RICHARD ANSWERS SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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How do you design and price a particular visit experience?

First comes a conversation with you, either on the phone or preferably face-time or Skype, where I seek to understand better your particular interests, talk through some suggestions, and as necessary research further possible elements to the program. Once you’re happy, you’ll be sent a complete and detailed schedule, together with costs. Preparations for the day itself only start once you’ve formally accepted the proposals.

How long does all this preparation take?

Naturally it depends on the type, number and complexity of program elements, and how quickly you’re completely satisfied with them all. From first conversation to the day itself can take anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. 

What are your costs?

These are entirely dependent on the day’s program. The base price for one individual would normally be between £1,250 - £1,750 depending on the package elements. Extra guests can be added, usually at reduced cost per person. Special extra options requested, such as a private motor launch or photographer, would raise costs further. More details available on request. 

For how wide a scope of interests do you cater?

In theory, as wide as it’s possible to get. In practice, the only constraint would be where it proves impossible to identify or find sufficient possible visit experiences to make a first class day.

How long does all this preparation take?

Naturally it depends on the type, number and complexity of program elements, and how quickly you’re completely satisfied with them. From first conversation to the day itself can take anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. 

What about transport during the day?

Unless otherwise requested, all travel during the day, including pick up and drop off, will be by a chauffeur driven Tesla Model 3 (Performance).  Chauffeur driven Rolls Royce or Bentley can also be arranged if requested but will be for a premium added cost.

To what extent do you take part in the day itself?

I will be with you throughout in the background, ensuring a seamless transition between program elements as the day continues and attending to any further matters that arise during the visit. I will be more visible when conducting specialist tour elements as agreed beforehand. I can also join guests for lunch if that is what they wish in order to talk about the Guide Michelin, to give the history of various dishes, or to discuss aspects of global customs and etiquette when dining or having tea. Of course I also understand some guests will prefer to be on their own a bit. Here, we simply take you to the location, agree a rendezvous point and pick up time for taking you on to the next program element. Whatever, I don’t go home until you’ve gone home! 

What about shopping items? Do I have to carry them around during the day?

Absolutely not. You’ll be free to leave your shopping in our chauffeur-driven car, to be delivered, along with yourselves, back to your eventual destination at the end of the day.

Can you supply a photographer?

Yes. A photographer can be with you for some or all of the day, for visit locations and if you wish, producing an album of the results. 

Would a river cruise on the Thames as all or part of a day be by public or private transport?

Either, according to preference. Some public river transport is, these days quite comfortable and speedy. Private boat offers a more luxurious alternative and is easy to arrange, but it does of course carry an extra cost.

Is there a dress code for the day?

Smart casual is likely to fit in best with the visit locations, especially if the day includes a visit to a high-end restaurant. The Ritz hotel dining room, for example, requires all male guests to wear a tie and jacket. We cover all these details when discussing the day’s elements.

Are there any price restrictions on what we eat and drink at planned breakfast, lunch and tea stops?

While planning the day we discuss food preferences, and any allergies. I will then agree with the restaurant/s concerned some sample menus based on our conversations, with items of a quality entirely consistent with that of the restaurant’s regular fare, to chat through with you. From these you can make your choices in advance. The cost of these is included in the program price.

And drinks? Are they included in the price?

Soft drinks and a glass of champagne at each meal are included. Other drinks need to be paid for by the clients at the time.

Do you offer programs that are geographically more remote from London than the Home Counties?

For the moment, no. As time goes on the hope is that this will become possible.hitepapers, media mentions and other pieces of content that don’t fit into a shorter, more succinct space.