London & the Cotswolds with Serena Crawford

The pairing of buzzy, cosmopolitan London and the rolling meadows of the Cotswolds presents an irresistible summer retreat. And this coming June, interior designer, world traveler and bon vivant Serena Crawford invites you to sample this season’s aesthetic and cultural delights, through one-of-a-kind visits that will take you into private homes and gardens of prominent designers, artists and insiders. You will also be joined by award-winning local guide Felicity Wentzel, who holds a Blue Badge (the UK’s highest professional guiding accreditation), for historical and architectural insights—and you’ll stay at two of our favorite luxury hotels in England: the Brown’s Hotel, A Rocco Forte Hotel, and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

A spot on this trip may be reserved with a nonrefundable deposit of 50% of the total trip cost, with full payment due February 1, 2023.

Plus: You can also travel with Serena this October on our Insider Journey to Istanbul. Click here to learn more and sign up.

What to Expect

For this special journey, we are thrilled to partner with Serena Crawford to bring you unmatched access to private experiences in London and the Cotswolds. Highlights of this itinerary include the opportunity to:

  • With your host Serena Crawford, enjoy special invitations to visit private members clubs in London, as well as the beautiful Cotswolds countryside homes and gardens of prominent designers and creatives. Connect with the owners of stately homes and the people who grew up in them, as well as your hosts and fellow travelers who share your interests and passions, over festive group meals.
  • Experience Kensington Palace, where you will see the Princess of Wales’ sunken garden and visit the exhibition “The Red Carpet Comes to Kensington Palace.”
  • Explore the picturesque university town of Oxford, home to scholars, artists and scientists for centuries, with visits to its historic buildings and afternoon tea with one of the university’s insiders, who will also be your guide.
  • Take a one-of-a-kind shopping tour in London focused on the history and style of British heritage brands—including some of the oldest stores in the United Kingdom and the eminent holders of Royal Warrants—with such highlights as a private tea tasting at Fortnum & Mason. You will also have a private tour at Selfridges with a specialist guide and in-house brand manager, who will share the history and heritage of the renowned department store, before time to shop.
  • Meet Andrew Prince, the chief jeweler for Downton Abbey, who will show you the real Downton jewels and talk to you about the importance of jewelry and its symbolic uses in the Royal Family.
  • Enjoy private history-, culture- and architecture-focused touring with award-winning Blue Badge tourist guide for London Felicity Wentzel. The Blue Badge is the UK’s highest professional accreditation for guiding.
  • Worry less, experience more: Indagare’s expert Insider Journeys team will help you navigate a safe and rewarding travel experience, and you’ll have complimentary 24/7 access to the emergency services of Global Rescue, on the ground. Plus: Indagare can arrange tailor-made trip extensions paired to this itinerary, including further exploration in England and beyond, if you are an Indagare member (at additional cost).

 

Please note that elements of the itinerary may change.

The health and safety of our travelers is our No. 1 priority. We are committed to upholding the highest safety standards, while providing world-class hospitality and a seamless travel experience. For any questions, please reach out to our team at insiderjourneys@indagare.com.

Book Now
  • When
    June 11 - 17, 2023
  • Length
    7 days / 6 nights
  • Type of Traveler
    Style Mavens , Intellectuals , Ultimate Indulgers

This Journey's Host

Serena Crawford has built a career in design and travel that spans over 40 years—including hosting small-group luxury trips around the world. Her passion for travel encompasses her love of unique experiences and meeting new people: “Travel makes me feel more alive; it is like falling in love every time I go somewhere new. It has made my life so much richer and helps remind me that we live in the most amazing, diverse, vibrant, complex and fascinating world. I could not be more excited to mix all my passions together by leading insider tours of the countries I love and know best. I look forward to highlighting the design, arts and craft of each country; meeting new friends; having fun and adventures; and creating meaningful memories in stunning places,” she says. Her academic career brought her to study Decorative Arts and Architectural History and Restoration—with a year at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, time with Anna Clarke in Sydney and at Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, South Africa, and a post-graduate scholarship at Florence University in Italy. Serena and her husband Murray have lived all over the world, including time in the Cotswolds at Icomb Place, a medieval Grade 1 listed building (mentioned in the Doomsday Book). They currently reside between London and South Africa.

Also joining you on this journey is award-winning Blue Badge tourist guide for London Felicity Wentzel. The Blue Badge is the UK’s highest professional accreditation for guiding and takes years of study. Winner of the Blue Badge’s “Best New Guide of 2021 and 2022” for London, Felicity loves to take clients on specially tailored trips to fabulous destinations in the UK, including Windsor, Oxford and the Cotswolds. She delights in sharing her love and knowledge of England’s rich and quirky heritage. Felicity is also an official guide at London’s National Gallery.

Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

Trip Details

In preparation for the journey, members will also receive a comprehensive departure package that includes an itinerary, packing list, accommodations overview and other important information.

  • When
    June 11 - 17, 2023
  • Length
    7 days / 6 nights
  • Group Size
    Up to 12 travelers
  • Host
    Serena Crawford & Felicity Wentzel
  • From
    $15,350

Includes

  • Two nights’ accommodations at the Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, and four nights’ accommodations at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel
  • All meals and beverages, as detailed in the itinerary
  • All guided touring, admission fees and activities, as detailed in the itinerary
  • Expert guides and drivers, as indicated in the itinerary, including your hosts Serena and Felicity and the 24/7 support of Indagare’s partners on the ground
  • The services of Indagare’s expert travel team to plan all Journey details, international flights and trip extensions for those who want to arrive early or stay later in the arrival or departure cities (costs not included)
  • 24/7 access to Global Rescue emergency medical, security and evacuation services for the duration of the trip

Excludes

  • International air transportation to/from England and airport transfers to/from the hotel
  • Meals not specified and premium/alcoholic beverages other than those included in the meals
  • Optional activities and personal items and expenses, including gratuities and any Covid-testing fees
  • Trip insurance (highly recommended—please let us know if you would like to see quotes)
  • Custom trip planning for add-on travel to destinations not included in the Journey is available; please inquire
  • Liability for changes in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (such as flights, cancellations, natural phenomena)
Curious to receive the full itinerary and join the trip? Contact us and find out more.

What To Read

Indagare has selected articles from our website and magazine to prepare you for your journey. Peruse inspiring slideshows, insider tips, reading lists and more.

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