Keys to the Wizarding World

June 12 – June 21, 2009

A Family-Friendly Harry Potter Travel Experience for ages 6 and up

$2695 for ages 13 and up
$2395 children ages 6 through 12

(Ages 6 – 17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone.)

Discover the magical world in this “Best of England” tour. This tour reveals important insights into the origins and inspirations for J.K. Rowling’s masterwork. Follow the author’s footsteps starting from her childhood years in southwestern England. The tour is sure to provide many “ah ha” moments as the clues to Harry’s origins fall into place! The itinerary also offers great coverage of amazing Harry Potter filming locations in England. The small group size of the tour allows you to be more a part of the places we visit, and not just a tourist passing by. Feel the magic as you experience the most enchanting aspects of Britain just as J.K. Rowling did while creating the magical world of Harry Potter.

Due to limited accommodations at the cozy inns and restaurants we visit on this spectacular tour reservations are strictly limited to 12 guests!

ITINERARY

June 12 -- Day 1
Guests depart on flights to London Heathrow (not included). Guests are responsible for making their own flight arrangements into London. Magical Tours will assist with transportation information, but flight connections are the responsibility of each tour participant. This tour is planned to arrive into and depart from London’s Heathrow Airport. There is available transportation between London Heathrow and Gatwick airports, but adequate time must be allowed for the transfer if arrival will be at Gatwick.

June 13 - Day 2
Arrange flights to arrive at Heathrow no later than 10:30 AM on June 13th. Our tour group will rendezvous at the Heathrow Terminal 1 International Arrivals area at 12 Noon. (For those arriving into a different terminal, and for those already in London, please make your way to the group meeting point at Terminal 1.)

Our private van will pick us up at Heathrow Terminal 1 for our journey to Glastonbury, the most magical town in Britain! On the way we’ll have time for a stop at Black Park, the forest near London that has been used as a filming location for many Harry Potter movie scenes, including being the site of Hagrid’s hut in the first two films. We’ll enjoy a casual lunch there before continuing on to Glastonbury. Our hotel in the center of enchanting Glastonbury is a 556-year-old inn that will make you feel as if you’ve arrived at The Leaky Cauldron. The town’s history abounds with tales of witches, wizards, elves, and magic. Mysterious shops and charming sights will captivate you at every turn. J. K. Rowling was born and spent most of her early years not too far from this place. Our explorations of her childhood “home territory” will allow everyone to get a sense of the influences that were so important in the creation of Harry Potter and his magical world. After checking in there will be free time to explore this fascinating town on your own, and get in a bit of shopping in your choice of truly unique shops. In the evening we’ll enjoy our welcome dinner at our historic hotel.

June 14 - Day 3
After a great breakfast at the hotel we’ll set off on a trip to Gloucester. We’ll visit the famed Gloucester Cathedral, which was heavily featured as a movie backdrop for both Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as well as for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This magnificent cathedral is a stunning sight ! Lunch will be on your own either in the cathedral’s charming tea room or at one of the many restaurants nearby.

In the afternoon we'll visit the Wookie Hole Cave. This mysterious cave is said to have inspired JK Rowling's image of the enchanted cave Harry and Dumbledore visit in Harry Potter and the Half‑Blood Prince. We'll then make our way back to Glastonbury where everyone will have a choice of free time for exploring on your own, or for those who want an incredible experience we will trek to the top of the enigmatic Glastonbury Tor, one of the most mystic places on earth. As everyone will likely be on different schedules, dinner today will be on your own in Glastonbury.

June 15 - Day 4
After another excellent breakfast we’ll begin our touring day with a visit to Glastonbury Abbey, an incredibly historic site - the burial place of King Arthur and Gwenevere.

Afterward, we begin our private minibus journey to some of the most fascinating and mysterious places on earth, beginning with the enigmatic village of Avebury. There we’ll explore the huge stone circle that surrounds the village. We will also have time to examine the mysteries of nearby Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow (where Barrow-Wights lurk!). Lunch will be on your own near Avebury at one of the most amazing and picturesque inns you’ve ever seen.

Next, we’ll visit the world’s longest hedge maze. In Goblet of Fire only the School Champions were allowed to enter the maze for the third challenge; but here everyone gets to join in the fun of having our own adventure quest, and maybe even getting lost in this giant maze. If we find our way safely out of the maze, we’ll make our way to the most enchanting village in Britain, Lacock. We’ll be checking in to our cozy rooms, right in James and Lilly Potter’s neighborhood.

After settling in we’ll take a casual stroll down our street to have dinner together in one of the most charming restaurants in Britain – right in the midst of filming locations for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

June 16 - Day 5
After a delicious home-cooked breakfast we’ll begin our tour of the nearby Lacock Abbey, a very historic site right on the Avon River, and an important filming location for several Harry Potter movies.

After our tour of the abbey grounds, cloisters, and museum we’ll go back into the village for a unique meal: a real English Cream Tea in a beautiful garden – an experience you’ll never forget.

After luncheon we’ll resume our mini-bus touring with a trip down to the world-famous Stonehenge. No visit to this area of England would be complete without a chance to get an up-close look at one of history’s greatest mysteries. This ancient monument has baffled historians for centuries, and is one of the most magical places on earth.

We’ll return to Lacock in time for everyone to choose from among the several delightful places in the quaint village where you can have dinner on your own at your leisure.

June 17 – Day 6
As soon as we’ve finished breakfast we’ll be off on an early journey to Bath, where we will enjoy a van tour of this memorable English town. From Bath we’ll make our train connection to travel to the incredible city of York. We’ll enjoy a lunch onboard our train on the way to York. Our home-away-from-home in York will be a charming B&B located right alongside the city’s breathtaking ancient medieval wall and moat. After settling in we’ll have a walking tour to orient everyone to the charms of Olde York, which fulfills the image of “what England is supposed to look like”. It is the home of the original “Diagon Alley” and the magnificent York Minster, one of the world’s most beautiful Gothic cathedrals.

We’ll conclude our walking tour with an early dinner together before the next adventure: a unique Ghost Cruise. Our hosts will entertain us with York’s most famous ghost stories as we glide through the old city on the River Ouse. If we still have our wits about us we’ll scurry back to the safety of our B&B for a (hopefully) peaceful night’s sleep.

June 18 – Day 7
Right after our hearty English breakfast, it’s off on another adventure! Today we’ll go out to ride the North Yorkshire Railway’s steam train on the route featured in the first Harry Potter movie. This historic train carries us past miles of enchanting English scenery through one of Britain’s most beautiful national parks. We’ll steam our way to the station used as Hogsmeade Station on this remarkable rail journey. Lunch will be an onboard treat!

After our return to York in the afternoon everyone will have free time to explore, shop, or just relax at the B&B. Enjoy a wide range of attractions available – from walking atop the medieval city wall to visiting the Jorvic Museum of Viking culture. Check out The National Railway Museum, or just stroll along the atmospheric streets of this captivating city. In the evening we’ll have an unforgettable evening in one of the most amazing places you’ve ever seen. Dinner and mystery Harry Potter activities will round out a very full day.

June 19 – Day 8
After our last delicious breakfast in York, we’re off to Oxford, the "City of Dreaming Spires", and one of the most important filming locations for the Harry Potter movies. Our small hotel is situated right in the heart of the fascinating old city. After settling in we’ll enjoy a late lunch together at the perfect spot in Oxford: the small pub where great literary figures gathered in years past. In this charming little place, C.S. Lewis first read aloud his work, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; and J.R.R. Tolkien first entranced listeners with his reading of The Hobbit.

In the afternoon we will visit the Great Hall which was the model for the Hogwarts Great Hall, the famous grand staircase, the trophy room, the “hospital wing”, the library Harry visited in his invisibility cloak, and more! Everyone will enjoy the locations associated with the Harry Potter films, but there are many other amazing sights to see in Oxford, and an incredible number of connections to the world’s most beloved books and literary characters. There will be free time in the evening for dinner on your own at any one of this exciting city’s charming restaurants.

June 20 – Day 9
After a great breakfast at our hotel everyone will have free time to explore the city, and spend time seeing such attractions as The Ashmolean Museum, the oldest public museum in the world and a storehouse for astounding antiquities from around the globe. You may want to take an open air bus tour around the city, or just get in some last-minute shopping. We can also use the time to see any of the Harry Potter locations we may have missed on the previous day. Enjoy lunch on your own during your explorations. In the evening we’ll have our farewell dinner in a nice restaurant near our hotel.

June 20 – Day 9
The tour ends with breakfast at our hotel. Guests will be provided with airport transfers aboard the express bus from Oxford directly to Heathrow Airport. These fast, convenient buses run every 30 minutes and take about 1 hour to reach the airport. It’s very important to plan your flights to allow for this morning transfer from Oxford! The best time for return flights to the USA would be 11:30 AM to 12 noon or later. Departures from Oxford earlier than 8 AM will be the responsibility of individual guests. It will not be necessary for the entire group to travel to Heathrow at the same time, as flight schedules will vary from person to person. Guests planning a London extension or other tour itineraries may prefer to travel into central London using an alternate express bus route.

After this magical experience you’ll never think of the Harry Potter books and movies in the same way because – for a little while, at least – you will have lived in Harry’s world yourself!

This limited size private tour will fill quickly. Don’t miss out!

Reservations and deposits for all tours must be received by MAY 4TH, 2009

Prices for Keys to the Wizarding World, June 12 – 21, 2009:

$2695 for Ages 13 and Up ------------ $2395 for Ages 6 – 12

A $500 deposit is required with each reservation. Final payment is due by May 15, 2009

See the “Extended Payment Plan” on our Magical Tours website for details on payment options.

NOTE: The MAXIMUM for this small group tour is 12 persons, and the MINIMUM is 8. All prices are based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: The additional cost for single occupancy accommodations will be $550. We are pleased to work with guests to avoid this charge through the “roommate plan”. As guests sign up for tours we will keep single travelers advised on possible room sharing options. Single guests will have the opportunity to contact each other in advance to see if they would be comfortable sharing twin or triple accommodations during the tour. The extra charge is payable if such arrangements do not work out, or if the guest prefers private rooms.

TOUR INCLUDES: All eight (8) breakfasts throughout, five (5) lunches and five (5) dinners; all ground transportation including airport transfers and First Class rail travel, eight nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in very specially–selected hotels & B&Bs & private apartments, admissions to all attractions described in the tour itinerary, full time knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. There will be no additional charges for tours and events offered by Magical Tours/Your Man in Europe.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to, and returning from Great Britain, optional travel insurance, extra beverages (meals will include 1 beverage and will be budgeted accordingly); a la cart or premium menu selections beyond the established meal allowances; between meal snacks; gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities. Room upgrades, where available, are also not included. NOTE: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad, coach, and mini-bus travel will be NON-SMOKING.

ITINERARY CHANGES: Guests are advised that the tour itineraries are subject to minor revisions both prior to and during the tours. Normally such changes involve slight alterations in the order of activities, rather than significant changes such as canceling a planned tour item. From time to time additional events are added to the schedule; but if circumstances require leaving out a planned activity guests will be advised as early as possible, and a different event of equal or superior value would be introduced as a substitute. Our tour parties are small enough to make possible quick shifts in the plans to adjust for unanticipated conditions, such as bad weather or transportation interruptions beyond our control.

THE DIFFERENCE: Magical Tours does not operate “Big Bus Tours”. There will be no wake-up calls at 5 AM to herd onto the buses, or marathon cross-country slogs with a busload of exhausted people. Our guests will travel at a relaxed pace, and have friendly, extremely knowledgeable guides for the entire tour – not just a bus driver and contracted tour guides. We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. These are also not just film-location “drop-by” trips. Each of the places visited will come to life through carefully planned presentations. Hotels, bed & breakfast inns, and private apartments, as well as most restaurants on the entire journeys have been selected for their highly prized locations or high levels of “atmosphere”, or both! The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way big groups simply cannot do.

For those who haven’t experienced British rail travel there is simply no contest between long stuffy confining bus journeys and the openness, freedom and comfort of First Class train travel. Our travel adventures are not just more mass tours organized by a big commercial tour company to capitalize on a movie fad. The trips encompass a genuine affection for an enduring classic of literature, as well as for beautiful and historic countries. This is much more than just a “Harry Potter” tour – anyone would love these unique views of England and Scotland. We want guests to be a real part of it all – not just tourists passing through. We don’t supplement the price during the trips through endless additional charges for “extra” tours and arrangements you must handle on your own.

If you want a complete, personalized, worry-free escorted tour of Harry Potter’s England – a magical journey – you’ve found the source!

DISCLAIMER: These themed tours are not official 'Harry Potter' events and are not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Harry Potter book publishers or J.K.Rowling and her representatives. All rights to the series of “Harry Potter” books are the property of J.K. Rowling and her publishers including Scholastic Press, et al. Film rights and image trademarks are the property of Warner Brothers, Inc. Any references to trademarked and copyrighted materials are not intended as anything more than an effort to bring well-known imaginary figures and places in literature into the context of an actual travel experience in Great Britain. Though the places we will visit are quite real and historically significant, the theme of this tour is based upon entirely imaginary characters and places. When the tour itinerary refers to such imaginary characters or place names, there is no intent to imply that they are real people or places, or that they pertain to factual events. Such references are intended to create associations between possible inspirations for the stories and/or filming locations used for the movies, and the very real places we will visit. Since “Hogwarts”, “The Forbidden Forest”, etc. are not real places, we cannot possibly actually visit them…but we can have fun pretending…

Copyright 2008 -Your Man in Europe/Magical Tours