ENGLISH ODYSSEY
May 28 - June 8, 2017
Thatched roofs, picturesque villages and world historical sites
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Stonehenge • Highclere Castle • Salisbury Cathedral • Windsor Castle • Oxford University & Dining Room
• Shakespeare’s Home • Anne Hathaway’s Home & Garden • Wedgwood Factory • Changing of the Guard
• Tower of London • Ride on the London Eye • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
London Eye
ENGLISH ODYSSEY
Highclere Castle
Oxford
MAY 28 - JUNE 8, 2017
DAY 1 SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2017
FLIGHT TO LONDON
We depart from the Des Moines International Airport bound for London Heathrow Airport. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey!
DAY 2 MONDAY, MAY 29
WINDSOR
(D)
We arrive at Heathrow Airport in London, England, where we will be greeted by our favorite English guide and driver. We will begin our
tour by traveling into the beautiful English countryside, stopping to explore the mysteries of Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument
dating back to around 3100 BC. This unique ring of standing stones, as well as its surroundings, were added to UNESCO’s list of World
Heritage Sites in 1986. We will then continue on to Salisbury, known as ‘the City in the Countryside,’ surrounded by beautiful
landscapes and named one of the world’s Top 10 Cities to visit in 2015. We will pause on the edge of the water-meadows to take in the
breathtaking sight of the Cathedral rising from the lush green fields, so quintessentially English it’s almost too good to be true.
Within the Chapter House at Salisbury Cathedral, we will find the best preserved of the four original Magna Carta manuscripts dating
from 1215 AD. We will continue on to Windsor where we will check into our 4 Star accommodations for the next three nights.
Take time to relax before joining the group for a Welcome Dinner.
DAY 3 TUESDAY, MAY 30
WINDSOR
(BD)
Today is one of the many highlights of this tour! Following breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to Highclere Castle. Set amidst 1,000 acres of
spectacular parkland, Highclere is one of England’s most beautiful Victorian Castles and the setting for one of the most riveting dramas on
television, Downton Abbey. We will take a tour of the home of the Carnavon family that highlights all of the filming locations we have come
to know so well. We will also have the opportunity to walk in the gardens and, of course, there will be plenty of time for the gift shop!
Afterwards, we will continue to the High Street of a neighboring town for an afternoon at our leisure. Take an opportunity to browse the
unique shops and seek out one of the delightful restaurants for a late lunch on your own. We will then return to Windsor for dinner.
DAY 4 WEDNESDAY, MAY 31
WINDSOR
(B)
Across the road from our hotel is the Queen’s favorite weekend home, Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the
world. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror after the Norman Invasion of England, the castle sits atop a steep hill that
offers an impressive view of much of the castle grounds from along the visitor route. We will visit the State Apartments, where thirty-nine
monarchs have resided, as well as the Drawings Gallery, in which ever-changing exhibits of valuable treasures are on display.
Our complimentary Windsor Castle audio tour will also include Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, known as the largest and most famous
dolls’ house in the world, as well as St. George’s Chapel. Upon leaving Windsor Castle, our final afternoon and evening in Windsor is
ours to explore on our own. From quaint cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants, and small boutiques to high street brands, Windsor
offers plenty in the way of exploration.
DAY 5 THURSDAY, JUNE 1
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
(BD)
After breakfast we will continue our tour of the English countryside by traveling to Oxford. An established town since the 9th century,
this ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ is famous throughout the world for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, Oxford has been
a home to royalty, scholars, and writers, and is a bustling cosmopolitan town today. We will visit Christ Church College, one of the
largest at the University of Oxford. This beautiful location served as inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and was more
recently used in filming of scenes from Harry Potter. We’ll visit the iconic dining hall which is immediately recognizable as the dining hall
at Hogwarts! We will also peek into the Eagle & Child Pub where J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis regularly met to read passages from
their books. After browsing and lunch on our own, we continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon where we will visit Shakespeare’s
birthplace. This 16th century half-timbered home of glove maker John Shakespeare on Henley Street is where William was born and
raised, and now houses a museum of the life of the world’s greatest playwright. The group will gather for dinner on our first of three
nights at a historic 4-Star hotel in the heart of the town.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Windsor Castle
DAY 6 FRIDAY, JUNE 2
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
(B)
Our first stop this morning is Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a thatched farmhouse containing many original pieces of family furniture,
including the Hathaway bed. It is nestled within stunning grounds and gardens overflowing with fragrant blooms and traditional shrubs.
We will then spend the rest of the day exploring the Cotswolds in the English countryside. Marvel at the gentle hills and rolling green
landscapes interrupted only by picturesque villages and unspoiled market towns. We will stop in a few favorite villages and enjoy a
special stop for an English afternoon tea! Afterwards we’ll return to Stratford for an evening at leisure to stroll the streets and find a
charming restaurant or pub for dinner.
DAY 7 SATURDAY, JUNE 3
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
(BL)
Today we head north from Stratford to the Wedgwood Factory. Founded in 1759, Wedgwood is one of England’s premier makers of
fine china, porcelain, and luxury items. We will marvel at the demonstration of the process of creating this beautiful and delicate work
and have lunch at the new Visitors Center before returning to Stratford for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
DAY 8 SUNDAY, JUNE 4
LONDON
(BD)
We depart for London and our perfectly located 4-Star hotel. Following check-in, our guide will lead us on a panoramic tour of the city to
see famous sites such as the Bank of England and St. Paul’s Cathedral. After lunch on our own in the area, we will cross the River
Thames over the Millennium Footbridge to visit Tate Modern and take a leisurely walk along the South Bank to see Shakespeare’s
Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original. Dinner will be enjoyed as a group this evening.
DAY 9 MONDAY, JUNE 5
LONDON
(B)
Taking advantage of our hotel’s close proximity to the Royal Residence, we will take a gentle half-day walking tour of the Westminster
area, including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guard’s Parade, and famous sights such as the House of
Parliament, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square. The afternoon and evening are ours to do as we please. Options will be available for an
evening at a London theatre or the Thames River Dinner Cruise.
DAY 10 TUESDAY, JUNE 6
LONDON
Following breakfast, the entire day is at our leisure to explore all that London has to offer!
(B)
DAY 11 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
LONDON
(BD)
This morning we’re off to see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. From medieval torture to grim executions and infamous royal
prisoners, the Tower of London has long found itself at the center of the city’s dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066,
the historic castle has served as a royal menagerie, Her Majesty’s prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a royal mint, and a
military storehouse. Today, the Tower still famously houses the Crown Jewels and is guarded by members of the Royal Bodyguards
known as Beefeaters. Our group will meet in late afternoon for a final view of London on the London Eye, and then enjoy a Farewell
Dinner together as we reminisce about our wonderful experiences.
DAY 12 THURSDAY, JUNE 8
HOME
(B)
After breakfast, the group will transfer to London Heathrow Airport for the trip home, with lifelong memories in tow.
Join us as we tour the Queen’s Royal residence, explore the mysteries of Stonehenge, and visit Highclere
Castle, the setting of Downton Abbey! Discover some of Shakespeare’s haunts, the famed Cotswolds,
and the skill of the Wedgwood potters before heading to London to tour this historic city!
TOUR COSTS
TOUR INCLUSIONS
• Round Trip Flight to London
From Des Moines
• Private Motorcoach Transportation
• 10 Nights’ Accommodations
• 16 Meals (10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch,
5 Dinners)
• Admission to Attractions as
Stated in Itinerary
• Professional Tour Manager
• Gratuities for Driver/Guides
• Porter Service of One Bag
Per Person at Hotel
• Taxes and Gratuities for
Included Services
Not included in the price of this tour: meals/beverages other than those listed on the itinerary, beverages
other than tea or coffee with included meals, items of a personal nature/souvenirs, phone calls and faxes
from hotels, travel protection insurance, and current baggage fees at the airport as assessed by the airline.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Star Destinations acts as an agent for and makes arrangements with airlines, hotels, railroads, bus lines,
cruise lines, adventure companies and other independent parties to provide you with the travel services
and accommodations. Although great care is taken in choosing suppliers, we are unable to directly control
them and therefore cannot be held responsible or liable for their acts or omissions. The travel services are
subject to the conditions imposed by these suppliers and their liability may be limited by their tariffs,
conditions of carriage, and international conventions and agreements. Should for any reason beyond our
control, the hotel or establishment described in the attached itinerary may not be available, Star
Destinations and its agents reserve the right to lodge travelers in another hotel of similar or superior
category. Star Destinations cannot assume responsibility for any claims, losses, damages, costs or
expenses arising out of injury, accident or death, damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property, or
delay, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, upset, disappointment, distress or frustration, whether physical or
mental, resulting from a) mechanical breakdowns, dangers inherent to the sea, fire, theft, civil
disturbances, strikes, government actions, weather and other factors and causes beyond our control. b)
passenger's failure to follow instructions of Star Destinations. c) any other cause beyond the control of Star
Destinations. In addition, Star Destinations reserves the right to vary the Tour Price advertised or printed to
cover any increase in air fare, fuel price, Government taxes and charges, exchange rate fluctuations, or
other Tour related tariffs and costs subject to price guarantee. If you request a variation or change to your
booking, Star Destinations may choose to accept or reject that request at its sole discretion. If Star
Destinations accepts your request, you must pay the variation fee and any costs associated with it.
DOCUMENTATION
A valid U.S. passport is required for this tour. Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport.
The expiration date of all passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of the tour. If
you don’t have a passport, call our office and we’ll tell you how to apply for one. Holders of nonU.S. passports have different entry requirements. Please NOTE: Due to airline security
measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation
name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.
$4,650 per person Double Occupancy (cash discount applied)
$5,274 Single Occupancy (cash discount applied)
(With credit card - Double: $4,790
Single: $5,432)
Optional Travel Protection Insurance: (pp Double: $429, Single: $474.66)
TOUR PAYMENTS
A $500 deposit per person is required with your registration form.
FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE: FEBRUARY 23, 2017
ACTIVITY LEVEL
1
2
3
4
5
OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION INSURANCE
Travel Protection means passengers are covered when unforeseen medical circumstances arise
which may force you to cancel or interrupt your vacation. Coverage is as follows: Emergency
Accident and Sickness Medical Expense ($10,000), Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
($50,000), Trip Cancellation (Trip Cost), Trip Interruption (Trip Cost), Trip Delay ($500), Baggage
and Personal Effects ($1,500), Baggage Delay ($500). A brochure with full details is available.
TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
You must advise Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) at the time of registration of any disability requiring
special attention. SDI will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of travelers.
The American with Disabilities Act is applicable only in the U.S. and accommodations outside the
U.S. may be more limited. Travelers requiring assistance are required to be accompanied by a
companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the assistance. SDI personnel nor
its suppliers, may lift or physically assist with traveler's special needs including but not limited to
walking, dining, or other routine activities. Travelers thinking they may need assistance should call
SDI to determine what accommodations may reasonably be provided. Arrangements at an
additional cost are the financial responsibility of the traveler.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Tour Costs listed reflect a 3% Cash Discount.
Payment by credit card is available with Mastercard & VISA.
Checks can be mailed to: Star Destinations
P.O. Box 456, Carroll, Iowa 51401
CANCELLATION
Full refund of all monies is made if cancellation is received in writing to Star Destinations prior to final
payment, less the cost of travel protection insurance (if you choose not to opt out). A 100% fee is
charged if the cancellation occurs between final payment and departure. If the reason for
cancellation is due to a medical or other reason that is covered by Travel Protection Insurance, you
may be eligible for reimbursement for such fees from your travel insurance provider.
RESERVATIONS: 800-284-4440
INFORMATION: 712-792-9793 ext. 155
[email protected]