TRACING QUEEN VICTORIA - July 29 - August 9, 2020 - Iowa PBS
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A tour of distinction with TRACING QUEEN VICTORIA July 29 - August 9, 2020 Highlights: Blair Castle, Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar Distillery, steam train ride, drive through the Old Course at St. Andrews, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Durham Cathedral, Harewood House, Carlton Towers, Belvoir Castle, London sightseeing tour, Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace
Blair Castle Balmoral Castle DAY 1 WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 FLIGHT TO SCOTLAND We depart the IPTV parking lot on a Windstar motorcoach for the short drive to the Des Moines International Airport for our overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. DAY 2 THURSDAY, JULY 30 ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND (Dinner) Upon our arrival in Edinburgh, we will meet our guide and motorcoach and head north into the Scottish Highlands to visit Blair Castle. More than 700 years old and the longstanding seat of the Earls and Dukes of Atholl, the castle was visited by Victoria in 1844 on her second journey to Scotland and inspired her love for the region. As we tour the castle’s historic inner rooms, we’ll have the opportunity to see Scottish history through the lives of the Atholl family and admire the extensive weapons collection. The collection is symbolic of the castle’s most enduring connection to Queen Victoria – the ceremonial regiment under the command of the Duke of Atholl, known as the Atholl Highlanders, which is the only private military force in Europe thanks to a unique privilege granted by the queen during her 1844 visit. If time allows, we will visit Queen’s View over Loch Tummel to experience one of the most famous and historic views in Scotland before we continue to Aberdeen to check into our hotel for the next two nights. Dinner will be enjoyed as a group after time to settle in. DAY 3 FRIDAY, JULY 31 ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND (Breakfast, Lunch) We’ll board our motorcoach after breakfast this morning and make the scenic drive to Balmoral Castle. In 1848, Prince Albert and Queen Victoria’s love for Scotland convinced them to purchase Balmoral without ever seeing it! On their first visit, Victoria found the house “small but pretty,” and the surrounding hillside and landscape reminded them of Albert's homeland in Germany. A larger castle was soon built to accommodate the Queen’s growing family, additional staff, visiting friends, and government officials. Today, Balmoral is the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family. We’ll explore the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions before enjoying a light lunch. This afternoon will include a visit to Royal Lochnagar Distillery on the Victoria Heritage Trail for a tour and a tasting. Queen Victoria was so impressed by what she tasted here that she issued a Royal Warrant allowing the distillery to add Royal to its name! We will then embark on a steam train ride with afternoon tea on the Royal Deeside Railway used by Victoria and Albert. We’ll return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure. DAY 4 SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND (Breakfast, Dinner) We will begin our day with breakfast before returning to Edinburgh. Along the way, we’ll stop in St. Andrews, the beautiful seaside town known as the “home of golf” and the place where Prince William met Kate Middleton. Golfers and non-golfers alike will thrill at the opportunity to drive through the middle of the famous Old Course to catch a glimpse of the iconic Swilken Bridge and the golfers on the links. A city sightseeing tour awaits us in Edinburgh, during which we will pass by Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Princes Street, and the Royal Mile. Our tour will end at our Edinburgh hotel for the opportunity to freshen up before a special dining event! DAY 5 SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND (Breakfast) Today’s sightseeing includes a private tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse where we’ll hear stories of its most famous residents from the past and present. Queen Victoria often stayed at Holyrood as she traveled from London to Balmoral, and today it is the official Scottish residence of Queen Elizabeth. The afternoon is yours to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. Head to Edinburgh Castle at the top of Castle Rock to marvel at the Scottish Crown Jewels and learn about the history of this former home of many kings and queens. Or consider visiting one of the many art galleries and museums in the city center. If you’re looking to do a little shopping, take advantage of the cosmopolitan shops on Princes Street and the more traditional shops on the Royal Mile. There is also an amazing variety of award- winning restaurants, cafés, and bars for you to enjoy both lunch and dinner on your own.
St. Andrews Buckingham Palace DAY 6 MONDAY, AUGUST 3 YORK, ENGLAND (Breakfast, Dinner) Following breakfast, we will say goodbye to Scotland and travel south to York, England, stopping to visit the impressive Durham Cathedral along the way. Construction of this UNESCO World Heritage Site began in 1093, and it is now one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. We will then continue on to York to settle into our rooms for the next two nights. Enjoy a little time to walk around the city before joining the group for dinner in the hotel. DAY 7 TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 YORK, ENGLAND (Breakfast) Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we depart for Harewood House, designated as one of the Treasure Houses of England and filled with Chippendale furniture, Renaissance art, French porcelain, and over 200 years of history. The home has several personal connections to Queen Victoria – the young princess visited the home in 1835, and the current Earl of Harewood is her great-great-great-grandson! Harewood House has also been used extensively in filming Victoria as a stand-in for Buckingham Palace. After our visit, we will make our way to Carlton Towers, which served as the television version of Windsor Castle on Victoria, before returning to York for an evening at leisure. Grab a drink and a delicious meal at one of the great bars and restaurants perfectly located near our hotel! DAY 8 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 WINDSOR, ENGLAND (Breakfast, Lunch) Our touring will begin with a stop at Belvoir Castle along our journey to Windsor. The castle has been home to the Duke of Rutland’s family since 1067 and is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the world. As we explore the castle and gardens, be on the lookout for familiar-looking settings from The Young Victoria, a movie on Queen Victoria’s early life and reign that was filmed here. Following our visit, we will continue on to Windsor to settle into our accommodations for the next two nights and enjoy dinner on our own. DAY 9 THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 WINDSOR, ENGLAND (Breakfast) Today is yours to do as you wish! Across the road from our hotel is Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favorite weekend home and 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. Consider walking to the castle to tour its highlights at your leisure. Visit the State Apartments where thirty-nine monarchs have resided, see Queen Mary’s dolls’ house, and view the ever-changing exhibits of valuable treasures. You can even walk in St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married! DAY 10 FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 LONDON, ENGLAND (Breakfast) After breakfast, we will make the short drive into London for a city sightseeing tour that will take us past the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. The afternoon and evening are yours to discover the many museums, shops, and historical sites the city has to offer. Tickets can be pre-arranged for those interested in a West End theatre production. DAY 11 SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 LONDON, ENGLAND (Breakfast, Dinner) This morning includes an exclusive IPTV experience that will be the perfect way to bring our journey through the life of Queen Victoria to a close. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! Afterward, our group will watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. We will also walk in the footsteps of dignitaries from around the world as we tour the halls and galleries of one of the world’s few remaining working palaces. The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring before a wonderful farewell dinner together. DAY 12 SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 HOME (Breakfast) We will transfer to the airport for our return flight home.
TOUR PRICING
$6,999 per person, Double Occupancy
$8,799 per person, Single Occupancy
OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION
IPTV RECOMMENDS all travelers purchase a Travel Protection Plan.
For your convenience, we offer a Travel Protection Plan provided by
Travelex Insurance Services:
$550 per person, Double; $706 per person, Single
Durham Cathedral (Payment may be sent with your deposit or with nal payment to IPTV)
Travel Protection Plan may be purchased any time before
or with nal payment to IPTV.
INCLUSIONS Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is underwritten by
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276. To view state specic fraud
• Round-Trip Transfers From • 16 Meals (10 Breakfasts, warnings, visit: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/company/fraud-warning. YIE
Johnston to Des Moines Airport 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners)
• Round-Trip Air to Edinburgh • Admission to Attractions as A $500 deposit per person is required with your registration form.
& Return From London Stated on Itinerary FINAL PAYMENT IS DUE TO IPTV:
(price based on air estimate of $1,400)
• Porter Service of One Bag MARCH 20, 2020
• Deluxe Motorcoach Per Person at Hotels
Transportation For further information or questions, please call:
• Taxes & Gratuities for
• 10 Nights’ Accommodations Included Services Darla Hassebroek
in 4-Star Hotels (515) 725-9811
• Professional Tour Manager
or email: darla@iptv.org
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,
PO Box 6400, Johnston, IA 50131
phone calls and faxes from hotels, travel protection plan, passport fees, current baggage fees at
the airport as assessed by the airline, and any service not listed in the above inclusions. Custom designed
tour by
Activity Level - Moderate Tour
In order to participate in this tour, you must:
-Be able to walk 1-3 miles over the course of the day, up and down stairs, and over unpaved or cobblestone surfaces.
-Be comfortable on your feet for up to two hours walking and standing, both inside museums and outdoors in all weather conditions such as hot sun and rain.
-Be able to navigate towns and cities on your own as desired.
DOCUMENTATION: Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport through February 9, 2021, to participate. If you don't have a passport, call our office and we'll tell you how to apply for one. Holders of non-U.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.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN: IPTV recommends that you purchase a Travel Protection Plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Participants may
purchase this coverage from the provider of your choice. For your convenience, we offer a Travel Protection Plan, 360° Group Premier provided by Travelex Insurance Services, that helps provide coverage for trip
cancellation/interruption, trip delay, baggage loss, theft or damage, medical expense and emergency evacuation coverage, and more. For more information, please see the product flyer included with this brochure. If you would like to
purchase the offered plan, please check the applicable box on the registration form. Please Note: The plan cannot be purchased after final payment. To view/download the Policy, which provides the full coverage terms and details,
including limitations and exclusions, go to: http://policy.travelexinsurance.com/APGB-1217. To view state specific fraud warnings, visit: https://www.travelexinsurance.com/company/fraud-warning. The purchase of this product
is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service. Your travel retailer might not be licensed to sell travel insurance and will only be able to provide general information about the product. An unlicensed travel retailer
may not answer questions about the terms and conditions of the insurance offered and may not evaluate the adequacy of your existing insurance coverage. The products being offered provide insurance coverage that only applies
during your covered trip. You may have insurance coverage from other sources that provide similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon the coverage. You may wish to compare the terms of the travel
policy offered through Travelex with any existing life, health, home, and automobile insurance policies you may have. If you have questions about your coverage under your existing insurance policies, contact your insurer or
insurance agent or broker. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Travel Insurance is offered on behalf of and under the direction of Travelex Insurance Services. Travel Insurance is underwritten by
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC #22276. 7D4
CANCELLATION: Full refund of all monies is made if cancellation is received in writing to IPTV prior to final payment. A 100% fee is charged if the cancellation occurs between final payment and departure. If the reason for
cancellation is due to a covered reason, you may be eligible for reimbursement for such fees from your Travel Protection Plan provider.
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 Americans 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. Neither SDI personnel nor its suppliers may lift or physically assist with travelers' 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.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Star Destinations, Inc. (SDI) 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, SDI and its agents reserve the right to lodge travelers in another hotel of similar or superior category. SDI 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 SDI or its representatives. c) any other cause beyond the control of SDI. In addition, SDI 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. The price of this tour is based on the GBP/USD exchange rate of $1.29 as of 11/6/19. If you request a variation or change to your
booking, SDI may choose to accept or reject that request at its sole discretion. If SDI accepts your request, you must pay the variation fee and any costs associated with it.
It is the sole discretion of SDI to refuse transport to any passenger, or require any passenger to leave the tour, if it is reasonably believed that the passenger (1) is dangerous to others or to himself or herself; (2) has engaged in, is
engaged in, or is threatening to engage in, behavior that may adversely affect the safety, security, comfort, enjoyment, or well-being of other passengers or SDI representatives, including, but not limited to, behavior that is disruptive,
verbally abusive, physically abusive, obnoxious, harassing, discriminatory, or obscene; or (3) has failed or refused, or is failing or refusing, to follow SDI's rules and procedures or the instructions of SDI or its representatives. In the
event a passenger is removed, such passenger may be left at any city without any liability to SDI or its representatives. SDI shall not be required to refund any portion of the price paid by any passenger who is removed under the terms
of this paragraph, nor shall SDI be responsible for expenses for lodging, medical care, meals, transportation, or any other expenses incurred by the passenger. SDI shall be entitled to recover from the passenger any costs or
expenses incurred by SDI or its representatives in the removal of the passenger or the exercise or enforcement of this clause.
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