“See the Lakes in style with Classic Travelling … fold down the roof and follow a specially designed scenic route that snakes around the back roads between Maggiore, Como, Iseo and Garda.” The Sunday Times, Italian Top 20 (Jan ‘06)

This two week tour will explore Lakes Maggiore, Orta, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda, together with the surrounding areas which exhibit an enchanting combination of Mediterranean foliage set against the back drop of snow-capped mountains. There are some of the most beautiful towns and striking gardens in the whole of Europe to be visited. Experience aristocratic villas, glorious sunsets, boat trips to islands with magical villages, a fascinating range of cuisines, truly superb wines and, of course, the lakes themselves and all they have to offer.

There will be a maximum of 15 cars on this tour, which makes for a small and friendly group.

Route

Italian Lakes route: Lake Orta to Lake Garda. Click image to enlarge

Accommodation

The Italian section of the tour will stay in three delightful hotels, each on a lake shore. All the hotels have wonderful character and individuality, whilst being of an excellent standard. Due to the nature and age of these hotels, all the rooms are different, and will vary from charmingly comfortable to the utmost luxury. We have hand-picked and visited each hotel to ensure it has an enchanting atmosphere, as well as suitable parking for your car. All the accommodation includes breakfast.

Itinerary

May be subject to change without notice

Day One

Depart from Dover early afternoon to Calais. Drive to Laon and stay in a fabulous chateau hotel just to the north of the city. There is a welcome dinner tonight.

Day Two

Drive through France to the Jura Mountains. Stay overnight in a lovely, former-mill hotel in the Franche-Comte region. Dinner is included.

Day Three

Drive across the Jura mountains into Switzerland. Visit the beautiful, medieval hilltop town of Gruyeres, famous for its cheese, and see how the cheese is made in the local alpine farms. Stay in a gorgeous chalet hotel in Chateau d’Oex. Dinner is included.

Day Four

Arrive in Piedmont, Italy. From northern Europe the most spectacular route is over the Alps from Switzerland, via the Simplon Pass. Descend into the Ossola valley and drive along the shores of Lake Maggiore to Stresa. Stay for three nights in Stresa’s most wonderful hotel, the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees, overlooking the lake and the Borromean Islands. There is a welcome dinner at the hotel tonight.

Day Five

Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the delights of Lake Maggiore. Discover the town of Stresa – perfect for an evening promenade by the lake. Maybe take a boat ride to see the jewel-like Borromean Islands and enjoy the spectacular palace and beautiful gardens.

Day Six

A short tour today to circumnavigate Lake Orta and visit the captivating town of Orta San Guilio, set entirely on its own garden peninsula. Take a short boat ride across to the island in the middle of the lake. Lanes are too narrow for cars so take a few hours to discover the town on foot. The scenic journey around the perimeter of the lake makes for a gentle and interesting drive.

Dinner will involve a boat trip to the Borromean Islands to dine in a local restaurant.

Day Seven

Take the ferry across Lake Maggiore to Laveno. Drive up the east shore of Lake Maggiore, which is dotted with religious sanctuaries and churches, decorated with fine frescoes. Head inland on some sensational mountain roads to Sacro Monte, a holy way that winds 2km to the sanctuary at the top, and is lined with 14 chapels decorated with frescoes and statues. Drive to Lake Lugano and cross the border into Switzerland and drive around its northern shore before crossing over to Lake Como, where you will spend the next two nights at a wonderful hotel, right on the shore, overlooking the pretty town of Bellagio.

Day Eight

Discover the lovely little walled city of Como and its fine monuments. Take a scenic drive around the southern half of Lake Como – Italy’s prestigious romantic lake since the early Roman times. Visit Bellagio; a town as charming as its setting.

Day Nine

Drive northwards to Menaggio and take the ferry across Lake Como to Varenna. Drive some fabulous mountain roads, past the spa town of San Pellegrino and onto Lake Iseo. Continue onto Brescia and visit the Mille Miglia Museum. Drive to Lake Garda to stay for three nights on the west shore in Gardone Riviera. The hotel is situated right on the shores of the lake and each room overlooks the lake and has a balcony.

Day Ten

Enjoy wandering around the various little towns along the lake and taking it easy, relaxing in the local vicinity, or take the opportunity to visit the city of Verona, which is about 40 miles away.

Day Eleven

Take a circular tour to drive around the whole of Lake Garda, visiting the charming towns of Riva in the north, Torri del Benaco and Desenzano.

Day Twelve

Leave Lake Garda and start the journey homewards. Either take the fast route on the motorways to Milan, Geneva and France, or drive north to the Alps and experience the famous Stelvio Pass and Bernina Pass to Switzerland. Stay overnight in the town of Chur in a lovely character hotel in the centre of the old town. Dinner is included.

Day Thirteen

From Chur you can either join the main motorway network in Europe, or take a leisurely drive through Switzerland to Interlaken and the capital, Bern. Cross over the Jura Mountains to the Alsace region of France. A good opportunity to stock up on some wine! Stay overnight in a wonderful hotel in a pretty Alsatian village. Dinner is included.

Day Fourteen

Drive across northern France and take the opportunity to see some of the WWI sites of Verdun and environs. Stay for the last night of the tour back at the chateau where we stayed for the first night as well. There will be a final, farewell dinner.

Day Fifteen

Drive across northern France to Calais and cross to Dover  and then depart for home.

Details

Dates:

Start: 1 September 2010
End: 15 September 2010
Duration: 14 nights

Price:

€2,999per person – based on two people sharing a double or twin room and one car

€2,949 per person – excluding ferry crossing (Dover-Calais) from the UK

€4,050 per person in a single room

Please let us know if you would prefer to cross from Hull to Zeebrugge with P&O Ferries. This will incur a supplement of £200 for the return crossing. There will also be a supplement for a cabin: £165 for a Club Suite, £113 for a premier 2-berth outside cabin, and £108 for a 2-bunk outside cabin, each way. It is obligatory to have a cabin and cabin standards are subject to availability.

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• All accommodation
• Breakfast every morning
• Eight evening meals
• A boat trip to the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore one evening for dinner
• Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries, for those participants starting in the UK.
• Tour book – includes a brief history of Italy, basic Italian dictionary, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed account of sights and visits for each day. The book effectively eliminates the need for any other guide books.
• Road map of Italy
• Experienced and friendly Classic Travelling tour guide

What’s not included

• Fuel, any road tolls and any Italian lake ferry crossings
• Lunches and some dinners (unless stated)
• Entry into attractions and activities
• Personal travel insurance
• We strongly suggest and recommend you have European breakdown cover, and ensure you are covered for the countries to be visited. Although we have mechanical back-up, there may be cases that cannot be fixed on the tour and your car may need to be repatriated.
• All drinks are extra to accommodate individual preferences.
• Any increase in the rate of exchange leading to the increase in the land arrangements, which may come into effect prior to the departure.

Requirements

• Each person must have a passport (and any necessary visas for non-EU passport holders) valid for Italy and any other countries you may visit to participate on the tour. All passports must be valid for six months after the end of the tour
• You will also need your vehicle registration documents, driving licence (a photo-card licence or international permit is best), and international insurance cover.
• Please check your travel and motor insurance that you are covered for travel in the required countries.
• You are also required to safety equipment: carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.

Classic Travelling has driven the route many a time to ensure it is scenic and interesting as well as visited each hotel to make certain we have the most pleasant accommodation in the area and they have appropriate standards of comfort and charm, along with suitable parking. Cross from the UK to Denmark and spend a night in Jutland. Then cross to Kristiansand in southern Norway and stay overnight near Stavanger. Drive north to Bergen for a couple of nights, and then onto Alesund for two more nights. Leave the coast and turn inland to the fjords and stay at the end of most famed, Geirangerfjord, where we shall stay for two nights. Climb over the mountains and pass through valleys to Lom and then onto Sogndal. Take a ferry cruise across Sogndalfjord and then stay on the shores of the Hardangerfjord, famed for its orchards. Then return to Stavanger for the ferry crossing back Denmark and then to the UK.

As of September 2008 there are no direct sailings from the Newcastle to Norway, hence the route now via Denmark.

As this tour is still some time away we are taking details of everyone who is interested in the tour. So please contact us to pre-register and you will be the first to know when this tour is available to book.

Please note that at this stage the dates are provisional.

Route

Accommodation

Stay in some delightful hotels, including wonderful wooden Gothic hotels, mountain log cabins, converted wharf-side warehouses, and stylish city hotels. All the accommodation is individual and unique and of a high standard. Due to the nature and age of these hotels, rooms vary from charmingly comfortable to the utmost luxury.

We have hand-picked each hotel for its unique atmosphere and style. All accommodation includes breakfast and most include dinner. Suitable parking is, of course, a feature of each hotel, but it is rarely under cover. In the cities we shall be using small, public parking houses that are locked at night, adjacent to the hotels.

Itinerary

May be subject to change

Day One

Leave Harwich, England at 17.45 (check in at 17.00) and take the overnight crossing to Esbjerg, Denmark. Two-berth, sea-view cabins will be booked for your overnight comfort. There are two restaurants on board, a cinema and a cafe.

Day Two

Arrive in Esbjerg, Denmark at 13.00. Drive north, along the coast, to north Jutland. The scenery is graceful and dotted with pretty farms and log cabins. Stay overnight in a lovely old manor house near Hirtshals, in northern Denmark.

Mileage to Hirtshals: 175

Day Three

Take the ferry from Hirtshals, Denmark to Kristiansand, Norway, which is a 2 1/2 hour crossing. Enjoy the drive north, past lakes and over the mountains into Telemark, to Dalen and stay in a fabulous, wooden Gothic hotel at the top of a fjord. The interior and exterior of this hotel are exquisite.

Mileage from Kristiansand to Dalen: 132

Day Four

Drive north to Bergen through the most beautiful scenery. There is a lovely little stave church to visit shortly after leaving the hotel. Drive over the mountains and along valleys, past the famous twin waterfalls of Latefossen to Bergen and stay for two nights. Once in Bergen the tour will spend two nights in a fabulous hotel on the waters edge, just seconds along the quay from the World Heritage-listed, and very picturesque, Bryggen. Light evening meals are included at the hotel, but if you want something more substantial there are many good restaurants to sample in Bergen.

Mileage: 193

Day Five

The day is yours to explore the many delights of Bergen. The old town is a fascinating area to explore, with little wooden houses jostled in the smallest of spaces on the hillside overlooking the harbour. Maybe include an Grieg concert at the composer’s home, Troldhaugen. Or climb up Floibanen and enjoy the view from the top, looking over the city and the sea.

Mileage: 0

Day Six

Leave Bergen and drive to Voss and then north for a wonderful drive to Vagsnes, passing Vik, with its medieval wooden stave church. It is then a short ferry trip, across Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, to Balestrand, where you will stay in a beautiful wooden hotel right on the fjord edge.

Mileage: 118

Day Seven

Wind your way around the fjords and over the mountains to Stryn. Continue onto Alesund, a picturesque art deco town, entirely rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904, and stay for two nights in another converted warehouse hotel, alongside the water. Alesund & Sunnmore is the perfect place to explore some of Norway’s most famous natural and cultural attractions. Alesund’s beautiful Art Nouveau architecture is known far and wide. The myriad of turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation that give the town its distinctive character are like something from a fairytale. Sunnmore’s has a wonderful profusion of fjords, small fishing communities, island gems and majestic mountains to discover.

Mileage: 189

Day Eight

Spend time exploring the picturesque town of Alesund. In the evening there is a cruise one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, Hjorundfjorden. Surrounded by majestic mountains, cruise along the fjord enjoying some of Norway’s most wonderful scenery. Disembark in Saebo and walk up to an historic period farm. After learning about the history have dinner in the beautiful original barn. Then return to Alesund late evening.

Mileage: 0

Day Nine

Leave Alesund and drive along the coast to Andalsnes, a quaint little town on a lake. Drive up the famous Trollstigen – an awesome road with hairpin bends, a 1:12 gradient and practically one lane all the way. Continue onto Geiranger and down the Eagle’s Highway into the valley. The hotel overlooks the Geirangerfjord, one of the most beautiful and photographed parts of Norway. There is also a vintage car museum and the acclaimed Norwegian Fjord Centre to visit. Stay for two nights in a beautiful wooden hotel above the town and overlooking the area.

Mileage: 127

Day Ten

Spend the day relaxing. There are some fabulous walks in the area, or take a boat trip down Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt to see the fjords from a different angle. The fjord is reputed for its magnificent waterfalls, such as Friaren, Desyvsostre and Brudesloret. The area is also famous for the many mountain farms, clinging to the mountain hills along the fjord. This beautiful place also offers some of the world’s most famous viewpoints; Ornesvingene, Flydalsjuvet and Dalssnibba.

Mileage: 0

Day Eleven

The ascent south from Geiranger is a fabulous road of 37 hairpin bends. Today’s drive includes some sensational mountain passes and breathtaking scenery. Take the old road up to the summer skiing area (there will be a chance to indulge if you wish) at Strynefjell and then over the mountains on some stunning roads to Lom. Visit Roisheim, in the heart of the beautiful valley of Boverdalen, which consists of 12 perfectly preserved buildings from the 18th century. The chalets have been lovingly restored with utmost care. This is a great stop for lunch (not included) and its excellent cuisine and wine cellar are only some of the reasons to visit this place, situated close to some of Norway’s tallest mountains. Continue over the mountains and descend to Lustrafjord, an arm of the Sogndalfjord. Visit the stunning stave church at Urnes and then stay overnight at Solvorn, on the edge of the fjord, at Norway’s oldest family-run hotel, a beautiful wooden building in lovely gardens.

Mileage: 145

Day Twelve

To avoid some of Europe’s longest road tunnels, take a 2 1/2 hour ferry cruise along Sogndalfjord from Kaupanger to Gudvangen. Head south to Voss and then onto the orchard-growing area of Hardangerfjord. Visit the fabulous Voringsfossen. Stay overnight on the edge of the fjord at Lofthus in a lovely hotel.

Mileage: 89

Day Thirteen

Drive along the edge of the fjord to Odda and then over the mountains, heading south. The scenery is beautiful and the driving fun. Arrive in Stavanger, European Capital of Culture 2008. Take a couple of hours to explore the quaint old town with its white-washed wooden buildings.

Take the overnight ferry, departing at 18.00 to Hirtshals, Denmark.

Mileage: 134

Day Fourteen

Arrive in Hirtshals early morning (7am!! – sorry – but the superb Danish pastries are worth getting up for!) and drive south, through Denmark’s gentle countryside to Esbjerg. The ferry departs at 18.45

Mileage: 175

Day Fifteen

Arrive in Harwich, UK at 11.30 and depart for home

Total Mileage: about 1,480 miles

Details

Duration: 15 days, including travel

Price:
To be confirmed nearer the time

Our Midlands Dinner will be at The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel, a beautiful country house hotel set in the delightful village of Charlecote, minutes from J15 M40, Stratford upon Avon, Warwick and Leamington Spa. The Hotel is just 14 miles (15 minutes drive) from the Jaguar Spares Day. It is also 50 miles (an hour’s drive) from the Technical Seminar at CMC in Bridgnorth, which takes place earlier on the day.

There will be a three course dinner, with coffee, in a private dining room.

Menu

There is a choice of menus to choose from in advance.Please note your choice on the booking form by stating the number of the dish you would like for each course.

Starters
1: Fresh home-made broccoli & Stilton soup
2: Warm Tomato and Goats Cheese Tartlet, Mixed Leaves, Pesto Dressing
3: Chicken Liver Parfait, Onion Marmalade, Toasted Brioche

Main Course
1: Oven Baked Chicken Breast wrapped in Smoked Bacon, Redcurrant Jus
2: Baked Salmon, Braised Leeks, Dill Cream Sauce
3: Char grilled Mediterranean Vegetable and Buffalo Mozzarella Tian, Salsa Verde

Dessert
1: Classic Glazed Lemon Tart, Berry compote
2: Profiteroles, Warm Chocolate Sauce
3: Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream

Freshly brewed coffee

Date: Saturday 27th March 2010
Price: £29.50 per person, excluding drinks
To book: Please fill in the booking form (scroll down to bottom) or pay now via PayPal (£1 surcharge per person)

Midlands Dinner

1 person £30.50 2 people £61.00 3 people £91.50 4 people £122.00

Venue

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel
Charlecote
Nr Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire, CV35 9EW
Telephone: 0844 855 9126

Accommodation:
Single Bedded Room, to include accommodation, full English breakfast and VAT: £70.00 per night
Double/Twin Bedded Room, to include accommodation, full English breakfast and VAT: £80.00 per night

Please book your accommodation directly with the hotel by calling 0844 855 9126 or click here for the website

You will pay a visit to the Anderton Boat Lift – the first of its kind in the world – an industrial heritage marvel that hoisted fully laden salt barges from off the River Weaver over 50 feet onto the Trent & Mersey canal. You will pass through picturesque villages with their black and white timber framed Tudor cottages, catch a glimpse of the Jodrell Bank telescope that dominates its surroundings, cross innumerable canal bridges, even climb the occasional hill.

In Derbyshire it will be all hills, the towering tors and rocky outcrops, grand country houses (such as Chatsworth), and the spa towns of Buxton and Matlock Bath.

The contrast between the two counties is quite dramatic and fitting them together into a tour will be quite a challenge.
Limited to 35 cars the tour commences on Sunday evening, 26th September with dinner. There will be three days of driving on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and the tour finishes after breakfast on Thursday 30th
September.

Mike Griffiths and Sylvia Percy are already at work on the detail. It will be up to their usual high standard.

Accommodation

The Macdonald Portal Hotel, Golf and Spa is one of the finest luxury hotels in Cheshire. Two 18-hole golf courses and a 9-hole golf course plus the largest indoor golf academy in Europe will keep you entertained. For a relaxing break in the peaceful Cheshire countryside, dine in the award-winning onsite restaurant and indulge in the luxury spa and leisure facilities.The lovely hotel rooms will enhance your stay with their stylish design, plush fabrics and rich soft furnishings. Large comfortable beds, Samsung flat-screen TVs and spacious en-suite bathrooms with separate showers add a touch of opulence.

We have booked Classic rooms for the tour. Watch a movie on the flat screen TV and sink into a deep relaxing bath before climbing under the covers of your big, comfortable bed for a sound night’s sleep. Classic Rooms feature large comfortable beds, luxury en-suite bathrooms with a separate bathtub and shower. There is also broadband internet access.

Itinerary

The two counties of Cheshire (plains) and Derbyshire (peaks) offer contrasting topography, and they are also interlaced with some great driving roads, spectacular countryside, and are steeped in Victorian industrial grandeur.
Over the next few months Mike Griffith’s will be devising routes and visits. We are spoilt for choice with lovely Cheshire villages with their black and white timbered, Tudor cottages, the picturesque Shropshire Union and Trent & Mersey canals, the Anderton Boat Lift, salt mines, Jodrell Bank telescope, stately homes and gardens. Then there is Derbyshire and the Peak district with Buxton, the Victorian spa town, the Goyt valley, Castleton, with its caverns and majestic limestone bluffs, Chatsworth House and a host of other grand country mansions.
There will be stops for coffee (comfort) and lunch, and time for a little retail therapy – Cheshire has some of the finest shops. We trust you will like the format.

Details

Duration: 4 days

Dates: 26 – 30 September 2010

Mileage: TBC

Price: £575 per person – based on two people sharing a twin or double room

What’s included

• All accommodation
• All meals
• Coffee stop each day
• Mechanical back-up provided by Jaguar-specialist, Keith Fell. The first 30 minutes of work is free, and subsequent work will be charged at Keith’s normal rate
  

What’s not included

• Fuel
• Entry into attractions and activities
• Personal travel insurance
• We strongly suggest and recommend you have breakdown cover. Although we have mechanical back-up, there may be cases that cannot be fixed on the tour and your car may need to be taken to a garage or back to your home.
• All drinks are extra to accommodate individual preferences.

Requirements

• This Peaks & Plains Tour is only open to members of the Jaguar XK Club.
• You are also required to safety equipment: carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jackets, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.

Imagine a touring holiday which includes superb mountain driving in the morning, a relaxing afternoon at a fabulous ocean beach, a cozy dinner at an historic country inn, and a nightcap before retiring to a luxury hotel suite.

From late summer until around November 1st, Mother Nature paints her pictures in every shade in the spectrum, from the deepest oil colors of the reds and purples to the delicate pastels of the yellows and greens. Starting at the northernmost points in New England, she slowly sweeps her brush across the landscape, from the mountaintops to the city parks, from sea to rural settings in the west. Visitors who travel to see the spectacular foliage are known as ‘Leaf-Peepers’.

New England is well known as a distinctly American region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is particularly known for its brilliant autumns to drive lazily through mountains blanketed with gold-and-red fall foliage. There are also plenty of other things to do such as stopping at country stores, orchards, local restaurants, wandering through antique shops lining a peaceful village green, exploring the museums and shopping of the cities, or to get a head start on some cool day hikes in the mountains and countryside.

Every autumn throughout New England, diminishing length of daylight and falling temperatures induce trees to shed billions of tons of leaves. Preceding this preparation for winter the trees present a spectacular color show. Leaves that have been green all summer turn to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Accommodation

Staying in a fabulous Georgian Manor to the south of Brecon offering exceptional standards in Welsh hospitality our chosen Country House Hotel has recently won awards for its exceptional dining where all the meat and poultry is reared on the home farm just 7 miles away.  The beds are superbly comfortable, too and all rooms, of course, have the ubiquitous CD player as well as multi-channel TV, which in this location of rural Wales actually works! An added bonus is the well-equipped gym, jacuzzi and sauna in the basement of the hotel.  There is also the swimming pool, but as this is an outdoor one, you may wish to check the weather before jumping in! The hotel has a lovely terrace overlooking the Usk Valley ideal for sipping your brandy on a warm summers evening, whilst on colder days the aforementioned sipping can be equally satisfactory in the cosy, wood-panelled library.

Itinerary

Day One

Arrive at your leisure anytime after 3pm.  For those arriving early, why not enjoy a delightful afternoon tea on the Hotel’s terrace or take a short walk  to see St Peter’s Church which is half way down the drive way.  Drinks will be served in the library from 7pm and dinner will be at 7.30pm.

Day Two

The first circular tour will lead you along the path of the old strongholds of the Normans as they fought to keep the Welsh armies at bay.  You will discover untold histories and and witness ancient architecture as well as enjoy a fabulous spot of lunch in the most charming of country pubs that overlook these wonderful relics of our time.  Heading north through the valley and up over the Black Mountains to Hay on Wye “Town of Books” known for its beautiful architecture, surrounding villages and renowned for its literary festival and the extraordinary number of second hand book shops throughout the town.

Day Three

Today’s tour leads you deep in to the heart of the Beacons and up over the edge of the Cambrian Mountains. Witnessing some of the most spectauclar valley views and scenic wonders this country has to offer, you will have a longer day than normal but an extravagantly beautiful one.  Taking in the Usk Valley, the Beacons, the Abergwysen Pass and the Devil’s Staircase and delightful Welsh villages and towns which were built on the back of the droving communities.

Details

Duration: 3 nights
Price: To be confirmed. The price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Requests for single room accommodation will be extra. Please ask for the supplementary price at the time of booking.

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Two nights accommodation in a twin or double room
• Full breakfast each morning and dinner each evening
• A complete route book detailing our suggested route, along with maps, and a tour book detailing places to visit and things to do in the areas you will pass through.

What’s not included

• Lunches
• Fuel
• Drinks
• Travel or medical insurance

Requirements

• Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
• It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.

Accommodation

Stay in a fabulous 4 star hotel on the south coast of the Island, in the quintessentially English resort of Ventnor. The hotel is steeped in history and is the perfect base to discover the island’s colourful past. Most of the bedrooms have a view of the gardens with the sea beyond and it is an few minutes stroll to the sandy beach. The renowned restaurant has been consistently awarded 2 AA rosettes. There is an outdoor pool as well.

Itinerary

Day One

Arrive on the island via Red Funnel ferries to East Cowes. The ferry crossing can be booked at any time to suit you. It is then a short drive past Osbourne House, former home to Queen Victoria, and cross-country, on some delightfully quiet lanes, through Newchurch and onto Ventnor. Stop and visit the renowned Garlic Farm, with an amazing array of the bulbs and everything (and more) to do with garlic. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Day Two

Explore the western side of the island today, heading along the coast to Blackgang and the superb road to Freshwater. Continue to Alum Bay to see the Needles, and then drive onto the pretty port of Yarmouth for lunch. Then head to Newtown, famed for its National Trust properties, and then along the seafront to Cowes, Britain’s yachting capital. Enjoy a stroll around Cowes, and indulge in a spot of shopping. Then head south to Carisbrooke Castle, and visit this amazing medieval building and wander around the ramparts. Continue south to the idyllic villages of Brighstone and Mottistone, where you can visit the manor. Return to Ventnor on the back roads in plenty of time for dinner.

Day Three

Discover the island’s eastern half starting with a visit to Appuldurcombe House, with its Owl & Falconry Centre. Continue to Godshill, which is an ideal place to stop for coffee (or hot chocolate Chocolate Island). Drive along some of the wonderful small lanes, wiggling your way up to Newport, to visit the excellent Classic Boat Museum, and the Bus Museum next door. After your visit head over Brading Downs to Ryde, on the north coast of the island. Drive along the esplanade, past the pier, and head on to the lovely village of Bembridge. Then on to Adgestone Vineyard for some samples of their fine wines, before heading to Shanklin old village. Return to Ventnor via the quaint village of Bonchurch.

Day Four

Return to Cowes via the pretty village of Godshill. Once in Southampton, depart for home.

Details

Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Dates: This tour can be taken at any time
Price: £xx per person – based on two people sharing a double or twin room, and one car.

What’s Included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Accommodation for 3 nights (price per person based on 2 people sharing a double or twin room)
• Full English breakfast each morning
• One night’s evening meal at the hotel
• Tour book – includes a brief history of the countries to be visited, emergency details, maps and directions, accommodation information, and a very detailed, tailored account of sights and visits for each day. The book effectively eliminates the need for any other guide books
• Arrangement and reservation of optional activities (entry not included)

What’s not included

• Two evening meals (we do recommend restaurants though) and all lunches
• Entry into attractions and activities
• Personal travel and medical insurance
• We strongly suggest and recommend you have UK breakdown cover
• All drinks are extra to accommodate individual preferences.

Requirements

• Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
• It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers

From late summer until around November 1st, Mother Nature paints her pictures in every shade in the spectrum, from the deepest oil colors of the reds and purples to the delicate pastels of the yellows and greens. Starting at the northernmost points in New England, she slowly sweeps her brush across the landscape, from the mountaintops to the city parks, from sea to rural settings in the west. Visitors who travel to see the spectacular foliage are known as ‘Leaf-Peepers’.

New England is well known as a distinctly American region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is particularly known for its brilliant autumns to drive lazily through mountains blanketed with gold-and-red fall foliage. There are also plenty of other things to do such as stopping at country stores, orchards, local restaurants, wandering through antique shops lining a peaceful village green, exploring the museums and shopping of the cities, or to get a head start on some cool day hikes in the mountains and countryside.

Every autumn throughout New England, diminishing length of daylight and falling temperatures induce trees to shed billions of tons of leaves. Preceding this preparation for winter the trees present a spectacular color show. Leaves that have been green all summer turn to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

This tour is planned for the fall/autumn of 2011 – probably from the end of September to mid-October for the Jaguar XK & E-type Clubs.

At this stage we are planning and developing yet another wonderful driving tour, but we would also love to know if this is a trip you’re interested in. Please contact us to register your interest, and be the first to know when more details are available.

“The most English and the least spoiled of all our countrysides” wrote JB Priestley in 1933.

The honey-yellow stone towns and villages of the Cotswolds have enchanted visitors for generations and it is a perfect touring area with quiet, meandering roads and quaint architecture. The Thames has played a major role in the history of England through the centuries. It rises in the Cotswolds and flows some 210 miles to London and the sea. Villages and towns are scattered along its banks with pleasant walks and delightful scenery. This region is an area of outstanding natural beauty and our suggested route will take you along the most scenic drives, and offers plenty to do and see.

THIS WEEKEND TOUR IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Accommodation

Stay in the beautiful village of Lower Slaughter near Stow on the Wold, often called England’s prettiest village. Washbourne Court, a lovely hotel, offers a unique refreshing twist on luxury country house hotel ethos, with an enviable reputation for exceptionally fine food. A truly splendid 17th century hotel, once an Eton cramming school, standing in four acres of beautiful grounds alongside the River Eye in the centre of Lower Slaughter, is an inspired mix of exciting contemporary design and handsome historic features. Traditional beamed ceilings, stone mullioned windows and the most magnificent fireplace in the bar, all harmonise with a restaurant style that is both bold and contemporary whilst being wonderfully comfortable. During the summer, guests really appreciate lunch or drinks on our Riverside Terrace, a truly charming riverside setting, with wild birds strutting across the lawns, giving every impression of being so appreciative of their beautiful natural habitat. In the cooler months, guests enjoy relaxing in front of the real log fires.

The ‘designer’ bedrooms are sophisticated yet informal incorporating an understated blend of traditional and funky creating the ultimate Cotswold retreat. You are guaranteed a good night’s sleep on the vi-sprung beds, wonderfully soft feather pillows and crisp luxury white linen. A harmonial merge of modern and vintage creates a unique sense of place whilst being understated, sophisticated and superbly relaxed. The furniture is hand-made or vintage and oh so individual! All the bedrooms include flat screen LCD TVs, DVD players, Internet Connection and iPod docking stations and have luxurious bathrooms some with roll top baths and walk in showers.

Itinerary

Day One: Friday 16th April

Arrive in Lower Slaughter any time after 3pm and check in to your room. For those arriving early, indulge in afternoon tea by the river, or enjoy a stroll through the village. We shall all be having dinner at 7.30pm.

Day Two: Saturday 17th April

Today’s circular tour takes you round the northern part of the Cotswolds. Surrounded by rolling green hills, dotted with sheep that made the area so rich from the wool trade, visit the towns that prospered during those times. Start with Winchcombe, the Saxon capital of Mercia and the nearby Hailes Abbey. Nearby is the Bugatti Trust and Prescott Hill Climb which will appeal to car enthusiasts.

Continue on to the quintessentially English, hilltop village that is Snowshill, owned by the National Trust and then the pretty village of Broadway, just over the border in Worcestershire, where the Cotswolds join the Vale of Evesham. Broadway makes a great place to stop for lunch in one of the fine restaurants dotted along the wide main street. Proceed to Hidcote and the famous gardens and then on to Chipping Norton and Stow on the Wold, before heading back to Lower Slaughter. Dinner will be served at 8pm.

Day Three: Sunday 18th April

Make your way to Woodstock and visit the splendid Blenheim Palace, home to the Dukes of Marlborough, and now a World Heritage Site. Then head to Stanton Harcourt and Wantage, before heading west to Uffington to see the famous White Horse, carved into the chalk hillside. Drive north to Lechlade on Thames and Burford and then back to Lower Slaughter for tea. There is an optional overnight stay for those who wish, or depart for home.

Details

Duration: 16th – 18th April 2010

Price:
Classic Room: £325 per person – ALL FULLY BOOKED
The Classic bedrooms are lovely petit bedrooms, all with a natural chic style. Some rooms have wonderful historic features such as exposed wooden beams and others have stunning views of Lower Slaughter village. All Classic rooms are perfectly formed and are all equally comfortable and individually styled.

Deluxe Room: £375 per person – ALL FULLY BOOKED
The Deluxe bedrooms are fantastic, spacious bedrooms with king size, luxury beds and wonderfully spacious bathrooms – some with roll top baths and separate power shower.Traditional features including ancient wooden beams appear in many rooms. All rooms are located in either the main house or courtyard.

Superior Room: £399 per person – ALL FULLY BOOKED
The Superior rooms are super stylish and luxurious open plan rooms with the finest views of the wonderful gardens, providing a light and airy feeling. The exquisite bathrooms are generously proportioned and boast bountiful aspects of the Cotswolds.

The price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Requests for single room accommodation will be extra. Please ask for the supplementary price at the time of booking.

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Two nights accommodation in a twin or double room
• Full breakfast each morning and dinner each evening
• A complete route book detailing our suggested route, along with maps, and a tour book detailing places to visit and things to do in the areas you will pass through.
• Rally plaque
• Experienced and friendly tour guide – Sarah Dowding

What’s not included

• Lunches
• Fuel
• Drinks
• Travel or medical insurance

Requirements

• This tour is only open to members of the Jaguar XK & E-type Clubs
• Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance
• It is a good idea to carry a warning triangle, first-aid kit, fluorescent jacket, set of replacement bulbs and a national identification sticker.
• The most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, relish individual, character hotels and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers.

The New Forest, created in 1079 as a hunting ground by William the Conqueror, has much to see with its pretty woodlands, open heath and lovely coastline. Stay in a charming country house hotel with a fabulous spa. The tour will also include visits to other Hampshire attractions, including National Trust properties, stunning gardens and a tour of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.

We really enjoyed the weekend and loved the area. Thank you! J&D P, Bedfordshire

Each car will be given a comprehensive tour book, detailing scenic routes, with maps, as well as everything to do, see and visit over the weekend.

Accommodation

In 1666, King Charles II made New Park Manor, in the heart of this ancient forest, his favourite hunting lodge on his return from exile in France, and his royal coat of arms is displayed prominently above the fireplace in the award-winning Stag Restaurant.

New Park Manor is the perfect getaway destination for anyone wishing to explore and really appreciate the unique mosaic of woodland, heathland and wetland that comprise this ancient landscape – and it exudes style.

Not only are you able to watch the deer, the ponies, the birds and the foxes from most rooms but the Polo Bar is strikingly contemporary with a stone flagged floor and wood panelling; the Rufus Lounge, with its deep leather armchairs, rich, warm colours and sports memorabilia, has the character and atmosphere of a convivial club.

To stay at New Park Manor is a great experience. Your room is not just a place to sleep. It’s also a place to lounge, chat, listen to music and generally chill out. The beds are big and bold and the duvets luxurious. All rooms benefit from fine fabrics, some with original period features and some delightful parkland views all combine to create a unique experience. Quality toiletries from Culpeper and other little touches create the perfect welcome when you first open the door.

The rooms are located on the first and top, attic floors in the floor of the original Manor and some feature sloped ceilings. They are lovely and cosy for a couple and have lots of charm as well as a great sense of history. All are decorated individually in a true English Country House style. Please be aware that because of the nature of this historic building or, in some cases, sloped ceiling heights, these rooms are not able to offer a full standing shower facility. They do, however, have a hand held shower attachment on the bath. Full modern shower facilities are of course freely available in the Bath House Spa.

The spa includes a lovely pool, steam room, sauna, hydro-spa pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and ‘experience’ showers.

Itinerary

May be subject to change without notice

Day 1

Drive deep into the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire. If you arrive early, enjoy a stroll around the grounds, or indulge in a superb afternoon tea. Gather in the Polo Bar at 7.30pm for drinks, followed by a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

Day 2

After a good breakfast, drive to the beautiful village of Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum. Enjoy a private tour of the cars, palace, and grounds.

Explore the 200-acre grounds of the captivating Exbury Gardens. They are renowned for the azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as the beautiful autumn colours. There is something to see all year round.
Continue on to visit the unique village of Buckler’s Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, and discover its distinguished ship-building history.

Drive down the coast to Lymington and then return to New Park via the Setley Ridge vineyards for a free wine tasting. Take a stroll before dinner through the open forest to work up an appetite for dinner.

Day 3

Discover the ornamental drive past Rhinefield House and onto Linwood and Mockbeggar. Head north on small, out-of-the-way lanes to Fordingbridge. Visit the Roman Villa at Rockbourne and then onto Breamore House. This fascinating Elizabethan Manor also has an excellent countryside museum. This part of the Forest is always pretty quiet and secluded, and takes you more off the beaten track.

Drive through Lover and Hamptworth and south to Fritham and Stoney Cross. The tour finishes in Lyndhurst, where there are a number of places to enjoy afternoon tea before your return journey home.

Details

Dates: 3-5 September 2010

Duration: 2 days/2 nights

Price:
Classic Room: £270 per person (1 remaining)
Country Classic Room: £330 per person
The Country Classic and Classic Rooms are located on the top floor in the attic of the Manor and feature sloped ceilings. Although on the smaller side, they are lovely and cosy for a couple and have lots of charm as well as a great sense of history. All are decorated individually in a true English Country House style. Please be aware that because of the sloped ceiling height these rooms are not able to offer a full standing shower facility. They do, however, have a hand held shower attachment on the bath. Full modern shower facilities are of course freely available in the Bath House Spa.

Manor Room: £350 per person (FULLY BOOKED)
The Manor rooms are also located in the original part of the Manor, on the first floor. These rooms, however, once accommodated the house guests and are therefore more spacious with larger windows looking out to the gardens. All are decorated individually in a truly traditional English country house style. Most are a double style but we have one twin bedded room available on request. Please be aware that because of the nature of this historic building we are not able to offer a full standing shower facility in our Manor bedrooms. We do, however, have a hand held shower attachment on the bath. Full modern shower facilities are of course freely available in the Bath House Spa.

Forest Room: £385 per person
These stylish Forest rooms echo the contemporary theme throughout the whole of the Forest Wing of the hotel and all enjoy the early morning sun and a wonderful outlook across the paddock. Each room is individually decorated in a contemporary/Classic style, yet each reflects the age and history of the manor so well; the temptation to sit in the window and gaze out across the parkland to the forest itself can be overwhelming.

All prices based on two people sharing a twin or double room

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Two nights accommodation in a lovely country house hotel
• Full breakfast each morning
• Three course dinner on both evenings
• Scenic drives of the New Forest
• A comprehensive tour book, with maps, routes and details of everything to see, do and visit

What’s not included

• Travel & medical insurance
• Lunches or teas
• All drinks are extra to accommodate individual preferences
• Entry to attractions

Requirements

The New Forest Tour is open to members of the XK Club or the E-type Club only.

However, the most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, deserving of the vehicles we love. There is no need for early departures or late arrivals at the hotel. Just a wonderful few days for you to relax and enjoy wonderful driving, excellent food, delightful scenery, and a beautiful hotel.