MHT - F.A.Q.

For how many years has the Tour been going on?

2012 marks our 30th annual consecutive travel package to the "holyland" (for Beatles fans, that is) - Liverpool. We've been doing it longer (and better) than any other tour company in the world.

Can you give us some background on the Tour?

In 1980, we founded the international Beatles magazine "Good Day Sunshine." Prior to that we started hosting Beatles Conventions and fan events throughout North America.
A few years later, we went to Liverpool as tourists and loved the city so much we started hosting full-blown tour packages by promoting them at conventions and through the magazine "Good Day Sunshine" and in the pages of other fanzines. As the years went on, we stopped doing the conventions and the magazine, but the tours were always fun and an excuse to take a vacation. Our "Magical History Tour" became bigger and better every year, with the help of Liverpool's foremost tourguides, Cavern City Tours. Through the contacts we have established over the years, our Magical History Tour gets into places and does things that fans just could never do on their own, or couldn't do on any other tours. In fact, it was thanks to these tours that fans got the opportunity to meet Paul and Linda (and members of his last band), George, Ringo, George Martin, Pete Best, Cynthia Lennon, Julian Lennon, Allan Williams, Bob Wooler, Mike McCartney, Bill Harry, Alf Bicknell, Alistair Taylor, Gerry Marsden, Billy J. Kramer, the members of Wings (including Denny Laine, Steve Holly, Laurence Juber) and successive McCartney bandmembers (including Hamish Stuart, Robbie McIntosh, Wix, Abe Laboriel, Jr, Rusty Anderson), The Rutles, John's sister Julia Baird, Ringo's late step-dad Harry, John Lennon's Uncle Charlie, Mark Lewisohn, Ray Coleman, Joey (Badfinger) Molland, members of The Searchers and just about every person ever related or associated with the Beatles.

When is the next tour going to take place?

August 19 to August 29, 2012, where we not only go to Liverpool and London, but also Henley (George's home) and for the first time Manchester in celebration of The Beatles 50th Anniversary Manchester. Since so many people have such a great time on the Magical History Tour that they go multiple times, we always try to add something new and special for the repeat travelers. We listen to what the fans say, and will be returning to Scotland, Amsterdam and Hamburg in future years outside of England.

Why August?

That is when Liverpool puts on International Beatle Week (including the International Mersey Beatles Convention and the Mathew Street Festival). There are thousands upon thousands of fans and followers from all over the world at this time. It's also the time of year when most people can take vacations, and it's when England has the nicest weather.

How long does the trip last?

The trip itself lasts at least 11 BEATLEful days, but the memories of the unforgettable experiences in Britain with fellow fans last a lifetime. Of course, fans may go for less days if they wish.

What sights do travelers see while on the Magical History Tour?

We could go literally go on forever with this subject. The better question might be "what don't we see?" In London, we start very traditionally by going to some of the historic must-see sights such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminister Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, London Bridge, Tower of London, Carnaby Street, etc. Then we do a comprehensive rock 'n roll tour of London. That includes every imaginable Beatles landmark. Highlights of our time in London have included our exclusive "Twist & Shout" Dance Party at the original Hard Rock Cafe plus we've done actual recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios 2, where the Beatles recorded nearly all their classics. Of course, we all take turns crossing Abbey Road the way the Beatles did on their album cover, and even sign the Abbey Road outer walls. Other sites in London include MPL (McCartney's offices), EMI (record label), the Palladium (where the Beatles performed before royalty), their London homes, and assorted places where they filmed scenes from their movies and promo videos, including locales from "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" But the real treat is Liverpool, which we often enter via a "Ferry Cross The Mersey." Once in the Fab Four's birthplace, we see every place that any Beatle fan ever dreamed of - locations that we've only read about in books, heard about in song lyrics or seen in pictures or on postcards. We see all the lad's homes, schools, early hang-outs, clubs & pubs. We've experienced a British garden festival at Strawberry Field, and rocked out to Beatle bands at the Penny Lane Festival. We dance the night away at the world-famous Cavern Club, take fully-guided bus tours to every nook and cranny of the Beatles' history in the city. We see the lyrics of Penny Lane literally come to life before our eyes. We go on shopping sprees at both the Beatles Shop & the Hard Day's Night gallery souvenir collectors stores. We spend a day at the International Mersey Beatles Convention with fellow fans from all around the world, and we enjoy Beatles bands from "across the universe" at the Mathew Street Music Festival. We are in the audience for full concerts in venues such as the Liverpool Empire, the Royal Court Theatre, the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and in auditoriums such as LIPA (The Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts), Paul's "Fame" school. We bid on the rarest momentos of memorabilia at the Liverpool Beatles Auction and sometimes even ride the yellow Magical Mystery Tour bus. We party in clubs and have late-night sing-alongs in our hotel. Additionally, every year we do special things and get into places in both cities that nobody could ever do on their own, or on any other tour!

Is there an age requirement?

No. Fans from ages 8 to 80 have joined us. We have couples, families with children and single travelers go. Nowadays we have three generations of fans take the tour together, and grandparents are even bringing along the grandchildren. The tour is open to, and is ideal for, all ages. Solo travelers could be room-shared with fellow solo travelers, or opt for single room accommodations

What does the trip include? How much does each ticket sell for?

The bigger question is what doesn't it include?! There are no tickets to pay for. All show tickets, admissions, entrances, excursions, events, etc. that we advertise are included in the total package price. There are no extra costs or hidden expenses for events, shows, concerts, attractions. Round-trip airfare and all transfers/land transportation are included. Deluxe hotel accommodations are included (including room-shares for fans traveling alone). Even breakfasts in Liverpool are part of the package. Dinners are not included. In fact, if someone doesn't eat or buy souvenirs, they could leave their money home! Airline departure taxes, fuel/security surcharges are extra.

This is my first time flying overseas. What should I know?

First of all, know that you are in good hands of not only professional tour operators, but also fellow fans. We have been doing these tours for nearly 30 years, and we are always there for you. We will answer any questions, and put you in the best possible comfort zone. Your enjoyment, satisfaction and safety is our primary responsibility. Know also, that you are going to have the time of your life, and we will try to make all your dreams come true.
You will need a passport, but you do not need a travel visa or any vaccinations.
We usually have groups flying out of NY, LA and Chicago, but we could add other departure cities if there's enough of a demand. We have a host (tour guide) in each city who greets you at the main departure airport, gives you a laminated "backstage pass" ID name badge along with a warm welcome (and, on most tours, usually a goodie bag with travel gifts) and assures you a smooth check-in. Know that you are not the only person flying for the first time, and know that you will make friends right off the bat at the airport (we all have the love of The Beatles in common) before we even take off.

Will I ever be alone?

Not unless you want to be. There's nothing more fun than a group tour, and you will always be with your fellow tour members unless you opt to break away on your own (this is something that past travelers sometimes do). Our Magical History Tour is a professionally guided fully escorted travel vacation, so your tour hosts will be with you, and in some cases, other tour guides and special guests will also host along the way. In fact, on some tours, we have had special guest hosts such as John Lennon's sister Julia Baird!

Could I get in touch with people going on the tour - before the tour - so I feel more comfortable knowing other travelers in advance?

Definitely. We welcome the opportunity to introduce you (by mail, email or phone) to other tour members in advance of the trip. In respect of everyone's privacy, we won't give out any personal contact information, but we'll act as the go-between to arrange communications with both parties' approval and permission.

Could I get in touch with people who've gone on the tour in the past? Could I get referrals?

Yes, we'd love nothing more than to arrange for you to contact past travelers, because they are our best form of advertisement. Just let us know, and we could put you in touch with any one (or more) of hundreds of Magical History Tour alumni who will gladly answer any questions you may have about their past trip(s). In fact, we have an online meeting group where past-present-future travelers can discuss elements of the tour.

What if I want to fly on my own or just join the group in Liverpool (or for a smaller portion of the tour)?

Every year there are people who take the "land package" (where they arrange their own airfare) or select fewer days to vacation on our Magical History Tour. We have travelers who skip the first city, others who pass on London, and a few who even go to Liverpool for less days. The full tour is the best way to enjoy and get the most out of the entire experience, but we will gladly customize the trip as per your personal travel specifications.

How far in advance do reservations have to be made?

There are some Magical History Tour travelers who book over a year in advance, but most send in their reservations between December-July. The tour is almost always sold out by July 1st.

How do I pay for the tour? Is full payment due when I book my space?

We make this as easy as possible. Along with the completed reservation form, travelers send a down-payment and don't have to pay the balance in full until 60 days before departure. We will gladly accept payment in full earlier than that, or arrange payment installments if that's more convenient, but more people love being able to put down the smaller deposit and then not pay the remainder until we get closer to the tour.
We accept personal checks, money orders, bank wire transfers and also online payment through PayPal, but we can also accept Visa and MasterCard under certain circumstances. Please inquire.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Yes. We recommend a company that has proven to offer the very best coverage at the most reasonable rates. We include a complimentary brochure with every reservation, or request.

Do you offer group discounts or commissions to travel agents?

Yes to both questions. Contact us directly for further information.

For any questions we have not yet answered here,
please don't hesitate to call us
toll-free at (866) L-I-V-E-R-P-O-O-L
(direct line is 203-795-4737),
e-mail us at LiverpoolTours@aol.com,
fax us at (203) 891-8433
or write to us
(Liverpool Productions, 315 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT 06477).
We will be more than happy to answer any inquiries you may have, and we look forward to hosting
your travel adventure. You'll have the time of your life.

Liverpool Productions
315 Derby Avenue, Orange, CT 06477 USA
Phone: (203) 795-4737
Fax: (203) 891-8433
Toll-Free: (866) L-I-V-E-R-P-O-O-L
Email: LiverpoolTours@aol.com
or
LiverpoolTours@earthlink.net