For six memorable days (November 10-16, 2012) we’ll thrill to the sound of outstanding concerts featuring superb classical music performed by some of the greatest international talent. The extra-ordinary locations will be as exciting as the music: the evocative Assembly Rooms, where we can’t help imagining Jane Austen’s heroines waltzing to the very melodies to which we listen, majestic Bath Abbey, the site of coronations of centuries past, and the elegant Guildhall, a superb example of the Adam–inspired design of the 1700’s.
We’ll enjoy the best of both traditional and inventive contemporary cuisine, from a quintessential fireside tea in the countryside, to creative French, to garden-fresh creations of a Michelin-noted chef. Two exquisitely restored historic properties, an early-Georgian townhouse in Bath and a Jacobean manor house in the nearby countryside are our accommodations for the tour, offering a combination of period atmosphere and 21st century comfort and service. Add to this specially arranged tours of the historic city, a Unesco World Heritage Site, day trips to blissful Cotswold hamlets, cathedral-crowned towns, and lost-in-time villages for a matchless experience in this idyllic region of England. Tour Itinerary: Day 1, Saturday - Arrival From 1 to 3 in the afternoon, we'll await you in the lobby of The Queensberry Hotel, a boutique town house hotel in the historic center of Bath. Rooms will be ready by approximately 2pm , so those who arrive before that time can relax in the inviting sitting rooms of the hotel. Check in and make yourself comfortable – we’ll stay at the Queensberry for 2 nights. An introductory stroll through the gracious city of Bath Private Reception in the Pump Room, followed by Evening concert – The Orchestra and Choir of The Sixteen at Bath Abbey Invitation-only Dinner on the Pump Room Terrace. Includes: (D). Day 2, Sunday - Bath and Wells Guided walking tour of Bath, followed by Sunday lunch in the country (included) at The Slab House, a traditional “olde world pub” renowned for its excellent menu. Then on to the Cathedral town of Wells, England’s smallest city, which gets its name from the springs that bubble into a pool in the bishop’s garden, then burble through the streets of town. We’ll visit the splendid Cathedral, dating from the 12th century, with its vast inverted arches (known as scissor arches) and rare and beautiful medieval clock, arriving in time for the pure young voices of the Sunday afternoon Evensong. Return to Bath. Includes: (B). Day 3, Monday - Avebury and Lacock Today we’ll move to The Park, an award-winning boutique hotel and resort centered around an historic Jacobean country house just outside of Bath. The mysterious stone circle of Avebury awaits – we’ll walk among the stones and stop for a pint at the Red Lion, the only pub within a stone circle. Then on to the stopped-in-time hamlet of Lacock, a National Trust village of centuries-old gabled and stone-tiled cottages. We’ll enjoy lunch at The George Inn, an historic pub dating back to the 1300’s. We’ll return to The Park for a delicious Pre-concert dinner at Oakwood, an amazing old Masonic lodge with a top-rated chef. Then to Bath, where the Nash Ensemble will entertain us with Haydn, Mozart, and more in the Assembly Rooms. Includes: (B), (L), (D). Day 4, Tuesday - Eastern Cotswolds The eastern edge of the Cotswolds holds some unexplored gems, such as the ancient market town of Minchinhampton, with its 17th century market hall and coronet-towered parish church. After a wander through this almost-untouched village, we’re off to the thriving little town of Nailsworth for a delicious lunch at Wild Garlic, where chef Matthew Beardshall plans his menu according to what the local farmers tell him they have. From his daily-baked organic bread, to the house-made sorbet, this meal will be one to remember! We’ll return to The Park before this evening’s concert - the English Chamber Orchestra at the Assembly Rooms - then stop for a light dinner in Bath. Includes: (B), (L). Day 5, Wednesday - Heart of the Cotswolds A day in the Cotswolds, those quintessentially English honey-colored villages set in gently rolling hills. We’ll enjoy the mellow stone buildings, village greens and medieval market places of this matchless part of Great Britain, stopping first at Burford, where we’ll take time to stroll down High Street, with its unique shops. Choose a spot for lunch, then we’ll make our leisurely way to the mellow riverside hamlets of Lower and Upper Slaughter, and the tiny town of Bibury, where we’ll enjoy tea ( included) by the fireside at Bibury Court. Return to The Park, and then to Bath for this evening’s concert – Mendelssohn and Mozart with Dame Felicity Lott and Thomas Allen at the Assembly Rooms. Light dinner in Bath. Includes: (B). Day 6, Thursday - Bath Enjoy the lovely grounds of The Park before checking out and returning to The Queensberry Lunch, and a 1 PM concert - the Doric String Quartet in the Guildhall Time to enjoy the town of Bath and its shops We’ll complete the week with a memorable dinner at the Olive Tree. Includes: (B), (D). Day 7, Friday - Departure Breakfast, then goodbyes to new-found friends before departing Bath on your journey homeward. Includes: (B). Member discount: Notes: Prices:
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