Spend Christmas at Downton Abbey! Well, officially it's Highclere, the historic manse that is the setting for the hit PBS television series, but that in no way diminishes the appeal of a holiday dance at a castle, no less.
Virgin Atlantic and Maryland Public Television have teamed up to offer a December vacation package to London that includes seasonal festivities at Highclere Castle.
Travelers will visit the 1,000-acre estate in Hampshire, England, and enjoy a three-course dinner served in the manor's library and a Christmas Season Ball featuring a professional chorus singing carols in a room decorated with a 17-foot Christmas tree.
In addition, the tour includes visits to Christchurch College, Bampton Village, Hampton Court, Tower of London and The London Eye.
The package price starts at $2,999 and includes round-trip flight from Dulles to London, airline taxes, five nights' accommodations (two nights in Bracknell and three nights in London), six meals, mostly breakfast but also one dinner, sightseeing motor coach and a tour manager.
The trip takes place Dec. 11, just ahead of the popular drama's season premiere in January.
Package must be booked by Aug. 23. Space is limited. Book online at mpt.virgin-vacations.com
or call 855-552-8580.