September 14-22, 2014

Explore the lavish Rococo and Neoclassical architectural sites, extensive Chippendale commissions, Robert Adam interiors, and fascinating collections in the beautiful countryside of Northern England with the Magnificent Mansions & Fine Furnishings in Yorkshire experience operated by National Trust Tours.

Accommodations
Situated in 90 acres of landscaped parkland in the Vale of Aylesbury, Hartwell House is an impressive Grade I listed country house built in the early 17th century. The house has both Jacobean and Georgian facades while the interiors offer beautiful decorative plasterwork and panelling, antique furniture, and paintings. Spa facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. Restored by Historic House Hotels, Hartwell House was donated to the National Trust in 2008.

Built at the end of the 17th century, Middlethorpe Hall Hotel is a beautiful red brick country house set in 20 acres of manicured gardens and parkland, just two miles from the center of York. The interiors of this luxury hotel are elegantly decorated and furnished with antiques and fine paintings while the comfortable bedrooms are individually designed. A health and fitness spa offers guests a range of facilities including a swimming pool, sauna and gym.

Tour Itinerary
September 14 - Sunday
On arrival at Heathrow, a private transfer will take you to the Hartwell House near Aylesbury. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

September 15 - Monday
Travel north and visit Burghley House in Lincolnshire, cited as England’s greatest Elizabethan house. Enjoy a ‘Great Collectors’ specialist tour focused on the extravagant purchases made by the 5th and 9th Earl’s of Exeter from their Grand Tours, including beautiful tapestries, marquetry furniture, and stunning Italian paintings. Enjoy a light lunch at the Loggia conservatory, before continuing on to Middlethorpe Hall Hotel, close to York, arriving in time to unpack and freshen up before dinner.

September 16 - Tuesday
In the morning, travel to the heart of York to explore the 2,000-year-old history of the Treasurer’s House, the first house given complete with its contents to the National Trust in 1930. From the Roman road in the cellar to the Edwardian servants’ quarters in the attic, the house was restored by wealthy industrialist Frank Green, who used it to stage his remarkable collection of antique furniture, art, and textiles. After free time for lunch, enjoy a guided walking tour of York to view the iconic cathedral, York Minster and surviving medieval streets, known as the Shambles.

September 17 - Wednesday
Spend the day at the magnificent Castle Howard, which has twice appeared as Brideshead in film and television adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s classic novel. Like Blenheim Palace it was built on a jaw-droppingly grand scale by Vanbrugh. Enjoy a fascinating talk by one of the castle’s curators.

September 18 - Thursday
Built in the 18th 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 20th century works. Enjoy a private tour of the State Rooms to admire these fine collections. Spend the afternoon in the elegant spa town of Harrogate, where notable sights include the Royal Pump Room and the Grade II listed Royal Hall. Be sure to visit the attractive Montpellier Quarter with 19th century Georgian buildings lining its quaint streets.

September 19 - Friday
Visit the 18th century architectural masterpiece Nostell Priory, 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. Enjoy a talk in the Orangery before taking time to explore the estate. The gardens and parkland include lakeside walks, a formal rose garden, and recently-planted orchard and vegetable garden.

September 20 - Saturday
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and with some of Britain’s finest Robert Adam interiors, Newby Hall is a perfect example of the Georgian ‘Age of Elegance’. Enjoy a private tour of the Hall’s magnificent interiors and receive a complimentary souvenir guide book. After a refreshment break, visit the largest monastic ruin in Britain, Fountains Abbey. Nestling in the Skell Valley, the ruin is surrounded by some 800 acres of gorgeous countryside. Learn about the history of the abbey while you enjoy the beautifully-landscaped Georgian Studley Royal Water Garden, with its wonderful views, cascades, follies, and statues.

September 21 - Sunday
Head south to Derbyshire to visit Hardwick Hall, a striking Elizabethan treasure ordered in the 16th century by Bess of Hardwick, England’s richest woman after her Queen, Elizabeth I. Enjoy a private tour and discover the hall's lavish number of windows (at a time when glass was a luxury) which inspired the neat phrase, ‘Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall’. From here, travel back to Hartwell House to enjoy a farewell dinner.

September 22 - Monday
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow airport for the return flight home.

Tour Price*
Per person - $4,995

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 at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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*No Single Supplement. Deposit of $500 required. Balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
Included in tour cost: Airport transfers from & to Heathrow airport; 2 nights at Hartwell House & Spa, Aylesbury; 6 nights at Middlethorpe Hall Hotel, York; Full English breakfast & 3-course table d’hôte; dinner each day; Evening lecture from an eminent speaker; All excursion costs; Services of a tour director throughout your stay; Travel by comfortable motor coach; Porterage; Welcome drink on your first evening.
Not included in tour cost: Airfare; Passport and visa fees; Baggage in excess of one suitcase; Airport transfers for those not flying in to named airports (either Heathrow or Edinburgh); Lunches (unless specified on tour pages); Beverages throughout (except welcome drink); Personal items and expenses; Trip insurance (available to purchase); Gratuities; Any other items not specifically mentioned as included.

**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.