Step into the Downton Abbey world with this special vacation experience

Would you like to step into the Downton Abbey English country life? While the Queen might not be visiting, you will be treated royally.

As excitement builds around the Downton Abbey movie premiere, fans want to step into that authentic experience. Although people cannot travel back in time, the Highclere Castle has opened its doors and allowed guests to experience a glimpse into this royal world. Now, Viking is offering guests a broader way to explore the English countryside.

Beginning in 2021, Viking is added a new Pre/Post Cruise Extension, Great Homes, Gardens & Gin. This new experience immerses guests into the English way of life and gives Downton Abbey fans more opportunity to step into that iconic world.

For many fans, the highly acclaimed series proved to be quite fascinating. Although it’s set in a different era, fans have clamored for the opportunity to step into that world. Since Highclere Castle, the filming location, is a real castle, fans have turned to Viking Cruises for the opportunity to bask in those television moments.

Viking Cruises has been linked to Downton Abbey, and this new travel experience continues that partnership. Through a partnership with Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, of Highclere Castle, Viking showcases their excellence in providing local life excursions.

These side trips bring real, authentic flavor to any travel experience. While fans look to bring their favorite shows to reality, these type of excursions find the balance between real life and fantasy. Although guests may not be royal, they can feel as if they’ve stepped into the royal world.

Looking at this newest Viking trip extension, this experience is more than just exploring Highclere Castle. The trip gives a glimpse into British life, which is what fans really want to see. Anyone can visit a castle, but only Viking can curate a true British experience.

Where some vacation experiences are like stepping into a fantasy world, this trip is real. The castles are real homes, with real people. Although the television show and movie are fiction, the connection to the English country side is tangible.

Guests step into that English country life. As guests stroll the gardens of Chavenage House in the Cotswolds, they can imagine the conversations that Prince Charles has with his sons and grandchildren. Sure, Meghan and Harry won’t be behind the shrubbery, but guests can say that they have walked the same paths as royalty.

This type of vacation moment is what makes Viking and its cruises unique. Each aspect of a trip immerses the guest into something real. It isn’t the theme park version of reality; it is an extension of the show come to life.

Looking at other aspects of this new Great Homes, Gardens & Gin trip, guests can sip on the new Highclere Castle Gin, which is inspired by the castle’s gardens. Gin is a popular British spirit. Although a gin and tonic might not be your preferred cocktail, a sip of this liquor can give you a glimpse into that English country life.

For fans who want to bring those characters and moments off the screen and into the real world, this Viking Downton Abbey trip is a wonderful option. In addition, these real-life excursions could bring a better understanding of not only the show but also the real world that inspired it. Maybe it could even grow a great appreciation for that world.

The Great Homes, Gardens & Gin cruise excursion by Viking Cruises will be available starting in 2021. Cost for this trip varies depending on booking dates. It is a pre/post cruise extension on Viking’s Rhine Getaway river cruise itinerary and British Isles Explorer ocean cruise itinerary.

Would you want to book this Downton Abbey experience? What other travel experiences would you like to come off the screen and into the real world?