Day 1 to Day 3

Day 1 Arrival

Arrive independently at the Holiday Inn Aylesbury from 15.00. Evening welcome reception, and dinner with wine.

Day 2  Waddesdon Manor and Garsington Opera with dinner

Today, we spend the day at Waddesdon Manor, the ultimate exhibition of the Rothschild’s extraordinary wealth with an amazing collection of all that is best in the decorative and fine arts. From here we head back to the hotel to get ready before travelling to Garsington for the highlight of our short tour - a performance of L'Elisir d'Amore in the theatre’s intimate 600-seat auditorium. Our package price includes a third price ticket with upgrades available as well as a group dinner in one of the festival’s dining venues (drinks not included).

Day 3 Stowe Gardens, and Ascott House

We head north today to Stowe Gardens, the wealthy creation of a different family –the Temple-Grenvilles, who, in the 18th century, chose to create an idyllic landscape filled with temples. Amidst these large gardens, they built the most lavish temple of all, Stowe House. We’ll allow time to explore the wonderful grounds and gardens and time for a light lunch (not included) before travelling to one of the less well-known Rothschild houses in the Vale of Aylesbury, Ascott House (National Trust). Bought as a hunting lodge in 1876, Ascott instils a mood of luxurious refinement, filled as it is with fine paintings including a memorable Cuyp, and a collection of Chinese porcelain.  We return to the hotel for approx. 17.00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.