Are you truly obsessed with Downton Abbey? It's time to release your inner Lord Grantham and/or Lady Mary and celebrate Christmas in true aristocratic fashion. Departing from New York, NY, (JFK) on December 11, this London 4-Night Flight and Hotel Package for Two includes an invitation to the "Downton Abbey" Gala Christmas Ball (from $4,398, a low by $180, expires September 17), held at Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey.
Highclere Castle, to the west of London, is home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who host this special Christmas gala each year, and tickets are extremely rare (and usually around $700 per person!) So don your most regal attire, make sure your valet shines your shoes, and prepare to judge and be judged as you enter your own real-life Downton Abbey episode this Christmas.
10 Reasons to Splurge on this London & Downton Abbey Christmas Vacation
Visit the Real Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey is filmed on location at Highclere Castle, a real-life working aristocratic castle estate. You will be taken on a unique tour of the castle to discover it's fascinating history, including its ties to King Tutankhamun!
The Chance to Make Violet Crawley's Po-Face All Night
Wrinkle up that nose at the thought of "weekends," sniff when someone mentions the servants, and most importantly, always get in the last word. Bonus points if you can stare aghast and say "Well, now I've seen everything!"
Meet the Real Earl and Lady of the Castle
During your stay, you'll meet the real-life counterparts of Lord and Lady Grantham: Lord and Lady Carnarvon. George Herbert is the 8th Earl of Carnarvon and a godson of Queen Elizabeth II.
Champagne and Canapes in the Castle's Salon
The Gala begins with a champagne and canapes reception in the salon, which lies in the heart of Highclere castle.
How Often Do You Get to Wear Elbow-Length Gloves?
Whether you're a blue-blooded Lady Cora or a jazz-vamp Lady Rose, elbow-length gloves are de rigueur.
3-Course Christmas Dinner Feast
After your reception in the salon, move to the dining room for a three course dinner that the castle's staff (No servants? How middle class!) has worked tirelessly to prepare.
Lean Like a Lord
Take a page out of Lord Grantham's book and get a good sturdy lean going. This will establish your aloofness whilst allowing you to survey your companions' interactions.
After-Dinner Carols 'Round the Christmas Tree
After dinner, adjourn to the drawing room and join in the caroling around Highclere Castle's Christmas Tree.
Explore London at Christmas
Apart from the excitement of the gala, you also have five days to spend exploring London. Christmas time transforms the hustle and bustle of London into a winter wonderland. The package includes a half-day tour of London on a vintage bus, which takes in all the major sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and more.
Pick Up a Downton Abbey Christmas Bauble
Make sure you schedule in time to explore London's Christmas markets and, of course, take time to get lost in Harrods. Why not pick up a Downton Abbey bauble to hang on your future Christmas trees as a memento of this once-in-a-lifetime trip?
Never seen the show in your life? Rather spend Christmas in a looney bin than with a bunch of stuck-up snobs? Then maybe this vacation isn't for you. But don't despair! Check out our travel page for all the latest deals for destinations around the world.
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