Historic heroes, ancient sites and regal castles meet with picturesque villages and towns on this insightful introduction to southern England's most engaging people and places. This leisurely small group tour explores historical region away from the crowds. We enjoy Shakespeare's Stratford, magnificent of Oxford and the Georgian city of Bath as well as visiting some of Britain’s best know historical sites, including Stonehenge the well preserved castle at Windsor and Churchill's Blenheim Palace. There is no better introduction to England for first time or returning travellers, and Back-Roads offer a unique experience as we travel along the country lanes and stay in traditional accommodation so you can really absorb this country’s cultural heritage.

INCLUSIONS
• 3 nights in traditional & unique accommodation
• Driver/Guide companion
• All mini-coach transportation
• Full English cooked breakfast daily
• Three-course evening meals x 2

Entrance fees as listed:
        • Christ Church, Oxford
        • Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
        • Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford
        • Roman Baths Pump House, Bath
        • Lacock Abbey
        • Stonehenge, Wiltshire
        • Windsor Castle

Fri 10 Sep, 2010 - Mon 13 Sep, 2010 (3 nights) GFri 17 Sep, 2010 - Mon 20 Sep, 2010 (3 nights) GFri 24 Sep, 2010 - Mon 27 Sep, 2010 (3 nights)GFri 1 Oct, 2010 - Mon 4 Oct, 2010 (3 nights) GFri 8 Oct, 2010 - Mon 11 Oct, 2010 (3 nights) G

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cotswolds
Relax as we travel through the beautiful English countryside on our journey to the famous university city of Oxford where we walk through the impressive sandstone buildings as we wind our way to Christ Church, Oxford's grandest college. This afternoon is a feast for literary enthusiasts as we visit Shakespeare's Stratford-upon- Avon to discover the Ye Olde England of the Bard's birth and his final resting place. We then enjoy a short drive to Anne Hathaway's cottage en route to our delightful Cotswold accommodation.
(D)

Day 2 Bath
Today we explore the Cotswolds and its honey coloured, picture-postcard villages littered with atmospheric churches, traditional country inns and lovely traditional cottages. Our day will start with a visit to historic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the current home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. We then traverse through the gentle timeless rolling hills of the Cotswolds, stopping at some of the exquisite village gems on our way to the splendid city of Bath.
(B)

Day 3 Bath
Listed as a World Heritage Site, Bath is truly one of Europe's most attractive cities and can boast the highest concentration of listed building anywhere in the UK. Spend the morning exploring this Georgian city, visit the Roman Baths, the towering 16th century Abbey and Georgian stone crescents. Literary enthusiasts may choose to visit the engaging Jane Austen Centre, which offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen's life and writing. During the day we take a journey to the nearby picturesque village of Lacock. Both the village and its Abbey have been used in TV and film productions such as Pride and Prejudice, The Other Boleyn Girl and Harry Potter. Tonight we return to Bath for a delicious local evening meal.
(B/D)

Day 4 Stonehenge / Windsor Castle
We say farewell to Bath, and look forward to more spectacular sights as we wander through the back roads to visit the great mystical construction of Stonehenge then onto the glorious city of Salisbury to admire Britain's tallest cathedral spire. Our final destination is a regal exploration to discover Europe's largest occupied fortress, Windsor Castle, the favourite home of the Queen. At the conclusion of a marvellous day we return to London.
(B)

Price

Pick-up/Drop-off Information:
Tour departs from and returns  at 5.30pm (approx) :

 

0830 pick up from

The Park Inn Hyde Park

66 Lancaster Gate

London W2 3NZ