THE COTSWOLDS Country Houses and Garden Treasures

After breakfast, continue your London adventure with a full-day tour of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. See the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade and Trafalgar Square. From the heart of Westminster, continue to the historic Tower of London, uncovering centuries of royal and political history. Later, unwind in style with a Thames River cruise accompanied by afternoon tea, enjoying views of London’s historic skyline and riverside landmarks. Following this memorable day of sightseeing, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Continue your exploration of England’s royal heritage with a full-day visit to two magnificent attractions. Begin at the World Heritage-listed Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, where you can admire its remarkable landscapes, historic gardens and diverse plant collections. Following your morning at Kew, enjoy a relaxing two-course lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Hampton Court Palace. Here, delve further into Tudor history as you explore Henry VIII’s grand State Apartments, kitchens, Great Hall, magnificent gardens and famous maze. After a fascinating day of royal discovery, the evening is yours to enjoy dinner at leisure

Check out and bid farewell to London as you travel to the historic university city of Oxford. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour showcasing Oxford’s academic heritage, with highlights including the Bodleian Library, Bridge of Sighs, and Christ Church College. Following this fascinating introduction to the city, continue to the Botanic Garden, where you can explore its beautiful collections and peaceful surroundings. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a two-course dinner at a local restaurant before settling in for the evening.

Hotel: Hotel Mercure Oxford Eastgate for 2 nights

Today you’ll visit magnificent Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Upon arrival, enjoy a private guided tour of its opulent State Rooms, admiring its remarkable architecture, priceless collections and grand interiors. Following the palace tour, step outdoors to wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown. From Blenheim, continue to the charming town of Woodstock, where you will enjoy a two-course lunch at a local restaurant. After a rewarding day of exploration, the evening is at leisure.

Leave Oxford behind and head into the picturesque Cotswolds, where rolling countryside, honey-coloured villages and beautiful gardens await. Begin your exploration in Stow-on-the-Wold, one of England’s most charming market towns. Then continue onto the exquisite Bourton House Gardens and Sezincote Garden, each renowned for their distinctive character and stunning landscapes. Continue to the enchanting village of Chipping Campden and check in to the historic Cotswold House Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a two-course dinner at your hotel.
Cotswold House Hotel & Spa for 3 nights

Explore the beauty of Batsford Arboretum, where you can wander through woodland pathways, rare trees and seasonal gardens. After enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the arboretum, continue to the iconic Broadway Tower, a historic folly offering spectacular views across the Cotswolds. Following your sightseeing, take time to relax and savour the English experience of a traditional afternoon tea, surrounded by elegant surroundings. With the afternoon drawing to a close, return to Broadway at your leisure and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Surrounded by the beauty of the Cotswolds enjoy a visit to the enchanting Hidcote Manor Garden, renowned for its distinctive Arts and Crafts design, beautifully arranged garden rooms, and colourful seasonal planting. Then, continue onto Snowshill Manor and Garden, where you can discover an eclectic collection of fascinating objects alongside a charming traditional cottage garden. Following an afternoon of heritage and garden exploration, return to Chipping Campden and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure. Later, savour a relaxing two-course dinner at your hotel.

This morning, bid farewell to Broadway and continue your journey towards the elegant Regency town of Cheltenham, with a fascinating visit en route to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe. Upon arrival, step back into Tudor history as you explore the final home and burial place of Catherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII. After discovering the castle and its heritage, continue onward to Cheltenham, where the afternoon is yours to relax to stroll around the beautiful Imperial Gardens and Montpellier Gardens. As evening approaches, unwind at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing two-course
dinner.

Hotel: The Queens Hotel for 1 night

Your Cotswold journey continues with a visit to Chedworth Roman Villa, one of Britain’s finest archaeological sites. As you explore the remarkable mosaics, ancient bathhouses and fascinating ruins, discover the legacy of Roman life in the region. From Chedworth, continue onwards to Cirencester, once the important Roman city of Corinium, where you will have free time to wander through its historic streets and soak up its character. In the evening enjoy a two-course dinner at your hotel.

Hotel: The Fleece, Cirencester for 1 night

Travel to the historic market town of Tetbury and visit Highgrove Gardens, the private gardens of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Following your guided tour of these beautiful gardens, continue to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, renowned for its exceptional collection of trees and scenic woodland landscapes. After enjoying Westonbirt, journey onwards to the historic city of Bath, where you will check into your hotel and have time to settle in. Tonight, unwind with a two-course dinner at a local restaurant, bringing a wonderful day of countryside exploration to a close.

Hotel: Indigo Bath Hotel for 3 nights

Enjoy a full-day discovery of Bath, the World Heritage-listed city renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture and fascinating Roman heritage. Begin your sightseeing with the Royal Crescent and The Circus before continuing to Pulteney Bridge and the magnificent Bath Abbey. From here, delve further into the city’s ancient past with a visit to the remarkably preserved Roman Baths. Following your guided exploration, enjoy some free time to roam the city.

Make the most of your free day by taking the opportunity to revisit favourite sights or simply soak up Bath’s timeless atmosphere. As evening approaches, come together for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, and reflect on the wonderful experiences you have had.

Bid farewell to Bath and begin your journey towards Heathrow Airport, with a scenic stop en route at the charming Castle Combe. Upon arrival, take time to explore its honey-coloured stone cottages, picturesque streets and timeless village beauty. Continue your journey towards Windsor, home to the magnificent Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel. Following this memorable royal experience, enjoy a two-course lunch in Windsor town before continuing to your airport hotel. After checking in, unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening at leisure before your onward journey home.

Hotel: Sheraton London Heathrow for 1 night

This morning check-out of your airport hotel and transfer to the airport terminal for your return flight home. Upon arrival (Day 17) your private driver will be waiting to transfer you home, bringing your unforgettable Cotswolds Country Houses and Garden Treasures adventure to a close.