Viking Cruises

F E AT U R E 1-800-2-VIKING 23 HIGHCLERE BOOK S Each time I begin to write a new book, the one phrase which is always in my mind, and which I think sums up so much about Highclere, is "a sense of place." From the beautiful setting of the parkland, to the sense of order imposed by 1,300 years of history, through the works of art as well as the architecture of the actual building, this is what encapsulates the unique nature of Highclere's history. My first foray into authorship, Lady Almina, looked at the First World War and the extraordinary couple who lived here — the 5th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon — whilst its sequel, Lady Catherine, continued the story up to 1945. My next book, At Home at Highclere, allowed me to share beautiful photographs, accounts of historic weekends and our favorite castle recipes. Now my latest book, Christmas at Highclere, sees us all back home from our journeys, sharing traditions, recipes and stories through the centuries, honoring old memories, and building new ones. He crossed the Atlantic, sailed the Mediterranean and even ventured to the Indian Ocean. However, in later years, following a number of near fatal car crashes, he was advised to avoid the damp British winter months and so began a passion and love for Egypt, its land, its people and its ancient history which lasted for the remainder of his life. In 1906 he applied for a concession to excavate and in 1909 was introduced to Howard Carter, immediately offering him a job. From there they developed a lifelong friendship and Carnarvon even built Carter a house, "Castle Carter," near the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt. Lord Carnarvon surrounded himself with the best scholars and research assistants, publishing his work and attracting scholarly contributions from a group of respected Egyptologists. e story of the discovery of the "Boy King's" tomb is well known. It was one of triumph, treasure and then of personal tragedy. e 5th Earl died in Cairo shortly after the discovery, which has led to theories about the curse of the pharaohs. us today, Highclere not only welcomes visitors to the castle and gardens but also to the Egyptian exhibition located, rather atmospherically, in the cellars below the castle. After the death of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, the majority of his collection of Egyptian antiquities was sold to pay death duties and is now owned by New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. A small part, however, remains at Highclere. e exhibition takes you on a journey to explore the world-famous story and includes recreations of the tomb as well as original artifacts. Above all, Highclere is a much- loved family home as well as an iconic historic house. It can testify to so many different stories and has welcomed visitors from royalty to statesmen alongside figures from the world of music, literature and, of course, film. Left to right: Lady Carnarvon and Karine Hagen with their Labradors; the elegant Library at Highclere Castle Go online: Experience virtual Privileged Access to Highclere Castle at Viking.TV Experience Highclere Castle with a 3 or 4 night extension in the English countryside to your next river or ocean voyage. 4 Nights – Great Homes, Gardens & Gin Get a flavour of English nobility and experience an exclusive look at several country estates including Highclere Castle. While at the castle, taste the Highclere Castle Gin, inspired by botanicals from the castle's gardens. Discover the histories behind the families of Broughton Castle and Chavenage House, plus admire the idyllic gardens at Highgrove House, home of the Prince of Wales. 3 Night Oxford & Highclere Castle Extension Spend three days in the picturesque Hampshire countryside. Explore the historic University of Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. And enjoy an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle. Be welcomed with a cup of tea and then enjoy a privileged access tour of the castle's public rooms, including the magnificent main hall, dining room, drawing room and sitting rooms. Go online: Experience virtual Privileged Access to Highclere Castle at Viking.TV viking.com 13

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