Private group visit at Highclere Castle.

This summer, members of the Carnegie Patrons Circle enjoyed a trip to England with former Carnegie Museum of Art chief curator Sarah Nichols. The itinerary included a visit to West Wycombe with estate owner Sir Edward Dashwood, and a tour of Althorp, the childhood home of the late Lady Diana Spencer. The focus of the trip was the real-life venues used for filming the popular PBS series, Downton Abbey, including a private tour of Highclere Castle and a meeting with the Countess of Carnarvon. Travelers were also treated to a tea party at Byfleet Manor, which viewers recognize as the home of the Dowager Countess, played by Maggie Smith. Other visits of interest were Ditchely Estate, Kirby House, and Blenheim Palace. The group stayed at Cliveden House, former home of Nancy Astor and site of the infamous “Profumo affair.” The Carnegie trip included wonderful Michelin-starred restaurants and finished in London at The Ritz Hotel in Mayfair, with a private visit to Apsley House and a Noel Coward review.

Travelers enjoying a champagne cruise on the River Thames aboard Cliveden’s Suzy Ann launch.

“The trip was so well planned and the itinerary was extraordinary— meeting a Lord and a Countess included,” says Jamie Blatter and Donald Di Pietro. “All of the restaurants were wonderful and we loved our accommodations at Cliveden in the countryside and The Ritz in London. Everything was top-notch. We will definitely plan another trip with Carnegie Museums.”

Carnegie Museums Travel Program 2015 Trips

Whether it’s a weekend in Philadelphia or a week in Venice, a trip with Carnegie Museums provides opportunities for memorable discovery rarely found in conventional travel. Consider a 2015 trip today! For more information on any of the trips, call Barbara Tucker at 412.578.2618.

Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show
February 13-16

Costa Rica's Natural Treasures
March 21-28

A Moroccan Palette: Arts from Tangier to Marrakech
April 16-26
optional extension to the Sahara, April 26-29

Havana Art Biennial with Arts & Architecture in Trinidad and Cienfuegos
May 22-30

Sailing the Mediterranean in the Age of Odysseus aboard Sea Cloud
June 27-July 5
optional prelude to Istanbul, June 24-28
and/or postlude to Athens, July 5-8

French Riviera and Provence: Fine Art, Gardens, and Villas with Lulu Lippincott
September 26-October 4
optional prelude to St. Tropez, September 24-27
and/or postlude to Monaco, October 4-6