Garsington Opera Festival

Join us for a cultural and musical treat as we head to the borders of the Vale of Aylesbury and the Cotswolds to enjoy a short break that includes a performance of L’Elisir d’Amore at the acclaimed Garsington Opera Festival. The annual opera festival here is a summer tradition with picnics as well as interval dining options in a beautiful garden setting. The Vale of Aylesbury is indelibly linked to the supremely wealthy Rothschild family, whose influence in this area was far-reaching. Sightseeing highlights include the remarkable Waddesdon Manor, Ascott House, and Stowe Gardens.

ITINERARY

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. 

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Holiday Inn Aylesbury, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine at the hotel
• Rear stalls ticket for a performance of L’Elisir d’Amore at Garsington Opera
• Group dinner at Garsington Opera
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday Insurance 
• Double for sole use supplement - £145
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities 
• Seat upgrade for Garsington performance

HOTEL

Holiday Inn Aylesbury

Modern four-star hotel, located on the outskirts of Aylesbury with indoor pool, fitness club bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Hotel Website

MORE INFO

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.