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If you love dogs you should attend the oldest and largest dog show in the world. Founded in 1891, Crufts attracts exhibitors from all over Europe, as well as more than 25,000 dogs and 153,000 visitors officially making it the largest canine event on the planet, and you just have to see it to believe it!
Like all the world-class events we build tours for, everything you need for a great travel experience has been thought through and taken care of: show tickets, convenient hotel, airport and local transportation, knowledgeable escort, guided city orientation tour, some nice meals, free time for your personal explorations, and fun-to-be-with like-minded travelers.
Rooms and tickets are limited so please review this day-to-day itinerary and call to discuss any questions or to reserve your place. Please read on for full details.
~ Use our included airfare and depart the U.S. from New York on Continental Airlines. Or, if you like we can help you arrange airfare from your preferred departure city. D, B
~ Arrive Birmingham and travel by private deluxe motorcoach to your perfectly located hotel, the 4* Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the hotel, the city of Birmingham or relax by taking advantage of one of the many spa services the hotel offers until check-in which is at 2 p.m. This evening, join your fellow travelers in the hotel dining room for a lovely welcome dinner and cocktail. D
~ After our included English breakfast we will meet together and travel into the center of Birmingham for an informative walking city tour followed by a traditional pub lunch. Later this afternoon, we’ll meet back at the hotel and have a special lecture from a past Crufts competitor. You’ll be able to ask questions, discuss how best to see the show, learn first-hand what Crufts is all about and there may be a few surprises in store! The rest of the day is free to enjoy the sights of Birmingham. B, L
~ Today the 2011 Crufts Dog Show begins with the Gundog group and you have general admission tickets for full access for all 4 days of the show. Explore the NEC arena with a host of fast and furious competitions and displays throughout the show. Be sure to check out the most fun area of Crufts - the Discover Dogs section. This area is packed with more than 190 different breeds of pedigree dog to get better acquainted with.
Don’t forget to bring an extra empty suitcase for the more than 500 trade stands - packed with everything for dogs and their owners. The show is just steps from your hotel so you can come and go as you please. We’ll walk to the show together today so we can pick up programs, maps and go over a few logistics about the show. B
~ Enjoy three full days of canine fun, with Working & Pastoral groups on Friday, Terrier & Hound groups on Saturday and the Toy & Utility groups on Sunday. Each day is filled with events from Agility to Obedience and everything in between! This great dog event finishes with Best in Show at 8:30pm on Sunday night. B
~ Today is our wonderful day trip to visit historic Warwick castle and the city of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Built in 914 AD, Warwick castle was constructed when Alfred the Great ordered his daughter Ethelfleda to build a “burh” or an earthen rampart to protect the small hilltop settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders. Today it is a popular tourist destination and combines fascinating castle ruins, largely of the fourteenth century with one of the finest great houses in England.
Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is small in size but large in history and interest. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside on the banks of the river Avon, it is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the UK. Explore the town, walk along the river, or simply relax and take in the atmosphere that is Shakespeare’s Stratford. William Shakespeare’s significance to the town can be found in his families’ houses on the streets of town. The blend of architecture from the original medieval town grid structure to the present day is both diverse and eclectic. We’ll return to the hotel this afternoon for a little time to freshen up before our lovely farewell dinner. B, D
~ Today we must say goodbye and depart for home with wonderful memories. Depart Birmingham airport for the U.S., arriving home the same day.
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The complete package is very reasonably priced at only $2,989 per person, double occupancy (single $759) Contact Katie or Melissa at Huron Tours & Travel, 800.734.1192 or 504.267.2057 or email@hurontoursandtravel.com or reserve or to request additional information.
Please call early to ensure availability. A $750 per person refundable deposit (until 90 days prior to the trip) will hold your place. (A $25 per person administration fee is withheld for any cancellations).
• Round-trip airfare from New York on Continental Airlines to Birmingham, England (air taxes and fuel surcharges additional – approximately $360)
• Seven nights accommodations, including all hotel taxes, at the 4-star Hilton Metropole (where the dogs stay!)
• Daily Full English Breakfast at the hotel
• Baggage handling at the hotel
• Welcome dinner with wine
• Walking city tour of Birmingham with certified Blue-Badge Guide
• Traditional pub lunch
• Farewell dinner in an elegant setting
• Official Crufts Show Program
• Tickets for all Crufts showings including Best in Show
• Day trip to visit Warwick Castle and the city of Stratford
• Huron Tours & Travel Escorts for the entire trip
The single supplement includes a room with a twin bed, to upgrade to a larger room with a Queen bed add $410.
If you have more time after Crufts and desire to experience the heart and soul of Britain, join this well-organized five-day extension to the incredible city of London. Huron Tours has escorted travelers to London hundreds of times and we know the ins and outs of this vibrant metropolis.
After breakfast, depart your Birmingham hotel with Huron Tours’ private motorcoach and escorts. It is a pleasant two-hour drive to our wonderful hotel for the next four nights, the four-star Regency. Located in the prestigious South Kensington area of London, the hotel is perfectly situated within easy walking distance of the famed Hyde Park as well as world-famous museums, powerhouse shopping (Harrods!), renowned dining and is steps from the tube (London’s subway). This evening we’ll enjoy a three-course dinner of delicious British Home-Cooked food together in a wonderful setting just steps from our hotel. B, D
This morning we’ll enjoy a private London City tour with a certified Blue Badge Guide. We’ll see the city highlights and learn about the history as we enjoy views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the shopping arcades along Piccadilly Circus and more! After our city tour we’ll experience one of England’s most enduring cultural traditions in the most elegant of settings: afternoon tea at Harrods’ luxurious Georgian Terrace Restaurant. Since Edwardian times, the Georgian Restaurant has been one of the most refined places in London to take afternoon tea. Our coach will return us to our hotel and the rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy. Why not try one of the many local restaurants in our South Kensington neighborhood? B,T
A completely free day and night to enjoy London and its many museums, shops and historic attractions! Spend some time exploring the city on your own or ask any Huron Tours’ staffer for our best recommendations. If you would like, let our experts arrange a day trip with Grayline to visit Paris, Edinburgh, the Beatles’ Liverpool, Stonehenge or a Thames River Cruise (tours vary in price, availability and length). B
Another completely free day to enjoy the excitement of London. For our last night together we’ll enjoy an outstanding farewell dinner at an award-winning restaurant followed by an evening in the theatre district for a very fun and memorable show! B,D
After breakfast our private motorcoach takes us back to London’s Heathrow Airport for our departures, arriving home the same day. (If you are arranging your airfare on your own, your departing flight time cannot be before 12:30pm) B
$1,659 per person, double occupancy (Single room, + $379)
• Four nights at the Regency Hotel, including taxes and bellmen gratuities
• Private London City Tour with Official Blue-Badge Guide
• Theatre Ticket to one of London’s most popular shows
• Free time in London
• Breakfast daily, and two dinners
• Private, deluxe motorcoach transportation
• Huron Tours & Travel Escorts
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Just one of more than 25,000 competitors
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Who will be crowned Best in Show this year?
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Agility! One of the most fun events at Crufts
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Pedestrian mall, Birmingham city center
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One of 190+ dogs waiting to greet you
in the Discover Dogs area!
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Lots of activity at Crufts!
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One of the many large halls at Crufts
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Sights of the city of Birmingham
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One of thousands of dogs, ready to show!
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The Arena at Crufts - ready for agility action!
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B= Breakfast included
L= Lunch included
D= Dinner included |
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