Visit Britain, in conjunction with Britain’s Heritage Cities, proudly presents an adventure designed for the independent and adventurous traveler - The Friendship Tour. Enjoy six nights in the United Kingdom ~ three nights in York and three nights in Durham, both British Heritage Cities. The Friendship Tour is designed for travelers eager to explore Great Britain on their own terms. The package, for the seventh consecutive year, celebrates the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Great Britain and the United States.

High bidders will have one year to take their journey, from May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009. Please note that blackout dates are in effect: between June 1 – October 15 and December 15 – January 2.

Both accommodations and flight are based on availability, so the earlier you make your arrangements, the more options you will have. All travel reservations (air and rail) must be secured by December 19, 2008.

The journey begins on AmericanAirlines® with roundtrip coach air transportation for two to London via one of seven gateway cities in the United States. As official airline sponsor of the Friendship Tour, AmericanAirlines® makes getting to London easy with daily nonstop service from seven US cities:

Boston
Chicago
Los Angeles
Miami
New York
Dallas/Fort Worth
Raleigh/Durham

The round-trip tickets for two on AmericanAirlines® originates from your nearest AA port, connecting to one of the gateway cities above. As example, if you reside in the San Francisco area, airfare is included from San Francisco to Los Angeles to London.

For travelers who wish to extend their United Kingdom stay, AmericanAirlines® will extend the air transportation travel window for up to two weeks on either end of the journey. For instance, a high bidder visiting Britain from March 15-19 can depart the US as early as March 2, and return as late as April 3. All travel must be completed by April 30, 2009.

All federal, state and local taxes will be the responsibility of the traveler, as well as any applicable airport charge and international fees (international airline taxes are estimated at $150/per person).

Once arriving in the United Kingdom, travelers can begin using their first class four day BritRail FlexiPasses. The passes provide unlimited usage for any four days while in country. The Pass - as its name implies -- is totally flexible. You don't need to use the 4 days consecutively (unless you want to). And, you can take as many train trips in one day as you'd like. The BritRail FlexiPass allows you to hop on and off the train at will. The Pass allows unlimited access to over 18,000 daily train departures. High speed trains glide through verdant countryside to over 2500 fascinating destinations in England Scotland and Wales.

High bidders will stay three nights each at the Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County and Holiday Inn York, with breakfast included daily.

Durham's dramatic skyline of mighty castle and awesome cathedral sited high on a peninsula above the River Wear is one of the most stunning panoramas in Europe. So exceptional are the 900 year old castle and cathedral that they were among the very first World Heritage Sites designated in Britain. With the North Pennines to the west and beautiful, unspoilt Heritage Coast in the east, there are plenty of ideas for days out beyond the city.

Situated on the banks of the River Wear, the Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County offers sensational views of England's famous Durham Castle and Cathedral. This upscale hotel, part of which dates back to the 17th century, offers modern amenities while preserving historic charm and exquisite features such as antiques and original prints. The elegantly furnished guest rooms feature a dedicated workspace, mini-bar, hair dryer, adjustable climate control, and high-speed Internet service.

York, voted European Tourism City of the Year 2007, is one of England’s finest and most beautiful historic cities.York is a fashionable city that successfully combines its heritage and superb historic architecture with sophisticated designer shops, smart restaurants, bars and cafes, to attract tourists from all over the world. Within its ancient, encircling walls York’s medieval streets and buildings are beautifully preserved and the historic heart of the city is largely traffic-free, making it quiet, clean and very pleasant to stroll around, day and night. Stonegate and Petergate, York’s two most stylish shopping streets, still run along the same routes as they did 2,000 years ago. The Holiday Inn York Hotel enjoys a prime location overlooking York Race course and is just 1.5 miles from the Historic City Centre of York.

AmericanAirlines® details:

Round-trip, Main Cabin. High bidder and one companion travel on the same itinerary (same departure date, destination and return date).

Airline reservation is booked through PBS.

Blackout dates: June 1 - October 15, 2008; December 15 - January 2, 2009. Travel must be completed by April 30, 2009.

Travel will be via the most direct AmericanAirlines®/American Eagle/AmericanConnection routing.

Tickets issued are non-transferable. You may change flight time and date, but there will be an administrative service charge of $100 per ticket. No changes to origin and destination are allowed.

Passengers are not elegible for AmericanAirlines® AAdvantage mileage credit; no paid or AAdvantage upgrades are allowed.

Any applicable fees and taxes are due upon issuance of tickets. Tickets will be electronic and available for pick-up fourteen days prior to your departure at the airport or at any American Airlines Travel Center.

Hotels observe same blackout dates as AmericanAirlines®. Hotel taxes and gratuities are included.

www.visitbritain.com/friendship
www.aa.com
www.britrail.com
www.holidayinn.co.uk
www.marriott.co.uk
www.heritagecities.com