THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Whether you are visiting the British Isles for the first time, are a seasoned traveller or taking a holiday close to home, a bespoke tour promises much to enjoy and discover

With a passion for travel that began with trips to London leading to journeys further afield, Andrew Stevens has turned his wanderlust and an interest in history into an inspiring business.

“I was in love with London – the museums, fashion boutiques, record stores and, as I got older, the pubs and clubs,” he explains. After several years working as a DJ, Andrew saved enough money to travel the world. While he experienced many wonders on his travels, it also opened his eyes to the attractions of his own country: “I realised that Britain had incredible places to see and things to do. I was always fascinated by the landscape, particularly the thousands of shades of green and wild windswept hills, and I especially like little villages with no tourists. I used to wonder why nobody knew about such places.”

Andrew realised he could use his local knowledge and love of travelling to create a business. “I trained as a guide in London for six months. Then I thought I could use my driving skills and imagined taking people into our lovely countryside and enjoying pub lunches.” It was at this stage Luxury Vacations UK was born: “My clients loved seeing off-thetourist-track places. I enjoyed introducing visitors to local people and having a bit of banter.”

Since 1998, Andrew has been touring England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland with people who share a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn about the culture and history. In 2001, Andrew met Elizabeth, who was working at a law firm. She shared his love of exploring: “As our relationship grew with marriage and children, so did our business, especially when I joined Andrew to work full time. The fun we had exploring the country researching new itineraries and discovering unique hotels for our clients. I soon realised I had a passion for the British Isles.”

While Andrew and Elizabeth love to take visitors to out-of-theway locations, they are also aware that Britain has many must-see attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Bath Abbey, Stonehenge and the Eden Project. And that is the beauty of Luxury Vacations, the tours are designed to suit each individual or group. As Elizabeth explains: “It is an absolute pleasure to be trusted with our client’s vacation plans. I especially enjoy researching special requests or putting together multigenerational celebratory trips.”

Specialist guides

Andrew and Elizabeth employ a team of carefully selected experienced and professional guides to work with them, including Chris who has been with them for more than seven years and has a vast knowledge of

Andrew and his team enjoy showing their clients Britain’s magnificent natural and built environment, including (clockwise from top left) the historic Westminster Abbey, magnificent Stonehenge, pretty cottages in Shaftesbury and Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck

everything from castles to football. Graham is an expert on London: “I love sharing with our visitors my knowledge of the alleys and courts, history and architecture.” Sue is a driverguide: “I pay attention to even the little things and keeping my tours flexible and fun.” And Ian, who finds that every tour is a new adventure: “Our clients enjoy creating lifelong memories while gaining a great appreciation of Britain’s magnificent natural and built environment.”

Iconic road trip

Luxury Vacations UK has a suggested private, 11-day driverguide itinerary that incorporates some of Iconic’s collection of hotels. Starting with three nights at either The Mayfair Townhouse or 11 Cadogan Gardens, suggested places to visit include Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Churchill’s War Rooms, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Next, it’s on to the New Forest and two nights at Chewton Glen visiting England’s sparkling wine region in Sussex and the harbour at Chichester en route.

From Chewton Glen, there are opportunities explore the Jurassic Coast, visit Corfe Castle, paddle board to Old Harry Rocks, sail or simply relax and make the most of the hotel’s spa. The tour then proceeds to The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds taking in Salisbury, Stonehenge and Bath on the way.

After a restorative night in the historic hotel, there are a couple of days to explore the surrounding area. Wales, with the beautiful Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey, are just a short drive, as is Gloucester, Monmouth, Oxford and Blenheim Palace. The journey culminates with two nights at Cliveden House and an opportunity to enjoy the river, house, gardens, spa and fabulous restaurants.

The true joy of a bespoke tour with a private driver guide is that

Visitors can enjoy the pomp and ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at Horse Guards Parade during a walking tour of Royal London

it allows complete flexibility to do as much or as little as desired. As Andrew explains: “What is so special about this itinerary is the volume of places we visit, the range of different landscapes and a vast number of add-ons and VIP options available. ”

London and day trips

Andrew and his guides are also experts when it comes to the iconic highlights of Britain. The suggested private day trips from London include a Bridgerton location tour, a vineyard tour and wine tasting, Cambridge University and Duxford Aircraft Museum, and Dover and Leeds Castles in Kent. While in London, there are private tours that take a few hours, such as a walking tour of Royal London, to a week-long holiday with a private guide.

Further afield

Andrew and his team love to take visitors further afield and arranging activities. Popular choices are whisky and golf with friends in Ireland; an adventure trip to Scotland that can include white water rafting, off-road driving and wild swimming, while in Wales there are zip wires, coasteering and hiking in Snowdonia National Park. They can even offer bespoke honeymoon tours, for which the romantic castles and landscapes of Scotland are a popular choice.

Stylish accommodation

After a day of sightseeing, it is important to have a good night’s rest. Luxury Vacations UK works with the finest hotels and guesthouses in the country that offer a variety of accommodation, including castles, manor houses, luxury guesthouses and historic homes. “I have loved watching client’s faces light up when, after touring the Cotswolds all day, we arrive at Cliveden and make our way down the iconic gravel drive. My travel companions know they have arrived somewhere special.” says Andrew.

The temple at Stourhead Gardens is one of the many heritage attractions you can see on one of the tours Silbury Hill near Avebury in Wiltshire is the largest artificial prehistoric mound in Europe and a UNESCO heritage site Cliveden boasts the magnificent Clock Tower, in its grounds, topped by the gold statue of The Spirit of Liberty