We are back!

3 August 2020

If you're anything like us, you will be eager to get back out there and explore the world after months of restrictions and having to stay put. Well, we have finally been able to do just that with our Stonehenge: Inside the Stones study day.

We were delighted to welcome guests back to the Andante experience and even with the new COVID-19 restrictions in place, a memorable time was had by all. One of the attendees told us they felt safe in our company, saying: "Every guest was well catered for, a lot of thought and organising has gone into it. If I am able to do more travels with you, I will be very happy to go along with the current appropriate measures in place."

We have been overwhelmed by the support from guests during this difficult time, so being able to get our trips up and running once again really does mean the world to us because we get to see first hand just how much you enjoy them. So, now that we have returned, why not treat yourself to a place on an upcoming study day to ease yourself back in?

Following our first study day back after the COVID-19 pandemic, we spoke to tour manager Debbie Paton about how the event panned out and she explained it was a different experience, but one that was enjoyed by everyone.

Q. What kind of PPE did you have to wear and how did it impact the experience, if at all?
A. We issued masks and hand sanitiser to all guests. We wore masks when we were on the coach, the shuttle bus and also inside the visitors’ centre at Stonehenge. We didn’t have to wear them all day as we were outside in opens paces most of the time and so wearing them had minimal impact on our experience.

Q. What social distancing measures were in place on the study day?
A. We had a 52 seater coach so there was plenty of space to spread out and maintain a 2m distance. The visitors’ centre at Stonehenge had things very well organised and keeping distance was easy. While we ate our breakfast and lunch, we had lots of room to sit apart from one another and Salisbury Museum opened exclusively for us so there were no other people around.

Q. Do you feel as if guests were able to fully enjoy the Study Day with COVID-19 measures in place?
A. Yes, everyone seemed to enjoy their time and appreciated a day out with others, including us tour staff!

Q. Did everything go as planned? Were there any changes or unexpected situations on the day?
A. Everything went very smoothly, the sites were quiet and the site staff were extremely helpful.

Q. What were the meals like and how did it work?
A. As the weather was kind to us, we ate al fresco and I made up a breakfast and lunch pack for each guest (we visit the stones early in the morning before it is open to the general public). For breakfast, we had yoghurt, banana, cereal bar and a pastry. We also had fruit juice, flasks of hot water and disposable cups for tea and coffee. Lunch was at Salisbury Museum, where they provided picnic tables outside and each guest had a pre-packed meal of freshly made sandwiches, fruit, biscuits, crisps, and individual bottles of wine.