We all need, nay, deserve to be pampered occasionally. Sometimes is just ok to spend some time and money to put ourselves in a good mood. And why not? RailEurope, ever mindful of the desire Americans have to see Britain in style, has come up with a passel of packages designed to do just that. One of them, a half-day circular train tour of the Kent countryside, features a five-course lunch with champagne and wine, for $260 ($429 Canadian dollars).
This is one of 51 half-day or full-day excursions being offered out of London on British Pullman trains--think Hercule Poirot sleuthing a crime and you'll know the style we mean, black and cream deco-inspired machines with wood paneled dining cars and a white-jacketed wait staff. You can book one (or more) of the six weekend packages to Bath, Chester, Cornish Gardens, Edinburgh, the Lake District, or York. Here are a few more popular rides on British Pullman cars:
Brighton Murder Mystery Day Trip, including brunch with champagne, tour of Brighton's Royal Pavilion, three-course dinner and the "murder" played out by actors, $350 (Canadian $578).
Bath Day Trip, including brunch and three-course supper, champagne and wine, tour of Roman Baths, Pump Room and Costume Museum, free time on your own, also $350 (Canadian $578).
Warwick Castle Day Trip, with brunch, three-course supper with champagne and wine, guided tour and free time, $400 (Canadian $660).
Lake District Weekend (3 days, 2 nights, October 25-27 only), with guided tours by bus, lunch on Lake Windermere, overnight stays at three- or four-star hotels, $890 to $1000, depending on hotel (Canadian $1469-$1650). There will be four-course lunches on the train going out and on return.
All prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Plan to dress presentably for the tours and note that jacket and tie are encouraged for formal evening meals.
There's also a seven-day Northern Belle (often called the "British Orient Express") Grand Tour departing on September 6 and October 4 from London and taking in York, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Oban, Isle of Mull, Chester, Bohnant Gardens in Wales, the Cotswolds, Bath and return to London. The six overnights are in "fine" hotels. You visit Castle Howard, see a Scottish Highland Games display and a sheepdog trial, then take a literary tour of the Bronte estate, a private look at Sudeley Castle, visit Stonehenge, etc. Price is $4,995 (Canadian $8,242) per person, double occupancy.
For more information or to reserve, contact Rail Europe at 888/382-7245 or visit their Web site, www.raileurope.com.
