English and Welsh Experience

Arriving in to London (Heathrow or Gatwick) travel north West towards the heart of England and the Cotswolds. First stop is historic Oxford to soak up the unique academic ambience; explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps embark in a "punt" on the river guided by one of the resident students, an age-old tradition of the city. A short onward drive brings you to the sleepy Cotswold village ofWoodstock which is home of the magnificent gothic mansion at Blenheim Palace; the childhood home of Sir Winston Churchill, this manor-house hosts an intriguing exhibition from his life and integral role in World War II and is surrounded by manicured gardens. Continue in to the Cotswolds to your overnight accommodation.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Journey details: 85 miles / 1hr 45mins approx, if starting at Heathrow Airport*

In Stratford-upon-Avon discover a picturesque, market town of Tudor timberwork buildings, open greens, boats bobbing on the river Avon and of course a wealth of Shakespeare Heritage whilst outside of Stratford you can explore the quintessential English countryside of the Cotswolds; visit quaint and eccentric chocolate-box villages such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold as well as historic sites such as Hailes Abbey and Sudeley Castle connected to King Henry VIII and his wives.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 155 miles / 3hrs approx. *

Continuing your journey north, you may choose to stop at England's most impressive medieval fortress at Warwick Castle or nearby Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Gardens before making your way to the grandiose city of York. York is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to Viking heritage at the Jorvik Center. Stroll along the remaining medieval city walls, gates and Clifford Tower or visit the National Railway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman, the Mansion House or the Tudor exhibition at Micklegate Bar, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at the iconic York Minster, Northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 155 miles / 3hrs approx. *

Spend today outside of the city, where you’ll find yourself in another area of outstanding natural beauty with the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors on your doorstep. Explore the Quaint Yorkshire towns of Harrogate and Skipton, visit James Herriott country and the Bronte Parsonage where the famous literary sisters created their works. Historic sites of note include the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Water Gardens and the Impressive Castle Howard; this magnificent country manor has featured on the small screen in numerous period dramas such as Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included.

Return west and arrive in Liverpool, by contrast to the sleepy Yorkshire villages, you'll experience a more modern beat in this vibrant city; European capital of culture in 2008, Liverpool is home to the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles heritage including Matthews Street, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and the Cavern Club. A short drive South you'll find the affluent city of Chester which is home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive cathedral and some world-class shopping in the elegant Tudor-facaded "Rows"and shopping arcades. Later continue across the border in to North Wales to the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno, your base in North Wales for the next two nights.

Overnight: Llandudno, North Wales

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 150 miles / 3hrs 20mins approx *

Today explore the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. A short drive from Llandudno is the hidden gem at Conwy, a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares, the town is seemingly frozen in time with its medieval town walls and dominated by the stunning 13th century castle at Conwy Castle. Then onwards in to the glorious mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the scenic Conwy Valley; you may choose to hike in the foothills of Snowdon itself, ride a mountain steam train at the funicular railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog or visit the National Slate Museum to learn of the region’s industrial heritage.

Overnight: Llandudno, North Wales.

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we discover more of Wales intriguing history; from Llandudno pass West to visit Caernarfon Castle a World Heritage Site which was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles in 1969. Then head South along the West coast perhaps stopping at the hill-top Dolwyddelan Castle or the unique Italianate town of Port Meirion which famously featured on the sixties cult television show "The Prisoner". A short drive south you can visit the awe-inspiring Harlech Castle perched overlooking the Irish Sea before continuing South along Wales' West coast visiting traditional coastal towns such as Machynlleth or visit the picturesque Cymer Abbey ruins on route to Aberaeron, a charming fishing community.

Overnight: Aberystwyth

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 85 miles / 2hr 15mins approx. *

Continue south through the heart of Wales towards Cardiff; your journey will take you through a host of quaint Welsh towns such as Builth Wells and Brecon, with a possible side-trip to Hay-on-Wye, self-proclaimed second-hand book capital of the world and bustling with bookshops, tea-rooms and antiques shops. Continuing South you’ll pass through the beautiful, barren uplands of the Brecon Beacons National Park where wild ponies wander the hillsides before Descending the South Wales valleys; you may choose to make a final stop at Caerphilly Castle to see the moat and leaning tower before arriving in Cardiff, your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 100 miles / 2hrs 40min approx.*

Spend today exploring the Capital of Wales, Cardiff; discover this cosmopolitan city from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, home to the national museum and gallery of Wales to the city’s stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion. In Cardiff Bay you'll find the National Assembly for Wales, the Millennium Centre and a host of waterfront bars and cafes whilst outside of the city centre you can explore the St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh life or the fairy-tale, turreted, Victorian castle at Castell Coch. Overnight Cardiff

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 60 miles / 1hr 20mins approx *

Today, cross the Severn channel and make the short journey East to the city of Bath which oozes Georgian opulence and is home to so many sites of historic importance that the entire city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey and Pulteney Bridge or discover 18th century life at the beautifully preserved No1 Royal Crescent, as well as a wealth of quality museums, exhibitions and of course the spectacular Roman Baths and Pump Room. Time permitting you may choose to visit nearby village of Lacock, a picture-perfect historic village and Lacock Abbey, used in TV and film productions of Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

Overnight: Bath

Meals: Breakfast included.

Returning east pass on to the Salisbury Plain to see the famous standing stones at Stonehenge or lesser known but equally enchanting Avebury Stone Circle. You may choose to stop in historic Salisbury to visit the magnificent cathedral which boasts England's tallest spire, Europe’s oldest working clock and houses an original copy of the Magna Carta. Alternatively, you may head to Windsor spend the balance of the day exploring this beautiful and historic town home to cobbled squares, timber fronted houses, and the world’s largest inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s favoured residence. By evening return your vehicle at Heathrow Airport and make your way in to the city using the extensive public transport network.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 110 miles / 2hrs 30 mins approx (when travelling via Stonehenge and Salisbury) *

Having returned your vehicle, today London is yours to explore on foot or by public transport. This magnificent city is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames. Culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum whilst Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the West End make for unrivalled shopping opportunities.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing (luggage can be stored at your hotel) before making your way back to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports to check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included.