During her recent trip to America, we met Avril Trapp, principal and managing director of Cultural Kingdoms, a high end tour operator in the North of England and The Scottish Borders, a region chronicled by Sir Walter Scott in his epic poems and stories. Although the weather had been fickle and we had slipped, chameleon like, in and out of our ponchos while tramping through muddy fields, braving the elements was part of the challenge and did not detract from relishing the glorious landscape. Ms Trapp said that the Wayfarers, the group with which we had traveled, had been the inspiration for her year-old venture. She promised that clients of Cultural Kingdoms will not be caught in downpours since the transportation choices are Rolls Royces, limousines, minivans and private cars with drivers or even helicopters and the Royal Scotsman train. Created by Brits with a network of personal ties in the area between Edinburgh and York, the company offers customized itineraries for one to 10 people.
Schedules are flexible and participants experience several different homestays during a trip.
Activities include exploring gardens, museums, galleries and lectures on history, geology and archeology. Those interested in sports can shoot, fish, golf, play croquet and try their hand at falconry. Supplemental opportunities for sightseeing and other pursuits are available each day, in addition to those listed in the brochure. Cultural Kingdoms, Broomhaugh House, Riding Mill, Northumberland, NE44 6EG, England. Tours take place between April and October.