www.beatletour.com

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• Hi Tony , this trip has got to be one of the most exciting trips I've ever experienced. Your planning and advise included in the Survival Guide was unsurpassed. 
  The food and service was great at the Hard Rock Cafe , but there was some confusion about the existence of vouchers to pay for the dinner. I reassured them that there was recent communication between you and management where you were going to be billed as the time for the reservation drew nearer. They did have a reservation for Martha and I but offered us another menu other than the PLATINUM.  We corrected the problem and they complied.  
  Richard Porter was a blast , he's very knowledgeable about the Beatle places. We bought several things from his store including the guide book and a DVD. Out of respect for McCartney , he wouldn't take us to his house 2 blocks off Abbey Road , Martha and I found it anyway and the gates were opening as we were walking by. It was a landscaping truck departing from the property. Did you know that Billy Fury lived across the street from Paul?  
  I must hand it to you , my favorite guide  was Jackie Spencer. She's funny and  spontaneous . We'll never forget her. Martha my wife  is a Beatle fan but not a die-hard fan like I am. She said that she has a way deeper appreciation of the Beatles . She got a chance of feeling so close to places and things that pertained to the miracle in progress that were the Beatles. I reminded Jackie that after the Beatles break-up , anybody that  was involved with the band , that have passed on , have died in the USA. Mal ,John , Linda , Mo and George. Spooky , no?  
  I got a chance to play Bass at the Jacaranda on open mike night on Thursday. Played She Loves You and Twist and Shout. It was a young crowd but got a whole bunch of hugs and kisses  after I was done.
  Everything was in place for Dublin. It's a great party town but  lacks the organization that London and Liverpool offer. Although the airport is not too far from the Hotel , it can take a good half hour for the trip. It costs about $25 Euros each way. Be careful not to miss a cab on Sunday morning on your way to the airport. All the cabs are busy taking the drunks home at 5 to 7 in the morning. I thought that they were all going to church! The Airport was completely full on Sunday morning. There is too much traffic. My advise is to reserve a cab the night before departure. We lucked out. 
  The Hotel was excellent , very friendly and very clean.  They offer a safe box with a key. It's located outside the reception area , and it requires a key from the receptionist as well . I felt OK with this. Don't lose your Safe box key or the will charge you 250 Euros. I asked if I could keep the key in the safe then. We did have breakfast outside the Hotel since it is a bit pricey. We had a blast at the Guinness brewery factory.
  The flight to Paris was very good as well. Everything was on schedule , right on time.
  Tony , keep up the excellent service. You are the best. Great choice in accommodations and travel! We'll never forget this experience.
  Your friends
  Hugh & Martha - Seattle, WA [Private Tour - Sept. 2007]

   
• I'm Naoko, joined your tour 24th! I was really happy to joined you and i enjoyed so much. Thank you very much!!.

  Today i 'm going to leave England. After i'm going to Italy for a trip.7/9 i will go back to Japan.

  Although i stayed England just 2month and harf, during this time i met many good people, many beautiful place, i saw interesting thing, these are very special for me. I will not foget about everything. Especially　the nice happening in Liverpool is the best memory of my England life! I love England and England people. I want come back someday.

  So i wanted to say thank you.

  I think you are the best tourguide in the world!

  Bye!

   
• Hi Tony,
   
  Now that we have had time to sit back and take it all in, we would like to let you know our feelings about the Pilgrimage, The overall opinion among the 4 of us is that it was a great trip. Even a non-Beatles fan would have been impressed by the thoroughness of everything. It was really hard to pick out a favorite sight or place because they were all so interesting. If I had to choose one though, I guess it would have been the day we went inside John, Paul AND Ringo's homes.
   
  We would also like to say how wonderful Jackie was on her tours. Not only did she go out of her way to make it so personal and special, but she made us feel so at home by spending the entire evening with us at the Jac, offering little Beatle tidbits all the time.
   
  As for you, one can say that you did your homework. We have so many pictures (nearly 1,000) because you showed us so much. We also appreciate the fact that you allowed us some free time. We really took advantage of it. Diane, Matt and Kenny had never been to London before, and those 2 extra days allowed us to see the traditional sights. What more could one ask for? We got a deeper appreciation of our heroes, and saw many major attractions.

  Thank you for giving us many , many great memories. Tony, you're the Man.

   

               Sincerely (With peace and love),

   

                          Alex, Di, Matt and Kenny.........."The Family"

   

• Hi Tony Our Tour Guy! 

  I'm so glad you got more pictures of Pete and I.  Renee and I only got the one shot of Pete and the two of us.  I have a few pictures to forward to you too - Boss ManJ  I will get them downloaded (uploaded?) and forward them to you asap.  Meanwhile, any other pictures you feel like sending -I would love to take a look.  The group shots would be nice.  I think you are planning to post some on the web site too ...right?  Anyhow, there is no such thing as too many pictures, especially from such an incredible trip as this one certainly was. 

  Don't be surprised if Renee and I book another tour in the future - I think we're hooked on Liverpool.  I'll be in touch with pictures for you, meanwhile, YOU stay in touch too.

  Robyn

   

• Hey Tony! 

  Just a note to let you know we did make it home fine.  Actually, we were dreading the flight back due to how excruciatingly long the flight over seemed, but it wasn't as uncomfortable as we expected. 

  We absolutely loved the tour, and I will gather my thoughts and send you an email with more thoughts about everything.  But, basically, I want to say that this trip exceeded our wildest dreams in the most positive way.  It was so good to finally meet you.  Even though it was a "working" vacation for you, I hope you managed to enjoy yourself too.  Basically, my only regret is that I missed Gerry and the Pacemakers.  That was the morning that jet lag reared its ugly head in a big way and we didn't wake up until almost noon. I hadn't gotten a schedule yet, so we just totally missed a magical moment.L  Other than that, we took advantage of every minute of every day! 

  Yes, it was a very special trip for me, as you know.  Even Renee has a deeper appreciation for all things "Beatle" now, as well as the history and roots of the Liverpool and London areas.  She enjoyed herself immensely too.  Like I said, I'll write more later about our thoughts of the tour, etc. 

  Meanwhile, I am so anxious to see all your pictures.  I look forward to that.   I might find some with you in them to send to you as well. 

  Hope to hear from you soon.

  Thanks for the fab time!

  Renee

   

• Tony, Thank you. The Beatle Tour was fantastic and you and Rich were great hosts.This tour " a Pilgramage to the Holy land of Rock" is essential for all Beatle fans at least once in a lifetime.Seeing all the famous Beatle Sites( especially the exclusive ones such as the Casbah club with Pete Best,Cavern Club,John,Paul and Ringos homes etc.)was great..Jackie's insider  tour of the Beatles Liverpool was especially good and Jackie is really a Liverpool National Treasure(maybe she should get a National Heritage Blue Plaque)We loved London and all the Beatle sites especially Abbey Road,Hard Rock Cafe and seeing Pauls and George's  homes.No doubtI will be paying the shopping bills from London for a long time!!!!. Overall the sites ,music and fun will be remembered always.Thanks again Tony. David and Claire

• i for one, want to be cremated and have my ashes sprinkled in liverpool...i loved everything about the tour,even you, and would highly recommend it to other beatle fans...  keep in tucho   joanne

• Hi Tony
  Overall the tour was good. I took the Ale Trail, the walking tour through Soho and the trip out to Henley (George's house?), whereas I didn't the first time.

  I really hope to make it in 2008. We'll see.... Look forward to seeing your pictures!

  Thanks again

  Marla

   

• Hey Tony, Friedman here, I want to tell you what a great time I had. I just wish we had more time in London. There was so much more I wanted to do.Portebello Rd.etc. unfortunately, it ended toooo soon for me I want to thank you again. Buy the way, 1 roll of film did not come out because of the xray at the airport.
   

• Hello there!

  It`s me Hanna from Finland. Should you remember I was on the latest Beatletour back in August/ September. :) I just remembered that I hadn`t thanked you for the absolutely amazing trip I got to experience with my sister Kaisa. So I`ll do it now: THANK YOU! :) I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I think about all the stuff i saw in Britain `cos I`m having a hard time realizing that the trip really happened and that I was really there. I went to see the pictures from the tour on your websites and they brought back many happy memories...like the "Hard days night"-running scene re-done by a bunch of crazy Finns. :D I`m definately going to visit Liverpool and London again during the Beatlesweek some year...you never know, we might even meet there again someday! :) Until then all the best for all of your tours to come. "It won`t be long"

  until next August. :)

  Oh, I nearly forgot: "Varo!" (Be carefull ) <---- remember that one? :)

  Best wishes, Hanna and Kaisa from Finland

  Click the image to view a very special letter

• Click here for newspaper article about our tour.

• Wow!  What a fantastic time we had!  It's definitely one I'll never forget.  I've been going over pictures and the journal I kept and am still having trouble concentrating on work.  Thanks for the best 51st birthday I could have ever though imaginable, celebrated with Bill Harry at the Hard Rock!  Still can't believe it really happened.  Thanks to wonderful Jackie in Liverpool. She was absolutely wonderful.  The whole experience made me feel like I was 12 again and it was 1964!  Thanks Tony & Pat for a fabulous trip!   The other Debbie (The other Marty's sister) in Oregon

• To The Beatle Pilgrimage Tour,

  Thank you so much for enabling us to raise $3,352 for Save The Children. Yoko will be matching that figure making a total of $6,704 from the Charity Raffle.

  Mark Lapidos - President 'The Fest for Beatle Fans'

   

• Hi Pat! Yes, I made it home safe, sleeping was crazy the first week, but all is well now. The trip was so amazing, thank you for being a part of the best trip I've ever been on. I really enjoyed your company and your excellent tourmanship. I do plan on visiting NYC twice before Christmas,

  Hopefully all us eastcoasters can meet up. I have a lot of great photos, and hopefully by next week, I can email some of them to everyone on the trip.

  Until then, take care and keep in touch.

  Beatles Forever!!!  Kari (Baltimore, MD)

• I made it home OK (I was even upgraded to economy plus). I didn't quite feel myself until today, I spent Sunday and Monday sleeping off the after vacation hangover. I had a wonderful time that I'll never forget. Pat and yourself were just THE BEST guides a girl could've asked for. The only complaint I have was that it was over way to fast.  Michele (with one L) from Wisconsin

• So, again thank you for a wonderful tour.  It was just great!  Jackie gave the best tour I either had.  Meeting with the people really made you see how wonderful a place really is.  Everyone was friendly and helpful.  I felt safer in Liverpool than London but I told my husband right away that I would do this tour again.  And I am sure Debbie would too. Until we get together for the next tour, take care and be good. Clara from PA.

• Hey guys, just a quick note to make sure I got all the emails right. What an incredible experience eh? Also, I started watching a few things today, the interview with the man who played the kid in a Hard Day's Night is not on the anthology, it's on the Hard Day's Night DVD set. I also watched some of the documentary from around '82 called "The Compleat Beatles". It has some wonderful footage and photographs that aren't in the anthology plus Bill Harry [tour guest] is featured as an interview subject along with Bob Wooler and Alan Williams. A lot of great stuff !!  If you have it, check it out. If you don't I'd recommend finding it on Ebay. When you get a chance, let me know that you got the email...
  Well, back to sleep....
   
  Oh, I forgot, if you want to check out my band's website, just go to       mccraym.tripod.com

  (The other) Marty from Oregon

• I again just wanted to tell you what a great time Joshua and I had on the tour! If you ever need me to provide a testimonial for anyone considering taking a "young adult" on the tour, feel free to have them contact me. It was just a great time. I'm already talking to my wife about her and I going on a future tour (maybe 2008- you know Liverpool is a cultural city?).

        Anyway, thanks again for a great tour! Marty from South Carolina

• I am just now getting over the jet lag.  I had a great time. I am getting clothes washed and souvenirs sorted out. I honestly liked Liverpool better than London. But it was a great experience all around.  It was more than I had hoped for.  Thanks again for putting up with an old country boy in the big city.  Let's keep in touch.  Terry from Oklahoma

• Who was that WEIRD tour guide Tony????? Seriously, we had a fabulous time. We are already planning on going again if you will have us-I know we were very taxing on the nerves! Our flight was relatively uneventful-after we made it to the right terminal...   DD from Maryland

• ...I did really appreciate how you took care of us. It was one of the wildest vacations (holidays) ever. Ananda, Everett, WA.

• Thanks for the extra mile you and Pat give. Even though the trip is over, you still are working on giving us a new part to remember the wonderful trip by. It will be great because some of my pics didn't turn out, then I also think of things I wanted to snap and find I didn't. And do you know that the only ones that were totally blurred were the ones of Pete! I had a pic with you guys, Pat, Richie and yourself and one with Pete and the Prelies and they didn't focus at all. I wonder if nerves played a part at all?

       Your one in a million! Debbie, MN

• I want to thank you for what proved to be a smashing trip.  It's hard to believe that it has been a month since we left for the U.K.  It is the closest we have felt in a group that size and everyone is missed.  You, Pat, and Rich created a chemistry that I think is rare.  Have a brilliant summer, and we look forward to hearing more from you and you crew of Beatle Maniacs. Kent - Denison, IA

• I saw the Pete Best Band Saturday night. They do all the songs Pete did with the Beatles, including the Tony Sheridan numbers. A fun time. Pete autographed my copy of his book, and he remembered our gang from the party at the Casbah--"Oh, yes, you were leaving the next morning for London!" Still a nice guy. Patty, San Francisco, CA

• I wanted to thank you for such a wonderful trip. It was everything I expected and more. I enjoyed every minute of it. Seeing the pictures you put on the web yesterday, does make it meloncoly already, because it is already just a memory. The pictures of everyone will be so fun to see and keep to treasure. I can truthfully say that Liverpool was more than I thought it would be and it touched me very deeply. London was a beautiful city and I was in awe of it. Thank you for all the hard work you guys did to make this the best trip I will ever take. 

       Now back to reality........Debbie, Minneapolis, MN

       And another...

I very carefully watched AHDN and you can see an island during Ringo's deserter scene. Also while he is walking you see the trees to the left that we were right by. It was exciting to see this. I think they must have done alot in the background since then, but with the bridge and the island and trees you can definitely see that the new sight we picked out was where they filmed. Also, it was great seeing the pub I actually was sitting waiting for my drink where Ringo stood to order his sandwich.

It is all sinking in now that it is over and is making me sad. I have gotten some of my pics developed, but was hoping to get a job before I put any more of my money into development. Thanks again, you made my dream come true!!!!!!!

Deb

• Thanks for being a great tour guide! That trip was the dream of practically a life time for me. I'd waited 38 years to see Liverpool and finally made it. The first person I saw at the airport when we landed in St. Louis was my old friend Louise who works for Continental Airlines. We talked about such a trip back when we were 12 years old. She was happy that I finally got to go.  Sherilyn, St. Louis, MO.

• The tours of Liverpool and London, June 11-21, 2002, were planned as a dream “holiday” to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, and Pilgrimage Ltd. didn’t disappoint us! Tony and Pat had everything planned just right, and Jackie in Liverpool was the best tour guide we’ve ever seen. If you want to talk to an encyclopedia of Beatles and rock music knowledge, just meet Rich, whose performances with Pat at old Beatles hangouts were just some of many highlights. The tour operators and other guests were fun to travel with, and Tony and Jackie came up with “extras” beyond what was promised, such as our group being part of the World’s Largest Skiffle Band (see next edition of Guinness Book of World Records!) Cheers to Tony, Pat, Rich and Jackie. Mike & Kathy, Amarillo, Texas

And another...

 I took so many pictures, it's taking forever to get through them. But here's one of me and Kathy with Pete Best. Thanks again for the opportunity... --Mike

• "...just completed a Beatle Pilgrimage Tour with Tony Maddalone. We had a wonderful time. He accommodated all our requests. .He contacted and hired the best guide named Jackie  in Liverpool to show us all the Beatle sites there...."

• "It took about 2 days to get back to normal--we got all our photo's and had fun sharing them with the family.  We are more than pleased with the trip and had a great time."

• “An affectionate, respectful visit to the places that have their moments in the Beatles’ music and lives.”

• “An unforgettable tour that exceeded all my expectations.  The Beatles Pilgrimage is a “must” for every fan.”

• "We toured for 10 days and I don't think anyone was ready to go home--we all had a great time and saw more Beatle sites than we imagined. We started out in Liverpool where we had great accommodations and the best tour guide named Jackie --she got us into places that the regular tours only pass by or do not even visit.  The people in Liverpool are very welcoming and friendly too. Tony guided us around the key sites in London and Hammersmith as well as some little known sites.  We even visited Paul's house and he was there throwing a party!!!"

• Just a quick note to tell you that I have heard great things from people in different web sites that say how much they have enjoyed your tours and how much I will like the trip!!! Just wanted you to know that people have great things to say.  (Also that your a pretty nice guy!!) Great feedback wouldn't you say!!!

Debbie