Ireland l Northern Ireland l Wales l England. oxbridge tour. Featuring the C.S. Lewis Foundation Conference. Hosted by Gary Pate

Transcription

1 Ireland l Northern Ireland l Wales l England oxbridge tour Featuring the C.S. Lewis Foundation Conference Hosted by Gary Pate July 15 26, 2014

2 Dear Friends, Welcome to a marvelous travel opportunity as we journey to the British Isles in 2014 in a celebration of the life and thought of C. S. Lewis. We will be traveling with IGM TOURS, with whom Westminster Presbyterian traveled to the Holy Land in The shining success of that tour and the reputation of IGM Tours as a leader in the field of travel experiences that go beyond the souvenir stands is a testimonial to the quality of the trip that is being prepared for you. Our journey will begin in Ireland, flying in to Dublin and enjoying both the historical and cultural aspects of the capital of the Republic of Ireland. From Dublin we will drive north for a day trip to Belfast in Northern Ireland, the birthplace of C. S. Lewis. We will visit the locations around Belfast that kindled his imagination during his childhood. From Dublin we will board a ferry to the north coast of Wales, traveling into the midlands of England. We will be staying in Stratford-on-Avon for three nights, using that as a launching point to spend time at Warwick Castle, villages in the Cotswolds, and Cambridge. Lewis was a professor of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Magdalene College in Cambridge from 1955 until just before his death in Stratford was the birthplace and home of William Shakespeare, and we will enjoy a play of the Bard of Avon during our stay there. Stratford is also a short drive from Blenheim Palace, which we will visit on the morning of our transfer drive to Oxford. Every three years the C. S. Lewis Foundation hosts a two-week conference celebrating the work of Lewis and its relevance to contemporary cultural trends. The first week is in Oxford, the second in Cambridge. Our travel group will be staying in residence at one of the Oxford colleges as we attend the first of the two weeks of the conference. As you consider our plan for this C. S. Lewis travel experience to the British Isles with IGM Tours please read over the tour conditions. Notice that the group cost of the trip includes airfare, hotels, breakfasts and dinners, transfers, entrance fees, guides, and is fully escorted. In addition, our travel group will meet monthly between February and June for pre-trip education, providing you with a background to Lewis and to the sites that we are visiting. Please complete and return the Registration Form (signed and dated) along with your deposit to the Westminster Presbyterian Church office, thus assuring your space on the trip. Sincerely, Gary Pate For Further information: Pastor Steve Miller Watergate Road Westlake Village, CA (818) steve@wpcwestlake.org PIONEERS OF THE ACCLAIMED REGIONALTOUR SM

3 Your Itinerary: Day 1: Tue 15 July USA Departure Be at the Los Angeles International Airport at least three hours prior to departure. In-flight meals and entertainment are per airline policies. Day 2: Wed 16 July Dublin, Trinity College Arrive in Dublin Airport and meet with your experienced Irish driver/guide. Travel into Ireland s capital city and visit The James Joyce Centre, which is located in a beautifully restored Georgian house in Dublin s South Georgian Quarter, and includes items relating to the life and work of James Joyce. Next visit Trinity College which houses the famous Book of Kells, transcribed by 9th Century monks. Arrive at your hotel and enjoy some free time for shopping or relaxing before dinner at your hotel (subject to flight schedules). Overnight in Dublin DBB. Day 3: Thu 17 July Belfast, Dublin After an early breakfast travel to Belfast, the birth place of C. S. Lewis. A guided tour will view various landmarks that refer to the writer s childhood in Belfast and mountains he walked as a youth. Your last stop before heading back to Dublin city is Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Quarter. This evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Dublin DBB. Day 4: Fri 18 July Ferry to Wales, to Stratford Today, after an early breakfast, travel to the port, meet with your English speaking guide and take a ferry to the coast of Wales. Lunch (not included, about 15 Euro) will either be in Caernarfon, Wales (location of one of the largest castles built in Wales by Edward I) or in Chester, England. By the mid-afternoon we will arrive at Warwick Castle, the best-preserved medieval fortress in all of England, and enjoy the tours and exhibits of the castle. Our travel day concludes at our next hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon. After dinner at the hotel we will enjoy a walking tour of the town of William Shakespeare s birth. Overnight Stratford Hotel or area DBB. Day 5: Sat 19 July Stratford, Shakespeare Performance After breakfast tour the requisite Shakespeare sites in Stratford - Shakespeare s home, Anne Hathaway s cottage and Halls Croft. For lunch (not included), enjoy an early afternoon drive south into the picturesque Cotswolds to Moreton-on-Marsh. Return to Stratford for dinner at our hotel and a stroll across the town to the Royal Shakespeare Company Theater for one of Shakespeare s plays. Please note that 2014 performances and dates have not yet been released. Overnight Stratford Hotel or area DBB. Day 7: Sun 20 July Cambridge Today journey eastward across the Midlands to Cambridge, where Lewis taught as a professor of medieval literature at Magdalene College from After a brief orientation, you are free to explore Cambridge on your own, rejoining us for late afternoon evensong service at a chapel of one of the Cambridge University colleges. This evening enjoy dinner in Cambridge at a local pub or restaurant. Overnight Stratford Hotel or area DBB. Day 8: Mon 21 July Blenheim Palace, Oxford Registration This morning visit Blenheim Palace, one of the grandest palaces in Britain, if not in all of Europe. It was given to John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, by Queen Anne in gratitude for his victories over the armies of the French King Louis XIV, and where Winston Churchill was born. We will enjoy the morning and lunch (not included) at Blenheim, then drive the short remaining distance to Oxford to check into the hotel and register for the C. S. Lewis Foundation Conference. Overnight Oxford own arrangements. Day 9 to Day 12: Tue 22 to 25 July C. S. Lewis Foundation Conference All arrangements during the conference, including lodging, meals and transportation will be facilitated by Pastors Steve Miller and Gary Pate. IGM TOURS accepts no responsibility during this time. Day 13: Sat 26 July Depart to USA Following breakfast, meet with the driver and English speaking guide for a transfer to either Heathrow or Gatwick Airport. Those planning on an extension will continue their vacation time at this point. BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast

4 Estimated Combined Tour and Conference Prices: $6,400 15/19 persons $6,300 20/24 persons $315 Single Room Supplement (tour portion only) Note: These prices are based on estimated airfares, taxes, and conference costs. Included in the cost of your tour: Ø Air Transportation from Los Angeles (estimated) Ø Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach Ø One way ferry from Dublin to Holyhead Ø Sightseeing in a luxury coach as per itinerary with a professional Driver/Guide in Ireland and accredited Guide while in Great Britain Ø 6 nights accommodation in rooms with private facilities Ø Irish or English breakfast daily Ø 4 hotel table d hote dinners Ø 1 dinner at a pub or restaurant in Cambridge Ø Guided C. S. Lewis tour in Belfast Ø Guided walking tour of Stratford Ø Royal Shakespeare Company Theater performance at Stratford (estimated at 50 Euro) Ø Entrance fees to the following attractions and sites: Blenheim Place, James Joyce Centre, Shakespeare Birthplace, Trinity College and the Book of Kells Exhibition, Titanic Museum Belfast, Warwick Castle Ø Donation for Evensong at Cambridge University Ø Porterage of one piece of luggage per person at each hotel in Ireland Ø Hotel service charges and tax (at current rate) Ø $600 Oxford Lodging at Keble College (estimated) Ø $1,495 C.S. Lewis Foundation Conference registration fee (estimated) Not included in the cost of your tour: Ø Lunches Ø Tips and Gratuities Hotels: The quotation is based on the following hotels and is a subject to availability: Ashling Hotel, Dublin 4 Star Stratford Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon 4 Star

5 Tour Conditions These conditions apply to the transatlantic flights, overseas transfers, and the touring portion prior to the C.S. Lewis Foundation Conference. 1. DEPOSITS: Registrations require a signed and dated IGM TOURS form and a $750 deposit per person. Late Deposit fees are: $50 after 90 days prior to departure, $150 for less than 60 days before departure. Late registrations risk airspace not being confirmed. 2. FINAL PAYMENTS: Final payments must be received 60 days prior to departure. Payments received later will be assessed $50 per person and must be paid by a Cashier's Check or Money Order. If final payment is not received by 40 days prior to departure, the participant's tour space will be canceled and the deposit forfeited. 3. DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS: Payable to IGM TOURS. 4. CREDIT CARDS: VISA and MasterCard credit cards may be used for deposits and final payments. $75 surcharge applies for American Express charges 5. FINAL DOCUMENTS: Final tour documents (including airline tickets and any itinerary adjustments) will be available around two weeks before departure to facilitate any last minute changes. 6. TOUR CANCELLATIONS: Written cancellations must be sent directly to IGM TOURS. Cancellations (for any reason whatsoever) are subject to an IGM $50 administrative fee. 90 days prior: an additional $150 per person plus airline fees. 40 days prior: the full tour price is charged. There are no refunds for international tickets once issued! 7. AIR TRANSPORTATION: Group economy airfares (10 persons flying the same route) are non-refundable and issued about 40 days prior to departure. Tickets do not permit changes in names, cities, or dates without penalty. Airfares are subject to change until ticketed. Bonus and discount coupons are not applicable. 8. HOTELS: Prices are based on 4 star hotel rooms (twin bedded, dbl. occ.). If changed, similarly priced hotels are used. Single room occupants (for any reason) must pay single room surcharge. 9. MEALS: Daily breakfasts and five dinners are included. Coffee/tea may be included only with breakfasts. 10. GROUP TRANSFERS & ENTRANCE FEES: Overseas group transfers and entrance fees are included. Individual transfers are not included for those who deviate from tour itineraries. 11. GUIDES: English-speaking guides are provided. 12. PORTERAGE: Overseas porterage of 1 suitcase is included. The fee for additional suitcases/flight bags is 1 Euro per hotel. 13. LUGGAGE: Group touring is limited to one normal size suitcase (not to exceed 50 lbs), one camera case, and one flight bag. 14. PASSPORTS & VISAS: Each participant is responsible for a valid passport with 6 months validity for USA return, and must send a legible copy (do not fax) to IGM TOURS. Data is required 60 days prior to departure. Visas are not required on this tour for U.S. passports. Other than U.S. passports must advise IGM at the time of registration. 15. NO SMOKING POLICY: Smoking is not permitted on coaches. 16. ITINERARY CHANGES: The itinerary has been planned under the direction of your tour leader. It is possible that the daily itinerary may be adjusted by unforeseen circumstances. 17. PRICING FLUCTUATIONS: Tour prices are based on estimated airfares and taxes, and current tariffs, agreements, exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure production, October These factors are outside the control of IGM, and will be defined by IGM at least 60 days before departure. If the fuel surcharges increase anytime prior to ticketing you will be assessed. 18. DEVIATIONS/CHANGES: Deviations/changes must be requested in writing to IGM ($50 per person plus airline fees) at least 90 days before departure. And subject to airline regulations. Requests less than 90 days (invoice period) require an added $75 fee per person. They are not accepted less than 75 days. No exceptions. 19. REFUNDS: Refunds are made only per the guidelines listed below. 20. TRAVEL INSURANCE: IGM strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for protection of one's tour and luggage investments. An optional policy application will be mailed to tour registrants with the acknowledgement of deposit letter. 21. TOUR OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITY: IGM TOURS, Inc., herein and hereafter referred to as IGM and/or its agents, act only in the capacity as a broker agent for the passenger in all matters connected with hotel lodging, sightseeing, tours and transportation, whether by air, rail, motorcoach, boat, or any other means and as an agent holds itself free of responsibility for any damage or expense resulting from any cause whatsoever. IGM is a bonded wholesale travel broker, which complies with California's "Seller of Travel State Law": CST# IGM and/or its agents will not be responsible for any damage or expenses or inconvenience caused by late registrations, late airplanes, trains, boats, or changes in any of their schedules due to strikes or any other reason whatsoever. IGM operates 9:00am 5:00pm weekdays excluding holidays. IGM will not be responsible for the loss or damage to luggage or any passenger's personal belongings. IGM recommends the purchase of Travel Insurance to cover such events. IGM reserves the right to refuse any person as a tour member at any time before or during the actual tour. IGM reserves the right to cancel, change, or withdraw the tour in whole or in part at any time. The sole obligation of IGM is to refund payments received in connection herewith if not acceptable by tour members. Refunds for canceled airfares and services abroad for any reason will be made only after having been received from the airlines, hotels, or companies performing these services, less any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the operation resulting from those cancellations and will follow the guidelines herein contained for cancellations. Requests for any refund due to absence from the itineraries abroad must be submitted to IGM in writing not less than 60 days prior to departure and are subject to agreements with overseas Operators. Any dispute arising out of these tours will be settled in the courts of the City of Hayward, CA. 22. AIRLINE RESPONSIBILITY: The participating airline is responsible only for the air travel portion of this tour performed for it on behalf of tour participants in accordance with the terms and conditions of their individual passage contracts and subject to the applicable laws, treaties and regulations governing air transportation. Tour services, including but not limited to carriage by land or sea, guide services, hotel accommodations, restaurants and all services other than carriage by air, are furnished by contractors who are independent and do not act for or on behalf of the above airline and the above airline shall not be responsible for any act, omission or event occurring prior to the tour participants embarkation upon or after his/her disembarkation from the aircraft. The usual passage contract by the airline when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the tour participants and in purchasing a passage contract as part of this tour, the tour participant acknowledges and accepts the foregoing conditions. The above airline is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board its aircraft.

6 Registration Form: The C.S. Lewis Ox-Bridge Tour Group: Pate July 15, 2014 Name: (Gender and names as printed on passport!) Address: City, State & Zip: Phone (area code): Citizenship: (country issuing passport) Passport #: (Mail a copy or a scan of your passport to IGM TOURS, do not fax.) Departure City: Roommate: (singles must pay surcharge!) I request single room lodging. ($315 supplement Touring portion only) I have carefully read the brochure and Tour Conditions and agree to these terms and conditions as a binding contract when my registration and deposit are received by IGM TOURS. Enclosed is my deposit of $ ($750 per person). Signature Date Mail deposit to: IGM TOURS P.O. Box Castro Valley, CA Tel: Fax: igmtours@aol.com VISA and MasterCard payments: Call IGM TOURS or submit the card number, name on the card, expiration date, three digit security code, and billing zip code.

7 C.S. Lewis Summer Institute at Oxbridge Theme: Reclaiming the Virtues: Human Flourishing in the 21st Century Join us next summer amid the dreaming spires of Oxford and the riverside beauty of Cambridge, as we explore this important theme with renowned scholars from the arts and sciences, leaders in ministry and the major professions, and an array of literary, visual, and performing artists. You ll enjoy stimulating lectures, challenging workshops, meaningful worship services, and a rich variety of cultural programs, all in the good company of friends and colleagues old and new. Don t miss this truly memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience! Confirmed speakers and artists currently include: Speakers & Leaders Os Guinness Rowan Williams Eric Metaxas Baroness Caroline Cox Norman Stone Joseph Loconte Malcolm Guite Cherith Nordling Artists Keith and Kristyn Getty J.A.C. Redf ord Max McLean The City of Oxf ord Orchestra Ad Deum Dance Company David Payne C.S. Lewis Summer Institute Choir, with John Dickson, Director Mellstock Band Davis Bunn Jack Haf er Vishal Mangalwadi Michael Ward