Page 15 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – Winter 2017

TRAVE
L
A royal Experience
Featuring Downton Abbey
By Judie Karhan
England has long been a favorite destination for American travelers. With so little historical reference of our own, this country’s centuries
of history fascinates, as does the pomp and pageantry that is so much a part of Great Britain. In celebration of England’s regal past and time-honored traditions, AAA invites you on a tour of London and the English countryside that will truly be a royal experience.
Travel through the scenic English countryside to the famous filming locations of the popular PBS television series “Downton Abbey,” and prepare yourself for a taste of Edwardian-era England at
the real-life Downton Abbey, which is filmed at
the magnificent 1,000-acre estate of Highclere Castle. Explore the grand salon where the Dowager
The tour will also take us to the picturesque village of Bampton in Oxfordshire, better known as the fictional Downton Village. Here you’ll have the chance to see the places Mr. Bates, Tom and Mrs. Patmore frequent on the show, as well as St. Mary’s Church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crowley exchanged wedding vows.
After the stop in Bampton, the journey continues through the tranquil Cotswold, a region peppered with stone villages.
There are, of course, many more highlights to look forward to as well on this trip itinerary, including
a tour of Windsor Castle, one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite weekend homes; Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace; Anne Hathaway’s Cottage; a Bluebell Railway journey in West Sussex; and Oxford, a city known for its colleges. Visit Christ Church College in Oxford University, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and scenes from JK Rowling’s Harry Potter films. Here you can view the dining hall (the dining room at Hogwart’s) and drop into the Eagle & Child Pub frequented by Tolkein and CS Lewis. En route to London, stop to view West Wycombe Estate’s beautiful grounds.
In the grand city of London, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour, taking in famous sights such as
Cotswold, UK
Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Tower of London, shrouded in dark, sinister history. With another full day to explore London on your own, you may want to shop at Harrods, the world’s most famous department store, or browse through Selfridges, the first ready-made clothing store, which became all the rage in the Edwardian era. London
is also home to many magnificent museums and art galleries. There are more than 300 to choose from, but two of the most highly touted – and most visited – are the British Museum and Tate Gallery.
Experience many of these sites on our AAA Northway MCV British Landscapes featuring Highclere departing April 6, 2018. Visit our Select Vacations on page 13 for details.
Westminster Abbey
Countess visits with the ladies of the house over a cup of tea; browse the library where the Earl of Grantham conducts business, as well as the iconic dining room.
WINTER 2017
15
Now!