"Few undertakings in life, in my experience, are more replete with heartbreak than finding a hotel room in England. There is the constant dread of discovering that you have been duped yet again by a charming ivy-covered 16th-century exterior into spending comfortless nights in a shabby room."

Bill Bryson

Hotels, where we settle in from two nights to a week to avoid constant packing, combine luxury and old-world charm with fine dining in picturesque locations. Historic country house hotels or castles -- all carefully chosen to meet high standards and expectations

 

"I would recommend taking any trip Ann plans. She chose such beautiful accommodations for us after personally looking over them first."

Linda Steen

Snohomish, Wash.

 

Our castle for the night in Bath

"This has been the most enjoyable holiday I have had in years."

Hannah Southern

Yorkshire

  

 

 

"This is the holiday of a lifetime run by two lovely people."

Freda Ellis

Yorkshire

 

Food ranging from traditional English fare and "pub grub" to sophisticated continental cuisine.

 

"Once in a lifetime experience…loved all the restaurants and the variety of the meals."

Cherie Heinicke

Sugarland, Texas

 

"Could have been a gourmet trip...every day was enjoyable and flexible"

Dorothy S

Stow, Mass

  

Transportation on mini-vans with local guides, trains, buses and the "tube" offers an alternative to coach travel. You mingle with and experience the people and culture firsthand.

 

"...enjoyed learning how to find our way on trains and the tube. I kept a daily log of our trip. I read it over today and felt such joy."

Louise Hoops

Snohomish, Wash

 

"We would travel with Diane and Ann anywhere, anytime...completely different from any tour you have taken. A quilters' heaven."

Harry and Pauline Sandercock

Cornwall

  

Creative itineraries combine sightseeing, dinners, workshops and get-togethers with local people who share your interests, such as writers, artists, quilters and gardeners.