August 23, 2004 -- As autumn approaches, it's time to drag out those postponed plans for visiting Great Britain, Scotland and Wales this year, before 2004 is down the drain. Even after peak season, there's always something to do in London, and driving tours in September and October provide some stunning countryside views.
London Rocks
British Airways is promoting a "London Rocks" deal, including airfare, hotel, theater ticket and a Rock 'n' Roll event from just $499 out of New York. The package includes three nights at the three-star Jury's Inn Hotel, a premium theater ticket to your choice of one of three of the most popular rock-inspired shows in the West End, and a ticket to the Rock 'n' Roll Legends Tour. The deal is available also from 18 other cities. This is the first of its kind offered by British Airways, said a spokesperson.
Your theater ticket (normally $98 each) is to one of these three: Mamma Mia (featuring the music of 70's Swedish super group ABBA); We Will Rock You (based on the music of Queen) or The Lion King (with music by Elton John). On the Rock 'n' Roll Legends Tour, visitors will hear the inside dope about the bands from a tour guide who often is a veteran of the music business, armed with a wealth of rock trivia. Stops include all the important Beatles sites (including their homes, and having a photo taken at Abbey Road) and a pint at Bill Wyman's Sticky Fingers Pub. Among sites to be looked at are those involving Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Jimmy Page, Freddie Mercury, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and more, they say.
You have to book by October 15 for travel from October 28 to December 15. Sample prices from other US gateways include Boston $519, Miami $660, Chicago $612, Seattle $707, Los Angeles and San Francisco $674, and Toronto or Montreal $935. Contact them at www.britishairways.com/rockandroll.
One Week in Britain
CIE Tours International (800/243-7687; www.cietours.com) has a nice package going for an eight-day, self-drive vacation in Britain this fall and winter starting from just $655 per person for Newark and NYC departures; trips begin from $850 out of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other departure gateways are available at varying prices.
This package includes roundtrip airfare, the use of a Hertz standard shift car (with third party insurance, unlimited mileage, 24-hour emergency road service) and government tax. In addition to the air and car, you get lodging with full breakfast daily at a choice of over 1,500 B&B homes using open vouchers for stays throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Moreover, the program covers all service charges and local taxes, as well as a free driving map. You can book your overnight accommodations in advance on the Internet or by phone. The program is good from October 28, 2004 through March 20, 2005.
Social Notes from the Palace
For the first time in history, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, most recently the home of the late Princess Margaret, will be open to the public. A selection of rooms on the western side of the apartment will house an exhibition about its history and some of the people that shaped it, the organizers say. Should you be going to London anytime between now and June 26, 2005, I recommend the visit, based on my tour of other parts of the palace last year. Same-day tickets can be purchased at the palace or in advance from the palace ticket office, located in the Red Saloon of the palace. You can also phone 44 (0) 870 751 5180 or check out www.hrp.org.uk. Ticket prices for the whole of Kensington Palace open to the public are about $19 for adults, for students and seniors $14.70, for children 16 and under $12.80. Kids aged 5 and under go free. Your ticket to the whole palace is of course good for Apt. 1 A, as well. For other looks inside the royal family, read our column at .
Editor's Note: Airfare sales from $237 roundtrip to London from NYC are still available from 800FlyEurope through August 30. For complete details, read our recent article found at .