The Heart of England: London, Stratford-upon-Avon & Bath
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices:
- On request
FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: The rolling hills of the beautiful English countryside are one major attraction certainly but then add Oxford’s colleges, a stay in the bucolic Cotswold’s. Stratford on Avon, visit quaint villages in Somerset, royal Bath, stately homes and much more. A very enjoyable “English” experience.
Join one of our unique small group Back-Roads touring experiences (maximum 18 participants) that includes specially selected accommodations, transportation in purpose built Mercedes Benz Sprinters, sightseeing, special culinary experiences and a knowledgeable Tour Leader.
Departing from London, travel through the softly undulating Chiltern Hills eventually arriving at Oxford, the city of dreaming spires and historic, attractive university colleges. You will have time to leisurely explore this “seat of learning”. Later, reach the Cotswold’s, a quintessential region of English countryside with its scenic bucolic towns and villages. Stay two nights in the small market town of Chipping Campden.
The next morning continue to Stratford upon Avon, famous for its Shakespearian connections. Visit the well known theatre and also Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Then later visit some of the idyllic Cotswold villages including Bidford and Broadway.
The day after, head to the picture-perfect village of Lacock in Somerset where many TV shows have been filmed including Pride and Prejudice. Have time to explore the historic village streets, the local museum and abbey. Eventually arrive at Castle Combe in Wiltshire where you will have a delicious typical English afternoon tea. Continue to the Bath, the well known centre for spa treatments. Stay here for two nights.
Bath is an exceptionally beautiful city with its amazing Georgian architecture. An example is the regal Royal Crescent, There is time today to take in a thermal spa bath treatment or go shopping.
The next day brings you to the stately home of the Marquess of Bath, Longleat which you will tour. Continue to Avebury in Wiltshire where you will discover the largest prehistoric complex in Britain. This is similar to the Neolithic site of Stonehenge but without the restrictions. Finally drive back to London where your Heart of England tour terminates.
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Prices:
- On request
Itinerary View Trip Map
London Heathrow to London Central Hotel
| Duration | 45 Minutes |
|---|
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is peacefully situated in Westminster's Vincent Square and offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Central London.
The hotel has just unveiled 84 newly refurbished guest bedrooms with a stylish interior, modern in-room conveniences and beautiful bathroom facilities. 5 luxurious discreet apartments provide privacy and the opportunity to dine and entertain to complement the guest bedrooms.
The modern and lively restaurant offers sumptuous Italian cuisine on offer throughout the day, with guests able to sit and enjoy a choice of Continental or Full English breakfast. The bar offers a place to meet in a comfortable yet contemporary atmosphere where you have a range of drinks and light bites to choose from to while away your time.
| Meal Plan | Buffet Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid |
| Location | View map |
-
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is peacefully situated in Westminster's Vincent Square and offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Central London. The hotel has just unveiled 84 newly refurbished guest bedrooms with a stylish interior, modern in-room conveniences and beautiful bathroom …
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is peacefully situated in Westminster's Vincent Square and offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Central London.
The hotel has just unveiled 84 newly refurbished guest bedrooms with a stylish interior, modern in-room conveniences and beautiful bathroom facilities. 5 luxurious discreet apartments provide privacy and the opportunity to dine and entertain to complement the guest bedrooms.
The modern and lively restaurant offers sumptuous Italian cuisine on offer throughout the day, with guests able to sit and enjoy a choice of Continental or Full English breakfast. The bar offers a place to meet in a comfortable yet contemporary atmosphere where you have a range of drinks and light bites to choose from to while away your time.Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Bar
- Business Facilities
- Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Lounge
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Restaurant(s)
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
London - Oxford - Cotswolds
After meeting with the group in London, we'll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we'll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city's streets over the years.
Then: we'll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages.
We'll end the day with a delicious welcome dinner.
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
The Kings Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
The Kings Hotel
The Kings Hotel is a charming 18th century town house boasting distinctive and stylish accommodation. Sympathetic and careful renovation means guests can enjoy all the modern day comforts they need yet still soak up the character and history of a Cotswold stone building. Nestled in …
The Kings Hotel is a charming 18th century town house boasting distinctive and stylish accommodation. Sympathetic and careful renovation means guests can enjoy all the modern day comforts they need yet still soak up the character and history of a Cotswold stone building. Nestled in the heart of picturesque Chipping Campden, it is the perfect location to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds. The Kings combines traditional character with contemporary style to create a relaxed and welcoming home away from home for every guest, whether for business or pleasure. The dedicated team at Kings draw on a wealth of experience to ensure your stay will be memorable and comfortable.
Facilities
- Internet Access - Wireless
- Non Smoking Property
- Restaurant(s)
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Cotswolds - Stratford-upon-Avon - Cotswolds
The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage in riverside Stratford-upon-Avon today where we'll see the playwright's timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway's pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! There will be plenty of time to explore some more Cotswold hamlets as we wind our way back to our hotel, where the evening will be yours to enjoy at your leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Cotswold - Lacock - Bath
Day three promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda at the quaint Old Rectory Tearoom before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or Downton Abbey. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we'll step inside the magnificent abbey whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series.
Then: Onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true 'wow' factor, where we'll make ourselves at home for our final two nights.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Abbey Hotel |
| Location | View map |
-
Abbey Hotel
A perfect city centre location, comfortable rooms and one of the most exciting dining experiences in Bath - that is the philosophy of The Abbey Hotel. Privately-owned, by acclaimed hoteliers Ian and Christa Taylor, this Regency property is located in North Parade, close to the …
A perfect city centre location, comfortable rooms and one of the most exciting dining experiences in Bath - that is the philosophy of The Abbey Hotel. Privately-owned, by acclaimed hoteliers Ian and Christa Taylor, this Regency property is located in North Parade, close to the Abbey and Pump Rooms, and the famous Sally Lunn’s. With 60 bedrooms of varying sizes, it is ideal for those visiting Bath for leisure or for business. All rooms are en suite, the hotel has a lift, free Wi-Fi throughout (including bedrooms), and the ArtBar provides a relaxing area serving coffee through to late night drinks. The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the Thermae Spa in Bath.
Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Bar
- Cable TV
- Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
- Dry Cleaning
- Laundry Service
- Luggage Storage
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Bath
After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we'll visit the fascinating museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent.
The afternoon will then be yours to explore the town for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of 'me time' at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain's only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool or, if you'd prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath's proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops.
At our last dinner together, we'll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|
Bath - Longleat - Avebury - London
The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat blends classic architecture with creative interiors and it's here that we'll start the day. We'll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we'll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight and makes for a tremendous final stop.
Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is peacefully situated in Westminster's Vincent Square and offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Central London.
The hotel has just unveiled 84 newly refurbished guest bedrooms with a stylish interior, modern in-room conveniences and beautiful bathroom facilities. 5 luxurious discreet apartments provide privacy and the opportunity to dine and entertain to complement the guest bedrooms.
The modern and lively restaurant offers sumptuous Italian cuisine on offer throughout the day, with guests able to sit and enjoy a choice of Continental or Full English breakfast. The bar offers a place to meet in a comfortable yet contemporary atmosphere where you have a range of drinks and light bites to choose from to while away your time.
| Meal Plan | Buffet Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid |
| Location | View map |
-
Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is peacefully situated in Westminster's Vincent Square and offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Central London. The hotel has just unveiled 84 newly refurbished guest bedrooms with a stylish interior, modern in-room conveniences and beautiful bathroom …
The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid is peacefully situated in Westminster's Vincent Square and offers an oasis of calm in the heart of Central London.
The hotel has just unveiled 84 newly refurbished guest bedrooms with a stylish interior, modern in-room conveniences and beautiful bathroom facilities. 5 luxurious discreet apartments provide privacy and the opportunity to dine and entertain to complement the guest bedrooms.
The modern and lively restaurant offers sumptuous Italian cuisine on offer throughout the day, with guests able to sit and enjoy a choice of Continental or Full English breakfast. The bar offers a place to meet in a comfortable yet contemporary atmosphere where you have a range of drinks and light bites to choose from to while away your time.Facilities
- 24 Hour Reception
- Bar
- Business Facilities
- Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Lounge
- Non Smoking Rooms
- Restaurant(s)
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 5
London Central Hotel to London Heathrow
| Duration | 75 Minutes |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: April 15; May 13, 27; June 10, 17; July 8; August 5, 26; September 9, 23; October 7; December 8, 15
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared arrival and departure transfers
- 6 nights in first-class accommodations
- Experienced small group tour leader (days 1-6), including (max 18 guests):
- Transportation in a luxury mini-coach transportation
- Walking tour of Oxford
- Ttraditional cream tea
- Entrance fees: Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Lacock Abbey, Roman Baths, No.1 Royal Crescent, Longleat House and Avebury Stone Circle.
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 2 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities for driver/tour leader
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Optional activities
- Entrance fees not specified in inclusions
- Visa fees if applicable
OTHER INFORMATION:
Mobility:
The tour involves walking and requires guests to board and disembark our vehicles several times a day making this tour unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.
- Stay two nights in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
- Visit Sandringham Estate, the private retreat of Her Majesty The Queen.
- Enjoy lunch where Jamie Oliver grew up and worked in the kitchen.
- Drift along the River Cam on a traditional punt.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share. Subject to availability. The hotels have been hand-picked from an extensive portfolio of quality properties across Europe and to ensure the very best experience on each of our tours, hotels may vary to those listed in this itinerary. Please note, due to COVID-19, all 2021 and 2022 itinerary's are subject to change without prior notice. Finalized itineraries will be confirmed no later than 3 weeks prior to departure.
8 Dec 2022
