For the rare traveler who wants more. Don’t just “do” England, enter into it.

HOMAGE TO THE DOGS AND HOUNDS IN THE SPORTING LIFE OF ENGLAND

Nine days and nights. Truffle hunting, fox (“trail”) hunting, sheep dog trials, gun dogs, shooting, terriers, kennel tours, falconry, Duke of Beaufort’s Christmas Fair, wine tasting, spa, sightseeing, and other uncommon opportunities. Exclusive, small (very) group tour. Luxury transportation. Professional photographer accompanying as your personal documentarian, providing digital images and keepsake coffee table book. Private, deluxe accommodations in lavish country estates and grand historic hotels. Exquisite dining (and some dives). Iconic sights. Curated, full immersion, guided tour with incomparable personal service. All-inclusive (on land). Limited space.

November 23 to December 2, 2024

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE OR GET MORE INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL RENEE

ITINERARY

Saturday, November 23rd, 2024

ARRIVAL London

Afternoon transfers are available from Heathrow - we’ll meet you at the airport and welcome you with a glass of champagne to celebrate your advent.

Check in to the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel, Royal Windsor, Berkshire - lodging on the Thames, overlooking Windsor Castle.

Evening - cocktails, then welcome dinner in Eton/Windsor.

Sunday, November 24th, 2024

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a five-minute walk to Windsor Castle for a 10a tour.

Afternoon tea on the Thames.

Drive 36 miles (45 minutes) west to Audley’s Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, Hampshire - lodging on a country estate in a mansion built in 1880

Dinner at the hotel, private dining.

Monday, November 25th, 2024

High Clandon multi-gold-award winning vineyard

Breakfast at the estate.

Depart for a 30-mile scenic drive through Surrey Hills (50 minutes) to award-winning High Clandon Estate Vineyards

Join The English Truffle Company for a private day of truffle hunting with hounds, lunch, vineyard tour, wine tasting, and truffle dishes.

Drive 29 miles (40 minutes) to Chawton, Alton, home of Jane Austen where we’ll enjoy a private tour and then dine at a proper English pub, The Greyfriar, a 16th-century village inn overlooking her home.

Audley’s Wood is just a 20-minute drive back where we can enjoy an **evening digestif or a cup of tea.

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024

Breakfast at the estate.

Drive 44 miles (45 minutes) to Stonehenge and enjoy a walking tour with a guidebook, followed by lunch at The Dog and Gun, a restored 17th-century coaching inn serving “seasonal local food and decent booze” - just a few minutes away.

Drive 40 miles (1 hour) to the Annual Beaufort Christmas Fair, Long Newnton, “home of Christmas shopping” and annual event to benefit local charities. The hounds of Duke of Beaufort’s Hunt have been kenneled here since 1692.

Continue to Burford in the Cotswolds, 30 miles (45 minutes) to The Bay Tree Hotel, a 17th-century property once owned by Sir Lawrence Tanfield, James I’s Baron of the Exchequer.

Dinner at the hotel.

Wednesday, November 27th, 2024

Breakfast at the hotel, if you wake early enough, you can enjoy a stroll through scenic Burford before we depart.

Drive 31 miles (45 minutes) to Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s home. In honor of Thanksgiving Day, we Americans will grab an ironic **afternoon cup of tea and bite to eat at The Boston Tea Party and enjoy them during a ten-minute walk past Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Shakespeare’s New Place on our way to the Avon River, where we’ll ceremoniously toss some tea into the harbor and finish the rest onboard a riverboat during Canal and River Tour’s trip along the Avon River.

Drive 66 miles (1hr 20 minutes) to Stafford where we’ll be staying at The Hoar Cross Hall Spa and Hotel, whose original 15th-century foundations were brought back to life as a hunting lodge in 1794 by Hugo Meynell, known as “The Father of Fox-Hunting”.

Check in to Hoar Cross and enjoy spa access and two 60-minute spa treatments during your stay.

Evening, Thanksgiving dinner at the Hall, private dining.

The Chapel, private dining at Hoar Cross Hall

Friday, November 29th, 2024

Breakfast at the Hotel

Today you can enjoy a full day alone at the Hotel & Spa, including spa treatments, lunch and dinner, and access to the Spa facilities.

- OR -

Come along as we meet and travel with our good friend Major throughout Stafford area hunt clubs, including kennel tours and chats with terrier men, huntsmen, and staff. Dinner with Major, Masters, and huntsmen at the Bradford or back at Hoar Cross.

Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Foxhunting (trail hunting in the UK), Travel to Meet - Car following or **riding options available. We will travel up to the Stafford area fixture. As the fixture card is still unknown, we’ll update when we know which meet and where, but the trip from Hoar Cross to the fixture could be an hour or so. We will leave very early and if we miss breakfast, we’ll provide coffee and pastries as we drive. (Details will be provided privately.)

We will return to Hoar Cross Hall.

Dinner will be with our new hunting friends.

Sunday, December 1st, 2024

Early breakfast at the Hall.

Depart for London 143 miles (3hrs 11 minutes). We’ll stop for **lunch along the way (hopefully a sampling of some proper fish and chips).

Destination: The Royal Horseguards Hotel, an impressive historic building in London on the River Thames at Embankment, encompassing two iconic buildings - the National Liberal Club which has played host to historical icons including Churchill, Gladstone and Lloyd-George; and the club’s magnificent apartments which were previously the home of the first chief of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service. You’re within easy walking distance of Embankment, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and the South Bank.

**Free afternoon to enjoy London and have dinner. Sunday meals are very special affaires in England.

Then join the group at a West End Theatre production (we’ll update ticket information when 2024 winter schedules are published).

Farewell toast back at the Hotel in The Equus Bar.

Monday, December 2nd, 2024

DEPARTURE - **The hotel can arrange transfers to Heathrow.

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE OR GET MORE INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL RENEE

INCLUDED: Transfer from Heathrow on arrival day, all lodging, meals, beverages during group meals, transportation (including onboard beverages and snacks), entry fees, luggage handling, and hotel and restaurant gratuities are included. Also included: high-resolution images in digital format and a personalized coffee table book. Leave your camera at home if you like, or bring it along to learn from the pro. Stephanie Adriana from Westover Photography will accompany us throughout and photograph your affaire.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, departure transfer to the airport from the hotel, gratuities for the local guides, luggage handlers, hunt staff, donations or contributions to the local organizations or their charities, travel insurance, and any itinerary items denoted by ** in the above itinerary.

Most flights from the US originate on Friday 22rd and arrive at Heathrow throughout the day on Saturday 23rd. We will meet you at the airport on Saturday at any time prior to 6pm or help coordinate late/early pickups. Check in time is 3pm Saturday 23rd. If you’re early, we’ll either arrange an early check in, if available, or stash your luggage and help you discover afternoon activities. If you’d like to arrive the day before, we’re happy to help you arrange your stay and transport.

INTINERARY: Times, distances, and locations should be considered tentative. As we are still many months away from departure, some changes may be necessary to accommodate local weather, schedules, availability, emergencies, etc. Any substitutions will be made with similar or better accommodations or activities.

FOOD/DRINK: Included: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners. Accommodations include bed & breakfast, which you can enjoy each morning at your leisure. Other meals are either pre-arranged private evening meals/banquets or off-the-menu at locally chosen restaurants. Off-the-menu, by-the-glass alcoholic (2) and non-alcoholic beverages are included during arranged meals. We ask that you start your own tab if you’d like to enjoy more than 2 beverages, order bottles of wine, or enjoy bottle service or corkage. Most hotels/lodges have a lounge/bar for your enjoyment and offer room service. All bar tabs or room service charges are your responsibility, not included. The van will be stocked with travel refreshments, snacks, and cocktails. Preference sheets will be sent to each guest pre-trip so we can ensure we have what you like onboard and accommodate any dietary restrictions throughout the trip.

Upon lodging check-in, you will be asked to leave your own credit card on file to cover any room charges you’ve requested.

RESERVATIONS - Reservations open March 1st. Because of the incredible interest and the small group size, we anticipate it filling quickly. Spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Your reservation agreement will include preference sheets, terms & conditions, policies, and guarantees.

COST: $12,545 per person based upon single occupancy. All lodging includes a private room and en suite for each individual, in an upgraded or deluxe room. Double occupancy (shared room, 2 people per, max) will receive a $500 reduction per person. As we are staying at a variety of places, from country inns to opulent city hotels, room and bed sizes vary. A 30% ($4000) non-refundable down payment guarantees your place. The remaining amount will be required 60 days before departure (by September 22).

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!: If you book by May 1st, you will receive a $250 discount per person.

CANCELLATIONS: The down payment is non-refundable. Every effort will be made to transfer your down payment to a future tour or date if you must cancel. Any cancellations made within 60 days of departure will receive no refund or transfer of fees paid. We reserve the right to cancel the trip for prohibitive occupancy or arrangement issues by July 15th, in which case all fees paid will be returned to the traveler.

Learn more

GROUP SIZE: Our group will be made up of 8-10 guests and 2-3 staff including host(s) and photographer(s). We are always at your service.

TRANSPORTATION: This tour spans nine days and 750 miles. Nearly every day will involve road travel through scenic English countryside. Your transportation will be in a very comfortable coach (small mini-bus), with windows, luggage space, and on-board refreshments. The coach will be either locked or accompanied at all times.

PACKING: Suggestions for attire and a detailed packing list will be provided. Luggage tags will be sent to you ahead of travel. Your luggage will be handled whenever possible, but in some cases, you might be required to help. Keep this in mind as you pack and try to limit your luggage to that which you can handle yourself.

OPTIONS: Hunt day. Capping fees for riders and non-riders, plus vehicles for car following/tailgating are included. Optional riding to the hounds is an additional $250 for horse lease and delivery. Pre- and post-trip. We’re happy to help you make travel arrangements before or after this itinerary.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Though we are not affiliated with and make no claims about the cost or quality of travel insurance, these two companies are highly rated: Travel Guard and Travelex. We are not considered travel agents. Be sure to include all aspects of your trip, including your airfare and pre/post-trip stays.

MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AND CO-HOST

Stephanie Adriana Westover, of Val Westover Photography, is a multi-national award-winning photographer, leader of photo workshops and international expeditions, teacher, author, top Irish Woldhound breeder and canine historian, and your personal documentarian and co-host throughout the journey. You can leave your camera at home and rest assured she will catch it all, from stunning classic landscapes and artistic portraits to candid shots just perfect for your travel journal or social media. Or, bring your camera along and get expert tips and one-on-one instruction about how to take spectacular photos. Stephanie will share images throughout the trip that you can post online and upon completion supply you with a collection of digital images and a keepsake coffee table book honoring your journey through England.

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ESSENTIALS:

ENTRY: A passport valid for the whole of your stay is required to travel in the UK and will be checked at the airport when you arrive. No visa is required for US travelers. You do not need to take any Coronavirus (COVID-19) tests or fill in a passenger locator form. This applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not. Your bags may be checked for items subject to duty. Click here for more info.

EXIT: VAT is no longer refunded, but hold on to your receipts if you make major purchases so duty can be calculated when you return to the US. When you arrive in the US, you will fill out a CBP declaration which you can get in paper form from the port of entry, or utilize the Global Entry or Automated Passport Control kiosk. Click here for more info.

CURRENCY - England’s currency is the British Pound Sterling £ which is currently $1.26. American dollars are not accepted in the UK. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport, ATMs, and some banks. Most places accept credit cards, but keep some cash in your pocket. There are 100 pence in a pound, and coins come in denominations of 1 penny (singular form of pence), 2, 5, 10, and 20 pence. There are also £1 and £2 coins. United Kingdom's paper currency is called notes; notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50, and £100.

TIPPING: Only gratuities at restaurants and hotels are included in the price of your trip. British etiquette does not traditionally require a tip for services, as it is generally considered a gesture of gratitude for exceptional service rather than an obligatory supplement to an employee's income. (Though ironically, tipping originated in England in the 16th century.) It is perfectly acceptable to abstain from tipping in the UK. 10-12% is usual when/if tipping is appropriate. A service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but if not, tips are appreciated. Look at your receipts. In cafes or bistros, if a tip jar is out, just round up to the next pound, no more. If table service is provided, £1 is plenty. No tip is necessary for self-service, grab and go. In pubs/bars, it is NOT customary, but if your change is returned on a silver tray (yes, they still do this), a small tip is appreciated by the bus staff. Taxi drivers, porters, and housekeeping staff appreciate a small tip of £1-2. Local tour operators also appreciate but do not expect a small gratuity of £5-10/day.

TAXES: A 20% VAT (value-added tax) is charged on most goods and services and is non-refundable unless you ship your purchased goods back home. VAT is not usually included in prices.

ELECTRICITY: A Type G universal adapter can be used in the UK. This is with rectangular pins _ | _ for 230V, 50Hz.

CALLING: The country code for England is 44, for the USA it is 1. Most UK numbers will begin with 0 which you will use only when calling a UK number from within the UK. When calling the UK from the US, dial +44, then the number without the 0. When calling the US from the UK, dial +1, then the 10 digit US number. From a cell phone, hold the zero to create the + required for international calling (from a landline, the + is substituted with a 011 to the UK and a 00 to the US, then the country code). If you plan to use your phone, data, or text while in the UK, call your cell provider to set up a calling plan. If desired by the group, we will create a group chat to communicate and share photos while are on tour.

TIME ZONE: England is on Greenwich Mean Time. In the US, that is 8 hours later than the Pacific time zone and 5 hours later than the Eastern time zone. So if it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in the UK, if it’s noon in Los Angeles, it’s 8pm in the UK.

DRIVING: Left-hand driving, do not block the middle lane if the inside is available, yield to traffic on the right in a roundabout.

MEASUREMENTS: Essentially, there is no universal system. Both Imperial and Metric systems are used. Personal body weight is in stones and pounds, heights in feet and inches, summer temperatures in Fahrenheit, and winter ones in Celcius. They buy things by the meter, but it is usually 55 inches wide. They drink beer and milk in pints but wine and water in liters or centiliters. Fuel is in liters, but fuel mileage is in miles per gallon. Miles and kilometers have both been mandatory on British speedometers since 1977, in preparation for the metric changeover which was postponed indefinitely in 1970. It’s a mixed bag.

Don’t just “do” England. Enter into it.

Our quest is to create uncommon, unrepeatable, unconventional, fully immersive travel experiences for very small groups of people who want more than the average bucket list checkbox. We look for ethnographic experiences that you can’t see from the road, but wouldn’t dream of missing. We show you a country from a novel, unique perspective. We give you the essence.

You are not normal. Why see the world that way?

TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE OR GET MORE INFORMATION, CALL, TEXT, OR EMAIL RENEE

England - Going to the Dogs

HOMAGE TO THE DOGS AND HOUNDS IN THE SPORTING LIFE OF ENGLAND

ITINERARY

MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER AND CO-HOST

an Affaire

by Renée Daniels