London & The Home Counties 5 DAY CULTURAL EDUCATIONAL - HISTORICAL PROGRAMME
DAY 1. LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES Acclimatisation to London Relax and take in your surroundings. We suggest an afternoon visit to the historic tailors Gieves and Hawkes. Here you will receive a talk and tour of this ancient establishment, the oldest bespoke tailors in the world. By appointment to not only her majesty the Queen but also The Duke of Edinburgh and their son The Prince of Wales. Established in 1771 Gieves and Hawkes have been suppliers of not only fine tailoring but also military uniforms for among others the household cavalry. On a more up to date note the museum also houses the famous red military jacket worn by Diana Princess of Wales and the gold brocaded outfit worn by Michael Jackson.
DAY 2. LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES Greenwich Down the River Thames from Central London by private boat (weather permitting). At Greenwich we will offer a private tour with blue band guide and translator to include The Royal Observatory where the East literally meets West on the Prime Meridian and the meaning of the lines of Latitude and longitude. We will also visit the Maritime Museum with all its amazing history of Britain and the sea and its connections with China and her Naval tradition and the beautiful ancient sailing ship The Cutty Sark. She is the only 19th century tea clipper that survives to this day and was designed to carry tea from China to England in the fastest time possible. Also, nearby is The Queens House: the first Classical building in England it was designed by Inigo Jones and built in the 1600s for the wife of James 1st.
DAY 3. LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES. Eton College Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI and situated just outside London and steeped in history and tradition its academic record is beyond compare. A school of approximately 1500 boys our private and exclusive tour will give our visitors an insight into the tradition and eccentricities of the British public school system. A visit to Spencer House in London s St James with private tour with translator and the opportunity to learn the intricacies of British etiquette from one of the countries best exponents. The property of Earl Spencer, brother of Diana Princess of Wales, this is one of the most ambitious and aristocratic townhouses ever built in London and, depending on his diary and availability, we will meet the Earl and receive a letter of recommendation for our guests.
DAY 4. LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES David Linley Furniture Lord Linley, the Queens Nephew, 2nd Earl of Snowdon and the son of Princess Margaret is the owner and proprietor of this wonderful emporium. He is the designer and manufacturer of beautiful bespoke joinery, furniture and marquetry and, subject to availability, he will give a talk on the merits of continuing traditional methods in a modern world with reference to his designs and exquisite pieces which are renowned and famous throughout the world. After this we suggest a relaxed lunch courtesy of Dickins & Hawkes at a nearby famous restaurant.
DAY 5. LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES West Wycombe Park A private and exclusive introduction to Lord and Lady Dashwood at their beautiful 18th century stately home which was used in part of the filming of the TV series Downton Abbey. Here we will hear from Lady Dashwood about the fascinating history of her family and may have the opportunity to observe filming first hand. Our visitors will also receive a certification of their visit signed by both Lord and Lady Dashwood. Our 5 day programme will culminate in a period dinner with costume and a visit to the nearby exciting Hellfire Caves. This fascinating network of caves cut into the hillside were once used as the meeting place of the notorious Hell Fire Club: an establishment for gentlemen of quality who wished to behave badly! Here we will be entertained with music and drama.
DAY 6. LONDON AND THE HOME COUNTIES London. Relax and departure. Prices include all internal transport by luxury people mover. Helicopter transport can be arranged at extra cost. Translators are provided where necessary. No hotels or meals are included but can be arranged by Dickins & Hawkes, as can diversions such as theatre tickets, exhibitions, etc using our extensive contact list. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ATTENDANCES AND APPEARANCES BY MEMBERS OF THE ARISTOCRACY ARE SUBJECT TO THEIR AVAILABILITY. Dickins & Hawkes would be pleased to arrange hotels, restaurant bookings, theatre tickets etc on request. R.S.V.P. Areteos Family Office (852) 3577 8572 info@areteos.com