March 23, 2016
This is an example of what we can do for you. This itinerary can be molded to fit your needs and your schedule. To book this tour, please go to this page and select “English Countryside 2.”
The Cotswolds, Historic Towns/Sites
& London
Day 1 Cotswolds (3 nights)
Arrival from United States
You’re met by a private driver at the airport who drives you to the village in the Cotswolds where we’re staying.
For the next three nights, we headquarter in the heart of the world-renowned and designated Area of Natural Beauty that is the Cotswolds, within a picturesque and typical Cotswolds village. From here, we are perfectly positioned to take in the charms of the area for the next couple of days.
Not too much is planned for today except low-impact sightseeing perhaps in the latter part of the day. Most of our guests arrive raring to go, and then their batteries really start to run low after lunch as the jetlag catches up with them. Our tried and true formula for the fastest way to adjust to local time is:
- Freshen up and then go for a walk; getting fresh air after a long flight is key to bouncing back quickly
- Move around until lunch time; have a nice lunch and then free time – we suggest a nap. You’ll really need it.
- Around 5:00 – 5:30 a walk followed by dinner at the usual dinner time
- Walk around some more after dinner and then go to bed
- Wake up the next morning ready to go!
Day 2, Cotswolds
The Cotswolds has historically been known for its sheep, and the ancient market towns that are spread throughout were primarily important wool-trading venues.
We spend the day visiting charming villages and market towns. Note: This does not include some places around the edges of the Cotswolds such as Stratford-Upon-Avon and Swindon because these are not infused with Cotswold character.
As time allows, if you’d like you can visit Britain’s oldest trout farm to try your hand at angling – a favorite past-time of locals.
Some of the villages/towns/attractions:
- Bibury, one of the most photographed villages in the Cotswolds with its medieval almshouses on Arlington Row (suggested home base)
- Castle Combe, pronounced ‘coom’ (Scenes from War Horse were shot here – very scenic)
- Tetbury and its Market Hall from 1655 and 17th Century weaver’s cottages
Day 3, Cotswolds
By this time you should be feeling adjusted and can spend another day targeting other typical Cotswolds activities. We’ll know of local market days in various towns as theese can be fun to attend. There are a number of manor houses, gardens and Palaces/Castles that are within the area as well
Possible castles/ palaces/attractions:
- Blenheim Palace http://www.blenheimpalace.com/
- Berkeley Castle http://www.berkeley-castle.com/visit.html
- Broadway Tower Country Park http://www.broadway-cotswolds.co.uk/broadway-tower/
Day 4, West/East Sussex (3 nights)
Making our way from the Cotswolds, our route takes us right through Winchester where we make a lunch stop, a walk through the old town and a visit to the cathedral from 1093. After visiting Winchester, we continue on to the historic town of Arundel where we headquarter for the next two nights. Arundel is famous for its medieval castle and historical sites and buildings within a small area.
Day 5, Arundel and West Sussex
We spend the day checking out the historic sites and attractions of Arundel and Arundel Castle. Activities include:
- Arundel Castle
- A cruise on the River Aron
- Stroll through the old town
Day 6, West Sussex and the coast
We start the day with a visit to an open air museum that focuses on the history, culture and people of West Sussex.
We then drive down to the coast, starting at the western portion of West Wittering Beach. We make our was east and back up to Arundel for the night.
Day 7, East Sussex and Canterbury (2 nights)
On to Canterbury, where we stay the next two nights.
On our way to Canterbury, we’ll stop at Hastings, where the “Battle of Hastings” in 1066 took place. This is where the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, beat the Saxons and led to the takeover of England by the Normans. It will tie in to our visit at the Tower of London, which was built by William the Conqueror. Hastings also has a charming old town.
Upon reaching Canterbury, you’ll enjoy exploring the quaint old town and having dinner at a cozy pub or restaurant.
Day 8, Canterbury & environs
You’ll have time in the morning to visit the Canterbury Cathedral – not to be missed. http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/
An afternoon excursion to Dover to see the white cliffs
Days 9, 10, 11 and 12: London (4 nights)
Highlights of your stay in London:
- Open top bus tour
- Cruise on the Thames
- Westminster
- St. Paul’s
- Buckingham Palace exterior
- Portobello Road neighborhood
- Harrod’s
- Picadilly area shopping
- Churchhill’s War Room & Bunkers
- Tower of London
- Tower Bridge
Day 12
Departure back to United States
You will be taken by private car to the airport for your departure flight.
Total cost for a party of two: 19,900 pounds sterling
Total cost for a party of three: 23,850 pounds sterling.
To book this tour, please select “England Countryside 1” from the drop down list here. Or, call us at 800-401-7802 to arrange for your own customized adventure in England.