Savor the pleasures of castles and kilts, craggy cliffs and Celtic legends on a glamorous VIP visit to Scotland and London with The Oxford Club. You may have visited London before, but this time you will experience it in true Oxford Club style. Because of the connections we’ve made through years of hobnobbing in London society and business circles, we’re able to open doors to locations not often accessible to the many visitors that travel to the city each year.
Exclusive events and luxurious accommodations combine to make this visit to London truly unforgettable. Then it’s on to the Bonnie North of Great Britain, where you’ll see the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the stunningly beautiful Glencoe coast, and the enchanting lochs of the lush north, where heather-wrapped hills rise up into the mists.
You’ll explore the historic streets of Edinburgh, sip and taste your way through the famed Scotch distilleries, and dine at the country’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants. And when dusk falls, you can stroll through the great halls of your magnificent castle and country house hotels to sit like a “laird” or “lassie” in the drawing rooms, enjoying the camaraderie, conversation, learning and grand living that are hallmarks of all Oxford Club expeditions.
Our time in London will include a special two-day seminar event – an “insider’s look” into the investment implications of Brexit and the strengths and weaknesses of the European investment markets. We will also touch on the best diversification strategies using fine art and rare tangible assets. You’ll learn more about this enjoyable and often-overlooked strategy many are using to combat stagnant global markets and limited economic growth. We’ve gathered some of the very best experts specializing in European markets and more.
The trip will be hosted by Alexander Green, Chief Investment Strategist of The Oxford Club, and Fritz Satran, lifestyle expert and friend of The Oxford Club.
Alex Green is also the Chief Investment Strategist for Investment U and Editor of
The Momentum Alert,
The Insider Alert and
The True Value Alert. The independent
Hulbert Financial Digest has consistently ranked his
Oxford Communiqué as one of the top-performing investment letters in the nation for the last 15 years. Alex is also the author of four national best-sellers:
The Gone Fishin’ Portfolio,
The Secret of Shelter Island,
Beyond Wealth and, most recently,
An Embarrassment of Riches.
Born and raised in Vienna, Fritz Satran founded AESU Travel in 1977 with the idea of increasing global understanding through travel. Over the years, Fritz and his staff have conducted high-end tours around the world for many prestigious groups and universities, including the Johns Hopkins University Trustees, the Baltimore Opera and, of course, The Oxford Club. Driven by a belief in the idea of travel with a purpose, Fritz specializes in creating unique and flawlessly executed travel experiences.
DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4
ARRIVE IN LONDON
This VIP Oxford Club investment and travel program begins when you arrive in London today. Private transport will be provided from Heathrow or Gatwick airport to the five-star Grosvenor House Hotel. Located on Park Lane in Mayfair, this excellently situated landmark hotel is perfect for visiting Hyde Park, seeing Buckingham Palace, shopping on Oxford Street, and experiencing West End glamour. Opened in 1929 and frequented by royalty and celebrities, the historic Grosvenor House and its luxurious guest rooms are a London institution.
Tonight you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner in one of the hotel’s private rooms, showcasing true Mayfair luxury, classical proportions and artwork to match. This intimate dining venue is the perfect location to greet old friends, meet new ones and begin our time together.
Included: breakfast, cocktails and dinner
4 nights at the Grosvenor House Hotel
DAY 2: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5
LONDON HALF-DAY SEMINAR * THAMES RIVER CRUISE * AUCTION HOUSE VISIT * FREE EVENING
This morning you will enjoy our first half-day financial workshop.
After the seminar, you’ll enjoy a leisurely afternoon lunch cruise aboard the M.V. Edwardian on the Thames River. Gain a new perspective on London’s iconic landmarks as you glide peacefully along the river.
After disembarking, you’ll be able to choose your next activity. You could decide to join a small group going to one of London’s famous auction houses. Who knows what art or collectibles might be on offer? Our local experts will lead another group on a shopping expedition in fashionable Knightsbridge. Another group will head for an undiscovered gem, the Courtauld Gallery, which houses an amazing collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, yet is rarely visited by tourists.
The evening is free for you to enjoy one of London’s many fabulous restaurants or take in a West End theater show.
Included: breakfast and lunch
DAY 3: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6
LONDON HALF-DAY SEMINAR * MUSEUM VISITS * CONCERT * SMALL GROUP DINING
This morning, sit down in the Grosvenor’s meeting room with London’s top experts from the worlds of art and finance. You’ll enjoy lunch with them before departing from the hotel for an afternoon of sightseeing and museum visits.
This afternoon, we’ll visit one of the world’s foremost art collections at the National Gallery. Our private tour will provide insights into some of the amazing works of art that are housed here, which include paintings by da Vinci, Titian and Van Gogh.
Then we’ll continue to the Royal Academy of Arts. The Royal Academy is unique in that it is entirely artist-led, and it exists to promote not only the appreciation of art, but also its practice. During our visit, exhibitions of works by Jasper Johns and Henri Matisse are scheduled. The afternoon concludes with a lovely walk through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London on our way back to the hotel.
This evening, another special experience awaits - a concert by candlelight at St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Then we’ll split up into smaller groups for dinner at some of Fritz’s favorite local pubs. The small group setting will give us a chance to get to know our fellow travelers and truly soak up the distinctive atmosphere of London’s historic pubs.
Included: breakfast and dinner
DAY 4: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
BESPOKE TOURING IN LONDON * TATE GALLERY GALA EVENT
Today, you’re free to do as you wish or come along on one of our special excursions. We’ll break into smaller groups to tour galleries and local markets with a destination expert. You could even have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Harrod’s Department Store before it opens to the public. Return to the hotel this afternoon to get ready for the night ahead.
This evening, you’ll be treated to a very special event - a VIP gala at the Tate Gallery. No art lover should visit London without seeing the Tate, which houses the national collection of British art from the year 1500 to the present day. We will have an experience offered to only a select few visitors - a private after-hours visit and behind-the-scenes tour.
This will be followed by a gala dinner in the stunning Gallery 9, full of Victorian glamour and spectacular works of art. You will dine surrounded by pieces by the likes of Rossetti, Millais and Turner, including the iconic Ophelia. This incredible setting is the scene of an unforgettable evening.
Included: breakfast and dinner
DAY 5: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8
LONDON TO INVERNESS
This morning, you’ll head to the airport for an easy 90-minute flight north to Inverness, Scotland.
Inverness lies at the north end of the Great Glen, where the River Ness flows into the Moray Firth on the country's east coast. Known as “the capital of the Highlands,” Inverness has been a focal point for all travel, trade and communication through the Highlands for hundreds of years. Inverness is believed to have been founded by King David in the 12th century. It is known that successive forts and castles were built in the area around that time.
Once in Inverness, you’ll notice a ring of mansions and fine houses, which were built in the 18th century for wealthy families from all over the Highlands so they could settle and enjoy the balls, assemblies and pleasures found in a metropolitan city. The finest of these country houses still survives: Culloden House, an exquisite Georgian mansion set in open parkland.
Early on, various owners claimed Culloden as their home, from the family of the first Stuart King, Robert II, to the chieftain of the Mackintosh Clan. Luckily for us, this afternoon we’ll be checking into this storied home, now a marvelous historic hotel! Each of the luxurious Culloden House’s 28 elegant rooms is individually styled with unique charms.
The splendid chambers are lavishly furnished, with wood furniture and luxurious bedding. Many boast delightful features such as crystal chandeliers and marble fireplaces. The spacious rooms combine romantic luxury with modern comforts and facilities, including digital TVs, suit presses and hairdryers, turndown service and newspapers. Our group will enjoy exclusive use of the Culloden House during our stay.
On arrival, we’ll enjoy an early afternoon tea - including sandwiches, mini scones, meringues, chocolate-dipped strawberries and other delights - giving us time to explore the hotel’s grounds and its hallowed halls. This evening, pre-dinner cocktails and a superb meal in the historic dining room await us.
Included: breakfast, tea and dinner
2 nights at the Culloden House
DAY 6: MONDAY, OCTOBER 9
LOCH NESS * WHISKEY TASTING
Loch Ness is simply overflowing with fascinating myths, turbulent history, and tales of a legendary monster. No visit to the Scottish Highlands is complete without an in-depth look at this world-famous site.
This morning, we’ll take a cruise of discovery as we soak up the beautiful scenery, historic monuments and intriguing tales surrounding Scotland’s mysterious monster. We’ll be treated to the breathtaking vista of Loch Ness in all its natural wonder. Sit back with a drink as we cruise past ancient Urquhart Castle, built on a rocky promontory and commanding a view from Inverness to Fort Augustus. The site has traces of Iron Age habitation as early as the sixth century. We’ll also see the Caledonian Canal in the heart of Scotland’s Great Glen.
Post-cruise, we’ll enjoy lunch at a rustic seaside restaurant in Lossiemouth, followed by a Speyside whiskey distillery tour – a must for all visitors to Scotland! We’ll taste an array of sensational whiskeys and discover the aromas and flavors of one of Scotland's most well-known assets.
This evening, we’ll dine together at a local restaurant.
Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10
DRIVE TO GLENEAGLES
This morning, we’ll leave Inverness and travel through glorious countryside en route to Glencoe southwest along the rugged coast. The notorious massacre of the MacDonald Clan was carried out amidst this beautiful and dramatic scenery on February 13, 1692. You may recognize this part of the Highlands, which was used in the movies
Skyfall and
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Afterwards, we’ll pass through the wilderness of Rannoch Moor as we travel east through the heart of Scotland to Gleneagles.
We’ll stop for lunch in the middle of the Scottish Highlands before arriving at the famous Gleneagles Hotel.
One of the country’s most illustrious lodgings, this premier hotel is a magnificent French-style chateau set amid gently rolling hills in the heart of Scotland. Established in 1924, the hotel was soon acclaimed “the palace in the glens,” and it continues to attract those in search of rest, relaxation and exhilaration. Unwind in one of the 26 sumptuous luxury suites reserved for Oxford Club Members before sitting down for dinner at Scotland’s sole Michelin two-starred restaurant, Andrew Fairlie.
Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
2 nights at the Gleneagles Hotel
DAY 8: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
ST ANDREWS EXCURSION
Today we’ll enjoy a visit to St Andrews, where we’ll have a chance to walk the Old Course, not far from the beaches that were made famous by the movie
Chariots of Fire. Even if you’re not a golfer, it’s a rare treat to be able to stand on the green and envision the masters playing at one of the world’s most revered courses. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch overlooking the Old Course and will have a bit of free time to shop in the charming town of St Andrews. This evening, we’ll dine again in one of Gleneagles’ spectacular venues.
Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 9: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
DRIVE TO EDINBURGH * CITY TOUR
After breakfast, we’ll leave Gleneagles and travel south through the Scottish countryside to the nation’s lively capital, Edinburgh. Upon arrival, we’ll immerse ourselves in the cosmopolitan feel of the city, soaking in its storied and colorful past with the aid of a local historian and scholar. The morning’s tour will include visits to the stately Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official home when she visits Edinburgh.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll check in to the five-star Balmoral Hotel, ideally situated in the center of town. This neo-Renaissance building with its massive clock tower has been an Edinburgh landmark for more than a century. With elegant bedrooms, over-the-top marble bathrooms and a modern spa, gym and swimming pool, this is a true 21st-century version of a grand hotel.
There will be time to freshen up from the day’s travel, and then this evening we’ll dine off-property at a local favorite.
Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
2 nights at the Balmoral Hotel
DAY 10: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13
MORNING SEMINAR * EVENING GALA EVENT
We will be meeting for lunch at some local favorites and then the afternoon is free for you to explore Edinburgh on your own before this evening’s signature farewell gala.
With classic Oxford Club style and grace, we’ll enjoy a fitting send-off from Scotland at Hopetoun House. Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun, known as Scotland’s finest stately home, is a place of beauty, tranquility and architectural magnificence dating from the 17th century. It has been home to the Hope family since the late 1600s. The present Lord Hopetoun and his family still reside here.
As you approach Hopetoun House, the impressive panoramic view of the main facade is breathtakingly revealed. Designed by William Bruce and then altered and extended by William Adam, Hopetoun House is one of the finest examples of 18th-century architecture in the UK. The magnificent interiors, which have remained virtually unchanged for three centuries, reflect the elegance of the Georgian era and are decorated with the best period furniture, paintings, tapestries and clocks, with beautifully crafted finishes of carving, gilding and plaster work.
It’s in this magical setting that we’ll enjoy a final gourmet dinner together, along with a splendid Scottish farewell. We’ll reflect on fond memories of our time together and make plans to travel together again soon!
Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14
DEPART FROM EDINBURGH
Bid a reluctant farewell to Scotland this morning as you head to the airport for your flight back home.
Included: breakfast
How to Secure Your Spot in This VIP Travel Adventure
As you can imagine, this privileged visit to Scotland and England will be a sellout... and, in fact, it is limited to just 40 travelers. To secure your spot, please contact Karoline Bowman at AESU Travel immediately at 800.638.7640, ext. 113, 410.366.5494, ext. 113 or email her at
karoline@aesu.com. She’s happy to assist you with your international flights as well.
The cost of the tour is $11,260 per person, with a $300 discount for Chairman’s Circle Members. The single room supplement is $2,998. Included are 10 nights’ accommodation in five-star deluxe hotels; breakfast, lunch and dinner, including beer and wine as described in the itinerary; sightseeing in each location as described in the itinerary; cocktail receptions and special events in each city; and three financial seminars led by hand-picked experts.
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Sincerely,
Steven King
Event Director, The Oxford Club
P.S. For us to maintain the exclusive nature of this event, space is limited. That's why I urge you to register as soon as possible. Simply contact Karoline Bowman by phone at 800.638.7640, ext. 113, 410.366.5494 OR by email at
karoline@aesu.com to reserve your spot today.
