Friendship Tour Details:

High bidders will have one year to take their journey, from May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009.  Please note that blackout dates are in effect:   between June 1 – October 15 and December 15 – January 2. 

Air travel and accommodations are based on availability.  High bidders are encouraged to make their reservations with as much lead time as possible. 

           

The journey begins on  with roundtrip coach air transportation for two to London via one of seven gateway cities in the United States to London provided by . As official airline sponsor of the Friendship Tour,  makes getting to London easy with daily nonstop service from seven US cities:  Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Dallas/Fort Worth, Raleigh/Durham.

High bidders travel will begin and end their journey in the nearest city providing direct service on .

For travelers who wish to extend their United Kingdom stay,  will extend the air transportation travel window for up to two weeks on either end of the journey.  For instance, a high bidder visiting Britain from March 15-19 can depart the US as early as March 2, and return as late as April 3.  

All travel must be completed by April 30, 2009. 

All federal, state and local taxes will be the responsibility of the traveler, as well as any applicable airport charge and international fees. 

            www.aa.com

Once arriving in the United Kingdom, travelers can begin using their first class four day BritRail FlexiPasses.  The passes provide unlimited usage for any four days while in country.  

 

The BritRail FlexiPass

If hopping on and off the train is your cup of tea, with your BritRail FlexiPass in hand, you can explore the length and breadth of Britain with ease - from its vibrant cities to its quaint villages.  And you’ll be helping to save the planet!   Did you know that trains emit approximately 50% less harmful Green House gases per passenger kilometer than cars; a train will emit only one quarter of the gases compared to a plane traveling the same distance.  Britain’s train drivers are taking “Eco-Driving” lessons in simulators in order to learn how to maximize energy efficiency.

There is a wide variety of BritRail Pass durations from which to choose, but Friendship Tour participants are being provided with a 4 Day First Class BritRail FlexiPass.  The Pass - as its name implies -- is totally flexible.  No need to use the 4 days consecutively (unless you want to).  And you can take as many train trips in one day as you'd like.

If you wish to spend a few fabulous days in London before exploring Britain’s Heritage Cities, you can use the first of your 4 travel days upon arrival: Validate your BritRail FlexiPass right at Heathrow or Gatwick and let the Airport Express train whisk you into the heart of London. (Or you may prefer to save that travel day for a longer distance jaunt and simply buy a rail transfer ticket to London right at the airport.)

Whenever you are ready, you can beetle off by train to start your Friendship Tour adventure. The BritRail FlexiPass allows you to hop on and off the train at will for a few hours of exploration along the way to your ultimate destination.  Of course, you can use the pass to get back down to London to catch your flight home.

Travel where you want, when you want with the BritRail FlexiPass - the most versatile train pass ever!  Although your time will be limited on this trip, the Pass actually allows unlimited access to over 18,000 daily train departures.  High speed trains glide through verdant countryside to over 2500 fascinating destinations in England Scotland and Wales.  

Visit BritRail's website for detailed product information and sample itineraries, maps and more.
http://www.britrail.com/

 

About Durham:

Come and see "the best cathedral on Planet Earth" - and no, they're not our words but those of travel writer Bill Bryson. Intending to stop off here "for an hour or so", he "fell in love with (Durham) instantly", charmed by its mixture of history and culture, adventure and fine food alike.

Durham's dramatic skyline of mighty castle and awesome cathedral sited high on a peninsula above the River Wear is one of the most stunning panoramas in Europe. So exceptional are the 900 year old castle and cathedral that they were among the very first World Heritage Sites designated in Britain.

With the North Pennines to the west and beautiful, unspoilt Heritage Coast in the east, there are plenty of ideas for days out beyond the city. Ranging from outdoor spectacles like High Force Waterfall and award-winning attractions such as Beamish and The Bowes Museum to historical sites such as the magnificent Raby Castle.

 

About the Durham Mariott Hotel Royal County:

Situated on the banks of the River Wear, the Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County offers sensational views of England's famous Durham Castle and Cathedral. Our upscale hotel, part of which dates back to the 17th century, offers modern amenities while preserving historic charm and exquisite features such as antiques and original prints. Known for event facilities and catering services, we offer unique meeting space for conferences or intimate gatherings and certified event planners to make your event memorable. Our elegantly furnished guest rooms feature a dedicated workspace, mini-bar, hair dryer, adjustable climate control, and high-speed Internet service. After a long day, swim in our indoor pool, work out in our fitness centre, or have a cocktail or coffee at the Durham Bar. And when you're ready to dine, enjoy regional and international cuisine in the County Restaurant or Cruz Brasserie. At the Durham Marriott, one of the most desirable hotels in north east England, you won't be disappointed.

 

About York:

York, voted European Tourism City of the Year 2007, is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities. The Romans knew it as Eboracum.  To the Saxons it was Eoforwick. The Vikings called it Jorvik. Its more recent history also characterises the city – its Minster and medieval architecture, its Georgian town houses, and its wonderful Victorian railway station.

The York of today is a fashionable city that successfully combines its heritage and superb historic architecture with sophisticated designer shops, smart restaurants, bars and cafes, to attract tourists from all over the world. Visitors soon discover that every aspect of York’s modern life is inextricably linked with its past. Even their evening entertainment includes ghost walks through the city’s shadowy snickleways and ginnels to find haunted pubs – of which York boasts a great many. 

Within its ancient, encircling walls York’s medieval streets and buildings are beautifully preserved and the historic heart of the city is largely traffic-free, making it quiet, clean and very pleasant to stroll around, day and night. Stonegate and Petergate, York’s two most stylish shopping streets, still run along the same routes as they did 2,000 years ago, when they led to the massive Roman headquarters which once occupied the site where the vast gothic Minster stands today, dominating the city. This magnificent building took 250 years to build and was consecrated in 1472. It contains England’s greatest concentration of medieval stained glass, including the great east window which, measuring 186 square metres, is thought to be the largest area of stained glass in the world.

 

About The Holiday Inn York Hotel:

The Holiday Inn York enjoys a prime location overlooking York Race course and is just 1.5 miles from the Historic City Centre of York, which boasts the York Minster, Shopping at The Shambles, University of York and the National Railway Museum.

Whether you're visiting York for a meeting, leisure break, sight seeing or simply to sample the great shopping delights that the city has to offer, the Holiday Inn York Hotel offers comfortable, modern, accommodation, fully air-conditioned throughout, suitable

Our on the spot management and punctual can-do service combine to assure you an excellent stay.

The Holiday Inn York is well equipped for hosting business meetings, weddings and social gatherings with seven meeting rooms that can accommodate 2 to 100 guests.

The facilities and services at the hotel include our Family Friendly Restaurant; with 24 hr room service highspeed internet access, and ample free car parking.