Northern Belle Grand Tour:
England, Scotland and WalesSeptember 1-7, 2006
Also available in 2007. Click here for details.
***SAVE $500 per person!***
Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday) - London / York / Edinburgh
A traditional Scottish piper escorts you to the gleaming carriages of the Northern Belle at London's Victoria Station. A champagne brunch is served as you journey north.
On arrival at York you visit the superb stately home of Castle Howard, home for 300 years to the Howard family. Afternoon tea in the Grecian Hall is followed by a private visit to the house, which includes artworks by Van Dyck and Gainsborough. Alternatively, you may take a guided tour of the historical city of York including the magnificent York Minster and the medieval Shambles with afternoon tea served at Betty’s Tea Rooms.
Reboard the train for dinner, served amid fine views of the historic cities of Durham and Newcastle. Upon arriving in Edinburgh transfer to your hotel for three nights.
Day 2 (Saturday) - Edinburgh
After breakfast at the hotel a guided tour explores Scotland’s capital, a city of striking contrasts from the tall, dark buildings in medieval Old Town to classical architecture in Georgian New Town.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to take in such sights as Edinburgh Castle, the National Gallery and the Palace of Holyroodhouse or enjoy Edinburgh’s variety of shops and boutiques.
The evening is spent aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating home to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family and host to many prestigious State and official occasions. You are invited to dine in style in the State Apartments.
Day 3 (Sunday) - Oban & Isle of Mull
Your Scottish adventure continues as the Northern Belle journeys through the Scottish Highlands to Oban while brunch is served en-route. Sail across 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 a display of falconry.
If you wish to remain in Oban a local guide is on hand to introduce you to the delights of this Scottish seaside town. A visit to a local distillery allows you to experience the age-old craft of whisky making first hand. Partake in a gourmet Scottish dinner aboard the Northern Belle as you travel back to Edinburgh.
Alternatively, you may prefer to sample one of the many golf courses for which Scotland is renowned. A private car takes you to a course close to Edinburgh and returns you later the same day. Dinner is provided at your hotel. (Pre-booking essential.)
Day 4 (Monday) - Edinburgh / Chester
Departing Edinburgh after breakfast at the hotel, the train returns to England via the spectacular Scottish Borders. Lunch is served on board as you travel along the edge of the Cumbrian Fells, through the county of Lancashire and finally into Cheshire arriving at the walled city of Chester in the afternoon.
Chester is the historic gem of North West England and is the most complete walled city in Britain. There is plenty of time for a guided tour and to soak up the atmosphere. Dinner is served at your hotel where you will stay for three nights.
Day 5 (Tuesday) - Wales / Portmeirion / Chester
This morning you enjoy brunch on board Northern Belle as you travel into Wales - the land of song. Travel through the breathtaking scenery of the Vale of Conwy, Gwydyr Forest, past Dolwyddeland Castle high on a crag, and down to the former slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
A coach transfers you to Portmeirion and the grounds of Castlell Deudraeth Hotel. Here you may admire the skilled teamwork between shepherd and his dogs as Aled Owen, one of the Welsh national champions at Sheep Dog Trials, puts his dogs through their paces. You’re certain to find this a fascinating event. Take afternoon tea at the hotel before exploring the fascinating Italianate “village” of Portmeirion, created by Clough Williams-Ellis; a remarkable example of architectural imagination built on the shores of Cardigan Bay.
A delicious dinner is served on Northern Belle as you journey back through Wales to Chester. The finale to this wonderful day is an uplifting choral recital from Chester Male Voice Choir in the impressive sandstone Cathedral. Enjoy a nightcap in the tranquil Chapter House of the Cathedral before returning to your hotel.
Day 6 (Wednesday) - Bath
After breakfast join the Northern Belle for a journey through the scenic heart of England, enjoying a light lunch en route to the golden city of Bath. Founded by the Romans as Aqua Sulis, Bath was made fashionable in the 18th century by the likes of “Beau Nash” and “Beau Brummel”. Today, Bath is Britain’s best preserved Georgian city. Your guide conducts you on a tour of this beautiful city including the splendid Abbey and Georgian terraces, culminating in a visit to the fascinating Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room.
Enjoy some last minute shopping before rejoining the Northern Belle. A sumptuous dinner is served on board as the train journeys back to Chester.
Day 7 (Thursday) - Chester / London
Breakfast at the hotel before boarding the Northern Belle for your final day of the Grand Tour. Your journey takes you through the “Black Country”, so named as the area was transformed by the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Today the many canals are an attractive reminder of its proud heritage. Rural Oxfordshire follows with its gentle rolling hills and pretty sandstone villages.
Enjoy lunch on board the train as countryside slowly gives way to metropolis. Sit back and reflect on the places you have visited, the people you have met, and the friends you have made All too soon, you arrive in London and it’s time to say farewell to new-found friends and the attentive staff of the Northern Belle – or is it only “see you soon”.
Prices:
$5,580 per person, double occupancy
* 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.
**For a limited time, book the Northern Belle Grand Tour and SAVE $500 per person off the above rate.
We are pleased to offer a 5% discount on a party of four people.
Price Includes:
* All travel on board the Northern Belle
* Three nights accommodation at The Caledonian, Edinburgh in a deluxe double/twin
* Three nights acccommodation at the Chester Grosvenor, Chester, in a superior queen double/twin
* Sightseeing visits and entertainment as described in the itinerary
* Table d’hôte meals and all drinks on board (house brands)
* Other meals as described in the itinerary
* Baggage handling
* Orient-Express Tour Guides throughoutPrice excludes laundry; other meals; travel insurance; other items of personal expenditure.
Northern Belle:
The Northern Belle comprises 6 dining carriages, with a maximum capacity of 252 passengers. Each carriage seats 42 guests and contains tables of two and four, with plenty of room for guests to move around and enjoy the train’s sociable atmosphere. As a reflection of the affluent ‘Belle’ trains of the 1930s, each Northern Belle carriage bears the name of a significant stately home. Furnished with commissioned designs, fabrics and marquetry, the Northern Belle is truly a celebration of British heritage and skills.
Hotels:
The Caledonian Hotel, Edinburgh
The Caledonian, built in 1903 is situated in the very heart of Edinburgh, at one of the city's most prestigious locations, Princes Street. The hotel provides the finest possible base from which to explore one of the world's most beautiful cities and its many contrasts. Princes Street divides the Old Town and the New Town and, at almost a mile in length, is Edinburgh's main and most famous shopping area. The hotel is an elegant, Edwardian-style landmark in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, offering a selection of restaurants, an elegant lobby lounge and the superb LivingWell Health Club, an oasis of relaxation with a pool, sauna, steam room, a well-equipped gym and beauty room.
UPGRADE: 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.
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800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
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