Author: matt@smallsystemsvt.com

Burghley Horse Trials

August 27 – September 5, 2016

Our itinerary

Saturday, August 27: Usual U.S. Departure Day for London

Those traveling from the U.S. will depart today. We recommend flights into and out of Heathrow.

Sunday, August 28: Welcome to London

After the usual customs formalities, transfer into central London. You will find several options. There is a Heathrow Express train, non-stop to Paddington Station in 15-20 minutes. From Paddington, take a taxi to the St. Ermin’s. With two or more people, I would suggest Heathrow Airport Taxi if you pre-reserve on line.

On arrival at the St Ermin’s Hotel, check in and relax. Rooms are usually available from 2pm. There are several pubs in the neighborhood for lunch and Green Park and Piccadilly area shops and restaurants are nearby. This evening we gather for drinks in the Caxton bar prior to dinner. (This is “Summer Bank Holiday” weekend so most shops and some pubs will not be open).

Monday, August 29: London sightseeing at your leisure

Breakfast buffet is included each day of our program. Day tickets will be provided for you to enjoy sightseeing of London and its principle sights at your leisure.

Depart for the Open Top Bus Tour shuttle which will take you around London, allowing you to get on and off at the various stops as you wish. Stops include Parliament (a convenient starting point near our hotel) St. Paul’s, Cathedral, the Tower of London and many others. (Buckingham Palace would be a good point to end your day, again quite nearby our hotel). We have had excellent comments on this service. I think you will enjoy it.

Tuesday, August 30: Free time in London

The day is free to enjoy. If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s Life Guard (the Horse Guard) at Whitehall, both within easy walking distance. From there, you are a short walk from Piccadilly and the Tube lines to take you throughout London. Enjoy your day. Those wishing to enjoy an evening of London theatre should purchase tickets in advance. There are a number of on-line ticketing agencies. London is a great place to see a musical or play and enjoy a late supper after.

Wednesday, August 31: Depart for Cambridge and Peterborough

This morning depart for the university town of Cambridge for a delightful walking tour.
Meet our guide on arrival, and after a short break, tour the town and college area. Boaters will be “punting on the Cam”, many now professional offering rides to visitors. Time for lunch and to visit and shop as you choose, following our tour. Later this afternoon, continue to Peterborough and the Bull Hotel, in the town center. We have found this hotel to be very pleasant and hospitable on past visits. Dinner is included each evening of our stay here.

Thursday, September 1: Dressage

Depart for Burghley for the first day of dressage.
Members have exclusive access to the North Stands on Thursday & Friday. Throughout the event enjoy the privileges of the Members tent, including closed circuit television where you will also be able to watch the event with commentary. In addition, the Members area has its own bars, restaurants and their own loos. The expansive marketplace will offer everything from Saville Row shops to local tack shops.

Friday, September 2: Dressage Continues

In the Members’ Tent at Burghley you can listen to the commentary during the dressage tests on the closed circuit television. You will particularly enjoy the dining options and the bar here in the Members Tent.

Saturday, September 3: Cross Country

A 9:30 departure will allow you to be at your favorite fence as the first horse begins cross-country. During rides of particular interest, you may want to be in the Members’ Tent or in the stands (where there will be XC jumps) to watch the entire ride on closed-circuit television. You will also find closed circuit TV and refreshments, at several points on course.

Sunday, September 4: Final Horse Inspection and Show Jumping

For your convenience, there will be two departures for Burghley this morning, one at 8:00am to get to the final horse inspection and another at 9:30 for those choosing a more leisurely morning. Show Jumping begins at 10:30 this morning, with a break for lunch and mid-day entertainment. After the final presentation of prizes return to Peterborough for a cocktail reception prior to dinner, celebrating a safe ride for all of the horses & riders and perhaps some American success.

Monday, September 5: – Heathrow and Home

An early departure this morning will allow us to reach Heathrow by 7:30am. The hotel will have a light breakfast laid out for us.

Costs per person: $2,795 twin or double basis; $3,495 single basis

Program includes: 8 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast daily, 2 receptions and 6 dinners; sightseeing tour pass in London; admission & Member’s privileges to the Burghley Horse Trials; other sightseeing as outlined; motor coach transportation and transfers as outlined; services of an Equestrian Tours host.

Blair Castle Horse Trials & Scottish Country Fair

August 20-29, 2016

Our itinerary

Saturday, August 20 – Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland

Unless you are planning additional time in Britain or Europe, you will depart today for Edinburgh. You will find direct flights from Newark, and many connecting options.

Sunday, August 21 – Welcome to Scotland

On arrival, transfer into Edinburgh and check in at the Double Tree – Hilton, with lovely views of Edinburgh Castle. Gather at 7:00pm for a welcome reception in the lounge, followed by dinner.

Monday, August 22 – Edinburgh Tour

A Scottish buffet breakfast is included daily throughout our program, and will offer some interesting options! Kippers are always good! Spend the next two days touring the city with your Royal Edinburgh sightseeing passes, which include admission to three of Edinburgh’s most important sites. I suggest we gather at 9:30am and start the “Royal Edinburgh Tour” shuttle, stopping at the Palace of Holyrood House and Edinburgh Castle. Later today and on Tuesday you can continue exploring, visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia, where you can enjoy tea.

Tuesday, August 23 – Edinburgh at Leisure

Today is free to continue exploring on the Edinburgh shuttles as you wish, perhaps Britannia (I would suggest a morning visit, leaving time in the afternoon for the gardens, the museums or the shops of Edinburgh. This evening we attend a performance of the Edinburgh Tattoo with great dancing, piping and much more.

Wednesday, August 24 – Off to the Highlands and Blair Atholl

At 8:30am we depart for Blair Atholl, stopping to visit in the lovely town Dunkeld, a town on the River Tay, to visit and have time for a coffee. Later continue to the Edradour Distillery, the smallest in Scotland, for a tour and tasting. On arrival in Blair Atholl, we visit Blair Castle, home to the Dukes of Atholl. The oldest part of the castle dates to the 14th-c.; the Atholl Estates encompass over 145,000 acres which allow various recreational and farming uses to support the estate. Later return to Pitlochry and check into our accommodations at the Moulin Inn. Join us for drinks this evening prior to dinner.

Thursday, August 25 – Day 1 of the Blair Castle Horse Trials

After our Scottish breakfast, transfer to Blair Atholl and the horse trials venue. Blair Castle Horse Trials are the biggest event in Scotland. You have Members admission to the Horse Trials which will allow you access to the Members tent with private dining and bar and you will be provided a complementary program. Late afternoon we return to our accommodations. For those who wish, there is rail service the very short distance between Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.

Friday, August 26 – Dressage continues

Dressage continues today. Perhaps we can walk cross country course. Enjoy the marketplace, with some 200 vendors, which is sure to include some delightful Scottish food, crafts and woven goods. The Member’s Tent is well organized and is adjacent to the dressage ring, with chairs on the grass.

Saturday, August 27 – Cross Country Day at Blair Castle

In addition to the very exciting cross country riding today, the Bruadar Country Fair offers demonstrations of traditional and modern country pursuits and displays. The setting of the horse trials, with the Scottish hills surrounding it, is delightful.

Sunday, August 28 – Show Jumping Finals & the Fair Continues

We expect a later start today, giving time to enjoy the Fair before the final show jumping phase begins. This evening we will gather for a reception prior to our farewell dinner. (I think we should all be required to wear something tartan!

Monday, August 29 – Early departure for Edinburgh and return flights home

We plan an early departure this morning to be at Edinburgh Airport in time for 9:30am flights. The hotel will have refreshments laid out for us prior to departure. Enjoy a safe journey home and please return with us soon.

Costs per person: $2,895 twin or double basis; $3,795 single basis

Program includes: 3 Nights Edinburgh with buffet breakfast, 5 nights Hotel Moulin with full Scottish breakfast & dinner daily; 2 receptions; sightseeing & Military Tattoo in Edinburgh; Member’s admission to Blair Castle Horse Trials and tour of Blair Castle; transportation and services of Equestrian Tours host.

Paris, the Loire Valley & the Saumur Horse Trials

Sorry you missed it… we are no longer accepted registration for this event.

Depart May 11 (arrive Paris May 12) – 22, 2017

Aachen Equestrian Festival

July 9 – July 18, 2016

We have always enjoyed Aachen, and the Aachen Equestrian Festival. It is a lovely city with charming architecture, good restaurants and our very comfortable hotel, the Aquis Grana, is by now an old friend. It is located in the city center, just a short walk from the main square, the Cathedral and the historic Rathaus. It will be a comfortable accommodation for our eight nights here.

Due to the popularity of the Aachen Festival to both Dressage and Show Jumping enthusiasts, not to mention Driving & Eventing followers, we will be repeating the program in 2017.

We have been in contact with the ticketing office regarding 2016, knowing from past experience that tickets must be organized far in advance, and they assure us we will have the tickets we require in order to have the best seats possible to the Dressage competitions. We will also plan on Show Jumping for the opening day ceremonies and the Final Four & Closing Ceremonies on Sunday. For those interested in the Show Jumping at the Aachen Festival, an outstanding series of competitions, we will have excellent season ticket seats available at an additional surcharge.

We have reserved space for just 22 people joining us, so if you have an interest in joining us in Aachen in 2016, it is best to reserve early.

Based on our previous visits to the Aachen Festival, we expect our program to be as follows:

Saturday, July 9: Depart for Aachen

Depart for Germany & Aachen today. Please arrange your flights to Dusseldorf which generally offers the best airfare and connections.

Sunday, July 10: Welcome to Germany

On arrival, you can take the train into central rail station and there connect to Aachen. Our hotel is a short taxi ride from the Aachen station. However, we will be arranging private transfers for those who wish, assembling arriving parties for the lowest cost. Our transfer service has working out very well in the past and with 2-4 passengers on a transfer, is quite reasonable, especially considering the airport direct to hotel service.

Enjoy the afternoon free to explore. Perhaps enjoy a walk up to the main square, the Marktplatz, lovely with the imposing Rathaus, welcoming pubs, restaurants and shops. We look forward to seeing you this evening at our cocktail party, prior to dinner overlooking the park.

Monday, July 11: Walking tour of Aachen

An expansive European buffet breakfast is included each morning. Today enjoy a walking tour of Aachen, once a Roman spa town, which still offers the “Aachen water”. The tour is delightful and during our walk we will visit the Cathedral, begun by Charlemagne. Later have lunch at one of the Marktplatz pubs.

Tuesday, July 12: The Aachen Equestrian Festival Begins

I suggest we walk to the Bushof together this morning, departing the hotel at 9. We have included tickets to the show jumping today (speed class) so that we can enjoy the opening ceremonies this afternoon. This will also give you an opportunity to see the stadium complex, take a first look at the many shops in the marketplace and the Deutsche Bank Stadium, the venue for Dressage.

Although there is not a dinner restaurant here at the Hotel Aquis Grana, you will find many nearby and a great variety, in any almost direction. We have our list of favorites.

Wednesday, July 13: Prix St George & Grand Prix CDI 4*

Today in the Deutsche Bank Stadium there will be a morning Prix St George and later a Grand Prix CDI 4*. The Driving dressage phase begins in the Driving Stadium. The marketplace here has a wonderful selection of vendors and includes a wide selection of dining options.

We enjoy a German dinner this evening at what is considered the best German restaurant in Aachen.

Thursday, July 14: Dressage CDIO Grand Prix

Today is the Grand Prix CDIO in the dressage stadium. Driving dressage continues in the Driving Stadium. In the main stadium there will be a variety of jumping competitions.

Friday, July 15: Eventing Dressage & Jumping, Evening Grand Prix Special

The Deutsche Bank Stadium will be the site of Eventing dressage phase this morning. Show Jumping continues in the main with some interesting events. This afternoon the Main Stadium is turned over to the eventers for the show Jumping phase.

If you would prefer to do some exploring, you can take a bus to Maastricht, Holland, today, just 45 minutes away, and spend time visiting this really lovely city with great restaurants and shops. Be back in time for this evening in the Deutsche Bank Stadium for FEI Intermediate II, a Quadrille Championship and the Grand Prix Special, a great evening.

Saturday, July 16: Grand Prix & Freestyle, Eventing Cross Country, Driving Marathon and Jumping

A very full day with a Grand Prix Special CDIO and FEI Grand Prix today in the Deutsche Bank Stadium; Eventing cross country phase followed by the marathon phase for the four-in-hand driving in the adjacent park and Jumping in the Main Stadium. This evening will feature the Grand Prix Freestyle and the “Best of Champions” in the Main Stadium.

Sunday, July 17: Rolex Grand Prix Show Jumping & the Dressage Freestyle

This is Grand Prix Day at the Aachen Festival with the Grand Prix of Aachen in Show Jumping and the Grand Prix Dressage of Aachen (Freestyle) in the Dressage stadium. We have included tickets to both today so we hope the schedules do not conflict. The closing ceremonies follow the show jumping.

This evening we will gather for a reception at our hotel followed by dinner at a lovely nearby restaurant.

Monday, July 18: Depart for home

Farewell to Aachen today. We will arrange for a morning coach transfer to Dusseldorf Airport.

Estimated costs per person: $2,595 twin or double basis; $3,195 single basis

Program includes: 8 nights hotel accommodations with buffet breakfast daily; 2 receptions and dinners; half day walking tour with lunch; excellent reserved seat admission to the Aachen Festival (season ticket for all Dressage competitions as well as Show Jumping Tuesday and Sunday for the Opening & Closing Ceremonies. Show Jumping season ticket available at additional cost – TBA); services of Equestrian Tours host; daily transfers to the venue provided by the city of Aachen.

Badminton Horse Trials

Sorry you missed it… we are no longer accepted registration for this event.

April 29 depart (arrive London April 30), return May 8, 2017

We have long enjoyed the Badminton Horse Trials and have taken quite a number of clients there over the years. Having had the experience, I think we put together a very nice program, I hope that as you read it, you will agree.

After our usual three nights in London, enjoying the sights, perhaps a night at the theater and the museums and shops, we will travel this year via Oxford, enjoying a walking tour of this delightful university city. Then to Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. Finally, a stop at Churchill’s humble grave nearby before we continue to the Mayfield House and the Badminton Horse Trials. Having been here a number of times, we know enough to find a hotel north of M4, avoiding the traffic jams on Saturday & Sunday!

Saturday, April 29: Usual U.S. Departure Day for London

Those traveling from the U.S. will depart today. We recommend flights into and out of Heathrow.

Sunday, April 30: Welcome to London

After the usual customs formalities, transfer into central London. You will find several options. The Heathrow Express train is non-stop to Paddington Station in 15-20 minutes. With two or more people, I would suggest Heathrow Airport Taxi (pre-reserve on line).

On arrival at the St Ermin’s Hotel, check in and relax. Light meals are available in the lounge and there are several pubs in the neighborhood. You will also find Green Park and Piccadilly area shops and restaurants nearby. Join us for drinks this evening in the Caxton Bar prior to dinner.

Monday, May 1: London sightseeing at your leisure

Breakfast buffet is included each day of our program. Day tickets will be provided for you to enjoy sightseeing of London and its principle sights at your leisure on the Open Top Bus Tour shuttle which will take you around London, allowing you to get on and off at the various stops as you wish. (We have had excellent comments on this service).

Tuesday, May 2: Free time in London

The day is free to enjoy. If you haven’t seen it, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guard at Whitehall, both within easy walking distance. From there, you are a short walk from Piccadilly and the Tube lines to take you throughout London. Enjoy your day. Those wishing to enjoy an evening of London theatre should purchase tickets in advance. There are a number of on-line ticketing agencies. London is a great place to see a musical or play.

Wednesday, May 3: Oxford & Blenheim Palace

Depart London for Gloucestershire today. We think adding some side visits to our programs make them just a tad more interesting, so our route today will take us to the University town of Oxford, where we can enjoy a walking of the town, home to the oldest university in the English speaking world, as well as to Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien and Chief Inspector Morse.

On arrival have a walking tour of the lovely town, with a visit to one of the colleges and later time for lunch. Then on to nearby Blenheim Palace, the home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. The magnificent home was a gift to the first Duke of Marlborough, reward for his victories over the French.

After our visit here and some time to enjoy the gardens, continue to our accommodations at the Mayfield House Hotel. Dinner is included throughout our stay here. This evening gather for a drink in the bar.

Thursday, May 4: Badminton Dressage begins

To Badminton this morning, private home to the Dukes of Beaufort, Masters of the Beaufort Hunt. During the horse trials we will enjoy Member’s Privileges, with access to a restricted area which includes dining with a variety of offers, several bars, closed circuit television and a garden area overlooking the arena. When you have time, the shops at Badminton are extensive.

We have selected our accommodations because of the ease of travel each day to and from Badminton. On most days the journey will be approximately 20 minutes. I might suggest that on one of the dressage days, when everyone is not too tired, we stop for a time in Malmesbury, a delightful village, not far from our hotel.

Friday, May 5: Badminton Dressage & the Beaufort Kennels

Return to Badminton this morning as dressage continues. We will be requesting a visit to the Beaufort Kennels, with an introduction to the hounds. During one of the dressage days, those who wish can gather for a course walk.

Saturday, May 6: Cross Country Day

Departure today to be settled on cross country well in advance of the first horse on course. The Badminton course has always been one of the most challenging, going back to its beginning in 1949. You will find refreshment tents on the course and you can always watch important rides in the Members tent. The course will start and end in the main Grandstand, where there will be open seating.

Sunday, May 7: Horse Inspection, Special Presentations & Final Show Jumping & Prizes

If the police are allowing traffic to depart Badminton this morning, we will have an early coach departure for those wishing to take in the Horse inspection as well as a later departure. In addition to the Show Jumping, there will be special presentations, band performances and a presentation of the Beaufort Hounds.

This evening we gather for a farewell reception prior to dinner.

Monday, May 8: Depart for Heathrow & Home

We have an early start today to get us to Heathrow in time for 9:30 (or later) flights. We are requesting that the hotel have a light breakfast available for us, so that you will be somewhat fortified before we depart. Those departing from Gatwick should plan on a two hour transfer from Heathrow.

Costs per person: $2,895 twin or double basis; $3,695 single basis

Program includes: 3 Nights London with breakfast daily, 1 reception & dinner; 5 nights Hotel Mayfield with 2 receptions as well as breakfast & dinner daily; London sightseeing, admissions and sightseeing as outlined, admission and Member’s privileges at the Badminton Horse Trials and seating for dressage & show jumping; transfers, transportation as outlined and services of an Equestrian Tours host.