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The Shambles, York

The cities of the United Kingdom enjoy a rich diversity that makes exploring them an experience that can be as enlightening as it is enjoyable.

Our turbulent history has led to settlements of cultural and historic significance that hide many fascinating secrets, ancient and modern, within their twisting streets.

 

From the marvels of ancient Roman ingenuity to the modern architectural advances of the most recent additions to the cityscape, each day excursion is carefully planned with interesting tours and visits that will reveal these thriving conurbations in a fascinating new light.

 

No less diverse than the cities are the towns of the United Kingdom. The towns you can visit with the Orient-Express have been carefully selected to provide you with unforgettable experiences.

 

Picturesque and individual, each settlement harbours a wealth of treasures and fascinating stories that are brought to life by knowledgeable and entertaining guides.

 

Discover how small town life has changed over the centuries and immerse yourself in the traditions and cultures that are unique to each destination.


Bath

£350 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person

 

Your journey takes you to the historic city of Bath. The hot springs first attracted the Romans to build the spa of Aqua Sulis, and the remains of the baths and other archaeological finds can be seen here. In Saxon times, King Offa founded an abbey at Bath, where King Edgar was crowned in 973. Bath's fashionable heyday came in the 18th century, when Beau Nash regulated the bathing and constructed the assembly rooms and theatres. Today, Bath is Britain's best preserved Georgian city.

 

The Roman Baths and Pump Room are one of the best preserved Roman sites north of the Alps, where hot mineral water rises from a spring at a temperature of 46°C. Explore the beauty of the Ancient Roman's architecture and art, and don't forget to sample the spa water from the Spa Fountain in the Grand Pump Room.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Bath).

 

Includes :

A delicious Brunch with Bellini will be served on your outward journey. On arrival at Bath you will be met by guides who will accompany you on a coach tour of this delightful city taking in the sights of the city and the famous Roman Baths and Pump Room. There will be a little free time for you to explore Bath on your own or, alternatively, you may prefer to spend the whole time in Bath at your leisure. You are asked to make your own way back to the station (approximately 10 minute walk). On your return journey to London Victoria, after a glass of champagne, you will be served a four course supper with half a bottle of wine.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

09:40 London Victoria
13:15 Bath
15:45 Bath
19:45 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

January 22.
March 30.
May 11.
June 15.

July 20.
September 14.
December 7.

Departures 2012:

January 21.
March 28.



This trip is also available as a Steam Hauled excursion.

Brunel's ss Great Britain (Steam)

£420 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

Viewed from a distance, the distinctive landmark of the Clifton Suspension Bridge appears to hang like a delicate necklace above the Avon Gorge; just one of the many renowned achievements of the great Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Uncover the maritime history of the city with a visit to the SS Great Britain, the first ocean going iron ship, sitting in her original dock.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Bristol).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini will be served on your outward journey. On arrival in Bristol you will be met by guides who will accompany you on a coach tour of this delightful city. The tour will take in a visit to the SS Great Britain. The coach will return you to Bristol Temple Meads to board the British Pullman for your return journey to London Victoria. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

 

Please note: the train is steam hauled between London and Westbury in both directions.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

08:45 London Victoria
13:30 Bath

16:45 Bath
21:00 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

April 13.
June 29.

August 3.
October 12.

Canterbury

£180 per person (2010)
£190 per person (2011)
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

Your journey today takes you to the ancient city of Canterbury which has welcomed countless visitors over its 2000 year history. Pilgrims have journeyed there for centuries to the shrine of Archbishop Thomas à Becket who was murdered in his own cathedral in 1170. Be a modern day pilgrim on a guided walking tour of this historic cathedral, episcopal seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the city that inspired Caucer's unfinished comic masterpiece The Canterbury Tales.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Canterbury).

 

Includes :

A delicious Brunch with Bellini is served on the train on your outward journey. On arrival at Folkestone you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on the coach transfer to Canterbury (about 20 minutes). Here you may join a guided walking tour of this delightful city (approximately one hour) which will end at the Cathedral. Entrance to the Cathedral is included for you to explore at your leisure. Any passenger wishing to visit the cathedral without doing the walking tour may do so by showing their VSOE tickets. The coach will depart from Canterbury for the journey back to London Victoria.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

10:45 London Victoria
12:350 Folkestone
16:30 Canterbury
18:45 London Victoria


Departures 2010:

November 4.



Departures 2011:

May 19.
June 9, 30.
July 21.

September 22.
October 20.
November 3.


Cotswold Villages

£350 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

A treasure trove of quaint hamlets built from apricot-coloured stone, the Cotswolds gentle appearance belies its ancient history. Enjoy a coach tour of this picturesque region, known for gentle hillsides and sleepy villages, with some time to explore Stow-on-the-Wold with its antiques and art shops.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors while visiting the Cotswold villages).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Cheltenham, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a coach tour of the Cotswolds. You will be able to disembark for a short while in the bustling market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Rejoin the British Pullman at Cheltenham for the return journey to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

09:00 London Victoria
12:30 Cheltenham
17:30 Cheltenham
21:00 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

July 2.
September 3.


October 15.

Cowes

£420 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

Renowned since Edwardian times, the nautical spectacle of Cowes is yours to experience in the best way possible - at sea, from the deck of an historic Thames Sailing Barge. Billowing sails, the mastery of the yachtsmen and the vessels compete for your attention, as they themselves compete in their classes.

 

Cowes Week has been renowned since Edwardian times as a quintessential part of the social calendar. Hundreds of vessels from the smallest dinghies to the largest ocean racers manned by amateurs and professionals gather to participate in racing at all levels or simply to watch.

 

(Informal, comfortable clothing is appropriate and please be prepared for rain or windy weather, even in summer! You are asked not to wear jeans or high heels).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Southampton you will board a specially chartered ship, from where you can enjoy this event at its best. On board, the mixed ambiance of soft wood tones blended with the nautical essence that only a ship of character can provide, will offer the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the racing. Lunch with Pimms, wine or beer will be served on board. (Please note: sailing into the Solent will depend on weather conditions). Return to Southampton Docks Station to re- board the British Pullman. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This will be followed by a three course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

08:45 London Victoria
11:45 Southampton
17:15 Southampton
20:30 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

August 9.

 

Lincoln Christmas Market

£350 per person (2010)
£370 per person (2011)
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

The whole festive atmosphere is what makes this market so special. Purchase unique gifts in style at the largest 'traditional' Christmas market in Europe. As the aromas of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine envelop you, shopping has never seemed so festive.

 

The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent Gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market. Hand bell ringers and local choirs perform by candlelight. There's street theatre and you can take a time out at services in Lincoln's spectacular Cathedral. As the aromas of roasting chestnuts and mulled wine envelop you, shopping has never seemed so festive. If time permits, visit the many fine specialist shops that line the cobbled streets of this picturesque town.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors while at Lincoln Christmas Market).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Lincoln you will have free time at Lincoln Christmas Market before returning to Lincoln station where you rejoin the British Pullman for the return journey to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

08:30 London Victoria
12:30 Lincoln
16:30 Lincoln
21:00 London Victoria


Departures 2010:

December 3.

 

Departures 2011:

December 2.

 

Oxford (Steam)

£420 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

"The City of Dreaming Spires" is dominated by the University colleges, the most famous being Christ Church, Trinity, and Balliol, all within easy walking distance of each other. Don't miss the Bodleian Library, which has its own shop, and the nearby Radcliffe Camera, although not open to the public, is well worth a view from the outside. Home to royalty and scholars, the 'Dreaming Spires' form but part of the history of this elegant town; from the Venice-inspired Bridge of Sighs to The Ashmolean - Britain's oldest public museum.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Oxford).

 

Includes :

Enjoy a delicious brunch with Bellini aboard the British Pullman en route for Oxford. On arrival you will be met by guides who will accompany you on a coach/walking tour with visits to some colleges. You will also have some free time to explore on your own. Rejoin the British Pullman for your return journey. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train followed by a four course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

0845 London Victoria
11:45 Oxford
17:30 Oxford
20:30 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

May 14.

August 13.

Winchester

£300 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

A city of character and charm, rich in architectural and historical interest. Allow medieval history to unfurl before your eyes as you explore the city reputed to house King Arthur's legendary Round Table and its fine cathedral. The tour takes in the Great Hall, the only surviving part of Winchester Castle, this 13th Century hall is home to The Round Table, closely associated with the legendary King Arthur, the Round Table has hung in the Great Hall for over 600 years.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Winchester and wear comfortable shoes if you intend to join the walking tour).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on outward journey. On arrival, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a short coach transfer to the town centre where you will begin the walking tour. The tour takes in the Great Hall, the magnificent cathedral and will also have a little time to explore on your own. Rejoin the coach for the transfer to Southampton where you will board the train for the return journey to London. Enjoy a four course dinner on your return journey.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

09:40 London Victoria
12:30 Winchester
17:15 Southampton
20:30 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

April 29.
June 17.

August 9.
September 28.

Worcester

£350 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

An ancient and atmospheric English city, home to the magnificent cathedral, built over the River Severn, and the splendid Guildhall. The Victorian building of the Royal Worcester's factory and visitor centre contain many fine exhibits of this world famous porcelain. It is said that the English Civil War began and ended at Worcester, earning the city its motto "The Faithful City" for its support of the Stuarts.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Worcester).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at Worcester station you will be transferred by coach for a visit to the Cathedral followed by a walking tour of the city accompanied by your guide. You will rejoin the British Pullman at Worcester station for your return journey to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a four course supper accompanied by half a bottle of wine.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

08:45 London Victoria
13:00 Worcester
17:00 Worcester
21:00 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

July 2.
September 3.

October 15.

York

£370 per person
Recommended Insurance from £7.00 per person
 

Your journey takes you to the historical city of York, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe with the magnificent Minster as its centrepiece. The fascinating Roman, Viking, Medieval and industrial history of the city is well documented in its many museums. History is never more than a few steps away in this beautiful and atmospheric city surrounded by ancient stone walls. Explore the magnificent Minster or the perfectly preserved narrow streets of the Shambles or indulge yourself with a few hours shopping in the array of unique boutiques.

 

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for much of your time in York so comfortable walking shoes are advised).

 

Includes :

Brunch with Bellini is served on the outward journey. On arrival at York, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a short coach transfer, followed by a walking tour of the city, which includes a visit to York Minster. After the tour there will be some time to explore on your own. You are asked to return to the train for the return journey to London. A glass of chilled champagne is served as soon as you board the train. This is followed by a five course dinner, accompanied by half a bottle of wine to round off your meal.

 

From

Outward

Return

London Victoria

08:25 London Victoria
13:30 York
17:30 York
22:30 London Victoria


Departures 2011:

March 12.
July 6.

October 5.

Departures 2012:

March 10.




Please note: All timings shown are for guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents which will be sent to you 5 - 7 days before departure.

 

Great Rail Journeys