Almost half of our guests who sail with us choose to extend their river or ocean journeys with a land-based pre or post program of a few days in the UK. We offer several specially curated extensions, a few of which I'd like to share with you today, since they include privileged access to some very special friends' ancestral homes. These are small group experiences to places that are otherwise quite hard to visit on your own. And we'll start with our original and unique Oxford and Highclere Castle extension.
Beyond London's hustle and bustle is a fascinating part of Great Britain few know well—a land of verdant green hills, villages carved of stone, spectacular palaces, and remarkable castles, including one which has garnered international fame. Welcome to Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey. Come on in.
The library, familiar to television audiences as Lord Grantham's private study, is an immaculate home for more than 5,000 books. One of the most fun things in this room is its secret door, leading to my favorite room in the castle, known as the Music Room. Its walls are adorned with 16th-century Italian embroidery. And who could forget the infamous bedroom where scenes with the Turkish diplomat who met his untimely end were filmed? Also familiar from the series are the spectacular saloon and the elegant drawing room.
With privileged access to Highclere Castle, Viking offers a special experience here. Every room, every display speaks to this castle's fascinating past. No room more surprising than the Egyptian exhibit, which includes numerous artifacts and a priceless sarcophagus. It's from about 3,500 years ago or so. The collection is from the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, who together with Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tut.
An impressive grand palace experience unfolds before you at Blenheim Palace, where you can immerse yourself in room after room of priceless treasures. This immaculate UNESCO World Heritage site was the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of one of the most recognized leaders of our time. This is the room at Blenheim Palace where Winston Churchill was born, and over here we have his baby vest—a tiny vest for a great man.
