We were delighted to host this lovely group of Avenue Two travel advisors along with Rocco Forte, Browns Hotel on a London familiarisation trip.

Showcasing our exclusive offerings, the group started the day with a Privately Guided Tour of the Household Cavalry Museum with Nicola Ayrton, Director of the Museum. This pre-opening tour offered a unique ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work that goes into the ceremonial and armoured reconnaissance role of HM The King’s Mounted Bodyguard celebrating the history and accomplishments of The Household Cavalry.

Next up the group were treated to a Privately Guided Tour of the Coliseum Theatre with Jamie Manton, Theatre & Opera Director.

On this special visit they met Jamie Manton, theatre and Olivier nominated opera director and learnt about what goes into putting on a show in London’s largest theatre. In the past, Jamie has met with Dream Escape clients and led masterclasses and backstage tours. For anyone interested in the performing arts this was a fascinating chance to hear what really goes on ‘backstage’!  

To conclude this very special day, the group travelled back in time with a Tour of the Sir John Soanes Museum with a Private Guide. This classic tour of the Museum, transported the group back to Regency London, taking them through Sir John Soane’s extraordinary home, left as it was at the time of his death in 1837. These included the private apartments where Soane lived and slept, giving a fascinating insight into beautiful treasures including paintings by Canaletto and J.M.W. Turner, and a 3,000-year-old sarcophagus of an Egyptian King

Thank-you to our very own London Blue Badge Guide and Client Relationship Manager Sally Strange for looking after this group so well on the day and for Dream Escape Head of Product, Louise Murray for coordinating this special programme. What a fabulous day in fabulous company and summed up in some wonderful feedback below:

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Thank-you for supporting him on this epic journey.

Team story

The Route

Scotland’s answer to America’s famous Route 66 is the North Coast 500 and it has been named as one of the world’s great journeys.  It’s 500 miles bring together the best of the North Highlands in one iconic touring route round the coastal edges of the of the Highlands, delivering never-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland’s finest coastal scenery.

National Geographic publication boasts of the road’s dramatic vistas, climbing cloud-wards, seducing the traveller with viewpoint after viewpoint”.

Thank you  for your kind donations. Please click below to donate;

The North Coast 500 Milers Donation Page

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Our wonderful Head of Operations, Nicola has decided to take on her own challenge in September and take part in Sweatember for Cancer Research UK.  That means 30 days straight of doing some exercise, as Nic, herself says ‘routine for some in this office but not for me…’

This is a cause close to all of our hearts so please donate if you can 😉

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/nicola-takes-on-sweatember-137

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Check out this amazing video of David finishing his Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Challenge, by Bren Whelan at Donegal climbing.

26th September, 2018

He did it!

We are extremely proud to say David has completed his Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Challenge. After 20 days in the saddle he arrived in Muff, Co. Donegal to be welcomed by Holly and a very well deserved bottle of Champagne. David’s epic cycle started at Kinsale, Co. Cork and followed the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way for 2195 km along steep coastal roads, twisting mountain climbs and welcoming towns and villages not forgetting extreme gales and storms. Click on the links below to see photos and videos documenting his journey.

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A huge thank-you to everyone for their support and continuing donations to Breast Cancer Now, Macmillan Cancer Support and 40-tude. Donations are still being accepted until 26th Dec, 2018, so please keep them coming. 

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If you would like to see The Wild Atlantic Way for yourself by chauffeur instead of cycle, please click the link below for our latest inspiring itinerary.

The Wild Atlantic Way

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24th September, 2018

David now has 3 days to go to complete this epic challenge. Monies raised currently stand at an incredible £6780.00 for Breast Cancer Now, 40-tude and Macmillan Cancer Support.

David has battled along the Wild Atlantic Way with its dramatic scenery and eye watering headwinds competing with the best of the Irish weather including Storm Ali. David’s biggest challenge however is that he is doing this as a solo cyclist. Unfortunately the event was cancelled a few weeks before the starting date but David decided to continue the challenge under his own steam, the ultimate in mental and physical endurance.

Please continue to support David and follow his journey on Facebook.

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1st September, 2018

On September 8 – 26^th 2018, Dream Escape’s owner, David Tobin is donning his lycra and embarking on Ireland’s greatest cycling experience, the ‘Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif.’

Dream Escape is expert at designing luxury tailormade trips incorporating this stunning coastal route but this time David will be experiencing the same magnificent route from the saddle.

This 20 day, 2152KM cycle takes in the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way from Kinsale to the Inishowen Peninsula passing through Ireland’s most dramatic coastal scenery. The epic ride incorporates sweeping descents and not so enjoyable climbs, engaging local communities, international athletes and enthusiastic amateurs.

Money raised from David’s venture will be donated to various cancer charities including 40tude 40tude.org.uk – a charity whose focus is to help raise both awareness and vital funds to help cure colon cancer.

Both David and all of us at Dream Escape would be appreciative of any donations you can make.

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On Saturday 16th June, Dream Escape’s Creative Planner, Louise Murray, took part in a Stand Up Paddle Board Marathon in aid of 40tude Curing Colon Cancer. It was the first paddle board of this size and a phenomenal commitment by so many and for such a worthy cause.

Louise’s husband Gav sadly passed away last year to colon cancer so in honour of him, his legacy and to raise awareness of this type of cancer, Louise, together with over 60 of Gav’s friends and family paddle boarded 26 miles along the River Thames in England. Lee Donovan, who owns a paddle board company in the British Virgin Islands, even flew in from the Caribbean, especially for the event, to support Louise and the charity.

Click this link to see a film made about this very emotional day https://youtu.be/mz4VdOwMMHA 

The film, made by Jake Hatt, says it all but please remember to take the message seriously and make sure that you are screened every five years from your mid 40s and remain vigilant however old you are.

For three years, Gav fought a courageous battle and raised an incredible amount of money for the charity, dedicating himself to preventing others from suffering the same fate and leaving a legacy that we can only aspire to.

Louise has raised over £101,000 for 40tude http://40tude.org.uk – a charity whose focus is to help raise both awareness and vital funds to help cure colon cancer. Funds raised will help fund pioneering research projects which are targeted at the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Their focus this year is on the importance of screening, as early awareness is essential to the effective treatment of colon cancer.

Both Louise and everyone at Dream Escape would like to thank everybody who has supported and donated to this worthy cause. It is very much appreciated and if anybody else would like to make any further donations  – please find more information at the following:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/louisemurray1

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