Portmanteau Inspiration
Michael Palin
We love to inspire and on this page you will find some super ideas of places to go and things to see, all inspired by us from special global events coming up. Deciding to attend a particular event is easy, but deciding what else to do that will give you joy may, perhaps, be a challenge, especially if it’s somewhere totally unknown to you. That’s where we come in, to deliver a seamless and unique travel experience that will never be forgotten.
November – January, London, UK
Winter Wonderland takes place in Hyde Park this year from 22nd November until 5th January. It is a massive event and one you should certainly take the kids to if visiting UK. The huge park is transformed into a wonderland with fabulous events such as ice skating, fun rides, a circus, a market and many food stalls. It is an extremely popular attraction.
Not so far away is Highclere Castle that may ring a bell if you are a Downton Abbey fan. We can plan a private tour of the property, down in the south of England and the real-life location used for the filming of the superb drama. You can even brave driving there yourself, navigating those narrow lanes in an E-type Jaguar, Rolls Royce or even an original AC Six car, just as Branson did.
Further north is Perthshire, is a region of Scotland famous for stunning scenery, rich culture and diverse activities. Gleneagles is a stunning 850 acre estate dating back to 1924 and exemplifies all that Scotland is. From here we can organise a private haggis masterclass, perhaps a bagpipe lesson, River Tay salmon fishing with your own award winning ‘ghillie’ and numerous other activities.
October / November 2024, Paris, France
The Olympics and now the Salon du Chocolat – Paris is doing well! This event is the world’s largest of its kind dedicated to chocolate and cocoa. It features tastings, demonstrations by top chocolatiers and exhibitions and if you are going, what better way to complete your French experience than with an incredible three day visit to Champagne.
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We have organised many special trips to this part of France. A superb place to stay is Domaine Les Crayères in Reims, a stunning century old château, within a seven hectare park and a superb double Michelin star restaurant. This is the former house of the De Polignac family; it’s beautiful. A few steps away from the Château is Maison Ruinart, the oldest champagne house in the world. We can organise your very own tour of the home which will include walking through the natural chalk cellars, which are indeed a UNESCO world heritage site, to see hundreds of thousands of bottles laying to rest. You will also be able to have a private dinner there if you wish.
Some of the best champagnes produced are from producers who are not so famous and two days with your own guide, visiting some of these houses for tours and tastings is a real treat. We’ll arrange lunch on your very own vintage boat for a break between the tastings! To finish off this wonderful mini-break you’ll be welcomed by one of three prestige houses - Billecart-Salmon, Perrier Jouet or Veuve Cliquot for a tasting dinner … how wonderfully French! - There are other superb experiences to be had in France, such as your very own drive around the Monaco Grand Prix course in an F1 classic … how brave are you?
September 2024, Milan, Italy
Milan Fashion Week runs from 17th – 23rd September; it’s one of the 4 major events in this industry, along with New York, Paris and London and all the top designers will be showcasing their latest collections. The runway shows are held in stunning locations, but most designers also have more intimate presentations in showrooms around the city. Why not visit Tuscany or Umbria afterwards!
- You will simply love staying in our favourite property of all time, in Tuscany. It took 9 years to renovate this 11th century Tuscan convent to produce something that represents the perfect synthesis between the absolute beauty of Tuscan nature and the unrivalled charm of an ancient stone walled castle. It mixes medieval and modern perfectly. British royalty even stay there, it’s that private. When given directions of how to find this beauty the owner says, “just look out for a gate straight out of Game of Thrones.”
- Tuscany and Umbria are particularly great for truffle hunting … a day out with a professional truffle hunter and his loyal dog is really a wonderful experience. If wine is more your thing, there are plenty of award winning wineries in Chianti that you can visit privately and we can easily arrange a home-cooked lunch with the owners. Alternatively, you may enjoy a trip to the sea by chopper for a sensational experience at the Bolgheri winery, located on the Tyrrhenian coastline with a sunset flight back! Finally, cheese. Tuscany and Umbria are renowned for their rich culinary traditions, including the production of exceptional cheeses. If you like blue pecorino, we know the best place in the entire world, hidden away in Pienza!
I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list
- SUSAN SONTAG
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