Join the Drake Chamber Choir in London

T3761

Led by Aimee Beckmann-Collier, Conductor

January 2 - 10, 2002

An Invitation

Dear Friends,

Madeleine and I will be accompanying the Drake Chamber Choir on this exciting journey to London and environs, and we invite you to join us. It’s a chance to hear our wonderful, immensely talented students sing in some of the world’s greatest venues. Director of Choral Studies Dr. Aimee Beckmann-Collier and Seminars International have put together a trip that has ample amounts of music, touring, and free time—with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the company of Drake students, faculty, alums, and friends, or to wander off on your own for some private moments. It’s going to be a great trip, and I hope you’ll give some serious thought to being part of it.

With best wishes,
David Maxwell
President
Drake University

Your Itinerary

Wednesday, January 2 — Des Moines/London. Assemble at the Des Moines Airport for departure on the Northwest Airlines flight for the Twin Cities with connecting overnight service to London. Meals served en route.

Thursday, January 3 — London/Winchester area. Arrive London Gatwick Airport, meet your tour manager, and transfer by private motorcoach to Potters Herron Hotel for check-in, with a visit to Stonehenge en route. Freshen up and depart by private motorcoach for a tour of Winchester Cathedral. Return to hotel for a group dinner.

Friday, January 4 — Winchester Area. Morning departure by private motorcoach to Salisbury Cathedral for a lunchtime concert and tour. Next, depart by private motorcoach for Winchester Cathedral and participate in evensong. The rest of the evening free.

Saturday, January 5 — Winchester Area/Docklands or London. Morning departure by private motorcoach for London. Upon arrival enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Choir members proceed to the London Docklands area for an evening concert at a local church. Overnight and dinner with host families in the Docklands area. Alumni and friends will remain in London for check-in at the London hotel with optional public transportation to the concert.

Sunday, January 6 — Docklands/London. Attend morning worship services, optional for alumni and friends, and then enjoy a social event with the congregation. Choir members depart by private motorcoach for London. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. The remainder of day is free for rest or independent exploration.

Monday, January 7 — London. Early morning departure by private motorcoach to Ely for a noontime recital in the Lady Chapel and a tour of the Cathedral. Next, travel to Cambridge for a tour of Cambridge colleges, including King’s College Chapel and an evening concert at Gt. St Mary’s Church. Return to London for overnight.

Tuesday, January 8 — London. Morning free for rest or independent exploration. Depart by private motorcoach for a noontime concert at St. Martin’s in the Field. Afternoon free, prior to attending an evening musical theater performance.

Wednesday, January 9 — London. Enjoy a free day in London. Consider a visit to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, or St. Paul’s Cathedral. London also offers an extraordinary array of shopping and museum-going options. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Thursday, January 10 — London/Des Moines. Morning transfer by private motorcoach to London Gatwick Airport for departure on the Northwest Airlines non-stop flight to the Twin Cities with connecting service to Des Moines. Meals served en route.

Itinerary subject to change due to local scheduling.

Questions about the daily program may be directed to Aimee Beckman-Collier at (515) 271-2841. For all questions concerning travel arrangements, please contact Seminars International at (800) 541-7506.

Statement of Conditions

Tour cost and minimum number of participants: $1,695, based on a minimum of 15 participants. Based on exchange rates and tariffs in effect as of March 5, 2001; subject to change in the event that there is a fluctuation of more than 2%.

Air transportation (included in tour cost): Des Moines/London roundtrip air based on currently quoted fare by Northwest Airlines, subject to restrictions and cancellation penalties by the airline; taxes included.

Surface travel/transfers: By deluxe private motorcoach.

Accommodations and meals: Twin-occupancy in superior tourist class hotels, with full-English breakfast daily (continental in London) one lunch and two dinners; one night with host family, including breakfast and dinner. Single supplement: approximately $225.*

Program arrangements: As indicated in the itinerary, including entrance fees for guided touring where applicable; services of a professional tour manager while within England; ticket for one theatre performance; tour related gratuities; attendance at 6 or 7 singing opportunities, as indicated or similar.

Payment schedule: $300 with deposit; balance due November 2, 2001 upon receipt of a final invoice.

Cancellation and refund policy: Should cancellation occur prior to 90 days before departure, full refund will be granted less a $50 service charge. In addition to any airline penalties, the following specified costs are non-refundable: 60-89 days — $250; 46-59 days — 50% of tour price; 45 days or less — recoverable costs only (possible forfeiture of entire tour cost). Cancellations must be submitted in writing; the date such notification is received by Seminars International, Inc. is the cancellation date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Exclusions: Items not listed above, including but not limited to meals other than those indicated; beverages except at breakfast; optional entertainment and excursions; excess baggage charges; all personal items, such as telephone calls, laundry expenses, individual room service; insurance (brochure available through Seminars International); non tour related gratuities; departure taxes (except U.S.); passport and visa fees.

Management and responsibility: Seminars International (SI) acts only as an agent and neither SI nor any employee or appointee nor any other person, party or organization or agency collaborating with it is or shall be responsible or liable for any injury or loss, accident or damage, delay or deviation or curtailment, howsoever caused or arising or the consequences thereof, which may occur during any part of the travel or program or during such free time as the members may elect to spend independently on tour. The airlines or commercial carriers concerned are not to be held responsible for any acts, omissions, or events during the time the passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. The passage contracts in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, will constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of this tour and/or passenger.

Deviations policy: Some participants may wish to precede the group, extend their stay, or originate or deplane from different cities. Every effort will be made to assist tour members who require deviations in air and/or land arrangements for a $50 per person service charge, plus any additional costs levied by the airline. Once the deviation has been booked, any changes may incur additional costs. Please remember that you are purchasing a group tour. Thus, any deviation from the tour arrangements will require staff time that is not calculated in the tour price. No refund can be granted to participants who wish to omit portions of the itinerary. All deviation requests must be submitted in writing to avoid any misunderstandings.

*Upon request, Seminars International will assist tour members traveling singly to arrange for a roommate. If no roommate is found, a single supplement will be assessed.

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