The Cotswolds Tour (3 nights/4 days)
Day 1: Leaving London we drive through the lovely Chilterns countryside, passing Oxford and pausing at a charming Oxfordshire village for lunch. Most of the houses here are thatched, and the village pub dates back 600 years. But the food on offer is very fresh! After lunch we'll make a leisurely drive to Kenilworth Castle, with some good Tudors gossip thrown in. The castle is a children's/photographer's delight as it is very open and easily explored. Leaving Kenilworth, we have just a short drive to our base for tonight, William Shakespeare's home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. We'll visit some of the properties connected with the playwright, like his Birthplace, Mary Ardens, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and the church where you'll see the graves of William and his family. As you'll be staying in town tonight it's an opportunity to visit the Royal Shakespeare theatre. (Ask me when booking your tour). The RSC's productions are usually first class. |
Day 2: A late start today, as I am sure you would like to wander around this fascinating town of Stratford with its attractive shops and interesting buildings (many in the Tudor style). Next, we visit one of the famous gardens of the Cotswolds area, followed by a gentle meander through the narrow country lanes, stopping off at quaint villages and perhaps even a Manor House or two. How about a little antique shopping before we reach our next stop for tonight? Day 3: This morning we visit Sudeley Castle (April to October) and grounds, the home of Lord and Lady Ashcombe, and once home of Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth wife, who is buried in the castle church. There are many other Royal connections, too. From here we visit the delightful villages of the Cotswolds like Stow-on-the-Wold, The Slaughters, Bourton on the Water, Northleach, Tetbury and others, on our way to the Georgian City of Bath where we'll be spending the night. On route to Bath why not enjoy traditional English Afternoon Tea at a rambling historic Manor House hotel? |
Day 4: After a little time to shop, we explore the Roman Baths which have made this town famous. Then, we'll drive around the town to take in some of the beautiful Georgian architecture, before leaving Bath and heading to Longleat House, one of England's finest properties and home to one of her most colourful aristocrats, Alexander Thynne, Marquess of Bath. We'll tour the house, and hopefully view Lord Bath's art collection, including some of his own work in the private apartments. Tour cost is £1680, which covers the cost of your A/C Minivan carrying up to 8 persons, with full driver-guide's service, parking, fuel and all miles driven. Complimentary drinks and occasional snacks are provided along the way. The cost includes your driver-guide's hotel/subsistence expenses. We can arrange guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £70 per twin or double room, £90 a family room per night including breakfast, or you can go on-line and choose your own with our help. Please note that meals, entry fees to the sites visited and gratuities (discretionary) are not included. Total luggage handling throughout. IMPORTANT! Before trying to book an AWAY tour with me please first check availability with my online diary, then email me to have your tour dates/details/prices confirmed. |
 |
 |
Copyright © Ruddick Tours - 2005 - All rights reserved- Last updated: October 6, 2005