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Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill, cousin of Sir Winston Churchill, is your host for this exclusive tour of his ancestral home, Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lord Charles personally greets you as privileged guests and invites you for the guided tour of Blenheim's Baroque grandeur during this special visit of the palace. During your tour, learn about the estate's storied history, marvel at its priceless furnishings and artifacts, and take a behind-the-scenes look at the life of one of history's greatest figures, Sir Winston Churchill. Outside, admire the tranquil beauty of Blenheim's 2,200-acre park-created by the noted landscape architect "Capability" Brown - featuring the world's second largest symbolic hedge maze, and one of Britan's most exquisite formal gardens. Dine in the original mural-lined Indian Room while enjoying delightful views of Blendheim water terraces and gardens. Afterwards, continue to the nearby village of Bladon where Sir Winston Churchill lies buried in a modest grave alongside his beloved wife.
Accommodations Queen's Hotel While experiencing traditional Village Life in the Cotswolds, enjoy seven nights in the charming Queens' Hotel ideally located at the top of Cheltenham's main tree-lined promenade. Founded in 1838, its lovely gardens and stately neoclassical facade, modeled after Rome's Temple of Juniper, still attract Cheltenham's finest for traditional afternoon teas. Each of the hotel's comfortable 79 guest rooms features a private bathroom, air conditioning, satellite television, hair dryer, trouser press and 24-hour room service. Throughout the program, regional cuisine and international specialties are served in the hotel's gracious Conservatory Dining Room. The hotel's intimate lounge and bar are perfect for relaxation and conversation. |
Village Life in England's Cotswolds
May 24 - June 1, 2009
Time has passed with an unusually gentle hand over the rolling hills and small villages of England’s Cotswolds, a delightful region of lush pastoral landscapes, medieval castles and deep-rooted cultural traditions. On this exclusive sojourn, immerse yourself in the heart of English countryside and discover this region’s enchanting natural beauty and priceless historic treasures. Stroll across the fabled quads of Oxford, marvel at the grandeur of Gloucester Cathedral, and experience the traditions of villages like Broadway and Chipping Campden where life has remained little changed for centuries. Take a special private tour of Sir Winston Churchill’s birthplace at Blenheim Palace hosted by Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill. Throughout your stay, enjoy charming accommodations at the Queen’s Hotel, a splendid 150 year-old example of Regency style architecture situated amidst immaculately groomed gardens of Cheltenham.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE GOHAGAN TRAVEL SERVICES
Village Life in England's Cotswolds is one in a unique series of Village Life programs designed for travelers who know the true character of a country is best found in its heartland, on its backroads and around local market squares. It offers a cultural and educational experience like no other. A comprehensive and an exceptional value, Village Life in England's Cotswolds focuses on a regions known for centuries as "the heart of England", where past blends seamlessly with the present. Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $2895 per person, plus airfare and based on double occupancy. Booking For booking information please contact Thomas P. Gohagan at 800-922-3088, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263. Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY DAY 1
Depart for London, United Kingdom.
DAY 2
Transfer through the Thames Valley to Cheltenham and check into the Queen's Hotel. This evening, join your traveling companions for the private welcome reception. DAY 3
Excursion: Enjoy a guided walk through historic Cheltenham on the Promenade to Long Gardens, followed by a visit to Gloucester Cathedral. Exclusive Enrichment: Learn more about the Cotswolds in the "History of Cheltenham" commentary provided by our local experts, Aylwin Sampson.
DAY 4
Excursion: Set out on the private guided tour of Blenheim Palace followed by a visit to Winston Churchill's grave in Blandon and the walking tour of the historic university town of Oxford. Exclusive Enrichment: Meet Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill during a personal greeting at Blenheim Palace. A private lunch will be served in Blenheim's Indian Room.
DAY 5
Excursion: Drive through the picturesque village of Ebringon, Upper and Lower Brailes and Shipston-on-Stour ending at the 14th-century Broughton Castle to tour the manor house and its surrounding gardens. Enjoy lunch in the castle. Exclusice Enrichment: Join local residents for the Village Forum to discuss daily life in the Cotswolds.
DAY 6
Excursion: Drive to the northern Costwolds during the day-long tour of the traditional English villages Bibury, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold.
DAY 7
Excursion: Visit the picturesque villages of Chipping Campden and Broadway, historic center of the Cotswold's famous wool trade, and the beautiful gardens of Hidcote Manor.
DAY 8
Spend a relaxing day at leisure in Cheltenham. Optional Excursion: Or, choose an optional excursion to Stratfor-upon-Avon, hometown of William Shakespeare.
DAY 9
Board your return flight to the U.S.
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INCLUDED FEATURES - Seven nights in the historic Queen's Hotel.
- Private welcome reception in the hotel.
- Breakfast each morning, three lunches and two dinners.
Tours and excursions led by accredited local cultural experts of the Guild of Guides: - Walking tour of the Victorian spa resort of Cheltenham.
- Visit to Gloucester Cathedral, one of the most historic churches in England.
- Exclusive guided tour of Winston Churchill's birthplace, Blenheim Palace, culminating with a specially arranged, private luncheon in Blenheim Palace's Indian Room.
- Visit to Winston Churchill's grave in Bladon.
- Walking tour of the legendary university town of Oxford.
- Scenic drive through the Cotswolds' countryside followed by a guided visit to Broughton Castle including lunch.
- Excursion to the picturesque villages of Bibury, Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold.
- Tour of the typical Costwold villages of Chipping Campden and Broadway, and the exquisite garden of Hidcote Manor.
A full program of educational and cultural enrichment including: - An engaging presentation about the region by author, artist and local historian Aylwin Sampson.
- Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill offers personal insight into the lives of Winston Churchill and the Duke of Marlborough during a private meeting in Blenheim Palace.
- A unique opportunity to learn more about the architecture, cultural traditions and timeless way of life of the English countryside during visits to centuries-old Cotswold villages.
- An exclusive Village Forum with local residents to gain insight and perspective into contemporary life in the Cotswolds.
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IGUAZÚ FALLS POST-PROGRAM OPTION Iguazú Falls, one of the Earth's most majestic natural wonders, provides the perfect conclusion to an Antarctic cruise. This three-night extension features one night in the Marriott Plaza Hotel in Buenos Aires and two nights in the Sheraton Internacional Iguazú Resort at Iguazú Falls. back |
