Oxford, Stratford, and the Cotswolds
Cost: $195.00
Tour Length: Full Day
Activity Level: Easiest
A full day tour to the home of some of our best loved authors: Oxford, Stratford upon Avon and a scenic drive through the Cotswolds.
We begin our day traveling across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the 'City of Dreaming Spires,' whose hushed courtyards have inspired generations of scholars including Bill Clinton and writers, Lewis Carroll who wrote 'Alice in Wonderland', C.S. Lewis who wrote 'Chronicles of Narnia' and the immortal J.R.R. Tolkein, author of 'Lord of the Rings.’ On the walking tour you'll visit Christchurch, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed, see the Bodleian Library and the picture-perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is justifiably famous.
Steeped in history and heritage, the area of England known as the Cotswolds is a charming blend of cottages with honey-coloured walls and thatched roofs, market towns with crooked half-timbered houses lining the High Street, and ancient stone crosses, all set in the gently rolling hills ('wolds') that are so typically English in character. The Cotswolds landscape has been shaped by its long history as a centre of wool production, your Guide will tell you all about the 'Cotswold Lion!'
Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for being the birthplace of the world-famous playwright William Shakespeare. We'll visit the Tudor-style birthplace of the literary legend, gaining a fascinating insight into his childhood with its typical parlour, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and the glove-maker's workshop used by John, Shakespeare's father. There'll be time to explore this charming market town, its streets lined with unusual shops and boutiques.
Enjoy apple scones and locally produced cider or apple juice in the beautiful gardens of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the picture-postcard half-timbered childhood home of William Shakespeare's wife, set in lovely surroundings and containing a treasure-trove of historic domestic artefacts.
This full day tour includes first-class luxury motorcoach and services of professional blue-badge guide
DURATION: Approximately 10 hours; Tour begins around 9am and returns around 7pm
AVAILABLE DATES: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through October 31, 2008
PRICING: Adults: $195, Children (12 and under): $175, Seniors/Students: $185 (Students must present ID card)
DEPARTURE: Pick-up is available from most London hotels. Please provide your accommodation information when making your reservation and a pick-up time will be provided, if available. Otherwise, the tour will depart from Victoria Coach Station.
Add Oxford, Stratford, and the Cotswolds to your travel suitcase