12 Jun 2020
A&K Launches UK and Ireland Product
Exceptional Journeys; from the mighty craic in Ireland to the fling in the highlands
London, June 2020. Luxury travel company A&K has been selling UK and Ireland holidays to its well-heeled international clientele for decades. On the back of an increase in enquiries and response to their recent survey, for the first time they have curated a selection of trips across the British Isles tailored to Brits, with the added bonus of fully flexible booking.
In a recent survey of its clients, Europe and the UK came out on top as the most desired destinations to travel to post-lockdown. The carefully curated suite of A&K UK & Ireland itineraries are no ordinary trips, with their exclusive access and top guides. All self-guided trips can be upgraded to include a super car or a driver-guide. Booking with a tour operator for a holiday at home has added security and peace of mind should the situation change; A&K will alter arrangements and bookings to every holiday is stress free.
In England, tap into passion points such as art, history and culture in the form of medieval castles, thousand-year-old churches, world-renowned museums and enduring traditions. Scotland stirs with its everlasting charm; natural beauty simply dazzles, bagpipes seem to echo across the glens, and history can be felt at every turn. Discover Ireland; packed full of ancient artefacts, rich in myth and folklore made famous in story and song, and warm welcoming from the locals who buy you a Guinness in a local pub. The range of itineraries include following the homes and castles of the Royal family, a private island tour of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland for those wishing to explore the 'real' Scotland, and the ultimate itineraries for golf lovers in Scotland, Ireland or a mix of both.
The very best hotels have been chosen, from Gleneagles in Scotland - an icon of jazz-age glamour, dripping in luxury with an added shot of fun - to castles in Ireland, and stately homes in England such as Beaverbrook. The itineraries are supported by a whole host of incredible luxury experiences that A&K consultants can include in a tailor-made holiday.
A&K's Managing Director Kerry Golds commented;
We've been keen to develop a suite of UK and Ireland itineraries tailored to our UK clientele for quite a while, and decided now was the right time. The breadth and depth of these islands is truly remarkable and right on our doorstep. Many people might think that they can simply do these trips themselves.. but can they do them the A&K way?
What's more, flexible booking terms were also revealed as an important factor, resulting in A&K's introduction of flexible booking conditions. For new bookings made by 30 September 2020, A&K will not charge should clients wish to switch destination or move travel dates any time up to 35 days prior to departure and can rebook to travel any time before 31 December 2021. Full details can be found on the A&K website.
A nine-night trip that celebrates the glorious green grass of home, with a leisurely drive through the British Isles staying in the country's most iconic hotels and boutique properties along the way. From £2,250pp
From the rolling hills of Surrey, stay overnight at Beaverbrook, Surrey. Capture of the glamour of the Roaring Twenties with two nights at this extraordinary Victorian mansion, once home to the press baron and war-time MP Lord Beaverbrook. On the drive up north stop for an indulgent five course summer lunch at the fragrant 15th Century Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons's two Michelin starred restaurant. Then spend two nights at the boutique Holbeck Ghyll, ideally situated between Ambleside and Lake Windermere, so you can spend your days hiking through the rugged fell the spectacular lake vistas. Gleneagles is one of Britain's largest hotel and sporting estates – a glorious playground of 850 acres, offering guests an array of country pursuits and activities including falconry with Harris' Hawks, horse riding in the equestrian centre, off-roading, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, gun dog training, archery as well as the opportunity to hike through the Ochil Halls and of course tee-off on three championship golf courses. The final stop is on to God's Own – Yorkshire via a picnic on the glorious sandy beaches of Milsey Bay in Berwick. The Grade II* listed Grantley Hall, near Ripon has caused a buzz amongst spa sybarites since its opening last summer. Make this trip ultra-luxurious by hiring a super car to glide you from one luxury resting spot to the next.
A British Royal Journey Through The UK
An eight-night trip for any avid Royal fan; features many royal homes and places of historical importance including Windsor Castle, Eton College, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Royal Yacht Britannia, Scone Palace, Stirling Castle, Linlithgow Palace. From £7,219pp including flights, VIP airport services and private entrances
With Netflix's The Crown returning to our screens in November 2020, discover the locations and landmarks that make up Britain's royal heritage. From the Scottish Wars of Independence to the Tower of London, learn the secrets of the monarchy and enjoy the same luxuries as them, such as Champagne Afternoon Tea aboard a beautiful floating hotel, and insider-access to palaces before the official opening times.
Highlights include a stay at The Goring Hotel (where Kate Middleton stayed the night before her wedding to Prince William). In London, you can enjoy a private early morning tour of the Tower of London Jewel House instead of the Tower of London or enjoy a private early morning tour of Kensington palace instead of the regular entrance. Visit to the Highgrove Shop, where a wide range of organic foods and other items promoted by the Prince of Wales are on sale. Visit the Queen's favourite residence on a visit to Windsor; visit the State Apartments, including St. George's Hall that has been beautifully reconstructed following the fire of 1992. In Scotland, the family home of the Queen Mother, a day of sightseeing takes in all things Royal. Hop on board The Fingal, a vessel that spent most of its operational career transporting supplies to remote lighthouses but has now been restored into a luxurious floating hotel. Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Built in Scotland, this ship was used by the Royal Family for many official voyages overseas, and much loved by the Queen as a refuge for relaxation. A private tour takes in the grand reception rooms and the cosy private areas that were once used by the Royal Family.
A seven- night self-drive trip including Dublin, The Wicklow Mountains, Ballyknocken, Powerscourt, Cork, Blarney Castle, Kerry, Ballymaloe, Foynes, Galway, Connemara, Clonmacnoise, County Kildare. From £3,349pp
Fresh flavours, passionate producers and traditions handed down through generations: experience Ireland's food for yourself. Learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse, home to Ireland's most celebrated export. Dine at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. Adjoining the Merrion Hotel, this is Ireland's highest rated restaurant, and the proud possessor of two Michelin stars. Learn about the basics of Irish cooking at Ballyknocken House, Farm and Cookery School in Co. Wicklow, an hour south of Dublin. The experience includes a hands-on class on how to make perfect Irish soda scones, and a demonstration of how to make a traditional Irish stew using local lamb from the surrounding mountains. In Cork, visit the English Market, ironically one of the most noted food markets in Ireland. Often deemed the Irish riviera, drive to the picturesque coastal village of Kinsale for dinner. This village is often considered to be the gourmet capital of Ireland on account of the large number restaurants located there. On to West Cork which extends over to the bays of the Atlantic Coast. This area has become well established as a leading centre for artisanal cheeses including Durrus, Milleens and Gubbeen and a visit to one of the factories where you can learn about cheese making. Continue to drive along Beara Peninsula to Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland for white fish landing. Hear about the importance of the fishing industry to the local economy before enjoying lunch of freshly caught fish in a local hostelry. Visit Ballymaloe, run by legendary chef Darina Allen, this is unquestionably the most celebrated cookery school in Ireland. A visit to Foynews, where the main legacy is Irish coffee, learn how to make it properly in a master class using Irish whiskey and fresh local cream. In 1942, Joe Sheridan decided that transatlantic passengers needed something stronger than ordinary coffee to revive them after the flight, and so introduced the original Irish coffee. If there's still room ,add on Galway Bay, home to some of the finest oyster beds in Europe. Visit the Connemara Smokehouse, where the proprietors will welcome us and show us how salmon is filleted and prepared for the delicate smoking that imparts a distinctive flavour. Samples are of course included.
Highlands & Islands of Scotland
A seven night private tour of Isles of Mull and Iona, Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Whisky Distilling, Inverewe Gardens. Designed for those wishing to explore the 'real' Scotland, beyond the cities and into the wild west and north coast where the views are stunning and the welcome warm
The Highlands and Islands are a veritable photo album of majestic mountains, mysterious lochs and sublime seascapes. This itinerary stretches beyond the cities and into the wild west and north coast. Alight on the Isle of Mull and enter Duart Castle, the ancient seat of the Clan Maclean. Walk in the shadow of Britain's highest peak, Ben Nevis. Discover a rich history on the Isle of Skye. Visit the attractive town of Pitlochry and Blair Castle. Plot a course through the Cairngorm mountain range, enjoying stops at some of the best whisky distilleries in Scotland. Contemplate the legend of Nessie as you stare into the deep, dark waters of the loch. Visit Culloden Moor, the site where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated. Uncover Scottish folklore and much, much more.
British Motoring: From the Golden Age to Today
A five-night journey following the history of British motoring in England for the true petrol head. From £3,000pp
Go back in time and discover the history and legacy of British motoring at world-famous manufacturing plants and multiple museum visits. Then, try your hand at off-roading and experience the prestigious Goodwood Revival, held each September. Visit the Land Rover Experience Centre to witness expert demonstrations in off-road driving before taking your own turn behind the wheel beside a skilled Land Rover instructor. Hone your off-road driving techniques while putting the latest Land Rover production models through their paces on the Jungle Track, the Land Track and in the Adventure Zone. Highlights of the itinerary also include a visit to the Jaguar factory, Morgan Motor Company, National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The most luxurious hotels included in this itinerary include Ellenborough Park in the Cotswolds, the Grand Hotel Brighton and Brown's Hotel in London.
A Classic Par – Scottish Whisky And Golf
A six-night journey for any golf fan who enjoys the green grass of Scotland along with the peaty whiskeys from this fine land. From £7,999
Tee-off on some of Scotland's famous and most challenging golf courses, from the location of the Ryder Cup to the Carnoustie Championship Course. Enjoy the Old Course Experience that comes with driving range privileges and dinner perks, everything packaged together for a luxury hole-in-one experience. Discover Scotland's perfect pairing. Staying at Gleneagles, enjoy a private whisky Master Class in the hotel's exclusive cellar hosted by their senior whisky ambassador. The cellars at Gleneagles are home to some of the rarest and most prestigious wines and spirits in the world. You also have the opportunity to create your own blend of whisky with the 'Perfect Pour' Experience. Not only will you learn how to identify and blend flavours of whisky, but you will also create your own unique blend of whisky to enjoy at the Gleneagles bar and to take home with you.
Quintessentially English in The Cotswolds
A six-night journey for the inner anglophile in us all - as English as the bowler hat and umbrella, this tour includes some of the best of England, featuring a selection of the most iconic sights. From £3,209pp
Slip on the Barbour jacket and head out on a week-long tour of the essential sites and landmarks of the iconic Cotswolds. Saunter around dreamy Oxford colleges, stop off at Churchill's birthplace, and breathe in the Cotswold hills. Gen up on ancient Roman history in Bath, and while you are there, drink in the Palladian architecture, in particular the majestic sweep of the Royal Crescent. Cup of tea anyone? Or would you prefer some famous Bath gin?
A seven-night trip to to discover the secret gardens of England. From formal walled gardens to open parkland. From £1,979pp
The flora and fauna of these historic houses and conservation projects will delight and inspire you for your next green-fingered project. Various private tours are available at each location, and afterwards you can sit back and relax in a tearoom, overlooking beautiful vistas. This peaceful self-drive itinerary is all about stunning landscapes, taking the time to simply stop and smell the roses. Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen by promenading through Sydney Gardens to the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal. Enjoy a private tour of Cerney House Gardens and an introductory talk with Hidcote's gardener before exploring the gardens known as the Arts and Craft Garden. Last but not least, explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan for a private tour. Heligan is one of the most mysterious estates in England – lost to the brambles of time since the outbreak of WW1, this sleeping beauty was re-awakened in 1990 to become Europe's largest garden restoration project. Today, Heligan's 200 acres are a mythical paradise for the explorer and romanticist alike.
A seven-night discovery of the North, including Yorkshire and the Lake District. From £3,209pp
Industrial heritage, iconic landscapes, beautiful landscapes and boutique shops – it's no wonder Northern England is on top. Discover true Yorkshire life as a local, with a guide to take you across the moors, with hidden trails and legendary tales. Visit Snowdonia National Park and the quaint villages surrounding the Lake District. Not forgetting a private tasting of Carmel's famous sticky toffee pudding, where the original dessert was created. Finally, indulge in some retail therapy at Chester's famous medieval half-timbered arcades called 'The Rows'.
On The Right Track with Belmond
The Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland's only luxury sleeper train introduces new personalised experiences that take guests off the rails and into the heart of Ireland's eclectic and adventurous landscape. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover or keen on Celtic culture, guests can now tailor their experience by choosing from a range of activities including kayaking at sunset on the lake at Killarney, paddle boarding across Clew Bay, kissing the blarney stone at Blarney Castle, horse riding on the beach in Carrowholly or exploring foodie Galway. New for 2020 – Belmond brings the warmth and craic of Irish hospitality direct to the rails with a 'pop-up' pub in the traditional style of a 'Shebeen' – once known as an illicit inn. This unique watering hole offers a taste of traditional Ireland, music, Guinness and dancing on board this iconic luxury adventure across the Emerald Isle.
All prices are based on double occupancy in low season
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Media: James Treacy | PR & Communications Manager | 01242 546686 | Jtreacy@abercrombiekent.co.uk
About Abercrombie & Kent
Geoffrey Kent founded A&K in Africa in 1962 with little more than a refrigerated ex-Army truck, and the best tents money could buy. Then, the company went by the motto 'off-the-beaten-track safaris'. A lot has changed in the intervening years, but we still want to take clients down the road less travelled. We win awards for not only our bespoke luxury holidays and unparalleled escorted tours, but also our philanthropic efforts to protect and preserve the places we visit. Nearly six decades later, with Geoffrey Kent still at the helm, we extend around the globe to more than one hundred countries on all seven continents. A&K has more people in more places than any other travel company with more than 55 on-site offices in over 30 countries. Our long-standing networks allow us to uncover local secrets beyond the reach of most. Not much is truly impossible, and we ensure that your time away is the time of your life. www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
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