Discover Europe & The Culture Concierge
Join Discover Europe & The Culture Concierge for two exclusive luxury tour itineraries and leisure experiences
*Find out more about The Culture Concierge, below
SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS ON THEIR SEPTEMBER 2023 TOURS
Queen Elizabeth II - An Emblem Of Our Time, and The Hidden Scottish Borders & Lowlands
September 4 - 14, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Just a few short months ago, Britain was joined by much of the world in celebrating the longest reigning monarch with the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Whilst everyone understood her significant age, no one believed that one day we would be without her wise counsel and guiding presence, yet at the beginning of September, that period of readjustment and reconfiguration began abruptly when the late Queen finally gave in to anno domini and passed the baton of the British crown to her son, His Majesty King Charles III.
A press article commented after the events of 8th September that Her Majesty was an ‘emblem of our time’ which has never been so true. Queen Elizabeth lived through a World War, an abdication, and the early death of her father which in itself brought about huge social and economic changes. From the British car industry to aircraft manufacture and the rise of technological advances in every sector, to the strengthening of Commonwealth ties and the advancement of education, there have probably been more significant changes in the last 70 years in terms of society than ever before.
There will not be many amongst us who can remember anyone other than the late Queen and some significant changes may well be on the cards in terms of Royal residences, who lives where, and who does what! However, the fundamental principles and traditions of our monarchy remain, and we are delighted to be able to give guests a glimpse of history together with an insight into what may be to come. Curated by Alexandra Messervy, a former member of The Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, we have put together a programme that celebrates the history and traditions of the British Monarchy and will commemorate the events to come. Guided by our superb experts throughout, visits include hosting by a cousin of The Prince of Wales, our own Alexandra Messervy who gives insight into Royal service, and some of London’s finest history and art guides.
Accommodation will be at the celebrated Rembrandt Hotel located close to the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the prestigious Sloane Club, a delightful private members’ haven in Chelsea close to the River Thames.
If you would like to register for Queen Elizabeth II - An Emblem of our Time tour with The Culture Concierge, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.
Hampton Court Palace & Gardens
Tour Highlights
Garden Tours
Visit the Royal Savill Garden and Windsor Great Park for a special private tour
Tour Queen Anne’s Palace at Kew. For those who are interested in gardens, there can be no better place to visit
Visit the Physic Garden which is the apothecary garden of old and contains many rare medicinal plants of centuries (weather permitting)
Museum Tours
A private guided tour of the Museum of the Blues and Royals, the Household Cavalry
visit the Royal Mews to see some of the Carriages and Cars used by the Royal Family
Palace, Castle, and House Tours
Visit Fulham Palace, the seat of the Bishops of London for 1300 years
Visit and tour Kensington Palace
Visit Apsley House to see the treasures of Robert Adam and the Duke of Wellington’s battles in his London home
Private tour at Hampton Court Palace
Visit the delightful country house and gardens at Polesden Lacey
Windsor Castle, to include Windsor Great Park, and the Long Walk
Visit the official seat of Monarchy since 1837, the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace
Accommodations
Accommodation will be at the celebrated Rembrandt Hotel located close to the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the prestigious Sloane Club, a delightful private members’ haven in Chelsea close to the River Thames.
The Rembrandt's beautifully modernised Edwardian rooms were originally apartments for Harrods. The building itself dates from 1911, and was one of the first steel and concrete structures in the UK.
The Hotel places you directly across from London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), within a 10-minute walk of the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Hyde Park, Harrods, and the Royal Albert Hall. The location is superb – surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions.
When you step inside The Sloane Club, you become part of our story; a rich history spanning 100 years, and a heritage that we proudly celebrate in all that we do, from our enticing seasonal menus to our unique Members' Events and unrivalled local knowledge.
Founded in 1922 as the Service Women’s Club, our illustrious address welcomed the serving and former female officers of the Armed Forces in World War II. It later became The Helena Club, established in the early 1960s by a lady-in-waiting to Princess Marie Louise. Following its transformation in 1976, The Sloane Club opened its doors to gentlemen.
Today The Sloane Club provides a unique setting for our Members to enjoy. Celebrate with an exquisite cocktail, host a dinner with delicious seasonal dishes and enjoy a range of contemporary work spaces, flooded with natural light, combining comfort with everything you need for a productive day. Add to this a carefully considered, bespoke approach to service, and a choice of sumptuous rooms waiting at the end of the day, and you have found the perfect space to work, entertain, indulge and unwind in equal measure.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.
If you would like to register for Queen Elizabeth II - An Emblem of our Time tour with The Culture Concierge, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
September 20 - 28, 2023 | Maximum Group Size: 15 Participants | Availability: Open
Abbotsford
Hosted by Alexandra and Alastair, this tour will focus on the areas least visited when travelling in Scotland, the glorious borders. With rolling hills often regarded as the poor relations of the highland mountains, famous fishing rivers and burns, and some spectacular coastal scenery including the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Galloway, this land is filled with history, castles, and beautiful estates, as well as some glorious gardens with late summer colour abundant in September.
Edinburgh Skyline
Tour Highlights
Exclusive private tour and overnight stay at Ardgowan Estate
Private tour of the fantastically restored Borders home of King Charles III, Dumfries House, which was designed by Robert, John, and James Adam in 1754 for the Marquess of Bute
Private tour of Manderston House, home of Lord Palmer famed for Huntley and Palmer biscuits but notably the house has a solid silver staircase and is truly amazing
Visit Sir Walter Scott’s home and gardens at Abbotsford
Private guided tour of Lennoxlove
Castle visits & tours
Castle Kennedy
Lochinch Castle
Drumlanrig Castle
Floors Castle
Thirlestaine Castle
If you would like to register for The Hidden Scottish Borders & Lowlands tour with The Culture Concierge, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.
Cluzean Stairs
Accommodations
Your first night will be spent at the Ardgowan Estate for an exclusive private tour and overnight stay.
Hosted by Ludo Shaw-Stewart, Ardgowan is a beautiful 18thC house set in 400 acres of parkland on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. It has been home to the same family for over 600 years and is noted for its position near the spectacular coastline, a rolling estate, and notable treasures and antiques. Ludo’s mother Lady Lucinda has long hosted specialist art and antiques guests and we are promised a very special start to our programme with our stay this evening in a house which was designed by Robert Adam’s assistant Hugh Cairncross. The completed interior was furnished by Gillows of Lancaster.
Situated in the southwest corner of Scotland, Knockinaam Lodge is a slice of paradise. Privacy, seclusion, and breathtaking views are all part of the experience as you enjoy the peace of the private cove, looking out to the Irish Sea. With 30 acres of stunning landscaped ground stretching down to the beach, there’s much to see and do, or you can just relax and appreciate the fabulous surroundings.
Easy to reach by road, the hotel is just three miles from the picturesque seaside village of Portpatrick, known for its stunning views, and only eight miles from Stranraer and the ferry port of Cairnryan, with access to Northern Ireland.
With an immaculate, white-washed exterior and window sills bursting with Summer flowers, The Townhouse interior exudes calm as you walk through its doors. Biscuit-coloured walls, subtle lighting, an ornate fireplace in the brasserie, and modern art pieces all make for a relaxing visit.
This sense of style, colour, and a pleasing ambiance characterises every aspect of the hotel. Good food and drink in lovely surroundings, individually styled bedrooms with lavish furnishing along with friendly Scottish hospitality make this a unique setting for guests to enjoy.
If you would like to register for The Hidden Scottish Borders & Lowlands tour with The Culture Concierge, please complete and submit the form located under Reserve Now.
*Once you have submitted the above registration form with your digital signature, a Discover Europe staff member will be in contact as soon as possible to process your deposit and welcome you to the tour.
About The Culture Concierge
For over twenty years we have been pioneers in creating itineraries for escorted tours and travel experiences for cultural learning. Our focus is always on our client, with discreet, efficient perfectionism at the heart of our strong British brand heritage.
We are a small team designing and working to the highest standards with absolute attention to detail. We are noted, not only for our luxurious standards when recommending accommodation, transport, and dining, but for our ability to offer access to otherwise inaccessible avenues; private homes, Royal palaces, gardens, and experiences that money alone cannot buy. Guests have a unique opportunity to step beyond the restraints of normal vacation travel, learning firsthand from owners and specialists.
We have welcomed individual travellers, exploring couples and friends; non-English speaking international guests who want to learn more of British or European culture; and frequently guests who are eager to expand a treasured interest. From British etiquette to landscape & garden design, history, ballet, and opera, to a straightforward appreciation of British culture, art, theatre, and literature; we have designed and orchestrated special interest tours in England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy.
No hobby or interest is beyond us; we will always give careful consideration and research to designing a fabulous cultural programme to stretch the mind and imagination.
Learn more about Alexandra & Anna
Anna Kirkman
Anna brings a wealth of knowledge gained both through personal experiences and over twenty-five years working as a personal and executive assistant. She started working closely with Alexandra in 2013 with a particular focus on the development of cultural learning programmes and special experiences. Embracing the challenge that all clients are unique, Anna takes great pleasure in having the opportunity to work with each on an individual basis to create truly personalised experiences and itineraries to match a client’s interests and desires.
Alexandra Messervy
After a career in the Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Lucie Clayton, and several years looking after a private family office and their travel needs, Alexandra set up the leading British finishing school, The English Manner, in 2001, with the intention not only of teaching confidence, protocol, and interpersonal skills, but to focus on highlighting specialist cultural tours and travel experiences akin to the Grand Tours of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Always preferring Relais et Chateaux ®, castles, and manor houses to yurts, Alexandra curates exclusive visits, residential programmes, and cultural experiences for inbound international and British travellers, always with a touch of luxury.