Luxury Christmas breaks by rail
Titan HiTours has unveiled 'A Sense of Occasion' - a collection of sumptuous short breaks in the UK aboard the British Pullman Carriages of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
This most luxurious of trains, lavishly restored to reflect the glory of its 1930's heyday, plies the lines between London Victoria and some of the country's finest stately homes and historic cities, with the journey being as much of a highlight as the actual destination. Each departure is combined with a two-night stay in a first-class London hotel, creating a delectable selection of three-day escapes that truly revive the sense of occasion that went hand-in-hand with the travel experience back in its 'golden age'.
The British Pullman justly deserves its nickname of 'a palace on wheels'. The historic carriages are decorated with veneered panelling enlivened with Art Deco marquetry (decorative patterns) alongside comfortable, tapestry armchairs, silk lampshades and polished fittings in mahogany and brass, creating an ambiance that's redolent of refined luxury and exquisite good taste. Guests are invited to sit back and relax with a glass of champagne before being served a sumptuous lunch set against ever-changing views as the train winds its way unhurriedly through the timeless English countryside.
The quality and style of each 'Sense of Occasion' short break begins even before guests board the train, as each departure benefits from Titan's exclusive VIP Home Departure Service. This service collects guests from (and returns them to) their own front door - and even includes domestic flights and airport transfers where necessary. This allows every passenger to be comfortably transferred between their home and the central London hotel, ensuring they begin and end their experience with complete convenience and peace of mind, no matter where they live in the United Kingdom.
The destinations served by the British Pullman are every bit as highbrow and desirable as the journey itself. Those looking to indulge in a little festive spirit could opt for a visit to the charming cathedral city of Lincoln and its wonderful Christmas market - the largest traditional Christmas market in Europe. This trip is scheduled to depart on 2 December, 2010. Alternatively, those preferring to participate in a seasonal sing-along might be tempted by a day-trip to either Canterbury (7 December, 2010) or Salisbury (13 December, 2010) where the highlight will be a choir recital of favourite Christmas carols in each city's historic, landmark cathedral. These fantastic experiences each cost from £695 per person, to include two nights' B&B accommodation at the four-star Crowne Plaza St James; a full day's excursion on the British Pullman with brunch served on the outbound journey and four-course dinner on the return; and door-to-door transfers under the VIP Home Departure Service.
The 'Sense of Occasion' brochure also features day-trips to some of the UK's grandest stately homes. Departing on 14 December is a trip to Chatsworth House and Gardens, the seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. Located in the beautiful Peak District, the house dates from 1552 and is widely renowned as one of the most elegant properties in the whole of England - and it will be looking particularly grand at this time when it's gloriously decked out in all its festive finery. This package also costs from £695 per person, to include two nights' B&B accommodation at the Crowne Plaza St James; a full day's excursion on the British Pullman with brunch served on the outbound journey and four-course dinner on the return; admission to Chatsworth House; and door-to-door transfers under the VIP Home Departure Service.
Those who like to plan ahead will appreciate the selection of departures that are scheduled to take place during 2011. Trips to take in the Georgian Splendour of Bath, for example, are scheduled to depart throughout the year between January and September, 2011, with prices from £645 per person. There is also a choice of departures to Historic York (from £665 per person), Delightful Worcester (from £695 per person) and the Charming Cotswolds ( from £685 per person). All these prices include two nights' B&B accommodation at the Crowne Plaza St James; a full day's excursion on the British Pullman with brunch served on the outbound journey and four-course dinner on the return; and door-to-door transfers under the VIP Home Departure Service.
The widest choice of departure dates (18 in total) is for the Scenic Lunch on the British Pullman excursion, where the focus is very much on the fine dining aboard the train and the beautiful Kent scenery unfurling outside. This package costs from £595 per person, to include two nights' B&B accommodation at the Crowne Plaza St James; a half-day journey on the British Pullman with five-course lunch; and door-to-door transfers under the VIP Home Departure Service.
Commenting on the launch of the brochure, James Hewlett, Head of Marketing said, "This splendid selection of short breaks is perfect for any special occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary or an indulgent pre-Christmas gift. The combination of the journeys on the British Pullman with the luxury of a central London hotel have all the hallmarks of a bygone era and fully restore the pleasure of travel in its own right - plus of course each trip comes with the quality, high standards and value for money for which Titan HiTours is so rightly renowned."
For details or to book, visit: titanhitours.co.uk