritRail. You will arrive in the city of York a mere 2 hours after you depart London. After checking in to your hotel, the 5-star Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa, we recommend you visit one of York’s many Christmas markets, York Minster, and The Shambles. Take advantage of the Spa at Middlethorpe and indulge in one of the many treatments available. This evening’s meal will be a fine-dining experience with a 4-course dinner at Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa. Relax… enjoy. (York Hotel: Middlethorpe Hotel & Spa.)

Day 6 – A Market in Birmingham – After a light breakfast, you travel south west by First Class BritRail to the metropolitan city of Birmingham. Here, you’ll visit the Frankfurt Christmas Market. The Frankfurt Christmas Market can be traced back to 1393. In Mediaeval times, the original Frankfurt Christmas Market was exclusively for the burghers. The city’s craftsmen reserved their finest wares for local people. With over 90 stalls filling Victoria Square and the upper part of New Street, it is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. This evening, you’ll be staying at the sleek and elegant 5-star Hyatt Regency Birmingham, a modern alternative in accommodation. (Birmingham Hotel: Hyatt Regency Birmingham or 5-star equivalent.)

Day 7 – Country Christmas Cotswolds – This morning, collect your luxury rental car (or... private driver/guide available upon request at additional charge) and drive south. Stop in the charming towns of Coventry, Warwick (make sure to visit the castle!) and Stratford-upon-Avon. Your final destination today is the small town of Buckland, near Broadway in the county of Gloucestershire. This evening, enjoy a 4-course dinner at your manor house hotel, Buckland Manor. (Cotswolds Hotel: 5-star Buckland Manor Hotel.)

Day 8 – Bath and the South– Today is a wonderful opportunity to take a drive through this lovely area. Drive the Romantic Road route, or travel to Bath and see the Roman Baths and Pump Room. We will happily recommend driving routes and sites to see – just ask a Tour Manager. (A private driver/guide can be hired upon request at an additional charge.) The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. We recommend a quaint English pub for a cozy night and a great opportunity to meet some of the locals. (Cotswolds Hotel: 5-star Buckland Manor Hotel.)

Day 9 – Return to London – After a hearty country breakfast, drive east by way of Stonehenge back to London. In London, you’ll drop off your rental car and check in to the 5-star Ritz Hotel. Across the Pond Vacations can pre-purchase advance tickets to some sightseeing and attractions – just let us know your heart’s desire. (London Hotel: 5-star London Ritz Hotel.)

Day 10 – Last Chance London – Today is your last chance to get in that last minute shopping! This afternoon, we will arrange for you to enjoy either a whisky tasting, or perhaps a cooking class (if you’re not a whisky drinker). Go out with a bang tonight! Enjoy an evening of singing along to Christmas Carols at the Royal Albert Hall (dependent upon dates and availability), or a fantastic West End theatrical production. (London Hotel: 5-star London Ritz Hotel.)

Day 12 – Farewell, Festive England – Your luxury sedan and chauffeur will await you at your hotel to return you to the airport. Season’s Greetings!

* Prices from $6,995/pp based on double occupancy. Single and triple occupants will change rate. Final price will be based upon exchange rate at time of booking, precise dates of travel and specifics and customization of tour.

** Hotels listed in tour description indicate first choice. Equivalent hotels of same star quality and location supplied if first choice unavailable.

+Note: All individual tours can be made into group tours for already assembled groups.

 

CONTACT ACROSS THE POND VACATIONS AT 310-791-6101, OR E-MAIL INFO@ATPVACATIONS.COM

 

 

Monday, September 29, 2008

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