An Unforgettable English Journey

by Plaza Travel Consultant, Jennifer Schwartz

I have just returned from England with the exceptional tour operator, In Quest of the Classics. Do they know how to have a great time and make you feel special! We started in London and then moved into an area west to the village of Stoud, staying in a charming 17th century inn with a great pub. It was my first lesson in Lagers and English beer. Of course, I had to have fish and chips.

The next morning we arrived in Gloucester-where a local guide took us through the famous Cathedral to learn about the city's associations with Harry Potter.

The guide was fantastic, and of course, hand-picked by "In Quest". She was a real gem; we enjoyed all her stories. On to Worcester where the Queens china is manufactured. Of course, it was time to buy something and have a spot of tea. Teatime is such a great experience - we should do that more often. We overnighted in an elegant country house owned by the BBC and located in private grounds near Evesham. The following day moving to the famous Cotswolds, filled with beautiful villages of thatched roofs and cobblestone streets. We stopped for a traditional Sunday pub lunch at Fat God's Brewery with a tour and of course, more beer. Then to Stratford-upon-Avon…Shakespeare Country. What a great tribute to the man and his work. Again, amazing tour guides with the greatest stories and information. Overnight in Chipping Campden, the gem of the Cotswolds in another classic old inn (14th Century) in the heart of the village.

On to Bath -very famous area with the old roman baths. You can tour the baths with a self-guided tour exactly how it operated so many centuries ago. Shopping and lovely restaurants are also here. We then stopped at a Historic Manor for a l proper English tea and visited a real castle that is actually lived in but one that can be rented out. The rooms are beautiful and an elegant dinner can be served. This evening, which was definitely the highlight, we stayed at Lucknam Park, an 18th Century Palladian mansion set on 500 acres of private grounds. You can ride horses, enjoy the Spa, and the gardens are absolutely magnificent. I learned how to play snooker-which is similar to our game of billiards. The service and the food -perfection. I highly recommend this property for a special occasion. The next morning we were back to London for our final day and we had the greatest tour guide for our city tour. Her wit and charm made London come alive! Another, hand-picked guide by "In Quest".

Our hotel in London was beautiful and centrally located to all shopping and underground stops. Coming home on Virgin Atlantic was great and the airport was efficient and we were on our way home reluctantly! I cannot say enough for "In Quest of the Classics". Our whole experience was executed to perfection. Every guide and every stop was set up ahead of time and it all worked smoothly. They can also set up theater tickets, dinner reservations, or any special requests. Nothing is too difficult. Just Ask. So, when you are ready to book Europe- please me a call. Other areas of interest include Scotland and Wales, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Holland. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. Scandinavia and Iceland, Slovenia and Croatia. It is a great time to travel. The airports are safe and there is so much to see!

With love and Cheerio!
Jennifer Schwartz