Fans of Downton Abbey are eagerly awaiting the upcoming fifth series of the lavish period drama, set in Hampshire’s beautiful Highclere Castle. If you’re on Team Downton and looking for a luxury cruise next summer, you may want to make it Crystal Cruises’ sailing on 8 July 2015 – which will give guests exclusive access to tour the locations that feature in the series on a two-night extended land programme after disembarking in Dover.
If you can’t get enough of the idyllic surroundings, the rich costume design and the drama of early 20th-century high (and low) society that feature in the hit series, then SixStarCruises.co.uk can book your place on the cruise that gives you the grand tour.
Crystal’s English Countryside & Highclere Castle land programme will give you the chance to visit the setting of the Granthams’ London home, Basildon Park; the residence of Dame Maggie Smith’s Countess, Byfleet Manor; and the Swan Inn and the village of Bampton, where you’ll find the church and the hospital which feature in the show. Finally you’ll visit Downton Abbey itself, Highclere Castle, arriving just like a star on the show as you’re chauffeur-driven to the estate in a vintage 1920s car. Your tour of the rooms begins with an elegant Champagne reception – and you’ll be spending the night at the equally beautiful Four Seasons manor house.
“The sumptuous world of gowns, gloves and grand gentility is captivating not only to fans of Downton Abbey, but also history buffs, Anglophiles and, especially, luxury-lovers such as our guests,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal Cruises’ president. “Through our exclusive connections, only Crystal travellers will be able to participate in this ‘royal treatment’, stepping back in time to get a taste of how life might have been had we been alive then. It’s an extraordinary experience that would surely make the show’s Grantham family proud.”
This unique excursion brings to a close Crystal Symphony’s 18-night White Sea Exploration voyage from Reykjavik to Dover next July, which will also be the line’s 25th anniversary sailing – so guests can expect plenty of equally lavish affairs on-board too. The ultra-luxury cruise line has won even more awards than Downton Abbey, being named ‘World’s Best’ more than any other cruise line – and even more than any other hotel or resort too.
If this Crystal cruise sounds perfect for you, just call one of our expert Cruise Concierge on 0808 202 6105 and let them take care of your booking from start to finish. With such a unique end to this cruise though, we’re expecting places to fill up incredibly quickly on this luxury summer voyage – so you’ll need to call soon if you want to reserve a place on-board.