Join John, Marian Burns and Karl as we embrace our roots and ancestry and discover Scottish music (including the Edinburgh tattoo), history and scenic beauty. Every castle, loch and glen has a legend and we take you on an exceptional journey and captivate you with those stories.
Experience the Exceptional
Special musical highlights, including a private concert of Welsh men’s choir at Cardiff Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as well as shows on the West End.
Literature highlights like Beatrix Potter’s house and a reading at Wordsworth’s house. Theatrical highlights include Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre and in his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Wonder at the opulence and grandeur of Cardiff Castle, Buckingham Palace, Blenheim Castle and Edinburgh Castle and a special visit to Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey was filmed.
Explore the beauty of the English countryside, drive through villages with thatched cottages lining the road and enjoy the tranquil setting of the Lake District, revelling in its peace and beauty.
Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel
We begin and end our tour with flights to and from Dubai on Emirates. As we arrive into Dubai early in the morning we have arranged another night’s accommodation so we can go to our rooms immediately. On return we arrive into Dubai late at night so we will again have access to our rooms immediately.
Dukes Hotel
London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. London is also known as “The Forest City”, for its tree-lined streets, plentiful trails and more than 200 parks.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• A very regal tour of Buckingham Palace and the State Rooms, predominately used for state, ceremonial and official occasions, as well as a chance to wander the gardens, made famous by royal garden parties.
• 2 shows: either a show at the West End, Globe Theatre or Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.
• Cruise the Thames with gourmet dinner aboard the luxury Bateaux boat and enjoy magnificent views of London’s architecture by night.
• Walking tour of Southwark, including George Inn (a haunt of Charles Dickens), Southwark Cathedral, The Globe Theatre with theatre and backstage tour, Tower of London and the Crown Jewels.
• A tour to the Whitehall area of London, including a tour of the beautiful Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms – only recently opened to the public – where Churchill and his war cabinet planned Britain’s role in the Second World War.
Today we leave London to visit one of the highlights of our trip.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Highclere Castle (booking confirmed is, of course, the location for the stunning period drama Downton Abbey. This afternoon it is our turn to be captivated by all the places that we have visited only through our TV and now in reality, our turn to walk the corridors and be part of the Downton Abbey family for an afternoon!
• Short stop in Oxford to wander and drive around.
Ettington Park Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• A performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
• 2-night stay at Ettington Park Hotel, a neo gothic mansion set on 40 acres of land – a perfect place to enjoy its history and ghost stories
• Visit all Shakespeare’s houses and grave, Anne Hathaway’s cottage as well as other sites of importance.
On route to Bath
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Drive through the beautiful Cotswolds with its many thatched cottages.
• Chipping Campden - stop for a wander (well-known to Miss Marple and Graham Greene fans).
• Lunch at The Porch House, considered the oldest pub in England.
• Visit the ancestral home of the Churchills, Blenheim Palace, for a house tour this afternoon.
Francis Hotel, Bath - MGallery by Sofitel
Bath is a historic Roman and Georgian city and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Bath is famous for its hot springs, Roman period baths and medieval heritage.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• A city tour of Bath’s 18th century features: Queen Square, Circus, Royal Crescent and Great Pulteney Street.
• Visit and tour the Roman Baths complex.
• Tour of Jane Austen’s House Museum, offering a snapshot into life in Regency times, Jane’s writings and including a tour of Bath and the places that shaped Jane Austen’s life.
• A performance at the Theatre Royal, erected in 1805 and considered a prime example of Georgian architecture (subject to availability).
Park Plaza Hotel
Traditional Wales is a melodic land of green hills, welcoming valleys and sweeping sandy beaches filled with towns that transport us to another age.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• A premium private event, enjoying dinner in a private room at Cardiff Castle, followed by a private concert from the award winning 50 voice Welsh Men’s Choir.
• Cardiff Castle tour, including outer walls of Roman stone work and Norman buildings from the 11th century
• Cardiff city tour includes Civic Centre, the Millennium Stadium, new Wales Millennium Centre and the impressive Cardiff Bay Barrage.
• St Fagans Museum, an open air museum of over 40 historic buildings plus the magnificent 16th century St Fagans Castle. It is one of Europe’s leading open air museums and Wales’ most popular heritage attraction.
Royal Oak Hotel
Betws-y-Coed is North Wales’ most popular inland resort. The area is enhanced by cascading waterfalls, lakes, river pools and ancient bridges.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• Drive through the valleys of the Black Mountains, the centre of the coal industry in Wales, which employed over 270,000 men at its peak in the 1920s.
• Time to wander the bookshops and antique shops of the cute village of Hay-on-Wye which was transformed into a mecca of second hand book shops in the 1960’s.
• Powis Castle, house and garden tour which includes a superb collection of treasures from India displayed in the Clive Museum, fine master paintings and one of Britain’s only truly Baroque gardens.
• National Slate Museum and then lunch at Castell Deudraeth.
• A visit to the unashamedly romantic village of Portmeirion. Prominent architect, Clough WilliamsEllis, built the village between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village. It is home to the famous Portmeirion crockery.
• A fabulous vintage steam train journey up Mt Snowdon, with magnificent waterfalls, viaducts, ancient forests, spectacular views and the centre of slate mining in Wales.
• Visit the famous Bodnant Garden, a 32 hectare garden with spectacular views over Snowdonia.
Waterhead Hotel Ambleside
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and is fed by numerous rivers. It has spectacular walks and views and historic buildings.
Before reaching the Lake District, we enjoy a half-day tour of Liverpool, including the Beatles Museum and a visit to Port Sunlight, a historically listed town built for workers of Sunlight soap.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• We enjoy the tales of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, this house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a ‘tale’.
• Visit the Wonderful World of Beatrix Potter Museum plus cruise on lake.
• An after hours private reading in Wordsworth’s house, Rydal Mount, with a glass of wine and a tour of his house and gardens.
• Expedition to Grasmere which includes visit to Wordsworth’s grave, Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum.
• Visit Lakeland Motor Museum and enjoy a vintage steam train ride.
On route to Edinburgh
• Visit Hadrian’s Wall at Chesters Fort.
The Principal Hotel
Edinburgh is the inspiring capital of Scotland. Steeped in history with famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Holyroyd Castle, Edinburgh is home to the famous festivals: Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh Tattoo. We are delighted enjoy both events as well as delve into the history of Scotland.
HIGHLIGHTS include:
• A show or play as part of the Edinburgh Festival.
• The spectacle of the Edinburgh Tattoo, one of the most iconic shows in the world and we see it from excellent seats!
• Walking tour of the old town, Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
• Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, dubbed the most popular attraction in all Scotland with tea and scones in the the Royal Deck Tea Room.
• Visit Glenkinchie Distillery (John’s favourite whiskey) for a tour and tasting.
• Final gala dinner at Prestonfield House with music.
Airfares Emirates Auckland - Dubai - London//Glasgow - Dubai - Auckland including all taxes.
All accommodation at historic hotels, in beautiful settings: Dubai (4 nights includes early check-in), London (4 nights), Stratford-upon-Avon (2 nights), Bath (2 nights), Cardiff (3 nights), Betws-y-Coed Village (3 nights), Lake District (3 nights), Edinburgh (4 nights).
Numerous musical experiences including a private concert of a 50 voiced Welsh Men’s Choir in Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Tattoo, Edinburgh Festival show, Shakespeare Theatre, Westend music theatre show, play at the Globe Theatre, show at Bath’s Theatre Royal (operas and plays subject to availability).
Literary experiences including Globe Theatre and backstage tour, visits to Wordsworth’s house with after hours private poetry reading, visit to Beatrix Potter’s house, Shakespeare’s house and Jane Austen’s House Museum.
Numerous tours to historic towns, houses and gardens, many of which have been featured on Antique Roadshow including Blenheim Palace, Portmeirion, Cardiff Castle, Powis Castle, Windermere, Stratfordupon-Avon and Port Sunlight.
All tours and entrances as listed on itinerary including Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle), Buckingham Palace, Powis Castle, Dove Cottage, Hill Top Farm, Shakespeare’s house, Anne Hathaway’s cottage and all other tours listed on itinerary.
All breakfasts, 2 afternoon teas, 5 lunches and 9 dinners plus all tips, taxes, porterage.
Escorted by John Cameron and Lynette Martin.
MODERATE WALKING TOUR
This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• All trips are subject to change but any changes will be of equal or greater value.
• Deposits refundable until final payment date minus any costs incurred, or an administration fee of up to $150.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance for all international trips.
Please refer to terms & conditions on our booking form.
PLACES WE STAY
Dukes Hotel, London, nestled in the heart of historic St James’s and Mayfair, is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel only five minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace.
Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon is a 4-star Neo Gothic mansion set in 40 acres of parklands, furnished with exquisite antiques and furnishings.
Francis Hotel, Bath is a beautiful 18th century townhouse, beautifully situated in the middle of town, overlooking the gardens of Queens Square and is part of the MGallery by Sofitel collection.
Park Plaza, Cardiff is an award winning 4-star hotel located in the heart of Cardiff and within walking distance of Cardiff Castle and Victorian shopping arcades.
Royal Oak Hotel, Betws-y-Coed is a picturesque building overlooking the River Llugwy with luxurious rooms, but still keeping within the Victorian architecture.
Waterhead Hotel, Ambleside is a luxury, historic boutique hotel situated right on Lake Windermere in the iconic Lake District.
The Principal Edinburgh George Street is a historic and chic hotel, which boasts an enviable position close to all the main tourist haunts such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.
Every customer is required to take out insurance for all international travel when taking a trip with Operatunity Ltd.
DOMESTIC INSURANCE
Insurance for Domestic travel is currently available from many companies. Insurance for New Zealand trips is entirely at your discretion. Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice.
INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE
Insurance for International travel is currently available from many companies. For our trips overseas it is a requirement that proof of cover be sent to our office some time before departure from NZ. We can not accept travellers who hold no cover for international travel as per our term and conditions.
Please email our office for our current recommendation if you wish our advice. Email travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz Phone 0508 886 489
Operatunity provides group senior travel and with this in mind we plan trips to suit our target market. But not every trip is created equal in terms of mobility. We want to give you the best possible experience but that will only be achieved if you are able to enjoy everything that our trips have to offer.
Most of our long haul trips require a better level of mobility. We will look after everyone as well as we possibly can, but we cannot look after one at the expense of the rest of the group. We also cannot have one person slowing the rest of group to the point where the group is not able to enjoy every experience we are able to provide.
With this in mind we have put a mobility clause into every trip. Under each explanation here I have popped a statement. Ask yourself if this is ‘you’, when booking on a trip.
None of the following mobility clauses preclude you from ordering a wheelchair at the airport if required.
1. GENTLE TOUR This tour will suit most people, even with a stick or a walker, but sorry not someone in a wheelchair. The activity level is gently paced, but you still need to be able to get on and off buses easily. There will be walking, but not a lot. “I love travelling, but at a gentle pace. I like to avoid stairs or too much activity, but I am able to get on and off buses easily.”
2. EASY TOUR This tour will suit people with a stick, but not a walker. You will be required to walk to get from place to place and stand in museums, but it is designed to be an easy tour with lots of times to rest, travel on a coach and walk easy leisurely distances. ”Walking is fine. I can get on and off a coach. I am happy to stand for an hour or two in museums and galleries and gently stroll through places of interest. I am happy to climb the odd set of stairs.”
3. MODERATE WALKING TOUR This tour requires a better level of fitness with no wheelchairs or walkers. Generally, there may be times when we can’t get the coach close. In some of our Pacific Island tours we will need you to transfer onto a tender and walk on soft sand. We also will have much longer flights and long walks through airports. “I like walking at a moderate pace. I love to keep my days full and experience everything the tour has to offer. Stairs, tender transfers and cobblestones don’t bother me.”
4. EXPLORING TOUR This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. “I like to spend most of the day exploring. Whether walking historic neighbourhoods on cobblestones at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I want my days full. Stairs don’t bother me and I am keen to see and do as much as I can with the odd day off to recuperate.”
Operatunity is a company specialising in music lovers tours to the senior market. Each trip has been especially planned to include music and arts experiences and has a level of friendliness and care which cannot be found anywhere else! Our trips are packed with features not found anywhere else
Yes we have lots of people who travel on their own. We endeavour to match you up with someone who lives close to you or is close in age to you. Often you will get a chance to meet with your matchup or ring them before you leave on your trip. You also may prefer to travel solo and pay the single supplement price. We travel as a happy band so there will be lots of chances to meet people. You will find fellow music lovers and those with other similar interests. In fact those like the nicer things of life so you will travel with like-minded people. It is also important to remember that our singers are our escorts so you will see at least a couple of familiar faces as you leave.
If you live outside of Auckland, we can arrange travel and accommodation on your way to meet up with our group. We have access and can book domestic airfares in conjunction with Air New Zealand international airfares. Plus we can book your pre and post tour accommodation if required.
It is compulsory for our international trips and highly recommended for our domestic tours.
No as most airlines offer various special meals and any restaurants we visit are happy to accommodate special dietary requirements.
We seek to accommodate the needs of guests with disabilities whenever possible. However in most cases we are unable to take customers with walkers, wheelchairs or other mobility issues. Certain trips may be unsuitable due to walking or limited availability of accommodation with disabled facilities. We cannot be responsible for the care of customers suffering from significant cognitive illness (such as dementia). We ask such customers to consult with your doctor to obtain medical clearance. Guests needing assistance mustbe accompanied by an able companion who will be available to assist them and assume full responsibility for their wellbeing.
We ask that you can walk at least 100 metres unaided and be able to get on and off buses with little or no assistance. We cater for a senior market but it is important that you do not jeopardise the enjoyment of others by requiring more care and holding up the rest of the group. Talk to our office or staff at concerts and any advisory notes for individual trips to get a better idea of your suitability for each trip.
We stay at 4 and 5 star character hotels, avoiding package, tourist or big hotel chains. We choose hotels with a more personal feel often with historic content or hotels of beauty and character, centrally located or in parks, by the water, or with beautiful gardens.
Breakfast is included daily, and many dinners and lunches are also included as per our itinerary.
There are no hidden costs. Included in the trip are tips, taxes, porterage, breakfast, meals where specified, inclusions listed in the itinerary, entry fees where listed in the itinerary, concert/show tickets where listed in the itinerary, tour escorts and local specialised guides.
Some of our trips sell out very quickly and we recommend you make your booking as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
We will ask you to pay an initial deposit when making your booking. We will then follow up for a second deposit and then a final balance payment prior to travel.
All deposits up until final payment are refundable minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs the company may incur.
After final deposit refunds are unlikely and the refund becomes an insurance claim.
Our numbers vary from destination to destination, please contact our office for further information. We have a minimum number required to operate a tour. Should minimum numbers not be met, a full refund will be made.
For international trips, all guests must have a valid passport that does not expire earlier than at least 6 months beyond their intended stay.
Music is a key element in making our experiences special. There are special experiences and events every day, such as themed dinners, impromptu concerts, music, art tours with art experts and garden tours with garden experts.
Most hotels now have internet connection and all hotels have telephones in the room or at reception. If using your mobile telephone check calling and text rates, and disable data roaming before leaving New Zealand. Consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card. And you can keep in touch using social media such as Facebook. We have a copy of your next of kin details in case of emergency and we are also happy to help out with texts, phone calls and emails if you can’t get in touch with your family and need to while away. We are also happy to help out with getting your phones, ipads and cameras to work if needed while away.
We spend less time travelling between regions, allowing more time to enjoy experiences when you arrive. We avoid one night stops and “conveyor belt” travel, so you really can capture the local colour and vitality of the region. Our trips are planned so that there is a balance of included activities and free time for you to relax or do some exploring on your own.
Contact Operatunity Travel
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Mail your booking form to PO BOX 132 150, Sylvia Park, Auckland 1644
Email: travel@operatunity.co.nz
Phone toll free: 0508 886 489
Email: travelbookings@operatunity.co.nz
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