Discover Britain s Glorious Heritage 2018/2019 Guaranteed Departures

Transcription

1 Discover Britain s Glorious Heritage 2018/2019 Guaranteed Departures

2 Dear National Trust Travelers, I am very pleased to share with you a selection of our 2018 and 2019 heritage tours produced in partnership with Albion. These unique group tours offer the chance to explore and enjoy the vast cultural and natural heritage of Britain including many of the impressive National Trust places of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, thanks to Albion s partnership with the National Trust. Immerse yourself while discovering the history and hidden gems of Britain with behindthe-scenes tours, after dinner lectures and insights from the owners of the properties themselves. Our 2018 programs encompass a wide range of themes and places; from areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Scottish Highlands and the north of England s Lake District National Park, to fine architecture such as lavish Elizabethan mansions and breathtaking cathedrals. On our unique Stately Homes of Oxford & the Cotswolds tour (page 6), we meet some of the owners of stately homes for a truly behind-the-scenes look at the reality of living in one of these historic houses. Our Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District tour (page 16) visits the beautiful Lake District region which was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. With 2019 marking the 200 th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, you may be interested in our new Queen Victoria 200: Regal Splendour & an Island Getaway 2019 tour too (page 28) which takes in some of the famous palaces, castles and country houses frequented by the Queen throughout her reign and offers a very real insight into her life and the people closest to her. Join one of these tours and you will have the unique chance to see the results of the important work taken on by our counterparts the National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland in preserving and protecting their nations treasures. Scott Gerloff Director, National Trust Tours Highclere Castle Spencer House The King s Bedchamber, Windsor Castle Mark Fiennes - Royal Collection Trust, - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

3 Enjoy the UK s National Treasures Mount Stuart House, Isle of Bute Mount Stuart House is located on the beautiful Isle of Bute, a peaceful island haven only accessible by ferry. The spirit of 19 th -century invention is embodied in Mount Stuart - a feat of Victorian engineering, this magnificent Neo-Gothic mansion was one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age and was the architectural fantasy of the 3 rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Mount Stuart also houses the Bute Collection, one of the foremost private collections of artwork and artifacts in the UK. Mount Stuart House features on the Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands tour (page 22) Wentworth Woodhouse, Yorkshire Having been closed to the public for over 25 years, Wentworth Woodhouse is now open to the public once more and is in the process of being restored to its former glory. Wentworth Woodhouse comprises of two houses of totally different styles (Baroque and Palladian) built by the First Marquess of Rockingham between 1725 and The magnificent State Rooms are acknowledged to be some of the finest of the Georgian era. Wentworth Woodhouse features on the Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District tour (page 16) The majority of our tours include an after-dinner talk by an expert in their field that promises to be both informative and engaging: Whether it is a leading historian, fascinating writer or learned expert, we arrange guest speakers who will enhance the themes of your tour and provide some captivating background or intriguing insight. With the opportunity for you to ask questions at the end of the talk, these interactive experiences are an opportunity not to be missed. We also provide reading lists, allowing you to do a little background reading before the start of the tour: If you want to understand a little more about the themes of your tour, we provide a full reading list that should enable you to fully engage with the subject. We ensure that our reading lists are entertaining as well as informative, and they include a mixture of fiction as well as factual tomes. It is up to you how much you want to use the reading list, but you can be sure that it will help spark lively conversation! Mount Stuart House Meals On every tour, breakfast is included at your hotel each day. Certain lunches and dinners are also included (details can be found on each tour page). Some evenings are left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements, giving you the flexibility to choose your own restaurant as well as have time to explore more of the town or city you are staying in. Extend Your Stay If you would like to arrive a few days before your tour departs or leave a few days after the end of the tour, we are happy to arrange extra nights accommodation at any of the hotels that feature on your tour (a small administration charge applies). Please call us to discuss your requirements. info@nationaltrusttours.com 3

4 Tour Highlights... Stately Homes of Oxford & the Cotswolds - Meet the Owners This is your chance to meet the owners of stately homes and find out first-hand what it is like to live in and look after a historic house, as we enjoy private guided tours led by the owners themselves. We are also given special access to other iconic properties in the area which all offer a glimpse into the lives of their owners through the centuries. The English Arts & Crafts Movement One of the UK s most famous art movements became known as Arts and Crafts, in a nod to its celebration of hand-craftsmanship and rejection of mass production. Its influence affected painting, ceramics, furniture and architecture, and the movement was responsible for the revival of traditional crafts such as embroidery, weaving and stained-glass making. On this fascinating tour, we travel from the rural Cotswolds home of its founder William Morris, up to the North West of England, uncovering other Arts and Crafts properties and their contents along the way. We also discover some stunning art, created by Morris contemporaries. Elizabethans in the Heart of England No one liked to show off more than nobles in Elizabethan England! They made their houses as lavish as possible, creating noble palaces of an awesome scale in an attempt to impress their Queen and outdo one another. Luckily many of these houses survive today and we explore some of these opulent gems in the heart of England, a land populated with chocolate-box villages and beautiful landscapes. Insider s London Signature Tour See a side of London you haven t - from the marvelous interiors at Spencer House to 17 th - century Ham House and charming Chelsea Physic Garden. Perspectives on the upkeep critical to the city s built treasures will be provided. Chelsea Flower Show & Hidden London May 22 to 27, 2018 from $3,950 per person The Chelsea Flower Show is the Royal Horticultural Society s most prestigious and sought-after event. We combine this iconic show with an exploration of many hidden and little known gems nestled amidst the streets of London, uncovering the history of the capital of England through this eclectic mix of properties. We also spend time in Greenwich with its royal heritage, rich culture and beautiful riverside setting. Places still available - please call for further details A Wonderful Opportunity to Explore and Experience... Stately Homes of Oxford & the Cotswolds - Meet the Owners May 27 to June 3, 2018 Page 6 England s Finest Cathedrals June 10 to 19, 2018 Page 8 The English Arts & Crafts Movement June 13 to 20, 2018 Page 10 Historic Castles & Stately Homes of Wales June 20 to 29, 2018 Page 12 Aristocrats & Manor Houses & a Grand Tour to the North July 8 to 17, 2018 August 12 to 21, 2018 SOLD OUT Page 14 A Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District July 21 to 29, 2018 Page 16 Historic Royal Houses & Stately Homes of Kent August 11 to 18, 2018 Page 18

5 Scotland Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands Edinburgh Aristocrats & Manor Houses & a Grand Tour to the North Elizabethans in the Heart of England Glorious Gardens & Grandeur of North Wales The English Arts & Crafts Movement York Manchester England A Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District The Regal Estates & Jacobean Manors of Norfolk & Suffolk Insider s London Signature Tour Historic Castles & Stately Homes of Wales Wales Birmingham London Chelsea Flower Show & Hidden London In the Footsteps of Shakespeare Historic Royal Houses & Stately Homes of Kent Stately Homes of Oxford & the Cotswolds - Meet the Owners England s Finest Cathedrals Queen Victoria 200: Regal Splendour & an Island Getaway The Regal Estates & Jacobean Manors of Norfolk & Suffolk September 2 to 9, 2018 Page 20 Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands September 9 to 18, 2018 Page 22 Insider s London Signature Tour September 10 to 16, 2018 Page 24 Elizabethans in the Heart of England September 16 to 22, 2018 Page 26 Queen Victoria 200: Regal Splendour & an Island Getaway March 31 to April 9, 2019 Page 28 Glorious Gardens & Grandeur of North Wales June 23 to July 2, 2019 Page 30 In the Footsteps of Shakespeare September 15 to 25, 2019 Page 32

6 Stately Homes of Oxford & the Cotswolds - Meet the Owners May 27 to June 3, 2018 from $4,190 per person We all dream of living in a stately home but what is the reality actually like? On this unique tour, we meet some of the owners who are lucky enough to call these historic houses their homes, situated in one of the most quintessentially English regions of Britain. We are also given special access to other impressive properties as we take in the best of the Cotswolds, an area known for idyllic, honey-colored stone towns and villages set against a picturesque rural backdrop of gently rolling hills. These are complemented perfectly by some magnificent stately homes around Oxford, the city of Dreaming Spires. Upton House Broughton Castle Rousham House & Garden Blenheim Palace Buscot Park Milton Manor House Waddesdon Manor Oxford Chenies Manor House Stonor Park Special extras included in your itinerary Bespoke guided walking tour of Oxford Guided tour of Buscot Park with Lord Faringdon (subject to availability) Guided tour of Milton Manor House by the owner Guided tour and lunch at Waddesdon Manor Guided tour of Chenies Manor House by the owners Guided tour of Stonor Park by the owners Private guided tour and lunch at Broughton Castle Private guided tour of Rousham House by a family member Guided tour and afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Waddesdon Manor NTPL/John Bigelow Taylor Upton House NTPL/Rupert Truman Upton House NTPL/Nadia Mackenzie Eight Day Itinerary May 27: Arrival (depart U.S. on 5/26) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Buscot Park May 28: Oxford Today we visit historic Oxford, famous seat of learning. On our bespoke walking tour, we discover the history and many of the magnificent buildings of the city including the colleges of the famous Oxford University. Following our guided tour, we have free time to enjoy the city at leisure. The University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the Ashmolean (the world s first public museum) and Bodleian Library are just some of the attractions here. Later, we check in to the Macdonald Randolph Hotel in the heart of Oxford, where we stay for the next five nights. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. May 29: Buscot Park and Milton Manor House Built in the late 18 th century in Neo-classical style, Buscot Park is the family home of Lord Faringdon, who looks after the property on behalf of the National Trust. Subject to availability, Lord Faringdon will show us around the house where we can admire the family collection of pictures, furniture, ceramics and objets d art, known as the Faringdon Collection. We then head to Milton Manor House, an elegant 18 th -century red-brick house, traditionally designed for Bryant Barrett, the lace maker to King George III. The private home is set in a splendid location and includes a walled garden, stables and fine old trees. We enjoy a guided tour by the owner, where highlights include the impressive Gothic Library and new Roman Catholic Chapel. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. 6 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

7 Oxford Broughton Castle May 30: Waddesdon Manor and Upton House We head to Waddesdon Manor this morning. Built by the wealthy Rothschild family, Waddesdon is a renaissance-style chateau that looks as though it s been transported to the gentle Buckinghamshire countryside from France s Loire Valley. Along with a guided tour of the sumptuous interiors, we also enjoy lunch here. We continue on to Upton House, the 1930s country residence of millionaire oil magnate Lord Bearsted. Set among stunning terraced gardens and with sparkling Art Deco interiors, the house was acquired for entertaining and to house Lord Bearsted s important collections of art and porcelain, one of the finest private art collections in England. This evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. May 31: Chenies Manor House and Stonor Park Chenies Manor House is an enchanting Tudor manor house with fortified tower and stepped gables. Originally the home of the Russell family, the manor was bought in the 1950s by the present owners, the MacLeod Matthews family, who take us on a guided tour of their enchanting property. Winner of the HHA/Christie s Garden of the Year Award 2009, the gardens are divided into a series of compartments, including a sunken garden, a parterre with a yew maze and a Victorian kitchen garden. Our next stop is Stonor Park, situated in a valley in the Chiltern Hills. Home to the Stonor family for 850 years, it is one of the oldest family homes still inhabited today. The owners take us on a guided tour of the house which contains an impressive collection of art and artifacts amassed from across the globe. Highlights of the house also include the Gothic revival hall, atmospheric 17 th -century library and dramatic long gallery opening on to beautiful Italianate gardens. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant in Oxford. Waddesdon Manor June 1: Broughton Castle and Rousham House & Garden Our first visit is to Broughton Castle, a moated and fortified manor house set in lovely gardens and parkland, where we enjoy a private tour followed by lunch. Much of the original 14 th - century house remains including the Great Hall, but most of what we see today dates from the 1550s including magnificent plaster ceilings and splendid panelling. Home to the 21 st Lord and Lady Saye & Sele, Broughton has remained in the same family since Next we explore Rousham House and its magnificent landscaped garden, which has remained almost unaltered since it was designed in the early 18 th century by William Kent. Kent also redesigned the Jacobean interiors at Rousham which we discover on our private tour, led by a family member. The house retains some 17 th -century panelling and the original staircases, furniture, pictures and bronzes. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. June 2: Blenheim Palace and Woodstock We head to Blenheim Palace, set in beautiful parkland landscaped by Capability Brown where we enjoy a guided tour. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture. We enjoy afternoon tea after our visit. We also make a short stop in Woodstock, a picturesque, historic market town on the edge of the Blenheim estate. Here, we have some free time to explore the antique shops, art galleries and tea rooms. After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. NTPL/Derek Pelling What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 2 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 5 nights at the Macdonald Randolph Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 4 dinners 2 lunches Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One and Seven Macdonald Windsor Hotel The Macdonald Windsor Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, opposite the famous Windsor Castle. The classic interiors, with a contemporary edge, fit perfectly with the Georgian elegance of this townhouse hotel. The luxury bedrooms are individually-designed and the hotel also offers a stylish bar and restaurant. Nights Two to Six Macdonald Randolph Hotel The Macdonald Randolph Hotel is an elegant, luxury hotel right in the heart of the city of Oxford. A landmark hotel with charm aplenty, it has recently celebrated its 150 th birthday. The hotel s architecture is Victorian Gothic in style and features rich furnishings and a warm palette of burgundies and sophisticated creams. The hotel also benefits from a recently opened restaurant and stylish bar. No single supplement - very limited availability June 3: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Blenheim Palace info@nationaltrusttours.com 7

8 England s Finest Cathedrals June 10 to 19, 2018 from $4,950 per person England is home to a wonderful collection of cathedrals which are a major aspect of the nation s artistic heritage. Seats of bishops and centers of worship and mission, they are often the oldest, most architecturally complex and diverse buildings in the country. We explore some of these iconic and magnificent places, with their centuries of history, sacred relics and architectural splendors; a testament to the skill and talent of the finest artists, designers and craftsmen of the time. St Botolph's Church Coventry Cathedral Worcester Cathedral Stratford-upon-Avon Hereford Cathedral Gloucester Cathedral Oxford Bristol Cathedral Lincoln Cathedral Peterborough Cathedral Ely Cathedral St Paul's Cathedral Westminster Cathedral Canterbury Cathedral St Paul s Cathedral Ten Day Itinerary June 10: Arrival (depart U.S. on 6/9) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Grand Harbour Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. June 11: Westminster Cathedral and St Paul s Cathedral This morning, we head into London to visit Westminster Cathedral, the head of the Catholic faith in England and Wales. Built in an intricate neo-byzantine style, this striking cathedral is crowned with four domes and a 284ft campanile from where there are magnificent views of London. The richly decorated interior follows the Byzantine tradition of beautiful mosaics and marble, and we discover more on our guided tour. Afterwards, we visit St Paul s Cathedral, with its world-famous dome that remains an iconic feature of the London skyline. The present cathedral was the masterpiece of Britain s famed architect Sir Christopher Wren, built between 1675 and 1710 in Baroque style. The cathedral has long been at the centre of national events from surviving the Blitz to state funerals and royal weddings. We have time to discover the spectacular interiors and the crypt with its tombs of historical British figures including Admiral Lord Nelson. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. Cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral June 12: Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine s Abbey Leaving our hotel, we travel to Canterbury. One of medieval Europe s great places of pilgrimages and knowledge, the city has a fascinating history which we learn about on our guided walking tour. Next we visit Canterbury Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in England, dating back to Norman times. In 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the cathedral and ever since, it has been a site of Christian pilgrimage. The cathedral contains one of England s largest collections of early medieval stained glass while its awe-inspiring architecture includes a sweeping Gothic nave and cavernous crypt. We then explore the impressive ruins of St Augustine s Abbey, England s first seat of learning, situated outside the city walls. After our visit, we travel on to the Chilston Park Hotel where we stay overnight with dinner included. Peterborough Cathedral Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tours of Westminster Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral and Worcester Cathedral Guided walking tour of Canterbury Evensong at Gloucester Cathedral Guided walking tour of Oxford Themed evening talk by a guest speaker June 13: Ely Cathedral and Peterborough Cathedral We head north to Cambridgeshire to visit magnificent Ely Cathedral. Founded as a monastery in 673, work on the present building dates from the early 1080s. A remarkable example of both Romanesque and Norman architecture, its most famous feature is the central Octagon Tower which, along with the West Tower, gives a unique exterior landmark that dominates the surrounding landscape. We continue on to Peterborough Cathedral, one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. Founded as a monastic community in AD 654, it became one of the most significant medieval abbeys in the country. The present building was begun in 1118, consecrated in 1238 and the structure of the building remains essentially as it was on completion. Most significantly the original wooden ceiling survives in the nave, the only one of its type in the country and one of only four wooden ceilings of this period surviving in the whole of Europe. Later we check in to the Stapleford Park Hotel, our base for the next two nights. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. June 14: St Botolph s Church, Boston and Lincoln Cathedral We begin our day in the market town of Boston to visit St Botolph s Church, otherwise known as Boston Stump. The church is most notable 8 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

9 Ely Cathedral for its magnificent tower which, at 272ft high, is one of the tallest medieval towers in England. The church is particularly well known for its close ties to the Pilgrim Fathers and the foundation of America. Continuing north, we visit Lincoln Cathedral. Built in 1088, for over 200 years the cathedral could claim to be the tallest building in the world until the central spire collapsed. One of Europe s finest Gothic buildings, the cathedral is filled with intricate detail and beautiful medieval decoration, which we discover on our guided tour. On returning to our hotel, we dine together this evening. June 15: Coventry Cathedral and Stratford-upon-Avon Today we head south west, stopping first in Coventry where we enjoy a guided tour of Coventry Cathedral. The cathedral is in fact two buildings; the ruins of the old Cathedral, a medieval parish church that was bombed during the Second World War, and the new Cathedral, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence and containing some of the finest examples of 1950s and 1960s Art and Architecture in the country. Our next stop is the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, forever associated with William Shakespeare, where we have time to explore at leisure. Fans of the bard can visit the house in which he was born, and there s also the chance to wander the riverside gardens along the Avon or discover the town s theatres, including the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We continue on to Cheltenham and check in to the Queens Hotel where we stay for the next three nights. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. June 16: Worcester Cathedral and Hereford Cathedral We start with a guided tour of Worcester Cathedral which rises majestically above the River Severn. Built between 1084 and 1504, the cathedral represents every style of English architecture from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic and boasts royal tombs, medieval cloisters, a Norman crypt and magnificent Victorian stained glass. Built on a place of worship used since Saxon times, Hereford Cathedral has some of the finest examples of art and architecture from Norman times to the present day. The Canterbury Cathedral cathedral houses international treasures including the famous Mappa Mundi, the largest surviving medieval map of the world, and the largest surviving medieval chained library. After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. June 17: Bristol Cathedral and Gloucester Cathedral We head first to Bristol where we visit Bristol Cathedral. The origins of the cathedral lie in the abbey founded in 1140 by Robert Fitzharding. The remains of the abbey can still be seen in the stunning chapter house and Abbey gatehouse. The cathedral is one of the world s finest examples of a medieval hall church, where the vaulted ceilings in the nave, choir and aisles are all at the same height. We then discover 1,000 years of history at Gloucester Cathedral. With centuries of craftsmanship on display, the architecture, stained glass and artifacts are some of the best examples of their kind in the country. Highlights include the 15 th -century Lady Chapel, the tomb of King Edward II and the Great East Window. Installed in the early 1350s, it is one of the greatest landmarks of European stained glass. The medieval monastic cloisters are famous for their breathtaking fan vaulting as well as their appearance in the Harry Potter movies! We arrive in time to enjoy Evensong at the cathedral. This evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. June 18: Oxford Leaving Cheltenham, we travel to historic Oxford, famous seat of learning. On our bespoke walking tour, we discover the history and many of the magnificent buildings of the city including Christ Church, one of the most famous colleges of Oxford University. Following our guided tour, we have free time to enjoy the city at leisure. The University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the Ashmolean (the world s first public museum) and Bodleian Library are just some of the attractions here. Later, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at a restaurant in Guildford before staying overnight back at the Guildford Harbour Hotel. June 19: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 3 nights at the Guildford Harbour Hotel 1 night at the Chilston Park Hotel 2 nights at the Stapleford Park Hotel 3 nights at the Queens Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 7 dinners Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One, Two and Nine Guildford Harbour Hotel Set in a contemporary glass-fronted building, the Guildford Harbour Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Guildford. The hotel offers bedrooms with contemporary furnishings, two stylish restaurants and a lounge bar. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym and spa (treatments are at an additional cost). Night Three Chilston Park Hotel, Maidstone Nights Four and Five Stapleford Park Hotel The Stapleford Park Hotel is situated close to Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. Surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown grounds, this beautiful country house hotel bears the imprint of architectural styles, from Tudor to Victorian with all the 21 st century amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. Nights Six, Seven and Eight Queens Hotel The Queens Hotel boasts a majestic setting in the Montpellier area of Cheltenham overlooking Imperial Gardens. Dating back to 1838, this elegant hotel offers impressive neoclassical architecture and a rich heritage. The beautifully appointed guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also features a bar, restaurant and characterful Orangery. Single supplement $700 Please note: As this tour includes visits to a number of prominent cathedrals around England, some days will involve fairly long journeys. Access to and around the cathedrals may be difficult due to steep steps and uneven surfaces; therefore this tour is unsuitable for those with limited mobility. info@nationaltrusttours.com 9

10 The English Arts & Crafts Movement June 13 to 20, 2018 from $4,250 per person The Arts and Crafts Movement was one of the most influential, profound and far-reaching design movements of modern times. The aim of the movement s reformers was to re-establish a harmony between architect, designer and craftsman and to emphasise the importance of handcraftsmanship. On this insightful tour, we explore many of the properties and gardens designed by these influential figures; discover country retreats that were a source of inspiration and visit galleries renowned for their Arts and Crafts collections. Our tour will be accompanied by an expert in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Liverpool Speke Hall Wightwick Manor Birmingham Winterbourne House and Garden Hidcote Manor Garden Broadway Painswick Sapperton Kelmscott Manor Rodmarton Manor NTPL/John Millar NTPL/JAndreas von Einsedel Wightwick Manor Broadway Tower Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour at the Wilson Art Gallery Themed guided tour of Liverpool NTPL/James Mortimer River crossing on the Mersey Ferry Lunch at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Introductory talk at Winterbourne House Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Tour accompanied throughout by an expert Wightwick Manor Broadway Speke Hall Eight Day Itinerary June 13: Arrival (depart U.S. on 6/12) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. Later, we enjoy a short introductory lecture on the Arts and Crafts Movement. June 14: Kelmscott Manor, Sapperton, Painswick and Rodmarton Manor Our first stop is 17 th -century Kelmscott Manor, the Cotswolds retreat of William Morris, his family, friends and colleagues. This tranquil haven inspired many of Morris s most important designs and writings and the evocative house contains an outstanding collection of the possessions and works of Morris and his associates including furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics. We continue our journey, stopping in the village of Sapperton, famous for its connection with the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Movement, with several buildings designed by Ernest Gimson, Ernest and Sidney Barnsley and Norman Jewson. We also make a stop in the beautiful historic town of Painswick which has a number of Arts and Crafts buildings. From here we travel to Rodmarton Manor, one of the last country houses to be built and furnished according to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Ernest Barnsley and the Cotswold group of Craftsmen took over 20 years to build and furnish the house and were responsible for the revival of many traditional crafts in the Cotswolds which were in danger of dying out. Most of the wonderful furniture on display was made especially for the house, crafted locally by Ernest Gimson, Peter Waals and the Barnsley brothers. Later, we check in to the Greenway Hotel on the outskirts of Cheltenham where we spend the next two nights. After dinner at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. June 15: Wilson Art Gallery, Broadway, Gordon Russell Design Museum and Broadway Tower We begin our day with a visit to the Wilson Art Gallery, renowned for its Arts and Crafts collection of furniture, textiles, ceramics, carvings, silver and jewellery; recognised as an outstanding collection of international importance, which we learn about on our guided tour. Our next stop is the quintessential Cotswold village of Broadway with its picturesque High Street lined with honey-colored Cotswold stone buildings. Here we visit the Gordon Russell Design Museum which celebrates the work of the renowned 20 th -century furniture designer Sir Gordon Russell and his Company of highly skilled craftsmen. Russell was greatly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement and the museum is housed in his original workshop, adjoining the historic Lygon Arms. We also visit Broadway Tower, the second highest point in the Cotswolds. Built in 1798, the Tower has had many uses over its history including becoming a countryside retreat for members of the Arts and Crafts Movement, with Sir Edward Burne-Jones renting the Tower with his friend William Morris in the late 19 th century. We enjoy dinner together back at the hotel this evening. June 16: Hidcote Manor Garden and Wightwick Manor We leave Cheltenham and head to Hidcote Manor Garden, an exquisite Arts and Crafts garden. Created by the reclusive American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston, the garden is laid out as a series of colorful and intricately designed rooms and features many 10 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

11 Speke Hall plants that were collected on Johnston s trips to far flung places. Continuing north, our next stop is Wightwick Manor, a quirky Victorian, timber-framed house with interiors decorated with the designs of William Morris and his Arts and Crafts contemporaries. Owned by the Mander family, the house was given to the National Trust in 1937, although the family remained as live-in curators. The house also contains a remarkable collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings while outside are gardens created by the celebrated Arts and Crafts landscape architect Thomas Mawson. Arriving in Liverpool in the early evening, we check in to the Hard Days Night Hotel, our base for the next three nights. The rest of the evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements in the city. June 17: Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool and Speke Hall We head to Liverpool s Walker Art Gallery with its outstanding art collection spanning over six hundred years from the Renaissance to the present day. The diverse range of art on display includes sculpture, fashion, decorative art and paintings with works by the likes of Rembrandt, Turner, Rossetti, Monet and Hockney. Afterwards, we enjoy a guided tour of Liverpool, where we discover its history as an industrial force. We also encounter elements of the Arts and Crafts Movement on the architecture of the city and visit the Philharmonic Dining Rooms lavishly decorated interior. Later we visit Speke Hall, a rare Tudor timber-framed manor house with Victorian Arts and Crafts aesthetics as well as some fine Jacobean plasterwork and a spectacular Great Hall. The fully equipped Victorian kitchen recreates the existence of the hall s servants in the past. Outside, admire the eye-catching black and white timber exterior and the beautiful restored gardens. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. June 18: Port Sunlight, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Williamson Art Gallery, Ferry cross the Mersey and Victoria Gallery We head to Port Sunlight, a unique garden village built by William Hesketh Lever to house his soap factory workers in Thought to be the finest surviving example of early urban planning in the UK, the village offers a mix of architectural styles set in 130 acres of beautifully maintained parkland. info@nationaltrusttours.com NTPL/Andrew Butler Stained glass at Birmingham Cathedral Next we visit the Lady Lever Art Gallery, founded by William Hesketh Lever and dedicated to the memory of his wife. The gallery houses one of the UK s finest collections of fine and decorative art along with many world famous Pre-Raphaelite artworks. We continue on to the Williamson Art Gallery. Opened in 1928, the gallery houses one of the best art collections in the North West of England. Paintings, especially British watercolours, join highlights of the decorative arts collections such as Liverpool Porcelain and Della Robbia Pottery, a fascinating local Arts and Crafts enterprise. We return to Liverpool on the ferry cross the Mersey, taking in the sights and panoramas along the river including Liverpool s skyline. Afterwards, we visit the Victoria Gallery, home to an incredible collection of art and curiosities from the 120 year history of the University of Liverpool. Housed in the restored Gothic style Victoria Building, the collection includes fine art, sculpture and ceramics as well as objects relating to innovation and research such as dentistry and zoology. We dine together back at the hotel this evening. June 19: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham Cathedral and Winterbourne House & Garden In the morning, we travel by train to Birmingham. We pay a visit to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. First opened in 1885, it is famous for its Pre-Raphaelite paintings, which are part of the largest public Pre-Raphaelite collection in the world, as well as collections of silver, sculpture, ceramics and ancient and social history galleries. We also learn about the Birmingham School of Art and its role in the Arts and Crafts Movement. We enjoy lunch here after our visit. A fine example of English Baroque architecture, Birmingham Cathedral was built as a parish church in The church became a cathedral in 1905 and is home to a remarkable set of stained-glass windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones and manufactured by the firm of William Morris & Co. We rejoin our coach and travel to Winterbourne House and Garden where we have a short introductory talk. Designed by architect J L Ball, a champion of Arts and Crafts style, the house has been restored to its former glory. The period rooms are filled with antiques and Edwardian era soft furnishings while outside, the seven acre garden is one of the best surviving examples of an Edwardian Arts and Crafts villa garden. We continue on to Hartwell House Hotel, one of the National Trust s Historic Hotels, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 2 nights at the Greenway Hotel 3 nights at the Hard Days Night Hotel 1 night at the Hartwell House Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 6 dinners at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee) 1 lunch Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Night One Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two and Three Greenway Hotel The Greenway Hotel is a charming honeycolored stone, Elizabethan manor located on the outskirts of the Regency town of Cheltenham. Set in eight acres of manicured gardens with views over the rolling Cotswold Hills, the hotel offers a lounge and bar with open stone fireplaces, a restaurant and rooms decorated in a mix of traditional country manor and boutique style. The luxurious spa boasts a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost. Nights Four to Six Hard Days Night Hotel The Hard Days Night Hotel is the world s only Beatles inspired hotel, located in the heart of Liverpool, adjacent to the world famous Cavern Club. Housed in the magnificent Central Buildings, dating back to 1884, this beautifully restored hotel offers individually designed rooms elegantly furnished with specially commissioned Beatles-inspired artwork, an innovative restaurant and stylish cocktail bar. Night Seven Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury No single supplement - very limited availability June 20: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. 11

12 Historic Castles & Stately Homes of Wales June 20 to 29, 2018 from $4,990 per person We journey west to experience the romantic landscapes and rich history of Wales, a country steeped in myth and legend, with its own distinctive language and Celtic culture. We uncover an array of fairytale castles, splendid stately homes and beautiful ruins while discovering some of Wales most famous artists and writers along the way. Dinefwr Castle Laugharne Castle Cheltenham Stradey Castle Tintern Abbey Dyffryn Gardens Tredegar House Chavenage House Fonmon Castle Cardiff Castle Stonor Park Dyffryn Gardens NTPL/John Millar Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour and lunch at Chavenage House Guided walking tour of Cardiff Guided tour of Cardiff Castle Afternoon tea at Fonmon Castle Guided tour at Number 5 Cwmdonkin Drive Guided tour at Stonor Park Welsh tasting menu dinner on one evening Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Cardiff Castle Chavenage House James Kerr 2010 Ten Day Itinerary June 20: Arrival (depart U.S. on 6/19) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. June 21: Chavenage House and Tintern Abbey En-route to Wales, we visit Chavenage House, an Elizabethan era manor house largely unchanged for 400 years, where we are treated to an exclusive guided tour by a member of the family. The house has a rich history and many Civil War associations including the rooms where Cromwell stayed and an interior packed with period furniture, historic tapestries and fascinating relics from the Cromwellian era. After our tour, we enjoy lunch here. Tintern Abbey Built by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow in 1131, Tintern Abbey was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales. Falling into ruins after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16 th century, these atmospheric, romantic remains have inspired poets and painters ever since. Later, we check in to the St David s Hotel & Spa, where we spend the next six nights. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. June 22: Cardiff, Cardiff Castle and Cardiff National Museum & Art Gallery We begin our day with a walking tour of historic Cardiff, the capital of Wales. We then visit Cardiff Castle, where we enjoy a guided tour. The castle s history spans over 2,000 years, although the Gothic Victorian fantasy castle we see today was created for the 3 rd Marquess of Bute. We discover the lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. After free time in the city to find lunch, we visit Cardiff National Museum & Art Gallery. Alongside one of Europe s best collections of Impressionist works, the museum houses 500 years of paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from across the world, and an important collection of Welsh art. This evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. June 23: Dyffryn Gardens and Fonmon Castle We start the morning at Dyffryn Gardens, an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design. Designed by eminent landscape architect Thomas Mawson, the gardens feature a stunning collection of intimate garden rooms, formal lawns and an extensive arboretum. Next, we visit Fonmon Castle. Built in 1180, this stunning medieval castle boasts beautiful Georgian interiors, art and antiques. Owned by just two families in its 800 year history, it is one of the few medieval castles still lived in as a family home. We enjoy afternoon tea after our visit. We then return to the hotel with the evening free for your own dinner arrangements. June 24: Dylan Thomas Birthplace at Number 5 Cwmdonkin Drive and Stradey Castle This morning we travel to Swansea to visit the Uplands suburb that played a huge part in shaping the style of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. We begin with a short walking tour, passing many landmarks from his life, before visiting his birthplace. Dylan was born at Number 5 Cwmdonkin Drive in 1914 and continued to live there until his parents moved out in For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

13 Tredegar House Caerphilly Castle In the afternoon we visit Stradey Castle, home to the Mansel Lewis family since it was built in the 1850s. This stunning Victorian house has remained virtually unchanged and contains a fine collection of paintings by the current owner s great-grandfather and his artist friends. Back at the hotel this evening you are free to make your own dinner arrangements in Cardiff. June 25: Dinefwr Castle, Laugharne, Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Laugharne Castle Our first visit is to Dinefwr Castle, the ruins of which tell the story of battling Welsh noble families and their struggles with the English kings, which saw this 12 th -century castle change hands across the borders many times. Set within the National Trust owned Dinefwr Park, we ll also be able to visit nearby Newton House, built in the 17 th century but given a fashionable Gothic facelift in the 1850s. In the afternoon we visit Laugharne, best known for its associations with Dylan Thomas and thought to have been an inspiration for the fictional town of Llareggub in Under Milk Wood. We visit Dylan Thomas Boathouse where the poet lived with his family from 1949 to Now a museum, it also offers wonderful views of the Taf estuary. There will also be a little time to explore further or visit the romantic ruins of Laugharne Castle. Built in the 13 th century by the de Brian family, the castle was later transformed into an Elizabethan mansion. During the Civil War it was partially dismantled by parliamentary forces, but these noble ruins continued to inspire Dylan Thomas and others. The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. June 26: Castell Coch, Tredegar House and Caerphilly Castle We start the morning with a visit to Castell Coch, a 19 th -century Gothic Revival castle built on the site of an original 13 th -century castle. The castle s fairytale appearance, with its towers, turrets and elaborately decorated interiors, comes courtesy of the architect William Burgess, employed by the 3 rd Marquess of Bute to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. Our next stop is Tredegar House, a late 17 th -century restoration house surrounded by NTPL/Andreas von Einsiedel Stradey Castle 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland. For more than 500 years it was home to one of the greatest Welsh families, the Morgans, later Lords Tredegar, and their fascinating narrative is told throughout the house. We end the day with a visit to Caerphilly Castle, built by Gilbert de Clare in the 13 th century. The second largest castle in Britain, the rings of stone and extensive water defences are formidable even today. In the evening we enjoy a traditional Welsh tasting menu at our hotel, featuring many local specialities, followed by an interesting themed talk from a guest speaker. June 27: Llancaiach Fawr Manor and Hay-on-Wye Before leaving Wales, we stop to visit Llancaiach Fawr Manor. Designed during the turbulent reigns of Tudor kings and queens, it is one of the finest examples of a semifortified manor in Wales today. The manor is best known as the home of Colonel Edward Prichard who hosted a visit by King Charles I of England in 1645 and has now been restored and furnished as it would have been during Prichard s tenure. Our next stop is at a pretty little town which promises to be a treat for bibliophiles: Hay-on-Wye. Often described as the town of books, it is the National Book Town of Wales and home to over 20 independent bookshops selling second hand, antiquarian and rare books. We continue on to our overnight hotel, the Queens Hotel. Later, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. June 28: Cheltenham, Wilson Gallery and Stonor Park We spend time in Cheltenham this morning, with time to admire the Regency town houses, intricate ironwork balconies and painted stucco facades that line the historic promenade, squares and terraces. We also pay a visit to the Wilson Gallery, an outstanding museum and art gallery with an important collection of Arts & Crafts movement furniture. As we travel east we visit Stonor Park, where we enjoy a guided tour. Home to the Stonor family for 850 years, it is one of the oldest family homes still inhabited today. The house contains an impressive collection of art and artifacts amassed from across the globe. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 6 nights at the St David s Hotel & Spa 1 night at the Queens Hotel 1 night at the Hartwell House Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 4 dinners 1 lunch Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Night One Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two to Seven St David s Hotel & Spa The contemporary St David s Hotel & Spa, with its dramatic glass-fronted façade, boasts a waterfront position on Cardiff Bay. All the rooms feature luxury bathrooms, air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also offers a bar and restaurant overlooking Cardiff Bay while the Marine Spa features an indoor swimming pool, spa pool and fully equipped gym. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost. Night Eight Queens Hotel, Cheltenham Night Nine Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury Single supplement $900 Highlights of the house include the Gothic revival hall, 17 th -century library and dramatic long gallery opening on to beautiful Italianate gardens. Within the sweeping grounds sits a perfectly preserved prehistoric stone circle! We continue on to Hartwell House Hotel, one of the National Trust s Historic Hotels, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. June 29: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Please note: This tour involves a fair amount of walking on sometimes steep or rugged terrain and some of the castles we visit have a large number of stairs to climb. We would recommend being able to undertake a good level of walking to benefit from the tour. info@nationaltrusttours.com 13

14 Aristocrats & Manor Houses & a Grand Tour to the North July 8 to 17, 2018 from $4,990 per person August 12 to 21, 2018 from $4,990 per person SOLD OUT Due to popularity, we re repeating this tour in 2019! Contact us to register your interest Alnwick Castle Cragside Shandy Hall Castle Howard Fountains Abbey Beningbrough Hall Fairfax House Nostell Priory Renishaw Hall Chatsworth House Hardwick Hall Our unforgettable tour explores the architectural grandeur and superb collections of some of Britain s finest estates, some still family homes to this day. We also discover how these dramatic properties and their society stories have inspired literature through the centuries as we travel from the Home Counties up to the rugged landscapes of the north. Blenheim Palace Highclere Castle Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour and morning coffee at Renishaw Hall Introductory house tour and Devonshire Cream Tea at Chatsworth House Refreshments at Fairfax House Guided tour of Fountains Abbey Private house tour with morning coffee and biscuits at Castle Howard Guided State Rooms tour at Alnwick Castle Afternoon tea at Blenheim Palace Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Blenheim Palace Highclere Castle Fountains Abbey NTPL/John Millar Castle Howard Andy Bulmer Ten Day Itinerary July 8: Arrival (depart U.S. on 7/7) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. July 9: Highclere Castle After breakfast, we journey to the worldfamous Highclere Castle, residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and filming location for the much loved Downton Abbey television series. Entrance includes access to the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars of the castle, which explores the achievements of the 5 th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in From here, we travel to Leicestershire and the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel where we stay for the next two nights. We enjoy dinner tonight at our hotel. July 10: Renishaw Hall and Chatsworth House We start the day with morning coffee and a guided tour of Renishaw Hall, home to the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years. Still very much a family home, Renishaw reveals a real sense of the history of the generations who have lived there, with a stunning collection of art and furniture. We also visit the gardens that won the 2015 HHA/Christie s Garden of the Year Award. We then visit Chatsworth House where we enjoy an introductory house tour. This magnificent pile is home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has witnessed sixteen generations of the powerful Cavendish family and boasts grandiose interiors, wonderful grounds and a superlative art collection. Chatsworth also appeared as Pemberley in the film Pride and Prejudice. We finish our visit with a Devonshire Cream Tea. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. July 11: Hardwick Hall, York and Fairfax House Our first visit is to Hardwick Hall. Ordered in the 16 th century by Bess of Hardwick, England s richest woman after her Queen, Elizabeth I, Hardwick is a striking Elizabethan treasure. The lavish number of windows (at a time when glass was a luxury) inspired the neat phrase, Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall. We then travel north to the historic city of York. Here we visit Fairfax House, a stunning Georgian town house that has been returned to its former glory, providing a perfect time capsule of life in Georgian times with a richly decorated interior and a fine collection of English 18 th -century furniture. We enjoy refreshments here after our visit. Afterwards, we make our way to our hotel for the next two nights, the Wood Hall Hotel. The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. July 12: Fountains Abbey and Beningbrough Hall This morning we go to the largest monastic ruin in Britain, Fountains Abbey, where we enjoy a guided tour. Nestling in the Skell Valley, the ruin is surrounded by some 800 acres of gorgeous countryside, including the Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden with its wonderful views, cascades, follies and statues, and a medieval deer park. Our next stop is Beningbrough Hall. This imposing Georgian pile contains a famous art collection; an imaginative collaboration between the National Trust and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Outside are magnificent grounds including a wonderful Victorian Walled Garden and labyrinth. 14 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

15 Hardwick Hall Renishaw Hall After dinner at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. July 13: Castle Howard and Shandy Hall Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and television adaptations of Evelyn Waugh s classic novel. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, this magnificent 18 th -century residence offers world-renowned collections and stunning architecture, all set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking scenery. We enjoy a private guided tour followed by coffee. We then make a stop at Shandy Hall, former home of the 18 th -century novelist Laurence Sterne. Now a museum, the rooms are filled with books, paintings, manuscripts, prints and ephemera relating to the history of the house and its famous inhabitant. Later, we check in to the Linden Hall Hotel, our base for the next two nights where dinner is included on both nights of our stay. July 14: Alnwick Castle and Cragside Still home to the Duke of Northumberland and his family, Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England. Inside the medieval walls are lavish State Rooms filled with an eclectic array of furniture, ceramics and art collected by the Percy family over hundreds of years, which we discover on our guided State Rooms tour. Alnwick Castle has also featured in Downton Abbey and Harry Potter. We enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Cragside, built high into the rock above the clear waters of Debdon Burn. Once the home of Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, this imposing house is packed to the rafters with fascinating gadgets from the era. It was also the first house in the world to be lit by hydro-electricity and in 2014, a fully-working Archimedes Screw was installed, once again producing enough energy to light the house. July 15: Nostell Priory Today we visit Nostell Priory, an 18 th -century architectural masterpiece which has been the home of the Winn family for 300 years. Set in landscaped parkland, Nostell is also home to England s best documented collection of Chippendale furniture, designed especially for the estate. NTPL/John Millar Chatsworth House Later, we check back in to the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, where we stay overnight with dinner included. July 16: Blenheim Palace We travel south and visit Blenheim Palace, undoubtedly one of Britain s greatest houses. Seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim was designed on an awe-inspiring scale by Vanbrugh and is set in over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. We enjoy afternoon tea after our visit. From here we travel to Hartwell House Hotel, one of the National Trust s Historic Hotels, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. July 17: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Please note: As this tour travels from the Home Counties to the north of England and back, some days will involve fairly long journeys. Your Hotels Night One Woodlands Park Hotel, near Cobham Nights Two, Three and Eight Stapleford Park Country House Hotel Stapleford Park Country House Hotel is a beautiful country house hotel and golf course surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown grounds. The mansion bears the imprint of architectural styles, from Tudor to Victorian with all of the 21 st century amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. Each room is individually decorated and many have been designed by famous names. Nights Four and Five Wood Hall Hotel Originally built as a country escape in 1790, the Wood Hall Hotel is a tranquil country house hotel perched high on a hill amidst 100 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside. The hotel offers an elegant drawing room, Georgian restaurant and a small health club and spa with swimming pool, spa pool, steam room and gym while the bedrooms blend contemporary comforts with traditional country house charms. Nights Six and Seven Macdonald Linden Hall Hotel Nestling in 450 acres of Northumberland parkland close to Newcastle, the Linden Hall Hotel is a beautiful 18 th -century manor house. The hotel boasts classically furnished bedrooms, a luxury spa with indoor pool, sauna and gym plus a tennis court and golf course. A cosy pub, lounge bar and restaurant complete the amenities here. Night Nine Hartwell House Hotel, near Aylesbury Single supplement $1,125 Simon Watkinson What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Woodlands Park Hotel 3 nights at the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel 2 nights at the Wood Hall Hotel 2 nights at the Linden Hall Hotel 1 night at the Hartwell House Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 3-course table d hôte dinner on 7 nights After dinner tea and coffee Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All excursion costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Blenheim Palace info@nationaltrusttours.com 15

16 A Journey through Glorious Yorkshire & the Lake District July 21 to 29, 2018 from $4,490 per person Glorious Yorkshire and the stunning Lake District are two contrasting regions of outstanding natural beauty and home to three of England s National Parks. These vibrant landscapes are rich in history, scattered with picturesque rural villages virtually untouched by time. We combine this magnificent scenery with an exploration of the architectural grandeur, superb collections and fascinating heritage of some of the regions finest houses and estates. Brantwood House Holker Hall Rydal Mount Beatrix Potter Gallery Fountains Abbey Harewood House Treasurer's House York Minster Castle Howard Gawthorpe Hall Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Wentworth Woodhouse NTPL /Bill Batten Kippa Matthews Special extras included in your itinerary Treasurer s House Nine Day Itinerary July 21: Arrival (depart U.S. on 7/20) On arrival at Manchester airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner. July 22: Wentworth Woodhouse and Brodsworth Hall & Gardens Wentworth Woodhouse was built by the First Marquess of Rockingham between 1725 and 1750 and consists of two joined houses of totally different architectural styles; the Baroque style west front and the east front in the later Palladian style. Having been closed to the public for over 25 years, the house is now open and in the process of being restored to its former glory. We enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent State Rooms, acknowledged to be some of the finest of the Georgian era. Mike Kipling Castle Howard Harewood House Brodsworth Hall Next we visit Brodsworth Hall and Gardens. Built in the 1860s in the Italianate style for the wealthy Thellusson family, the house has survived with remarkably few changes. With a sense of grandeur mixed with gentle decline, Brodsworth tells the story of the changing fortunes of the people who lived and worked here while the beautiful pleasure gardens have been restored to their full Victorian splendour. After our visit, we travel on to the Middlethorpe Hall Hotel, one of the Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, where we stay for the next three nights. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. July 23: Castle Howard and York Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, Castle Howard has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and television adaptations of Evelyn Waugh s classic novel. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, this magnificent 18 th -century residence offers world-renowned collections and stunning architecture, all set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking scenery with idyllic gardens, woodland and lakeside walks. We continue on to York, where we enjoy an early evening guided walking tour. The city is steeped in history, from its founding by the Romans in 71AD to its wealth as a medieval wool trading centre and there is plenty of evidence of this fascinating past left to admire, from the Roman city walls to the surviving medieval streets known as the Shambles. After our tour, we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant in York. Guided tour of Wentworth Woodhouse Early evening guided walking tour of York Lake Windermere boat cruise Guided tour of Rydal Mount Morning coffee at Blackwell Guided tour of Holker Hall Themed evening talk by a guest speaker July 24: Harewood House, York Minster and Treasurer s House Built in the 18 th century, Harewood House is one of the greatest Treasure Houses in England, with interiors designed by Robert Adam, furniture by Thomas Chippendale and an outstanding art collection ranging from Renaissance masterpieces to 20 th century art. Set in a magnificent Capability Brown landscape, Harewood is still home to the Lascelles family and reflects the changing tastes and styles of the past 250 years. We then have the opportunity to explore the iconic York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and home to some of the most stunning stained glass windows that have led to the Minster being described as the Sistine Chapel of England. Afterwards, we visit Treasurer s House in the heart of the city. The house has a 2,000-yearold history and was the first house given complete with its contents to the National Trust in This is thanks to Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist who not only restored this magnificent house but used it to stage his remarkable collection of antique furniture, art and textiles. After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. July 25: Fountains Abbey and Lake Windermere Cruise Leaving our hotel, we travel to the largest monastic ruin in Britain, Fountains Abbey. 16 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

17 Rydal Mount Brodsworth Hall Nestling in the Skell Valley, the ruin is surrounded by some 800 acres of gorgeous countryside, including the Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden with its wonderful views, cascades, follies and statues, and a medieval deer park. We continue on to Bowness-on-Windermere where we embark on a picturesque boat cruise across Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, with magnificent views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and wooded islands. We disembark in Lakeside from where we travel the short distance to the Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel, our base for the next three nights. Dinner is included every night of our stay here. July 26: Coniston Water, Brantwood House, Beatrix Potter Gallery and Rydal Mount This morning we enjoy a scenic drive alongside Coniston Water with its backdrop of spectacular scenery towards Brantwood. Here we celebrate the Arts and Crafts movement at Brantwood House, former home of John Ruskin. Brantwood is filled with many fine paintings, beautiful furniture and Ruskin s personal treasures and offers a fascinating insight into the world of the famous writer, artist and social reformer. Our next stop is the picturesque village of Hawkshead where we visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery. The 17 th -century building was once the office of Beatrix s solicitor husband and now exhibits her wonderful drawings and illustrations. Later we visit Rydal Mount, poet William Wordsworth s family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 until his death in The house retains a lived-in, family atmosphere and contains portraits, personal possessions and first editions of the poet s work which we discover on our guided tour. July 27: Blackwell, Holker Hall and Cartmel We start with a visit and morning coffee at Blackwell, one of Britain s finest Arts and Crafts houses. Designed by MH Baillie Scott, Blackwell retains many of its original decorative features, including spectacular plasterwork and stained glass while the rooms contain furniture and objects by many of the leading Arts and Crafts designers. English Heritage Gawthorpe Hall We continue on to Holker Hall, home of Lord and Lady Cavendish, where we enjoy a guided tour. Dating back to the 16 th century, with alterations and additions in the 18 th and 19 th centuries, it is a delightful family home with fine displays of antique furniture and art. We return to the hotel via Cartmel, an unspoilt medieval village that has grown up around its famous 12 th -century medieval Priory. Around the village square is an assortment of 16 th to 18 th -century buildings housing traditional pubs and interesting shops. July 28: Abbot Hall Art Gallery and Gawthorpe Hall We head to Kendal and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, originally designed as an opulent house by architect John Carr in Kendal s finest historic house is now an award-winning art gallery, showcasing a variety of works by a wealth of artists including George Romney, Daniel Gardner and John Ruskin. We then pay a visit to Gawthorpe Hall, an Elizabethan country house affectionately referred to as the Downton of the North. Family seat of the Shuttleworth family for over 300 years, the hall was redesigned in the 1850s by architect Sir Charles Barry, designer of the Houses of Parliament and the real Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle. The hall houses the North West s largest collection of portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery as well as the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, a wonderful collection of intricate lace, embroidery and needlework. After our visit, we travel back to the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. July 29: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Manchester airport for your return flight home. NTPL/JohnHammond What s Included Airport transfers from Manchester airport* 2 nights at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel 3 nights at the Middlethorpe Hall Hotel 3 nights at the Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 3-course table d hôte dinner on 7 nights at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a restaurant in York Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One and Eight Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Manchester Nights Two to Four Middlethorpe Hall Hotel Built at the end of the 17 th century, the Middlethorpe Hall Hotel is a beautiful red brick country house set in manicured gardens and parkland just two miles from York. One of the Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, the interiors of this luxury hotel are elegantly decorated and furnished with antiques and fine paintings. A health and fitness spa offers a swimming pool, sauna and gym. Nights Five to Seven Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel The Lakeside Newby Bridge Hotel is a traditional lakeside hotel located on the shores of Windermere. Offering stunning views across the lake, this former 17 th -century coaching inn retains many of its original features including oak panelling and real fires. The hotel s spa offers a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym plus spa treatments (at an extra cost). Single supplement $1,050 info@nationaltrusttours.com Lake Windermere 17

18 Historic Royal Houses & Stately Homes of Kent August 11 to 18, 2018 from $4,490 per person We explore Britain s incredible royal heritage in the capital of London and the picturesque county of Kent, home to Royal palaces, historic castles and impressive stately homes. From the largest inhabited castle in the world to one of the last remaining aristocratic townhouses in London, each has been witness to generations of Britain s rich blue-blooded history. Windsor Castle Buckingham Palace Highclere Castle Polesden Lacey Chartwell Provender House Hever Castle Leeds Castle Chiddingstone Castle St George s Chapel, Windsor Castle Royal Collection Trust, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Throne Room, Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace Royal Collection Trust, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour of Hever Castle Exclusive private tour of Provender by Princess Olga Romanoff Guided tour of Belmont House Guided tour, tea and biscuits at Chiddingstone Castle Audio guided tour of Buckingham Palace State Rooms Dinner in a traditional English pub on one evening Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Eight Day Itinerary August 11: Arrival (depart U.S. on 8/10) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner. August 12: Highclere Castle and Polesden Lacey We journey to the world-famous Highclere Castle, residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and filming location for the much loved Downton Abbey television series. Entrance includes access to the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars of the castle, which explores the achievements of the 5 th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in Polesden Lacey NTPL/ Andreas von Einsiedel Next stop is Polesden Lacey, described as a delicious house by the Queen Mother on her honeymoon there. This peaceful countryside retreat is most closely connected to Dame Margaret Greville who entertained royalty and the celebrities of her time with lavish parties at the manor, which remains home to her extensive collection of art and ceramics. We also have time to wander the beautiful gardens that are a delight to explore. After our visit, we travel on to the Chilston Park Hotel where we stay for the next four nights. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. August 13: Hever Castle and Chartwell We head to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Henry VIII s second wife, Anne Boleyn, where we enjoy a guided tour. Dating back to the late 13 th century, this double-moated castle is home to various historic artifacts including Tudor portraits and fine furniture, as well as two prayer books inscribed by Anne Boleyn. The castle was lavishly restored and extended by American millionaire, William Waldorf Astor, in the early 20 th century. The spectacular gardens feature peaceful walks, two mazes and are renowned for having their own Hever Castle Rose. We then pay a visit to Chartwell, Sir Winston Churchill s beloved home from 1924 to the time of his death. The house is set in a stunning location and is still home to many of the great statesman s personal and political mementos, including an amazing collection of gifts he received from other world leaders and his personal painting studio hidden away in the colorful grounds. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. August 14: Provender House and Belmont House Our first visit is to Provender, home of Princess Olga Romanoff, daughter of Prince Andrew Romanoff, the eldest nephew of the Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Dating back to the 13 th century, Provender is a fascinating record of English building traditions over seven centuries. A recent program of careful restoration has revealed a wealth of historical and architectural detail which we discover on our exclusive private tour, led by the princess herself. Hever Castle 18 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

19 Royal Collection Trust, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Frogmore House Afterwards, we visit Belmont House where we enjoy a guided tour. This magnificent Neo-classical country house is a completely unspoilt example of architect Samuel Wyatt s work. Six generations of the Harris family have each left their mark on the house which contains mementos of the family s history and travels and the finest private collection of clocks and watches in Britain, created by the 5 th Lord Harris. After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. August 15: Chiddingstone Castle, Leeds Castle and Traditional Pub Dinner We head to Chiddingstone Castle where we enjoy a guided tour. Set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds, the castle has undergone a number of architectural changes; from its beginnings as an early timber-framed Tudor dwelling to a rebuild to resemble a medieval castle in the early 19 th century. Today it houses the collections of the late antiquarian Denys Eyre Bower including Japanese lacquer, Ancient Egyptian treasures, Stuart paintings and Jacobite manuscripts. The Victorian kitchen and servants hall give a taste of the former upstairs downstairs life of the house. After our tour we enjoy tea and biscuits. We continue on to Leeds Castle, a quintessential moated castle set in 500 acres of glorious parkland. Dating back to the 12 th century, it was once home to Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. The castle s last private owner was Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress who lovingly restored the castle to its former glory. We discover more of the castle s fascinating history as well as its wealth of furnishings, paintings, tapestries and antiques on display. In the evening, we head to a traditional local pub where we enjoy dinner together. NTPL/David Sellman Chartwell Next is Clarence House, the former home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and now the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The arrangement of the rooms and their contents remain much as they were in The Queen Mother s time, with important works from Her Majesty s famous collection of art. We then return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, our base for the last two nights of our stay. Later, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. August 17: Windsor Castle and Frogmore House We start the day at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and one of the Queen s official residences. Established in the 11 th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodelled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and State occasions. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection while St George s Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. Close by is Frogmore House, a favourite royal retreat for more than 300 years. Built in the 17 th century, the interests of several generations of the Royal family have influenced Frogmore s interior. Although no longer occupied, it is still frequently used by the Royal family for private entertaining. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at our hotel. August 18: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 3 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 4 nights at the Chilston Park Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 6 dinners Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One, Six and Seven Macdonald Windsor Hotel The Macdonald Windsor Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, opposite the famous Windsor Castle. The classic interiors, with a contemporary edge, fit perfectly with the Georgian elegance of this townhouse hotel. The luxury bedrooms are individually-designed and the hotel also offers a stylish bar and restaurant. Nights Two to Five Chilston Park Hotel Set in 22 acres of parkland in the heart of Kent, the Chilston Park Hotel is an elegant 17 th -century manor house. Once home to eminent politicians, writers, Lords and Viscounts, the hotel is filled with antiques dating from as far back as the 17 th century and offers the classic comforts of a British country house hotel. Single supplement $450 August 16: Buckingham Palace and Clarence House Leaving Kent, we head to London and Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen. Here we take an audio guided tour of the spectacular State Rooms, used by The Queen and members of the Royal family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and official occasions. The rooms are full of treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings, sculpture, exquisite Sèvres porcelain and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. info@nationaltrusttours.com Windsor Castle Royal Collection Trust, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 19

20 The Regal Estates & Jacobean Manors of Norfolk & Suffolk September 2 to 9, 2018 from $4,190 per person A defining period of British history and culture; for the first time Scotland, Wales and England were united under one monarch, the Jacobean era left its indelible mark on many of England s historic houses. The Jacobean style can be characterised by flamboyant design and extravagant detailing both inside and out. From the unique architectural style of Ickworth to the sumptuous interiors of Blickling Hall, we discover the homes of Britain s aristocracy while also exploring the historic cities of Cambridge and Norwich, which flourished in this period. Sandringham Estate Oxburgh Hall Cambridge Wimpole Estate Hatfield House Cromer Blickling Hall Norwich Cathedral Ickworth Lavenham Flatford Blickling Hall NTPL /John Millar Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour of Cambridge High tea at Sandringham Guided tour of Blickling Hall Private tour at Ickworth Introductory talk at Oxburgh Hall Guided walking tour of Flatford Guided tour of the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, Lavenham Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Oxburgh Hall NTPL /Bill Batten Flatford Eight Day Itinerary September 2: Arrival (depart U.S. on 9/1) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Audleys Wood Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner. September 3: Wimpole Estate and Cambridge This morning we head to the unique working estate of Wimpole, still a hive of activity with a beautiful hall at its heart. The largest house in Cambridgeshire boasts some unique interior flourishes, including the graceful Yellow Drawing Room and Bath House. The wonderful Wimpole Estate NTPL Megan Taylor library was specially built to house an enormous collection of books that went on to form the core of the early British Library. Outside there is a landscape park, colorful parterre garden, a walled kitchen garden and herbaceous borders to enjoy. We then make our way to the historic city of Cambridge. Renowned for its worldfamous university, the city is home to many architectural wonders and landmarks that we have the chance to discover as part of a guided tour. From punters on the River Cam to the majestic college buildings such as King s College Chapel, we explore the many sights of this fascinating city. After our visit, we travel on to our hotel for the next two nights, the Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club. September 4: Norwich Cathedral and Sandringham We start with a trip to Norwich, one of the most complete medieval cities in the country and home to some impressive period buildings. Here we visit the Cathedral*, a magnificent structure that befitted Norwich s 12 th century status as England s second city and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. The rest of the day is spent exploring the house, gardens and museum of the Sandringham Estate, the country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen. Built in 1870, Sandringham has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs. The interiors are home to many astonishing exhibits such as an important collection of oriental arms and armour while the walls are hung with family portraits by leading contemporary court painters. The mostly informal gardens include woodland walks, rockeries, magnificent sweeping lawns, lakes and streams and the more formal North Garden. The museum, housed in the former coach houses and stable block, holds extraordinary collections of Royal vehicles, rare ceramics, photographs and memorabilia. After our visit, we enjoy high tea. Back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. September 5: Cromer and Blickling Hall Our first stop is Cromer, a classic seaside resort on the north Norfolk coast famous for its tasty crabs and boasting wide open beaches and a traditional pier. The town also has a range of small independent shops, art galleries and cafés. Set at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park and once home to the Boleyn family, our next stop is Blickling Hall, one of the country s finest Jacobean houses. In decorative terms it s a wonderful house to explore because of its plasterwork and superb Long Gallery 20 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

21 Wimpole Estate Ickworth which we will admire during our guided tour. However, there s little doubt that Blickling s Boleyn connections (not least tales of Anne Boleyn s headless ghost) add hugely to the atmosphere here. We continue on to the stunning Ickworth Hotel on the Ickworth Estate a magnificent National Trust property and our base for the next three nights. September 6: Ickworth and Oxburgh Hall We start the day exploring Ickworth in more detail with a private group tour. This Neo-classical mansion is most notable for its enormous central Rotunda commissioned by the 4 th Earl of Bristol to house his priceless treasures. The impressive Italianate garden mirrors the house architecture, with box hedges and Mediterranean planting plus a Victorian stumpery planted with shade-loving ferns. Next is Oxburgh Hall with its picturesque moat complete with swans. This romantic house has been home to the Catholic Bedingfield family since the 15 th century. We discover the secret priest s hole as well as the intricate embroidery crafted by Mary Queen of Scots while she was in the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Other fascinating features include the Catholic High Victorian interiors some of the best remaining examples in Britain. September 7: Constable at Flatford and Lavenham Today we roam the Suffolk countryside with a guided walk to discover the locations immortalised by John Constable s most famous paintings; created around the hamlet of Flatford in the heart of beautiful Dedham Vale. NTPL /Andreas von Einsiedel NTPL/ David Levenson Ickworth We then pay a visit to picturesque Lavenham, a remarkably well-preserved Tudor village in Suffolk. The woollen-cloth industry turned the town into one of the richest in the country during the 15 th century, with the church of St Peter and Paul built from the proceeds of local industry. We enjoy a guided tour of the National Trust s Guildhall of Corpus Christi a potent reminder of Lavenham s former prosperity. Afterwards, there are plenty of small shops and quirky tearooms to visit. September 8: Hatfield House Leaving our hotel, we travel to Hatfield House, home of the 7 th Marquess and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family. The estate has been in the Cecil family, one of England s foremost political families, for 400 years. The house was completed in 1611 by Robert Cecil, 1 st Earl of Salisbury and superb examples of Jacobean craftsmanship can be seen throughout such as the Grand Staircase with its elaborate carving and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel while the State Rooms are rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries. After our visit, we travel back to the Audleys Wood Hotel where we have time at leisure before enjoying a farewell dinner together. September 9: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. *Please note: Norwich Cathedral may close at short notice for services and may not be available to visit. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 2 nights at the Audleys Wood Hotel 2 nights at the Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel 3 nights at the Ickworth Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast and 3-course table d hôte dinner each day After dinner tea and coffee Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One and Seven Audleys Wood Hotel A grand Victorian manor house originally built as a private home, Audleys Wood Hotel is surrounded by lush woodlands and seven acres of private grounds on the edge of Basingstoke in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. The hotel has many period features and all bedrooms have been refurbished and offer a mixture of both modern and traditional features. Nights Two and Three The Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club Located in the beautiful Norfolk countryside not far from Norwich, the Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a gorgeous stately manor house that exudes historic charm. Along with elegantly appointed rooms, the hotel features a tropical indoor pool, sauna and luxurious spa. Other facilities include two restaurants and the Zest Café Bar & Grill which overlooks the 18 th hole of Sprowston Manor s own golf course. Nights Four to Six Ickworth Hotel Set in the East Wing of the National Trust s historic Ickworth House, the Ickworth Hotel is a luxury country house hotel that enjoys some spectacular views across the grounds of the estate. Each room is uniquely decorated, while the hotel features a spa with an indoor swimming pool to relax in. During our stay, we also enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Italianate Gardens until dusk. No single supplement - very limited availability Oxburgh info@nationaltrusttours.com Hall Call toll free: NTPL/John Hammond 21

22 Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Scottish Highlands & Islands September 9 to 18, 2018 from $4,950 per person The dramatic west coast of Scotland is home to a swathe of unspoilt islands full of breathtaking natural beauty, ancient monuments and a diversity of wildlife, with every isle having its own distinct personality. We mix the historical and natural appeal of these islands with fascinating stories of Scottish clans, iconic castles, vibrant Scottish cities and one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Isle of Mull Duart Castle Isle of Iona Inveraray Castle Loch Lomond Glasgow Mount Stuart House Hill House Edinburgh Special extras included in your itinerary Guided coach tour of Glasgow Private morning visit at Hill House Boat cruise on Loch Lomond Loch Lomond Guided tour, private collections talk and afternoon tea at Mount Stuart House Guided tour of Inveraray Castle Introductory talk at Duart Castle Afternoon tea aboard the Jacobite Train Guided walking tour of Edinburgh Burns Supper at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Kelvingrove Art Gallery Edinburgh Ten Day Itinerary September 9: Arrival (depart U.S. on 9/8) On arrival at Glasgow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Cameron House Hotel where we stay for four nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner. September 10: Glasgow and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum Our first visit is to Glasgow, Scotland s largest city. Situated on the River Clyde, Glasgow has recently evolved to become a vibrant and cultural city with a mix of striking architectural styles, a rich industrial heritage and a unique Celtic charm. We enjoy a guided coach tour to see the city s highlights. Glasgow In the afternoon, we visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which houses one of Europe s great art collections. 22 themed galleries display an astonishing 8,000 objects, ranging from Dutch Old Masters and Scottish Art to Natural History and ancient Egyptian artifacts. Later, we dine together at a restaurant in Glasgow before returning to our hotel. September 11: Hill House and Loch Lomond Cruise We start with a private morning visit at Hill House. Developed by wealthy Victorian Glasgow merchants, this exquisite building, complete with original furnishings, is renowned as the finest domestic masterpiece of the famous Scots architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. We then embark on a cruise of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water on mainland Britain. The loch is situated amidst one of Scotland s most idyllic and unspoilt areas in the Trossachs National Park and boasts a stunning mountain backdrop and a variety of wildlife. After dinner back at the hotel this evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. September 12: Mount Stuart House A special day awaits us as we catch the ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House. This magnificent 19 th -century Neo-Gothic palace was the architectural fantasy of the 3 rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. A highlight of this lavishly designed house is the majestic Marble Hall with its vaulted ceiling. Mount Stuart was also one of the most technologically advanced houses of its age, being the first house in Scotland to be purpose built with electric light, central heating and a telephone system. Mount Stuart also houses the Bute Collection, one of the foremost private collections of artwork and artifacts in the UK, especially notable for its British portraiture from the 18 th and 19 th centuries, 16 th -century Italian masterpieces and Dutch and Flemish Old Masters. Our day here includes a guided tour of the house, a private collections talk and afternoon tea. We enjoy dinner together back at our hotel tonight. 22 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

23 Jacobite Steam Train, Glenfinnan Viaduct September 13: Inveraray Castle and Isle of Mull Checking out of the hotel, we head first to Inveraray Castle. Ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, this magnificent castle stands on the shores of Loch Fyne. Built between 1745 and 1790, the castle s opulent interiors contain a superb armory collection, French tapestries, fine furniture, precious artworks and family heirlooms which span the many generations of the Campbells, which we learn about on our guided tour. The castle also featured in the much-loved Downton Abbey TV series. Afterwards, we travel to Oban and board the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. We then check in to the Isle of Mull Hotel, our base for the next two nights. This classic Scottish Isles standard hotel offers a warm welcome with outstanding views. We dine together at the hotel tonight. September 14: Duart Castle and Isle of Iona* 13 th -century Duart Castle is one of the most iconic castles in the Highlands with a long and often bloody history, which we learn about on our introductory talk. Seat of the Clan Maclean, the castle stands proudly on a rocky outcrop guarding the Sound of Mull and was completely refurbished in 1911 by Sir Fitzroy Maclean. The ancient keep, battlements and dungeons contrast with the magnificent Banqueting Hall and Edwardian State Rooms. We then travel to Fionnphort to catch the ferry to the Isle of Iona. This tiny island is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long but is steeped in history, being the cradle of Scottish Christianity. Ancient historical sites include Iona Abbey and the picturesque ruins of Iona Nunnery. The island is also home to stunning white shell-sand beaches, turquoise waters and interesting wildlife. We return to the Isle of Mull by ferry and enjoy dinner together back at the hotel. *Please note: The visit on the Isle of Iona will be on foot and is therefore unsuitable for those with limited mobility. September 15: Jacobite Train We catch the morning ferry back to Oban and head to the bustling port of Mallaig. From here we board the famous Jacobite Train, info@nationaltrusttours.com featured in the Harry Potter movies, which takes us across the mountainous west coast of Scotland to Fort William, the largest town in the Highlands and known for its breathtaking location on the shores of Loch Linnhe. This iconic railway is one of the top rail journeys in the world and takes in such wonderful sights as the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We enjoy afternoon tea aboard the train. Later, we rejoin the coach and head to the Hilton Glasgow Hotel, our base for the last three nights of our tour. The evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements in the city. September 16: Edinburgh We catch the train to Edinburgh. On arrival, we enjoy a guided walking tour of Scotland s vibrant capital city. Most of the city s sights can be found within the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian buildings of the New Town, all overlooked by the iconic castle perched high above the city. The afternoon is free to explore the city at your leisure. Back in Glasgow, the evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. September 17: Ayr and Robert Burns Birthplace Museum We travel to Ayr, a popular seaside resort situated on the Firth of Clyde. The resort boasts a charming seafront with an esplanade and long sandy beach plus a wide range of independent shops, bars and restaurants. Our final stop is the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. We discover the humble cottage where the famous Scottish poet was born and lived with his family, side by side with their farm animals. We also have time to explore the museum which displays the world s most important collection of Burns original works and personal belongings. While here, we are led by a bagpiper to enjoy lunch of a recreation of a traditional Burns Supper featuring an address to the haggis and a whiskey toast to the Bard. The evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. September 18: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Glasgow airport for your return flight home. What s Included Airport transfers from Glasgow airport* 4 nights at the Cameron House Hotel 2 nights at the Isle of Mull Hotel 3 nights at the Hilton Glasgow Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 6 dinners Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions Ferry journeys All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Duart Castle Your Hotels Nights One to Four Cameron House Hotel The Cameron House Hotel is a stunning Scottish Baronial mansion situated on the shores of Loch Lomond within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, offering luxurious accommodation in picturesque surroundings. The hotel features classic, individually styled bedrooms plus a spa with rooftop infinity pool offering spectacular views over the loch. Nights Five and Six Isle of Mull Hotel The Isle of Mull Hotel is situated in Craignure on the scenic south east coast of the Isle of Mull. Offering a more simple style of accommodation, the hotel features a bar, restaurant, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost. Nights Seven to Nine Hilton Glasgow Hotel The Hilton Glasgow Hotel enjoys a central location in the city of Glasgow. The hotel offers stylish and spacious rooms with stunning city views, a bar, restaurant and tea lounge. The health club features an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and gym. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost. No single supplement - very limited availability 23

24 Insider s London Signature Tour September 10 to 16, 2018 from $5,500 per person Get an insider s view of England s capital city on our fascinating Signature Tour of London s hidden houses. We uncover the luxurious interiors and secret treasures contained within some of London s finest houses. Art lovers will enjoy a private tour of the sumptuous Wallace Collection, and a visit to the Royal Academy, while garden enthusiasts will be charmed by Chelsea Physic Garden. With dinner one evening in a historic restaurant, this promises to be a lavish and enlightening tour. Wallace Collection Fenton House Wallace Collection Spencer Royal House Academy of Art Apsley House Spencer House Carlyle s House Chelsea Physic Garden Cheswick House Cheyne Walk Ham House London Richmond-on-Thames Special extras included in your itinerary London Victoria familiarization walking tour Private guided tour of Spencer House Introductory talk at Fenton House Guided house tour of Ham House Lunch in a traditional English Pub in Richmond-on-Thames Private visit with introductory talk at Carlyle s House Walking tour of Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Guided garden tour and lunch at Chelsea Physic Garden Fenton House Royal Academy of Art Guided house tour at Chiswick House Private viewing tour of the Wallace Collection Seven Day Itinerary September 10: Arrival (depart U.S. on 9/9) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our hotel, The Goring, where we stay for the duration of the tour. In the late afternoon you have the opportunity to participate in a short familiarization walking tour of the local area. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner at the hotel. September 11: Green Park, Spencer House and Apsley House We start the day after breakfast at our hotel with a visit to Green Park, one of London s eight Royal Parks, which historically have provided Londoners with fresh air and open spaces. From here we walk the short distance to Spencer House where we enjoy a private guided tour. Built between for John, first Earl Spencer (an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales), the house is London s most magnificent 18 th -century aristocratic palace. Designed by John Vardy and James Athenian Stuart, the State Rooms were amongst the first neoclassical interiors in Europe. After a break for you to find lunch in the local area, we visit Apsley House, the London townhouse of the Dukes of Wellington. The 9 th Duke still retains the use of part of the buildings. The house contains a museum and art gallery, exhibiting the Wellington Collection, a large collection of paintings, other artworks and memorabilia of the career of the 1 st Duke. It is perhaps the only preserved example of an English aristocratic town house from its period. We return to our hotel in the mid-afternoon and will meet again later to enjoy dinner at a historic London restaurant. September 12: Ham House & Gardens, Lunch in Richmond-on- Thames and Chiswick House This morning after breakfast we take a scenic drive to Ham House and Gardens, one of Europe s greatest 17 th -century houses nestling on the banks of the River Thames. This atmospheric mansion with fine interiors and historic gardens has remained virtually unchanged for 400 years. We find out more about the family who lived at Ham on our private guided house tour. Afterwards, we enjoy lunch together in a traditional English pub in historic Richmondon-Thames, the only London borough situated on both sides of the River Thames. In the afternoon we visit Chiswick House, a Palladian villa built by the 3rd Earl of Burlington who was inspired by his Grand Tour of Italy to create one of the most glorious examples of 18th-century British architecture. The house has enjoyed mixed fortunes during the years, having strong links to British politics and high society as well as suffering from neglect and even bomb damage in the 20th century. We will discover more on our guided tour. The gardens, birthplace of the English Landscape Movement, were re-opened following a major restoration which has revealed the original vistas and repaired the statues and garden buildings. After our visit we return to our hotel with the evening free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. 24 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

25 What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 6 nights accommodation at The Goring Hotel, London Welcome drinks reception Full English breakfast every day 3 dinners 2 lunches Services of a Blue Badge Guide Tour Director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions Ham House Gardens September 13: Fenton House and the Royal Academy of Art After breakfast at the hotel we travel out to leafy Hampstead to visit Fenton House, where we enjoy an introductory talk. Fenton House is a 17 th -century merchant s house, bequeathed to the National Trust in 1952 by its last owner and resident Lady Binning. The interior houses the Benton Fletcher collection of early keyboard instruments and collections of portraits and paintings, including the collection of Peter Barkworth, and loans of Sir William Nicholson paintings, porcelain, 17 th -century needlework pictures and Georgian furniture. The 17 th -century brick mansion also has a walled garden, a working kitchen garden and a 300-year-old orchard, where around 30 types of apple trees flourish. We then journey back into central London where you will have some free time to find lunch before our afternoon visit when we explore the iconic Royal Academy of Art. Famous for its summer exhibition, but also the home of a year-round programme of exhibitions, the Royal Academy of Arts was founded through a personal act of King George III on 10 December 1768 with a mission to promote the arts of design in Britain through education and exhibition. During our visit we will take in the current exhibition. After this visit you have the option of remaining in Piccadilly for the rest of the afternoon to take advantage of the wide variety of shops in the area, including Fortnum and Masons; or you may wish to return directly to the hotel. The rest of the evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. September 14: Carlyle s House, Cheyne Walk and Chelsea Physic Garden with lunch After breakfast this morning we pay a private visit to Carlyle s House in Chelsea, home of 19 th - century writer and historian Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane. Once the hub of Victorian literary society, when the likes of Dickens, Ruskin and Tennyson visited, the house has been preserved much as it was during the Carlyle s tenure here. We learn more about the history of the house during our interesting introductory talk. We will then be offered an insightful walking tour around Cheyne Walk, learning more about the stories behind some of the houses there. Cheyne Walk was a hub for the literary and artistic elite during Victorian times. We continue on to visit the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673 as the Apothecaries Garden, with the purpose of training apprentices in the identification and use of medicinal plants, and only opened to the public in the 1980s. The location, close to the River Thames, allowed the Apothecaries to moor their barges nearby. The river s warm air currents contribute to the Garden s unique microclimate, allowing unusual plant species to flourish. River access also allowed plants arriving from around the world to be introduced to the British Isles via the Garden. We enjoy lunch on arrival, followed by a guided tour of the gardens. We then return to our hotel and the rest of the evening is free for you to make you own dinner arrangements. September 15: Wallace Collection This morning after breakfast we are treated to a private view of the Wallace Collection, a national museum in a historic London town house. The galleries contain unsurpassed displays of French 18 th -century paintings, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury. After our tour there will be ample time for you to explore the rest of the gallery space at your leisure. The afternoon is left free for you to explore London at leisure. You might wish to visit one of the many museums and galleries that populate the capital or you could indulge in some retail therapy at one of the many flagship stores nearby. In the evening we meet again for a farewell dinner at the hotel. September 16: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Please note: there is a fair amount of walking included on this tour. The itinerary may be subject to change due to public events taking place. All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Chiswick House Your Hotel The Goring The Goring is the only remaining hotel in London that is still owned and run by the family that built it. The Goring Hotel was opened by Otto Richard Goring on March 2, 1910, and professed to be the first hotel in the world in which every room had a private bathroom and central heating. In 1914, The Goring became the command centre for the Chief of Allied Forces, and contact with President Woodrow Wilson during World War I was made from this hotel. In 1919, Lady Randolph Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill, moved into The Goring Hotel. The hotel is famed for its royal connections, the Queen Mother was a regular at The Goring and it was the location for her last public appearance. In 2011, Kate Middleton and her family were based at the hotel for the days around her wedding to Prince William. Every bedroom at The Goring is individually designed and radiates refined English design. Joined with the hotel s warm service and state-of-the-art technology, a stay at The Goring is a delightful experience for all. No single supplement - very limited availability Your Tour Director Your Tour Director will be an accredited Blue Badge Guide, the official, professional tourist guides of Britain. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, your Tour Director will offer a comprehensive, informative and engaging commentary to your tour. info@nationaltrusttours.com 25

26 Elizabethans in the Heart of England September 16 to 22, 2018 from $3,450 per person The Golden Age is one of the most fascinating and rich periods in the history of England. Queen Elizabeth I s reign not only saw a huge revival in the arts but also in the architecture of the country, indeed the Elizabethan style can be characterised by the sheer glory of its stonework construction, its flamboyant designs and opulent detailing. We visit some of the grand houses that typify the legacy of this era where no expense was spared. NTPL/ Robert Morris Hardwick Hall Wollaton Hall Kirby Hall Lyveden New Bield Bolsover Castle Oundle Hatfield House Belton House Burghley House Special extras included in your itinerary Hatfield House NTPL Robert Morris Guided tour of Bolsover Castle Guided tour of Hardwick Hall Guided tour of Belton House Guided tour and refreshments at Burghley House Guided tour of Hatfield House Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Hardwick Hall Belton House Seven Day Itinerary September 16: Arrival (depart U.S. on 9/15) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Woodlands Park Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. September 17: Lyveden New Bield and Oundle This morning we visit Lyveden New Bield, an unfinished Elizabethan summer house owned by the National Trust, set in the heart of rural Northamptonshire. The New Bield was started Lyveden New Bield by Sir Thomas Tresham to provide him with a retreat where he could adhere to his Catholic faith, thus the use of religious symbolism throughout the house. We also discover the mysterious garden lodge and Elizabethan garden with its spiral mounts, canals and terracing. En-route to our next hotel, we stop in Oundle, a delightful market town dating back to the Iron Age. Delightful limestone buildings and Georgian streetscapes are typical and a visit to St Peter s Church with the tallest spire in Northamptonshire a must. Afterwards, we make our way to the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel where we stay for the next four nights. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. September 18: Bolsover Castle and Hardwick Hall Rebuilt in the early 17 th century under Charles of Hardwick, Bolsover Castle is a spectacular Elizabethan mansion perched on a ridge high above the Vale of Scarsdale. The reconstruction was overseen by mason John Smythson, son of renowned Elizabethan architect Robert Smythson, and they both had a strong influence in the final design, which we learn about on our guided tour. The exquisite Little Castle served as a retreat for Hardwick s son Sir William Cavendish to throw lavish parties and entertainment and this is reflected in the remarkable wall paintings, rich panelling and elaborate fireplaces. We then make our way to Hardwick Hall where we enjoy a guided tour. Ordered in the 16 th century by Bess of Hardwick, England s richest woman after her Queen, Elizabeth I, Hardwick is a striking Elizabethan treasure. The lavish number of windows (at a time when glass was a luxury) inspired the neat phrase, Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall. We dine together back at the hotel this evening. September 19: Belton House, Wollaton Hall and Nottingham Built in the 1680s, Belton House is a classic example of an English country house estate, surrounded by formal gardens and a 1,300 acre deer park. Inside Belton, its wealth is evident with grand display rooms and impressive collections of porcelain, paintings and over 11,000 books amassed by the Brownlow and Cust families, which we discover on our guided tour. We then pay a visit to Wollaton Hall, a stunning Elizabethan country house set in a 500 acre park and home to Nottingham s Natural History Museum. A visit of the Upper House, the Prospect Room above the Great Hall and the refurbished original Tudor kitchens offers an insight into the house behind the scenes while the stunning Cassandra Room focuses on Wollaton after Cassandra Willoughby s arrival, aged just 17 years, as its new mistress. 26 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

27 Bolsover Castle Wollaton Hall Before heading back to our hotel, we stop in the city of Nottingham, linked to the legendary Robin Hood, where the evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. September 20: Burghley House and Stamford This morning we visit Burghley House, cited as England s greatest Elizabethan house. We enjoy a guided tour which includes the house s historic collection of paintings, ceramics and works of art, many of which still stand where they were first recorded in Burghley also boasts 18 dramatic State Rooms and is surrounded by magnificent parkland. We follow our tour with refreshments in the Loggia conservatory. After our visit, we pay a visit to picturesque Stamford on the banks of the River Welland, an extremely well-preserved stone town with over 600 listed buildings including five stunning churches, each one a gem. Stamford s narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards are home to a variety of independent shops, fine jewellers and quirky tearooms. After dinner at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. Kirby Hall September 21: Kirby Hall and Hatfield House One of the great Elizabethan houses of England, Kirby Hall, once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I, is now for the most part an unoccupied ruin. It was built to display social status, wealth and patriotism of the age. Christopher Hatton lived in hope of a royal visit and kept his house updated with a view to impress his monarch. Sadly, this visit never materialised. Despite the fact that the mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always at the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design. Next we travel to Hatfield House, a site closely associated with Elizabeth I as she spent a good part of her childhood here including the period when Queen Mary came to throne in 1553 and she was effectively placed under house arrest. On our guided tour, we discover superb examples of Elizabethan craftsmanship such as the Grand Staircase with its elaborate carving and the rare stained glass window in the private chapel, while the State Rooms are rich in paintings, fine furniture and tapestries. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the Guildford Harbour Hotel where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. September 22: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Woodlands Park Hotel 4 nights at the Stapleford Park Country House Hotel 1 night at the Guildford Harbour Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 5 dinners at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee) Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Night One Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham Nights Two to Five Stapleford Park Country House Hotel The Stapleford Park Hotel is situated close to Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. Surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown grounds, this beautiful country house hotel bears the imprint of architectural styles, from Tudor to Victorian with all the 21 st century amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. Night Six Guildford Harbour Hotel, Guildford No single supplement - very limited availability NTPL /Andrew Butler Belton House Hatfield info@nationaltrusttours.com House Garden Burghley House 27

28 Queen Victoria 200: Regal Splendor & an Island Getaway March 31 to April 9, 2019 from $4,950 per person 2019 marks the 200 th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, Britain s second longest serving monarch. Victoria s reign marked a period of great cultural, industrial and political change and a great expansion of the British Empire. This tour takes in some of the famous palaces, castles and country houses frequented by the Queen throughout her reign and offers a very real insight into her life and the people closest to her. Hughenden Cliveden Gardens Kensington Palace Windsor Castle Avington Park Arundel Castle Cowes Portsmouth Osborne House The Needles Nunwell House North Court Gardens The King s Bedchamber, Windsor Castle Ian Jones - Royal Collection Trust, - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017 Hughenden Westminster Abbey NTPL/Matthew Antrobus Special extras included in your itinerary Guided walking tour of Windsor Guided tour of Dimbola Lodge Guided tour of Nunwell House Guided tour and lunch at Avington Park Themed evening talk by a guest speaker Ten Day Itinerary March 31: Arrival (depart U.S. on 3/30) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel where we stay for the next four nights. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. April 1: Windsor and Windsor Castle We begin our day with a guided walking tour of Windsor, a Royal Borough in the South East of England, situated on the River Thames. A statue of Queen Victoria was erected here in 1887 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, with the Queen herself in attendance at the unveiling. We then visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world which is still one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II today. Established in the 11 th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodelled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and state occasions. During Queen Victoria s reign, Windsor Castle was the primary palace for the British monarchy, and the Queen spent the larger part of every year residing here. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art for you to admire. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant in Windsor. April 2: Hughenden and Cliveden Gardens Today we head first to the stunning Hughenden, previously home to an unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, from 1848 to This impressive manor provides a fascinating insight into the world of this colorful formerparliamentarian, who is described as Queen Victoria s favourite Prime Minister. Next we visit Cliveden Gardens, which have uniquely captured the grandeur of a bygone era. In 1837, Cliveden was purchased by Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland, to be used as a home away from London, near to her friend Queen Victoria. Victoria frequented Cliveden on at least eight occasions and with expansive views, these gardens set elevated above the River Thames have a special charm. This evening we enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by a fascinating themed talk from a guest speaker. April 3: Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey and St James Palace Chapel Kensington Palace has been a home to the royal family since the 17 th century, and today we are able to explore this stunning Jacobean building. Built in 1605, Princess Victoria was later born here on 24 May The Palace was Queen Victoria s childhood home and is now the London residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Next we venture to Westminster Abbey, which since the 11 th century has been the coronation church of the British monarchy. Queen Victoria s coronation took place here on 28 June 1838 when she was just 19 years of age, and the event lasted five hours. There are around 3,300 people buried or commemorated at this iconic Abbey, many of whom are hugely significant figures in history. We then head to St James Palace Chapel. Also described as the Chapel Royal and originally constructed by King Henry VIII, this was the venue of the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert in The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. April 4: Arundel Castle Arundel Castle is one of the longest inhabited country houses in England, having been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors since Although restored and remodelled in the 19 th century, many of the original features remain such as the Norman keep and gatehouse, while the finely preserved interiors are home to priceless works of art. Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert visited the castle for several days in After enjoying lunch together in Arundel, we take the ferry to the Isle of Wight, and check in to The Royal Hotel, our base for the next four nights. This evening we enjoy dinner at the hotel. 28 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

29 Arundel Castle English Heritage Osborne House April 5: Osborne House and Cowes Today we have the chance to explore Osborne House, purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 as a seaside retreat away from London and Windsor. The Italianate palace boasts spectacular views across the Solent. We take an intimate glimpse of royal family life as we wander through the magnificent Royal Apartments as well as the walled gardens and grounds where we find the charming Swiss Cottage, used by the royal children to learn household management. Afterwards we have some time at leisure in Cowes, home to the world-famous regatta that swells the local population each August. Many of the town s ornate buildings date from Queen Victoria s time, in the style popularised by her consort Prince Albert. As well as some upmarket shops, Cowes also has numerous art galleries. This evening we enjoy dinner at the hotel. April 6: The Needles, Farringford House Gardens, Dimbola Lodge, Mottistone Gardens and St Lawrence Parish Church We take a scenic drive via The Needles with some impressive views of Alum Bay, before heading for a brief visit to Farringford House Gardens, surrounding the home of famous poet and friend of Queen Victoria, Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson lived here from 1853 until his death in The Needles We then continue on to Dimbola Lodge, home of the celebrated Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron where we enjoy a guided tour. The house is now a Museum and Gallery dedicated to her life and work whilst also showcasing contemporary exhibitions from photographers around the globe. Next we venture to Mottistone Gardens, one of the most peaceful and magical gardens on the island, surrounding an attractive Elizabethan manor house. Established in the early 20 th century, the garden is set in a sheltered valley and is rich in colorful herbaceous borders, shrub-filled banks and grassy terraces. Finally we visit the Victorian parish church, St Lawrence, which was designed by the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 19 th century. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. April 7: Nunwell House, North Court Gardens and Godshill This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Nunwell House, a beautiful family home since 1522, set in five acres of tranquil gardens with stunning views across the Solent. The parlour chamber of this historic house is where the ill-fated Charles I spent his last night of freedom. We then head on to the North Court Gardens, which boasts 15 acres of beautiful gardens, with a large variety of plants and exotic palms that enjoy the special varying microclimates of the grounds. We also spend a short while in the pretty inland village of Godshill with its charming thatched-roofed cottages, delightful medieval church, tearooms and gift shops. This evening we enjoy dinner at the hotel. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 5 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 4 nights at the Royal Hotel, Isle of Wight Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 3-course table d hôte dinner on 6 nights at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee) 1 dinner at a restaurant in Windsor 1 dinner at a restaurant on the Isle of Wight 2 lunches Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions Return ferry to the Isle of Wight All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One to Four, and Nine Macdonald Windsor Hotel The Macdonald Windsor Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic town of Windsor, opposite the famous Windsor Castle. The classic interiors, with a contemporary edge, fit perfectly with the Georgian elegance of this townhouse hotel. The luxury bedrooms are individually-designed and the hotel also offers a stylish bar and restaurant. Nights Five to Eight The Royal Hotel, Isle of Wight Founded in 1832, the Royal Hotel is one of the oldest hotels on the Isle of Wight. Set in subtropical gardens overlooking Ventnor Bay, the hotel offers a bar, restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. Single supplement $1,100* *Some supplement-free rooms are still available April 8: Avington Park After breakfast we leave the Isle of Wight behind as we take the ferry back to the mainland and then journey to Avington Park for a private guided tour and lunch. This stunning Georgian manor was once the property of Winchester Cathedral and sits in an idyllic location beside the River Itchen. Afterwards, we return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together at the hotel. April 9: Departure After breakfast, a private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Avington info@nationaltrusttours.com Park 29

30 Glorious Gardens & Grandeur of North Wales June 23 to July 2, 2019 from $5,290 per person North Wales, a land blessed with rugged mountains, beautiful beaches and picturesque villages also has some of the most striking gardens in the UK, many attached to magnificent houses with centuries of history to uncover. From world-renowned gardens to hidden gems, we encounter a remarkable array of sweeping landscapes, woodlands, valleys, walled gardens and displays of abundant flowers and shrubs which thrive in the unique climate of this region. We round off our tour with visits to two unique homes and gardens in England with their wonderfully different architectural styles, where we learn about the histories behind their often eccentric owners. Anglesey Plas Cadnant Great Orme Country Park Conwy Castle Tatton Park Plas Newydd House Bodnant Garden Penrhyn Castle Betws-y-Coed Erddig Hall Plas Tan y Bwlch Portmeirion Hanbury Hall Stratford-upon-Avon Stowe Landscape Gardens Waddesdon Manor Penrhyn Castle Ten Day Itinerary June 23: Arrival (depart U.S. on 6/22) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. June 24: Stratford-upon-Avon We head to Stratford-upon-Avon, situated on the banks of the River Avon and forever associated with England s greatest poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. Fans of Shakespeare can visit the house in which he was born, and there s a chance to wander the riverside gardens or discover the town s theatres including the Swan Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Later, we continue our journey to Wales, checking in to Bodysgallen Hall & Spa where we spend the next six nights. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. June 25: Penrhyn Castle and Bodnant Garden Built in the 19 th century in a neo-norman style, the magnificent Penrhyn Castle was built on a massive scale over a period of 13 years and offers superb views of Snowdonia. There is so much to see here, from the outstanding collection of paintings, restored Victorian kitchens and a railway museum. Penrhyn Castle Next stop is Bodnant Garden, nestled in the Snowdonian foothills. Created over 150 years, this world-famous garden is home to National Collections and Champion Trees and boasts sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland. The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. June 26: Isle of Anglesey, Plas Newydd House & Gardens and Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens Today we cross the 19 th -century Menai Bridge to spend the day on the Isle of Anglesey. Our first visit is to Plas Newydd, a fine country house built on the banks of the Menai Strait with stunning views towards the mountains of Snowdonia. Its most famous past resident is the 1 st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo in The elegant interior owes more to the 1930s, thanks to its associations with the artist, socialite and fallen WW2 soldier Rex Whistler. The garden s climate allows extraordinary plants to flourish including tender exotics and Mediterranean plants. There is also an atmospheric Australasian arboretum. We continue on to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens. Described as one of North Wales best kept secrets, these historic gardens are gradually being restored to their former glory. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens Guided tour at Plas Tan y Bwlch Private tour of Erddig Hall and Gardens Lunch at Tatton Park Guided tour and lunch at Waddesdon Manor Themed evening talk by a guest speaker curving walls, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with the remains of a 19 th -century folly. We discover more about the gardens and their restoration on our guided tour. After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating talk by a guest speaker. June 27: Plas Tan y Bwlch, Betws-y-Coed and Conwy Castle Home to the Snowdonia National Park Environmental Studies Centre, Plas Tan y Bwlch is a 17 th -century country house which was once home to wealthy slate quarry owners the Oakeley family. The house occupies a superb position overlooking the valley of the River Dwyryd in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and the 100 acre estate boasts a spectacular Victorian garden, native and exotic plants, rare trees and shrubs which we have time to explore (please note there is no access to the house itself). We then make a short stop in the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed in the Snowdonia National Park. The backdrop of coniferous forests has earned this area the name Little Switzerland. From here we head to the medieval walled town of Conwy to visit the imposing Conwy Castle, situated on a rocky outcrop above the Conwy Estuary. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imposing castle was built 30 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

31 Portmeirion by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13 th century and is considered to be among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain with soaring curtain walls, round towers and fortified gateways. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant. June 28: Erddig and Brynbella Garden Erddig is an atmospheric early 18 th -century house that reflects the upstairs, downstairs life of a gentry family and we re provided with a fascinating insight into the lives of the family and their servants on our private guided tour. The downstairs rooms are home to a unique collection of servants portraits, whilst upstairs there is a wealth of important furniture, textiles and wallpaper. Our tour extends to the superb walled garden, now restored to its former 18 th -century formal design with rare fruit trees and a national collection of ivies. We then travel to Brynbella Garden, nine acres of beautiful garden and woodland set below a Palladian villa. The current owners have created a modern garden while retaining as many of the original 18 th -century features as possible. The garden is laid out as a series of rooms including a woodland garden, walled garden, three water gardens, a gravel garden plus formal and informal garden areas with focal points such as statuary and sculptures. Tonight we are treated to a traditional fish and chip supper. June 29: Portmeirion and Plas Brondanw Gardens We start the day in Portmeirion, an Italianate village created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, inspired by his visits to the Mediterranean. Its unique atmosphere has been featured on camera many times, most famously in the iconic 1960s British TV series The Prisoner. We then visit Plas Brondanw Gardens, situated in the heart of Snowdonia. The house and gardens were given to Sir Clough Williams-Ellis by his father in 1902 and the gardens, although not as famous as Portmeirion, are regarded by some as his finest creation. Inspired by the gardens of renaissance Italy, he created a unique and characteristic garden landscape with stone walls, topiary and avenues of trees leading the eye to the dramatic backdrop of mountains beyond. This evening, we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. June 30: Tatton Park Leaving Wales we journey east to Tatton Park. Built by Samuel Wyatt, Tatton Park is one of Britain s most complete estates, with a landscaped deer park and exquisite formal gardens. The opulent interior is crammed with collections of silver, china, glass and fine furniture made by Gillows. This grandeur also extends outside to the garden, where yearround color is provided by the Rose, Italian and Japanese gardens. We enjoy lunch here after our visit. From here we travel south to the Ettington Park Hotel, where we stay overnight with dinner included. July 1: Waddesdon Manor & Gardens We continue our journey south, stopping to visit Waddesdon Manor. Built by the wealthy Rothschild family, Waddesdon is a renaissance-style chateau that looks as though it s been transported to the gentle Buckinghamshire countryside from France s Loire Valley. Along with a guided tour of the sumptuous interiors and beautiful gardens, we also enjoy lunch here. Afterwards, we return to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together. July 2: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. Tatton Park What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 2 nights at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 6 nights at Bodysgallen Hall & Spa 1 night at the Ettington Park Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 3-course table d hôte dinner on 6 nights at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee) 2 dinners at local restaurants (including one traditional English fish and chip supper) 2 lunches Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Nights One and Nine Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two to Seven Bodysgallen Hall & Spa One of the three Historic House Hotels of the National Trust, Bodysgallen Hall & Spa is a luxury hotel just two miles from the seaside resort of Llandudno in North Wales. This sympathetically restored, 17 th century country house stands in over 200 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful formal walled gardens affording lovely views of the Snowdonia mountain range and Conwy Castle. The individually-decorated bedrooms are divided between the main hall and several cottages in the grounds and leisure facilities include a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, solarium and gym. Night Eight Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon Single supplement $1,060* *Some supplement-free rooms are still available Conwy Castle info@nationaltrusttours.com 31

32 In the Footsteps of Shakespeare September 15 to 25, 2019 from $5,490 per person A poet, playwright and actor, William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world s pre-eminent dramatist. This tour will provide a very real insight into Shakespeare s life and times, visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, where he was born and grew up, and exploring other historic houses in the area associated with his story, as we discover pretty market towns and picturesque country villages. On our return south, we recreate the fabled journeys Shakespeare is believed to have taken to Oxford, the iconic city and world-famous seat of learning. A highlight of the tour will be the chance to attend performances at the iconic Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre in Stratford and at the Globe Theatre in London. Baddesley Clinton Kenilworth Castle Coughton Court Stoneleigh Abbey Charlecote Park Anne Hathaway s Cottage Compton Verney Stratford-upon-Avon Oxford Kenilworth Castle Eleven Day Itinerary September 15: Arrival (depart U.S. on 9/14) On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner. September 16: Baddesley Clinton and Compton Verney Leaving Windsor we travel to Baddesley Clinton, an atmospheric, medieval manor house dating back to the 13 th century, set timelessly in its own secluded parkland. This moated house and its extensive formal gardens are steeped in history, including its use as a place of hiding and refuge for Catholic priests in Shakespeare s time. We then head to Compton Verney for a guided tour of this independent art gallery. Housed in a restored Georgian mansion and surrounded by 120 acres of stunning Capability Brown parkland, the world-class art exhibitions include several portraits relevant to Shakespeare s age. Afterwards we check in to the Mercure Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Hotel, our base for the next five nights. Tonight we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. Anne Hathaway s Cottage Charlecote Park September 17: Shakespeare s Family Homes Today we delve into the world of William Shakespeare as we discover some of his family homes, each place with its own fascinating story to tell. At Shakespeare s Birthplace we explore the extraordinary story of Shakespeare in the house where he was born and grew up in. Next is Holy Trinity Church on the banks of the River Avon, where Shakespeare was baptised, worshipped, and where he is buried. We end our tour at Anne Hathaway s Cottage and Gardens, the setting of the young Shakespeare s courtship with his future bride. Here we can see original furniture and uncover the stories of 13 generations of the Hathaway family who lived here. There are also nine acres of beautiful cottage gardens to enjoy. The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. September 18: Kenilworth Castle and Stoneleigh Abbey This morning we visit Kenilworth Castle, one of England s largest medieval fortresses and most impressive castle ruins. Robert Dudley, Elizabeth I s favourite, created an ornate palace in readiness for her visit in 1575, Special extras included in your itinerary Guided tour at Compton Verney Guided walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon Performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre Guided walking tour of Oxford Guided tour, exhibition, live demonstration and performance at Shakespeare s Globe Theatre Guided walking tour of London Audio guided tour at the British Museum Themed evening talk by a guest speaker resulting in a show of pageantry that was believed to be the inspiration behind Twelfth Night. The beautifully recreated Elizabethan Garden, lost to the world for over 400 years, is now open to visitors once more. Next is Stoneleigh Abbey that grew from humble beginnings as a Cistercian monastery in 1154 into a comfortable family home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16 th century. This magnificent stately home is comprised of two halves; the first is a fine example of a Jacobean house in red sandstone built from the ruins of the monastery, while the second (the West Wing) was designed by famous architect Francis Smith of Warwick in Baroque style. The house has played host to many famous guests over the centuries including King Charles I, Queen Victoria and novelist Jane Austen. After dinner back at the hotel, we are treated to a fascinating Shakespeare-themed talk by a guest speaker. September 19: Charlecote Park and Coughton Court While Stratford is synonymous with Shakespeare s theatrical success, there lurks in nearby Charlecote Park s history a far less respectable connection; the famous 32 For more information or to register, call National Trust Tours on :00am - 5:00pm (EST), Monday - Friday

33 Coughton Court playwright is rumoured to have been caught poaching deer here. Home to the Lucy family for 900 years, this lovely Tudor manor is a real treasure. We continue on to stunning Coughton Court. Home to the Throckmorton family for 600 years, Coughton is still very much a family home with an intimate feel. While the interior gives us a unique insight into the history of the Catholic faith in this country, the spectacular gardens feature a pleasant riverside walk as well as colorful rose displays. We dine together back at the hotel this evening. September 20: Lord Leycester Hospital and the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre Today we head to the historic town of Warwick to visit the Lord Leycester Hospital, a collection of superb medieval timber-framed buildings that was, for nearly 200 years, home to Warwick s medieval Guilds. It became a place of retirement for aged soldiers known as the Brethren in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I; a legacy that continues to this day. We then head back to Stratford to attend a performance at the iconic Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre**. The evening is free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. September 21: Scenic Cotswolds and Oxford We check out of our hotel and make our way towards Oxford. It is believed that Shakespeare travelled to London via Oxford, and walkers have attempted to reconstruct the Shakespeare Way, tracking the route that he would have taken. Our route takes us via the picturesque Cotswold stone villages of Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. Historic Oxford is known as the city of dreaming spires and is famed for its world-renowned university colleges. We enjoy a guided walking tour to learn more about this unique city, its history, university and famous people. We continue into London and check in to the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, where we stay for the last four nights. The evening is left free to make your own dinner arrangements. September 22: The Golden Hinde and Shakespeare s Globe Theatre Our first visit is to the Golden Hinde, a full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake s worldfamous sailing galleon which departed from Plymouth in 1577 in pursuit of treasures and riches in the south Atlantic and Pacific. We then walk the short distance to Shakespeare s Globe where we enjoy a fascinating backstage tour to learn more about this iconic theatre and its most famous playwright; from colorful stories of the original 1599 Globe to the faithful reconstruction process of the 1990s. We also visit the Globe Exhibition under the Theatre which further explores the life of Shakespeare, followed by a live demonstration and theatre performance**. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore at your leisure and make your own dinner arrangements. September 23: Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys, London and Southwark Cathedral We begin our day at the Tower of London to witness one of the oldest and most colorful surviving enactments of its kind; the Ceremony of the Keys. Set amidst the mighty battlements of this ancient fortress, this hugely popular ceremony forms part of the traditional unlocking of the Tower of London and dates back some 700 years. We then enjoy a guided walking tour of the oldest area of London exploring the city s beautiful architectural heritage along the way. We walk past the Roman baths, past Middle and Inner Temple Gardens, Middle Temple Hall, then on to the Strand to see Samuel Johnson s statue, St Clement Danes, before finishing on Fleet Street and ye Old Cock Tavern. We then head to Southwark Cathedral, a place of Christian worship for more than 1,000 years and the oldest Gothic church in London. The cathedral has been witness to the changing events of London s history from its site by London Bridge, which was for many centuries the only entrance to the City of London. The cathedral also has connections with Shakespeare s theatrical contemporaries. The evening is left free for you to make your own dinner arrangements. September 24: British Library and the British Museum We start the day with a visit to the British Library, the national library of the United Kingdom. The library s collections include more than 150 million items, in over 400 languages. What s Included Airport transfers from London Heathrow* 1 night at the Macdonald Windsor Hotel 5 nights at the Mercure Shakespeare Hotel 4 nights at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel Welcome drink and canapés Full English breakfast each day 3-course table d hôte dinner on 5 nights at the hotels (with after dinner tea and coffee) Services of a tour director throughout your stay Travel to and from all excursions All entrance costs Porterage *supplement applies for transfers from all other airports Your Hotels Night One Macdonald Windsor Hotel, Windsor Nights Two to Six Mercure Shakespeare Hotel The Mercure Shakespeare Hotel is a picturesque 17 th -century inn situated in Stratford-upon-Avon. The hotel retains many of its original features including oak beams, antique furnishings and open fires and offers individually named, contemporary guest rooms, a restaurant, bar and terrace. Night Seven to Ten Grange Tower Bridge Hotel The Grange Tower Bridge Hotel is situated close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge in London s historic centre. The luxurious guest bedrooms offer all modern conveniences while other hotel facilities include a contemporary grill restaurant, a lounge and bar plus a health and fitness club with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and spa. Single supplement $1,300* *Some supplement-free rooms are still available We then pay a visit to the British Museum, the first national public museum in the world, founded in The museum s collection comprises over 8 million objects spanning the history of the world s cultures; from the stone tools of early man to 20 th -century prints and we discover just a small selection of these with our audio guided tour. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell dinner together at the hotel. September 25: Departure A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for your return flight home. ** Please note that the itinerary is subject to change to accommodate performance schedules. info@nationaltrusttours.com 33