Guide in England

I was taken on a private tour of cathedrals and monastic sites in northern England by Michael Boote of English Country Holidays (West View Cottage, Town St., Sutton-cum-Lound, Retford, DN228PT, England; visit www.merviel.com). My tour took place July 6-11, ’04, and cost $2,600. I was traveling alone. For two or more people, it would have cost appreciably less per individual.

I learned about Michael from The MART section in ITN. He proved to be a delightful, well-informed guide and expeditiously took me to every location I had indicated I wished to see plus a few others, to boot.

Mr. Boote picked me up at Gatwick Airport and delivered me to Cambridge University, where I was to take a summer course in medieval history.

We went to a number of cathedrals in northern England, including Durham, York Minster, Ripon and Lincoln. We also went to see several ruined abbeys, most notably Fountains and Riveaux. He introduced me to several very interesting old churches that I was unaware of.

In addition, the accommodations he obtained for me were excellent. I intend to employ his services in the future and unhesitatingly recommend him to ITN readers.

JOHN K. MEINERT
Rio Verde, AZ