Northern Belle: England, Scotland and Wales
July 4-10, 2003
Itinerary
Friday, July 4 - London to York
Begin your trip in style boarding the gleaming carriages at London Victoria. After a champagne brunch on board, arrive at York in the afternoon and visit the wonderful stately home of Castle Howard.Home for 300 years to the Howard family, this estate was used as the setting for the television series 'Brideshead Revisited'. A private tour of the house, which includes works of art by Van Dyck and Gainsborough, is followed by afternoon tea in the Grecian Hall.
Enjoy dinner on board as the Northern Belle continues travelling north, offering spectacular views of the historic cities of Durham and Newcastle on the River Tyne. Upon arriving in Edinburgh, transfer to the Balmoral Hotel for three nights.
Champagne brunch on board, afternoon tea at Castle Howard, dinner on board.Saturday, July 5 - Edinburgh
After breakfast there is time to explore Scotland's capital city where you will find striking contrasts: tall, dark buildings in medieval Old Town and classical architecture in Georgian New Town. take in such sights as Edinburgh Castle, the National Gallery and Holyrood House. For those wishing to explore further, a guided Glasgow excursion is available. Glasgow is renowned as a showcase of design and architecture, particularly with the distinctive influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Tonight, dine from a choice of select restaurants. Please note, golf can be arranged as an optional extra.
Breakfast, dinner at selected restaurant.
Sunday, July 6 - Oban & the Isle of Mull
Your journey begins early in the morning with breakfast served on board the Northern Belle while you are en route to the Inner Hebrides. The route along the West Highland way with views of Loch Lomond, valleys and hillsides inhabited by an abundance of wildlife, will captivate you.
After arriving at the Scottish seaside town of Oban, sail to the Isle of Mull where you'll be welcomed at Duart Castle, ancestral home of the Laird of Lachalan, head of the McLean clan. This 13th century castle, set high atop a cliff, offers remarkable views of three intersecting sea lochs and serves as the ideal backdrop for experiencing traditional Scottish Highland games and dancing.Enjoy Scottish liqueurs and local whisky before sailing back to the mainland, and then partake in a gourmet Scottish dinner aboard the Northern Belle as you travel back to Edinburgh.
Breakfast and five course dinner on board.
Monday, July 7 - Yorkshire and Chester
As you depart Edinburgh, journey along one of the world's most scenic routes: the Settle and Carlisle railway, known for its soaring viaducts over the Yorkshire Dales.Enjoy brunch before leaving the train to visit Haworth, the heart of 'Brontë country'. Haworth, with its quaint cobbled main street, is the site of the parsonage still preserved that was home to the Brontë sisters. A local literary expert will guide you on a walking tour of the grounds, bringing the sisters' works vibrantly to life.
You'll also visit nearby Saltaire. This Victorian factory town, developed in 1853 as a social experiment, combined industry and beauty in Italian style buildings. The Mill now houses works by David Hockney, arguably the best-known British artist of the 20th century. Reboard the Northern Belle for dinner as you travel to the medieval walled town of Chester. Overnight at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel.
Brunch and four course dinner on board.
Tuesday, July 8 - Wales and Bath
Following breakfast, board the Northern Belle for a visit to the beautiful Bodnant Gardens. This resplendent garden, tended since 1875, is recognized for its variety of plantings, shrubs and mature trees, as well as its landscaped terraces and lawns. From the garden you'll also have a spectacular view of Snowdonia. While in Wales, you'll be treated to a demonstration of sheep dog trials which you're certain to find a fascinating event.Reboard the train and head south through the beautiful Cotswolds and on to the city of Bath. A blend of Roman and Georgian history and styles, Bath exudes the aura of a living museum while at the same time offering a delightful array of shops and activities. Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay at the Bath Spa Hotel.
Breakfast on board
Wednesday, July 9 - Bath
Explore the many sites and points of interest in Bath, including the Roman Baths: the Pump Room, the Assembly Rooms (at one time considered to be among the most elegant buildings in Europe); the Royal Crescent (part of which is now classified as a World Heritage Building); and the Museum of Costume, which features displays from Tudor times to present day. Guides will be available to ensure that your tour is enjoyable and informative. After lunch and some free time for shopping, depart for Sudelely Castle, a medieval fortress restored in the 19th century. A private tour of the castle, followed by a sumptuous banquet, is scheduled for you this evening.
Lunch and evening banquet includedThursday, July 10 - Stonehenge and Salisbury
The Flying Scotsman, the world's most famous steam engine, joins the Northern Belle for a journey back to London that recalls the 'grand tours' of the past. Stop along the way to visit dramatic Stonehenge as well as the cathedral city of Salisbury, where the original Magna Carta is displayed. Reboard the Northern Belle for a late lunch and your return to London Victoria.
Morning coffee and lunch on board.Prices:
$4,995 per person, double occupancy
$1,300 single supplement* Prices shown are per person based on sharing double / twin rooms. Single supplements will apply and room upgrades are available. A 15% deposit is required to confirm space; final payment is due 90 days before departure.
Price Includes:
All travel on board the Northern Belle in comfortable armchair seating; accommodation at the hotel indicated in Superior rooms; sightseeing visits and entertainment; baggage handling; meals as indicated; all drinks (house brands); Northern Belle escorts throughout.Price excludes laundry; other meals; travel insurance; other items of personal expenditure.
Hotels:
Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh
Located at Number One Princes Street, in the heart of Edinburgh, The Balmoral is an elegant, Edwardian-style landmark overlooking Edinburgh castle. The hotel offers a Roman-style health and fitness centre with Edinburgh's largest city-centre, indoor, hotel swimming pool. Perfectly positioned for both shopping and sightseeing, The Balmoral is adjacent to Waverley station.
Chester Grosvenor Hotel
Built in 1865, The Chester Grosvenor is a magnificent, black-and-white building set beside Chester's Roman walls. On its doorstep are the city's famous Rows the medieval streets that house a wealth of specialty shops. The hotel has been showered with awards, including five stars by both the AA and RAC, and the ETC Five Star and Gold award.
Bath Spa Hotel
The Bath Spa Hotel is set in seven acres of landscaped gardens beside the Kennet and Avon canal. Guest rooms offer superb views over the city just a 10-minute walk away yet the hotel has the atmosphere of a country home. Since opening in 1990, the Bath Spa has quickly established itself as one of Britain's finest hotels. Awards include five stars from AA and RAC.
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
www.irtsociety.com
