FINE DINING, CHARMING HOTELS, A HISTORY SPANNING MILLENIA AND MORE ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS ON ATP VACATIONS’ “SOUTH WEST ENGLAND TOUR”

With Touring in London, Amesbury, Salisbury, Bristol, Cheddar, Somerset, Dartmoor, Plymouth and Cornwall

Torrance, CA, February 2009 – U.K. travel expert Across the Pond Vacations has announced a new 12-day “South West England Tour,” highlighting areas rich in history and culture – such as Glastonbury Abbey, one of the oldest religious foundations in Britain and home to legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail – as well as scenic beauty, found abundantly in the 368 square-mile Dartmoor National Park.  The tour features accommodations in handpicked 3 ½ to 4 star hotels at night and custom-designed maps, routed for the guest's specific driving destinations, for the day -- combining the advantages of a well planned guided tour with the freedom to go at your own pace, especially convenient for family travel.  The price of $2,495 per person, double includes full English breakfast daily, two nights’ dinner, nine days automatic car rental, BritRail tickets from Plymouth to London, and entrance fees and tickets to several of the highlighted stops.  The tremendous depth of the company's destination knowledge allows them to assist each client with suggestions and plans along the route -- with sight-seeing options and pre-booked attraction tickets available upon request. 

            The tour kicks off in London with a day of independent exploring and relaxation.  And then it is off and running - stopping in Stonehenge, the world famous prehistoric monument whose construction took 1,500 years by three different cultures; and just down the road, the quaint town of Amesbury and the magnificent 13^th-century Salisbury Cathedral.  Wilton House and Mompesson House, both featured in Jane Austen films, combine with Longleat House to round out the recommended list of elegant and historical British Manor Homes, each with unique touches ranging from charming walled gardens to a drive-through Safari Park. 

            Continuing westward, visitors are advised to stop in Bristol – a vibrant town whose harbor is lined with restaurants, cafes, museums, art centers and galleries – and the village of Cheddar, where guests can watch the making of its famous cheese.  A four-day stay at Jury’s Inn allows guests to visit the Plymouth Mayflower exhibition and the National Marine Aquarium, both in Plymouth, as well as nearby Cornwall, equally famous for the extraordinary views of its coastline and The Eden Project, whose nature exhibits, events, workshops and educational programs are both informative and fascinating.  Return to bustling London for three days of limitless possibilities – a show at the West End Theatre district, shopping at Harrod’s, tea at Fortnum and Mason, and a cruise down the River Thames – before departing for home.

            For travelers who prefer a more guided and upscale experience, ATP Vacations also offers the South West England Luxury tour, priced at $4,895.  Across the Pond Vacations specializes in independent and group travel packages -- both pre-designed and custom -- to the United Kingdom and Ireland.  The company embraces the concept that most of its guests have different needs and goals and works to make sure the chosen vacation fits perfectly.  ATP Vacations also supports responsible tourism with links on its website to eco-friendly sites.  Reservations, brochures and additional information can be obtained from ATP Vacations, 23133 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite B-14, Torrance, CA, 90505; phone (310) 791-6101; website: www.atpvacations.com, e-mail: info@ATPVacations.com.

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