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Immerse yourself in fashion history when you join me on this glorious English summer celebration of all things Fashion, Food and Lifestyle.
Enjoy exclusive access to some of the world’s finest museum fashion collections as we go behind the scenes for unique one-on-one experiences with curators and experts with opportunities to study rare garments and accessories up close. Studied insights into fashion’s past as well as its future will captivate your imagination.
Explore the beautiful English countryside as we tour Royal Palaces, Grand Houses and Historic National Trust Properties.
Live the grand English life staying in stunning country house hotels and dining in award-winning restaurants.
Visit boutique fashion museums in charmingly picturesque towns and villages where you can wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Journey in style –Small and Exclusive with a maximum of 24 guests.
This is a uniquely enriching experience that you won’t want to miss!
CHARLOTTE SMITH
Fashion collector, Owner of The Charlotte Smith fashion Collection (formerly The Darnell Collection)
“Charlotte has an incredible knowledge not only of the items in her collection but the history of fashion and design.”
–Tracy Cooper-Lavery, Director HOTA (Home of The Arts, Gold Coast)


In 2004, Anglo-American Charlotte Smith inherited a collection of vintage and historic garments and accessories from her American Quaker godmother, Doris Darnell. Along with 3500 items of clothing came boxes of personal letters and Doris’ handwritten notes documenting the stories of the women who wore them.
Charlotte quickly realised she had inherited more than a collection of fashion, but rather a collection recording social history and women’s journeys told through fashion. Since 2004 the collection has expanded to include over 9000+
As curator and stylist, Charlotte brings to life 250 years of fashion’s beguiling and colourful history using her private resource … which is regarded as one of ten significant private fashion collections in the world.
pieces of RTW, Couture and Haute Couture fashion from 36 different countries. She focuses on adding important designers from the 1960s to present day. As a “Globe Trotting Fashion Anthropologist”, Charlotte now travels the world seeking out fashion’s history, inspiration, and sustainability.
Charlotte is proud to be the Ambassador for the charities, Dress for Success Sydney (DfSS) and Fashions of Multicultural Australia (FOMA).
Charlotte resides in the Blue Mountains, NSW and stores her collection in a climate controlled facility near Sydney. A prolific writer, Charlotte is the author of the best selling books “One Enchanted Evening”, “Dreaming of Dior” and “Dreaming of Chanel”. Charlotte is an engaging speaker, storyteller, Emcee and ardent traveller –all in the pursuit of fashion’s history.
Come join her on one of her “Boutique Journeys” where a unique experience awaits!
We are proud to announce Dress for Success Sydney (DfSS) as our Charity Partner.


This important charity offers women the opportunity to assist other women and give back to society. The mission of DfSS is to empower women in need to achieve economic independence through the free provision of professional clothing, a network of support and mentoring as well as career development tools. Your booking makes a significant contribution towards DfSS with our tour pledging a large donation to this lifechanging charity – BOOK TODAY.


• Exclusive behind the scenes fashion talks and private tours – Victoria & Albert Museum, Bath Fashion Museum, Jane Austen Centre, Allhallows Lace Museum, Totnes Fashion & Textiles Museum, Fashion Archives Hereford Museum, Northampton Shoe Museum.
• Fashion experts as Guest Speakers.
• Fashion & Design Museums – Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Kensington Palace Museum,V & A, Fashion & Textile Museum, Bath Fashion Museum, Allhallows Lace Museum, Totnes Fashion & Textiles Museum, Hereford Museum, Whitworth Textile Museum
•Jane Austen Museum, Beatles Museum, Chethem Library (private tour).
• Palaces, Cathedrals and Historic Houses, including Kensington Palace, Althorp House (home of Princess Diana) and Agatha Christie’s House.
• 4 and 5 star accommodation Stay in stunning English Country House hotels including Bovey Castle – relaxed touring with 2-night stays in all UK locations.
• Dine at award winning restaurants.
•Tour is fully escorted by Charlotte Smith (from Sydney, Australia) as well as a professional Tour Manager in the UK.
• Economy International Airfares travelling with Qatar Airways – Business Class upgrade available upon application.
•Doha stopover on forward flight so you arrive refreshed.
• Sightseeing as outlined and entry fees included. All tipping.
• l B 18 full breakfasts
l L 5 lunches
l T 1 afternoon tea
l D 17 dinners plus inflight meals.
• Porterage at overnight stops.
“Thanks to Charlotte’s devotion and fine detective work, ‘One Enchanted Evening’is an unforgettable depiction of fashion history, and of how fashion can uplift and empower.”
Departs: Sydney International Airport on Friday 2nd August 2019
Returns: Sydney International Airport on Wednesday 19th August 2019
Twin Share
$15,990 per person
Single $18,300
Departs: Melbourne International Airport on Friday 2nd August 2019
Returns: Melbourne International Airport on Wednesday 19th August 2019
Twin Share
$15,990 per person
Single $18,300
Departs: Adelaide International Airport on Friday 2nd August 2019
Returns: Adelaide International Airport on Wednesday 19th August 2019
Twin Share
$15,990 per person
Single $18,300
Departs: Perth International Airport on Friday 2nd August 2019
Returns: Perth International Airport on Thursday 20th August 2019
Twin Share
$15,990 per person
Single $18,300
Twin Share $12,990 per person
Single $15,300



AUSTRALIA – QATAR
INFLIGHT MEAL
“If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” (Jane Austen). Heeding Austen’s sage advice, we board an evening flight to Qatar on our way to seek “fashionable adventures”.
OVERNIGHT: INFLIGHT
DOHA - MUSEUM
SATURDAY
l B l D
We arrive in Doha for an early morning check-in to our luxury hotel. Take the opportunity to rest and refresh yourself before enjoying time at leisure to explore the centuries old Souq (market place). Later in the afternoon we will drive to Museum of Islamic Art to view its incredible world class collection, spanning 1400 years of design.
The MIA textile collection has a wide variety of fabrics and some of the finest examples of carpets and costumes ever produced for the elite of the Islamic world.
From divine design to gourmet cuisine when we ascend to IDAM, Alain Ducasse’s first restaurant in the Middle East. With spectacular views of the Doha skyline, innovative fusion cuisine and surrounded by Philippe Starck’s exquisite décor, this is the perfect place to officially kick off our fashion and design tour.
OVERNIGHT: DOHA HOTEL
SUNDAY
LONDON 2 NIGHTS l B l D
A morning flight to London before we check into our 4 star hotel, situated in fashionable South Kensington, the hub of London sophistication.
Celebrate our first night in England with a complimentary glass of bubbles as we toast to the stylish success of our tour. This vibrant city has so much to offer with Samuel Johnson famously declaring in 1777 “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” After our time in London you will be declaring “When a woman is tired of fashion, she is tired of life.”
OVERNIGHT: MILLENNIUM BAILEYS, SOUTH KENSINGTON
“Charlotte’s





KENSINGTON PALACE – V & A l B l D
This morning we visit Kensington Palace, a Royal residence and home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection –see sumptuous examples of Royal, ceremonial and court dress dating from the 18th century to the present day.
We then visit the wonderful Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. The V&A’s Fashion Collection is the largest and most comprehensive collection of dress in the world and we will enjoy a truly exclusive behind the scenes visit with Edwina Ehrman, Head Curator of Fashion. Edwina has written many books on fashion history and is creating a one-off experience for our tour where we can look closely at pieces from the V & A Fashion Collection.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before dinner at Carluccio’s famous London flagship restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: MILLENNIUM BAILEYS, SOUTH KENSINGTON
FASHION - PAST AND FUTURE 2 NIGHTS l B l D
A relaxed start before we visit the Fashion & Textile Museum, situated in the heart of fashionable Bermondsey Village. Founded by English designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum is solely dedicated to showcasing developments in contemporary design as well as providing inspiration, support and training for those working in the industry.
From London we travel to Bath, that sublimely elegant Georgian resort town known to us through Jane Austen’s novels. Be delighted by the UNESCO Heritage listed Royal Crescent, a row of 30 grand


terrace houses that comprise the greatest example of Georgian architecture in the UK. Enjoy staying in this most fashionable of addresses, where tonight a Guest Speaker will take us on a journey into Fashion Past.
OVERNIGHT: THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL, BATH
The Assembly Rooms are one of Bath’s most magnificent Georgian buildings and in Austen’s day were THE place to be seen. Today they house the glorious Fashion Museum with its world-class collection of contemporary and historic dress, from historic Georgian gowns to cutting-edge fashion by leading designers. A private talk from the Head Curator enables us to see some of these pieces from the collection close up.
Learn more about Bath’s most famous resident when we visit the Jane Austen Centre located in an original Georgian townhouse. In the afternoon enjoy time at leisure to wander and appreciate the beauty of this vibrant and historic town. Tonight, we dine as “ladies of quality” at one of Bath’s top restaurants.
OVERNIGHT: THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL, BATH
Today we visit Honiton, the town famous for its exquisite lace making. Allhallows Museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of Honiton Lace in the world, featuring examples from the 16th to early 20th century – enjoy a lace making demonstration and a private guided tour. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming market town before we travel to Killerton House; this fine example of an 18th Century English Country Estate is also home to the National Trust Costume Museum. Killerton is set up to show it as the family home it once was, with its collection of 18th- to 20th-century costumes displayed in period rooms. Enjoy lunch before wandering the gardens.
No need to just dream of living like the landed gentry, indulge your fantasies at Bovey Castle where “a Lady’s Castle is her Home” (a least for a couple of nights)!
This grand former manor house is now a luxury spa resort set on a 275-acre site in Dartmoor National




“… she takes her followers on extraordinary adventures delving behind the scenes for a richer story.”




Park so relax and be pampered. Tonight, we will savour the food in the Castle’s award-winning restaurant whilst being informed and entertained by a Guest Speaker
OVERNIGHT: BOVEY CASTLE, DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK
TOTNES - AGATHA CHRISTIE’S HOUSE l B l D
Our private tour with the curator of Totnes Fashion and Textiles Museum is tailored for our Fashion Tour as perfectly as a couture gown. Home to the Devonshire Collection of Period Costume, the largest private collection of its type in the UK, the Museum features centuries of British fashion, from the sumptuous to the everyday.
Totnes is an historic market town and the museum is housed in a Tudor merchant’s house. Shopping addicts can enjoy browsing many unique and charming shops as well as the Friday market in the Civil Hall Square.
From Market Town to Mystery when we visit Greenway, once home to the famed writer Agatha Christie. The Georgian manor house is situated on the River Dart and Christie called Greenway “the loveliest place in the world.” The house is just as Agatha and her family, all extensive collectors, left it –enjoy over 11,000 objects displayed.
Tonight, we dine out by the banks of the River Dart enjoying the finest seafood at The Seahorse Restaurant in Dartmouth.
OVERNIGHT: BOVEY CASTLE, DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK
STOURHEAD HOUSE 2 NIGHTS l B l L l D
LACOCK HISTORIC VILLAGE
We are transported back to the Regency period when we visit magnificent Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion boasting an historic library and beautiful art collection. This 1,072-hectare estate with its world-famous landscaped gardens represents an 18th-century view of an Arcadian paradise. Lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples will set your heart a flutter - walk up to the Temple of Apollo, where Darcy confessed his love to Keira Knightly’s Lizzie in the 2005 film adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice”. Now if only Mr Darcy would turn up!


“You could have heard a pin drop the audience was so absorbed (by Charlotte’s talk).”
– Dress for Success Sydney Gala




Lunch in style at a fine West Country 4-star Inn on the Stourhead Estate before you step back in time again at the National Trust Lacock Historic Village Dating from Saxon times Lacock looks much the same as it did 200 years ago, making it a favourite film location for such shows as “Downton Abbey”, “Lost in Austen” and “Cranford” as well as films such as “Harry Potter” and the various Austen Classics. Wander this quintessential English Village at leisure, explore the ancient Abbey (dating from 1200s) and enjoy the Fox Talbot Photography Museum
Our 4 star Georgian hotel is conveniently located in the centre of historic Salisbury and tonight we will enjoy the company of a Guest Speaker
OVERNIGHT: WHITE HART, SALISBURY
BISHOPSTROW HOUSE – l
A relaxed start to the day before we enjoy a private shopping experience at Foxtrot Vintage Store, THE “go to” place for set designers of period films and fans of vintage design alike. This delightful emporium supplies outfits both for celebrities and the cast of such shows as Downton Abbey and will be open to us exclusively, so we can peruse their vintage wares. Enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch at Bishopstrow House, a beautiful Georgian Manor set in 27 acres, with stunning views of the countryside and the River Wyle.
This afternoon we will tour beautiful Salisbury Cathedral. Built in the 13th Century it is considered one of the most significant examples of early English architecture with the tallest church spire (123m), the largest cloister and the largest cathedral close in Britain.View the world’s oldest working clock (from AD 1386) and the best surviving original copy of Magna Carta.
OVERNIGHT: WHITE HART, SALISBURY
LONGLEAT HOUSE – 2 NIGHTS l B l D HERFORD MAPPA MUNDI
Be transported back in time when we visit Longleat House, seat of the Marquesses of Bath and the first English stately home to be opened to the public. Longleat is a stunning example of high Elizabethan architecture and the sweeping corridors and grand

“(Her books are) fashion heaven. A string of magical, whimsical stories, breathing life into each and every gown.”
–Kirstie Clements, former Editor-in-Chief, Vogue
Australia




rooms are adorned by paintings, tapestries, furniture and objects collected by 15 generations of the same family. Enjoy time at leisure to wander the beautiful grounds landscaped by Capability Brown.
We drive north to Hereford Cathedral, home to the Hereford Mappa Mundi; dating from c.1300 this unique treasure is the largest medieval map still in existence.
Our boutique 4-star Hotel is situated right in Hereford and its excellent Castle Restaurant overlooks gardens and the old Hereford castle’s moat. Enjoy a dinner of superb local produce as we listen to a Guest Speaker
OVERNIGHT: CASTLE HOUSE HOTEL, HEREFORD
FASHION ARCHIVES – BERRINGTON HALL - l B l L l D LEOMINSTER
As a Cathedral City and historic trade centre, Hereford has a legacy of fine architecture.Visit the Hereford Museum and its Fashion Archives. The Costume and Textile Collection is of national significance with items from the 17th century to the present including the everyday wear of both adults and children.
An excursion to the imposing Berrington Hall, a Georgian neoclassical country house now run by the National Trust. Enjoy the beautiful interiors as well as a private viewing of the Charles Paget Wade Costume Collection. One of the Trust archivists will give a private talk about their role in curating the Collection. As an extra treat the original costumes from the BBC production of “Pride and Prejudice” are also on show (including one simply tagged “The Shirt” from Colin Firth’s famous lake scene).
After a light lunch you will have time to explore the vintage stores at nearby historic Leominster before returning to Hereford for dinner at a top local restaurant.
OVERNIGHT: CASTLE HOUSE HOTEL, HEREFORD
LIVERPOOL & BEATLES MUSEUM - 2 NIGHTS l B l D MANCHESTER
We drive north to Liverpool, a historic maritime city most famous as the home of “The Fab Four”. Experience the fashion of the “Swinging 60s”
through the displays, photos and memorabilia of the award-winning “Beatles Story” exhibition.
Travel onto Manchester, once the powerhouse of the British Empire’s textile industry, where we check into one of the city’s most iconic and historic hotels. This grand Edwardian hotel has played host to an array of Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers over the years, so you are sure to be pampered.
OVERNIGHT: MIDLAND HOTEL, MANCHESTER
Ancient Chester was founded as a Roman fortress and its past is still tangible with extensive Roman ruins dotted throughout the town. Step aboard the iconic London Routemaster for a tour of the city, enjoying the legacy of its 2,000-year history.
Wander at leisure in the unique Rows, a 700-yearold shopping district in the Old City comprised of two-tiered covered arcades and Tudor-style half-timber buildings. Dinner will be enjoyed at Manchester House, a top restaurant featuring Modern British Cuisine.
OVERNIGHT: MIDLAND HOTEL, MANCHESTER
WHITWORTH TEXTILE MUSEUM – 2 NIGHTS l B l D
CHETHEM LIBRARY - NORTHAMPTON
The internationally important Textile Collection at the Whitworth Art Gallery reflects Manchester’s significance in the history of world textiles and houses 20,000 dress and textile objects from across the world. These textiles range in date from the third century AD to the present and include the work of William Morris and other designers associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement
The fabulous Chethem Library has been in continuous use since 1653 and almost two thirds of its 100,000 volumes of printed books were published before 1851. A private tour of the library gives us access to other parts of this beautiful historic building that dates from 1421.
Our beautiful 17th Century hotel sits within 26 acres of grounds in the heart of the Northamptonshire countryside. This is the life!
OVERNIGHT: HIGHGATE HOUSE, NORTHAMPTON




“(‘Dreaming of Dior’ is) lovely … both beautifully designed and absorbing to read.” –The Indianapolis Star




EXCLUSIVE TALK WITH CURATOR OF l B l L l D
NORTHAMPTON SHOE COLLECTIONDELAPRE ABBEY - ALTHORP HOUSE
Time to put our best foot forward when we meet Rebecca Shawcross, the curator of Northampton Shoe Collection (the Northampton Museum holds the world’s largest shoe collection). As the author of “Shoes: An Illustrated History”, Rebecca knows her footwear from the ground up and will entertain us with a talk titled “Dedicated Followers of Shoe Fashion: A light-hearted look at shoes from Roman times to the present day”. This exclusive event is sure to delight as will the wonderful examples of historical shoes she will bring along to show us.
We visit ancient Delapre Abbey to discover its fascinating 900-year history, from its life as a nunnery to its heyday as a scandal-ridden Victorian country home.
This afternoon we visit Princess Diana’s childhood home, Althorp House, one of Britain’s best known Stately Houses. Nineteen generations of Spencer’s have called Althorp home, building up one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics. After a light lunch we will tour the house where each intriguing room of this magnificent family home has a fascinating story of its own.
OVERNIGHT: HIGHGATE HOUSE, NORTHAMPTON
WINDSOR – THAMES CRUISE 2 NIGHTS l B l T l D
A morning drive to Windsor where we will visit Windsor Castle, the largest (13 acres) and oldest occupied castle in the world. The castle has been the family home to British kings and queens for over 900 years and it’s where Her Majesty The Queen chooses to spend most of her private weekends. If the Royal Standard flag is flying from the Castle’s Round Tower, the Queen will be in residence.
Tour the sumptuous State Apartments and be delighted by Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, where every facet of everyday life from the 1920s has been rendered in miniature. As an archive of the artistic life of the period it remains unrivalled, with its thousands of objects being created by leading artists, designers and craftsmen of the day.


“In
essence ‘fashion’ is a reflection of social history and tells us so many interesting stories.”
–Katherine MacKenzie, Executive Manager Tourism, Bendigo




Take in views of Windsor Castle and indulge in an extensive Afternoon Tea menu when we cruise the Thames –relax, you’re on holidays.
Our last nights in England will be spent in style at the Castle Hotel, Windsor. This elegant Georgian building has an enviable address –directly opposite Windsor Castle.
OVERNIGHT: CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
HAMPTON COURT PALACE l B l D
Discover the secrets of Britain’s Royal Past at Hampton Court Palace, a palace built in two distinct contrasting architectural styles, domestic Tudor and Baroque. Its splendid interiors were home to Henry VIII to Georgian kings and princes before it was opened to the public by Queen Victoria in 1838. With its fabulous art collection, grand rooms and ornate gardens (not to mention the royal ghosts) it is an experience not to miss.
Our last group dinner will be celebrated in the historic Bel & The Dragon; steeped in old English heritage, it has been serving food and drink since the 11th Century and tonight we will enjoy the best of modern British cuisine.
OVERNIGHT: CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR
FLIGHT HOME l B INFLIGHT MEALS
We bid “Cheerio” to England and board an afternoon flight to Australia.
ARRIVE AUSTRALIA INFLIGHT MEALS
We arrive back in Australia in the early evening.
Whilst even fabulous Fashion Tours must come to an end, my sincere wish is that you have returned home feeling relaxed and pampered, having been delighted and inspired by our journey into Fashion’s Past.
•HOW DO I BOOK FOR THIS HOLIDAY?
Contact our office for a booking form. Return this form with your deposit to PO Box 1133, Katoomba NSW 2780.
•WHAT DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED?
We require a 10% deposit upon booking to be sent to our office along with the booking form.
•WHEN DOES THE FINAL BALANCE NEED TO BE PAID?
The balance of payment for the holiday is due on Tuesday 30th April 2019
•DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE AIRFARES?
The price includes return Economy airfares with Qatar Airways. Business Class and First Class fares POA.
•DO I NEED TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Please remember that travel insurance covers you for cancellation or amendment cost. Travel insurance is not included in

KENSINGTON PALACE
your tour fare and is offered subject to conditions set out by the insurance company. If you require insurance, please mark this on your booking form. An insurance PDS and application will be forwarded and all conditions covering the policy are listed in the PDS booklet. Insurance cover offered is with Cover.More. Fantastic Aussie Tours offers this as an additional service to you and acts as an agent only. (This Insurance is not compulsory, please advise when booking if insurance is required).






