August 31 - September 9, 2016

Examine how the architectural grandeur of some of Britain’s finest estates have inspired literature with a grand tour of England, from the southeast up to the rugged north. Begin the journey with a visit to Highclere Castle, the setting of Downton Abbey, and continuing north through exquisite Blenheim Palace, inspiring Castle Howard, and spectacular Chatsworth. Arrive in the Northern England and explore Lindisfarne and Alnwick Castle, another location filmed for Downton Abbey, before returning south.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival
Upon arrival to Heathrow airport, a private transfers whisks guests to the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, the hotel for the duration of the tour.

Day 2 | Highclere Castle
Journey to the world-famous Highclere Castle, the residence of Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and filming location for Downton Abbey.

Day 3 | Renishaw Hall and Hardwick Hall
Enjoy a guided tour of Renishaw Hall, which has been home of the Sitwell family for nearly 400 years, before visiting Hardwick Hall, an architecturally significant Elizabethan country home built in the 16th century for Bess of Hardwick.

Day 4 | Nostell Priory, York, and Fairfax House
Travel north to Yorkshire with a visit to Nostell Priory, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece and the home of the Winn family, before exploring the historic city of York and touring Fairfax House, a stunning Georgian townhouse.

Day 5 | Fountains Abbey and Beningbrough House
In the morning guests will enjoy a guided tour of the largest monastic ruin in Britain, Fountains Abbey. Afterwards, guests will head to Beningbrough Hall to enjoy its famous art collection.

Day 6 | Castle Howard and Shandy Hall
Guests will explore the stunning 18th-century Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for over 300 years, with a private tour of the estate and then stop at Shandy Hall, the former home of 18th-century novelist Laurence Sterne.

Day 7 | Alnwick Castle and Cragside
Enjoy a guided tour of Alnwich Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England which still serves as the home of the Duke of Northumberland and his family. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Cragside, a beautiful home built into the rocky hillside above Debdon Burn.

Day 8 | Chatsworth House and Kedleston Hall
Guests head south to explore the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, the stunning Chatsworth House. The tour continues to Kedleston Hall, a Neo-classical masterpiece, and is the home of the Curzon family since the 12th century.

Day 9 | Blenheim Palace
Discover the monumental Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Day 10 | Departure
Guests are taken back to Heathrow airport for their return flights home.

Tour Price

From $4,430 per person*
*Deposit of $500 required at time of booking.

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.**

Reservations
To book a tour, please contact our tour VIP desk by calling +1 202 772 8000 or emailing scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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Terms & Conditions

The itinerary information may vary slightly based on specific departures. The itinerary is subject to change.
Included in tour cost: airport transfers; one (1) night stay at Macdonald Windsor Hotel; two (2) nights stay at Marriott Breadsall Priory Hotel; two (2) nights stay at Middlethorpe Hall Hotel; two (2) nights stay at Doxford Hall Hotel; one (1) night stay at Priest House Hotel; one (1) night stay at Hartwell House Hotel; welcome drink and canapés; full English breakfast and three-course table d’hóte dinner daily; after dinner tea and coffee; services of a tour director throughout your stay; travel by comfortable motor coach; all excursion costs; and porterage.

**Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.