September 13 - DEPART FROM THE US September 14 - LONDON ARRIVAL & PANORAMIC TOUR Arrive London Panoramic Tour of the City Free Afternoon DINNER & September 15 - LONDON CITY TOUR London City Tour St Paul s Cathedral Tower of London Free Afternoon and Evening Theater show September 16 - DOWNTON ABBEY DAY Explore the sights of Downton Abbey - Highclere Castle Afternoon Tea Free Evening September 17 - STONEHENGE & BATH Stonehenge Roman Baths and Pump Room Free Evening September 18 - OXFORD & BLENHEIM Bampton, Oxfordshire - Setting for Downton Abbey Oxford Walking Tour Blenheim Palace September 19-21 - Travel to the medieval City of York Tour this beautiful city with a visit to famous York Minster Cathedral Visit Shakespeare s birthplace of Stratford Upon Avon See the University town of Cambridge and famous King s College Two nights at the Royal York Hotel September 21 - Return to London for your final night Farewell dinner at the Anchor Pub in London. September 22 - Flight home
Sat, Sept. 13 UNITED STATES TO LONDON Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meals as you travel to start your vacation. Sun, Sept. 14 LONDON ARRIVAL After landing at London s Heathrow Airport and completing customs and immigration formalities, your CIE Tours guide will welcome you to England and escort you to the motorcoach. Take an introductory sightseeing tour of London s most famous landmarks. Drive through the busy 'West End' to view the theater district, Piccadilly Circus, Royal Parks, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall with its stately Government buildings. Check into your hotel where the afternoon is at leisure. Tonight join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant. DINNER & Mon, Sept. 15 LONDON SIGHTSEEING This morning take an orientation tour of the city center. See the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben and nearby Westminster Abbey. Drive through Trafalgar Square where the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the- Fields Church are located before driving to St. Paul s Cathedral for a visit. This architectural masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren was built between 1675-1710 to replace the original cathedral, which was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. You will be able to explore the Cathedral floor, Crypt and Galleries. Then visit the famous Tower of London where you can see the Crown Jewels, closely guarded by the Beefeaters. The remainder of the afternoon is free for sightseeing, shopping, and independent dining. Enjoy a selected theater show in London s famous West End tonight! Tue, Sept. 16 BYFLEET, NEWBURY & HIGHCLERE CASTLE After breakfast at your hotel this morning, motor west and stop at Byfleet Manor for a photo stop. This private residence is currently featured on the television show Downton Abbey as the home of the Dowager Violet. Continue your journey west through Newbury to visit Highclere Castle, home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. In 1838, the home was updated and built into a grand mansion. Besides being a place of parties to politicians, innovators, and guests, the home played many other roles. During the First World War it was transformed by Almina, the 5th Countess of Carnarvon, into a hospital for soldiers. She herself was providing care to the wounded. During World War II it provided a home for children from London affected by the many bombings. The estate inspired Julian Fellowes, friend of the Carnarvon family, to write Downton Abbey. The popular show illustrates what life was like both for the Crawley family and their servants during and after the First World War. The Carnarvon family still partially occupies some of the home. After your visit, stop en route to London for afternoon tea and finger sandwiches. Once back in the city, the balance of the afternoon and evening are free for individual pursuits and dining.
Wed, Sept. 17 STONEHENGE & BATH This morning travel west to Amesbury. Continue on to Salisbury Plain to visit Stonehenge, one of Britain's most important prehistoric monuments. This huge megalithic structure, probably of religious significance, was erected about 5,000 years ago. Continue west to Bath, a spa town which has been well known for its natural hot springs for almost 2,000 years since the Roman era. The fashion of taking the waters was revived in Regency times during the 18th century and many of the finest houses, streets and parks date from then. Visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room and see Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent and Queen s Square. After your visit return to London where the balance of the evening is free for exploring the city s many dining options. Thu, Sep 18 OXFORD & BLENHEIM PALACE This morning drive west to Bampton in Oxfordshire, this scenic and historical village is also the fictional village Downton featured on Downton Abbey. Many different locations in Oxfordshire have helped create a sense of life from almost 100 years ago. Enjoy seeing the sights of Bampton on an orientation tour, before continuing on to Oxford. Once in Oxford you will have some free time for lunch, and then embark on an orientation tour of the world famous university town. The compact center holds most of the colleges and you will have an opportunity to see some of them. Next, motor a short distance to Woodstock and visit Blenheim Palace. This is Britain s largest private house, built by the English Parliament as a national gift to John Churchill. A fine example of Baroque architecture, and natural style gardens, the Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. You will have time to explore the park and gardens before returning to London where you will have a free evening for individual pursuits and dining. Fri, Sep 19 SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE & ANNE HATHAWAY S COTTAGE Depart London today, and drive travel north to Stratford-upon-Avon a town made famous by its association with William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare s Birthplace, consisting of two houses which show the lifestyle of his times and some of his writings. Next, in the nearby village of Shottery visit Anne Hathaway s Cottage. This Elizabethan farmhouse was the home of Shakespeare s wife and, with much of its original 16th century furniture, conveys the atmosphere of Shakespeare s life. After your visit drive north to York. Upon arrival check into your hotel and freshen up before dinner with your fellow travelers. DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ROYAL YORK HOTEL, YORK
Sat, Sep 20 YORK SIGHTSEEING & YORK MINSTER This morning take a guided tour of the ancient walled city of York. Walk through the Shambles, narrow medieval streets of black and white half-timbered houses noted for their overhanging upper storeys. Visit the imposing York Minster to see its towers and stained glass. It was built between the 12th and the 15th Century and is the largest Gothic church in England. You then have the afternoon free to continue exploring this wonderful city. Perhaps you d like to visit the Jorvik Viking Center to learn how the Vikings assisted in the development of York, or visit York Castle Museum, filled with interesting artifacts related to past life in York. OVERNIGHT: ROYAL YORK HOTEL, YORK Sun, Sep 21 CAMBRIDGE SIGHTSEEING Depart York after breakfast at your hotel today and drive south to Cambridge. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide. Learn about King's College which was founded by Henry VI and today is home of the famous King's College Choir. After your tour, journey south back to London. Upon arrival check into your hotel and relax before dinner. Tonight join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the Anchor Pub. Enjoy one (1) free beer, wine or soft drink with your dinner. Mon, Sep 22 RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES Today your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport in plenty of time to check in for your transatlantic flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your aircraft. Enjoy your flight across the Atlantic Ocean back to your hometown in the United States.
-Transport by luxury motor coach with driver and Tour Director for 8 days -Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport -Services of a professional Tour Escort throughout -Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed opposite for 8 nights -Breakfasts (8) -Dinners (3) -Orientation tours of London, Brampton & Oxford -Afternoon Tea -Visits and admission fees to: St. Paul s Cathedral Tower of London Highclere Castle Stonehenge Bath Blenheim Palace Birthplace of William Shakespeare Guided tour of York including York Minster Cathedral Walking tour of Cambridge Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes. Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap Everything about the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel London, says style. From its classic Art Deco design to its location close to exclusive Bond Street and overlooking Oxford Street, this Central London hotel is the perfect place to stay and explore the capital. Whether you re travelling for business or pleasure, the Thistle Marble Arch ticks all the boxes. It is also one of the few larger Oxford Street hotels with 692 bedrooms, including 281 deluxe and executive rooms and Suites. Just Gym workout facilities are on-site, or you can take a stroll around beautiful Hyde Park just nearby. Located in the heart of the beautiful historic city of York, this is the city's leading luxury hotel. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and spectacular views, this stunning property creates a magnificent contrast between its historic architecture and its modern and luxurious furnishings. The Royal York Hotel provides a unique and stylish accommodation experience for its guests. Whether you are in search of an idyllic break indulging in long lunches and cocktail evenings at the Tempus Restaurant or a holiday filled with the adventure of exploring the surrounding area - The Royal York Hotel is ideally located to cater to all your needs.
Names as they appear on your passport: First Middle Last Birthdate: First Middle Last Birthdate: Address: City State Zip Phone number Cell Email: Special Dietary needs: Any other medical needs: Package price land only: $3642.00 per person double occupancy $2010.00 additional single supplement A deposit of $350 per person is due upon booking. Final payment is due no later than July 1, 2014. Credit card: VI-MC MC-DS DS-AX Exp Sic Name on the card Billing Address Phone Round trip air from Columbus: $1225.00* per person Air must be paid in full at time of booking Round trip air is available from other cities if desired. Air from cities other than Columbus may be a higher price. Please notify us if you require air from a city other than Columbus. *Air price can change and are not confirmed until ticketed. Do you want travel insurance with this tour? Yes No Travel insurance is highly recommended for your protection. Insurance is based on the overall cost of your trip and your age. If you want the insurance a quote will be emailed to you. If you decline insurance you will be asked to sign a waiver declining insurance coverage. Please fill out this registration form and mail to: Grandview Travel - 1540 W. 5th Ave. - Columbus, OH 43212 Attn: Fred Kerner Or you may scan and email to: fkerner@grandviewtravel.com