Bespoke Custom Tours to Great Britain

CUSTOM BESPOKE TOURS OF GREAT BRITAIN

Why do I use the term "Guru"? I am not a travel agent, cruise consultant, or other form of sales person. I wanted to use a term not associated with any form of commercial selling. Webster's dictionary defines guru as "a teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern," and "one who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponent," and "a person with great knowledge or expertise." I think that just about sums me up. There is no substitute for first hand experience. Travel agents are not necessarily travel experts or scholars. A travel guru, like myself, has many years of experience, and who does actually travel the world very frequently. I am not a travel agent, and I do not sell travel products, or make a commission on selling you package tours, cruises, hotel rooms, etc. What I can do is offer you expert guidance and planning so that your vacation and/or business trip, for you or your group, is precisely what you want with
no hidden surprises. Photo Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Great Britain, that being England, Scotland and Wales is in my blood having been born and schooled in the UK. Since leaving for the "New World" many years ago, I have crossed the "big pond", namely the Atlantic Ocean, by air and sea, several times a year for the past 50 years. Up until recently we owned a home in England that was our family base for exploring this wonderful country. Needless to say that you will not find another travel guru better qualified to design and/or escort a custom bespoke tours to the United Kingdom.

Whether you want to tour independently, or with a guide, I guarantee you that this will be your best ever British tour - guaranteed! Visit out of way local pubs for lunch or dinner like the Ship Inn, Langstone Hampshire, shown opposite with Helena in the photo. Design your own tour with the help of my personal expertise. From stately homes, castles, cathedrals, quaint villages, and amazing countryside. My services are perfect for seniors, families, couples, and friends and always at your own pace.

Before you hire any “travel professional” please make sure that they have the desired level of expertise and first hand knowledge of the location(s) that will form your itinerary. I will work with you directly to figure out the sort of trip, you and/or your group have in mind. I will make personalized recommendations based on my experience and prior knowledge. Almost anyone can go online and make travel arrangements, but it can be hard to tell real value from marketing fluff without real experience.

Bosham, West Sussex. At high tide you will find parts of this picturesque village flooded.

From the grandest landscaped gardens, to the smallest intimate gardens. From antiques and crafts fairs to trains, automobile, and military museums, all the while travelling through the beautiful English countryside on your very own tour.

I start with your ideas and add my expertise to create the perfect tour for you. I am not a travel agent, and make no commissions on tours that I design for you. I charge a fee for my time, plus expenses, regardless of the number of travelers in your party. I am also available, subject to prior commitments, to act as a tour manager / guide / escort for the duration of your visit. I am also available to make a presentation to your group should you desire.

The photo opposite is of Arundel Castle, located in Arundel, West Sussex. I must admit that I spent many years growing up in and around this area.

Group Travel.
Should you have a family, social group, business or scientific group, I am available to make a complete presentation of the travel plans we have decided on, realizing that you may have to "sell" the other group members. I consider this part of the group planning process. I have also been known to accompany groups as a sort of "Tour Manager" to ensure that all goes smoothly. Please keep in mind my planning fees are more or less constant regardless of the number of participants.
Picture: One of the many formal gardens at Hampton Court, Middlesex.

THE PLANNING STAGE
Having made initial contact by phone, email, or in person, I will determine your precise requirements, the number of participants, and level of service desired, from economy to luxury and all steps between.

Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey

Horsted Keynes Station, on the Bluebell Heritage Line, became Downton Station several times over the series.

Here is some food for thought:

How long will your visit be?
Escorted or not?
Quaint villages versus large towns or a combo?
Transportation: Rental Car, Bus, rail, chauffeur driven car or minivan, or a combo?
Rail Pass / City Pass?
The ages of your party – seniors, children, physically challenged?
Is there a theme to your visit, for example, researching ancestry?
Any special dining requirements or requests?
Hotel(s) or house rental?

HMS Victory. Admiral Nelson's Flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar.

What exactly do you and your group want to see? Here are some subject matter suggestions:

Royal Palaces and Stately Homes.
Cute villages and thatched cottages.
Roman Britain
Medieval Castles.
Churches and Cathedrals.
Heritage Steam Railways.
Naval History.
World War Two Airfields, Museums and Memorials.
TV / Movie Filming Locations.
Sports – Football (Soccer), Cricket, Rugby etc.
Art Galleries and Museums.
Performing Arts.
Festivals, Car Boot Sales.
Antique Fairs.
Painting, Photography.
Family History.
Off the beaten track locations.

Or all of the above!

Our visit to Port Isaac, Cornwall. Renamed Port Wenn for the TV series Doc Martin.

Please use the contact tab above to request additional information and a call back.

The banner picture of this page is Chichester Cathedral, located in my home town of Chichester, West Sussex. The See of Chichester was established in 1075 and by 1076 work on building the present cathedral was begun. Construction was completed under Bishop Luffa in time for its consecration to the Holy Trinity in 1108.