Trafalgar offers Magical Medieval Tour

In celebration of Harry Potter, Trafalgar Tours has created a "Magical Medieval Tour" to England, designed to entertain the entire family! This 10-day escorted vacation traces Harry Potter’s steps in London, and visits the medieval towns of York, Chester, Gloucester and Salisbury, where scenes from Warner Brothers Pictures’ movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" were shot.

Departures are on July 6 and August 10, 2002 from London. Here are the details:

London - Followed by a day of leisure, passengers enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, including the famous sights of Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Hyde Park.

The next morning begins at King’s Cross Station in London. This railway station serves the trains that depart to the northeast of England and to Scotland.

Oxford - In Oxford, travelers visit Christ Church College, one of the oldest of the 39 colleges that comprise Oxford. The Bodleian Library at Christ Church claims to house a copy of every book ever published! The Hogwarts students could certainly use it for their research. The library scenes, as well as some hospital scenes, were shot here, and at the Divinity School inside the library. The tour continues to Sheffield for overnight.

York - After a drive to York, one of the most charming of England’s medieval towns, passengers visit the magnificent York Minster and the Shambles, a small street with medieval half-timbered houses. The tour continues to the North York Moors National Park, with a visit to the small village of Goathland, a truly "magical" place! The local train station was the setting in the movie for the Hoagsmeade Station, where the Hogwarts Express arrived.

Durham - The next stop is Durham, one of the prettiest cathedral towns in England. The Durham Cathedral, set on a cliff high above the river, is a perfect example of English Romanesque architecture. Overnight in Durham.

Chester - Many outside scenes, including the broom flying classes and the Quiddich games, were filmed in the Alnwick Castle, just south of the Scottish border. The castle’s turrets, walls and drawbridge were a perfect setting for the Harry Potter movie. After visiting the castle, passengers drive south to Chester, for a tour of the heart of this unique medieval town. The four crossing streets are lined with half-timbered houses and the beautiful and unique "Rows" – two storied shops that line the streets. Overnight in Chester.

Gloucester - In Gloucester, the Cathedral, a beautiful medieval edifice, was used extensively in the filming of the movie. Scenes inside and outside Gryffindoe dorm were shot in the Gloucester cloisters, including a gateway where the portrait of the fat lady guarded the entrance. The tour continues to Lacock Abbey, south of the city of Bristol. Here in the Abbey’s cloisters, class scenes were filmed, in the edifice’s "Warm Room" and in its sacristy, where Professor Snape’s dungeon classes where shot. Continue for overnight in Salisbury.

Salisbury - The next day, travelers visit the Cathedral Close of Salisbury, one of the largest cathedrals in England. Passengers explore the complex and the medieval town around it, and then continue to the suburban town of Bracknell, where the scenes on "Number 4 Privet Drive" were shot. Onward to London for overnight.

At Leisure in London - The last day is at leisure in London, with a magical farewell dinner and overnight in London.

'Magical Medieval Tour' to England

Land-only price is $995 pp., based on double occupancy. The child rate is $345, for children 12 years or under, sharing a twin room with two full paying adults. Single supplement is $365. Included in the tour are eight nights at first class hotels throughout England; services of a tour director throughout the tour; breakfast daily; two dinners, including a special farewell dinner; porterage; sightseeing in a luxurious motorcoach; airport transfers in London, and all sightseeing as per the itinerary.

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Published in the January/February 2002 issue of the AAA Traveler.