Friday 24th January – Wednesday 5th February 2025
On arrival in London, transfer to your centrally located hotel and take some time to relax ahead of your first evening in England. An unmissable destination for travellers, the capital city is an international melting pot that brims with culture, history and iconic landmarks. With a well-known and well-deserved reputation for an eclectic and globally diverse food scene, your dinner this evening is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Later, draw the curtains on the twinkling lights of the city to enjoy a good night’s sleep ahead of an exciting day of exploring tomorrow.
Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 2x Luxury Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: None
Enjoy a leisurely start at your own pace.
Later this morning, meet your local expert guide and visit the Tower Bridge, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and stunning views. Explore the bridge’s exhibition to learn about its Victorian engineering, then ascend to the high-level walkways for panoramic city vistas and thrilling views through the glass floors of the bustling Thames below.
From there, a short stroll along the Thames brings you to the iconic Tower of London. Delve into its storied past, exploring the ancient fortress, the Crown Jewels, and tales of intrigue, betrayal, and power that bring history vividly to life. The afternoon is an unforgettable journey through London’s heritage, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of its historical landmarks.
Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 2x Luxury Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your London adventure continues with a thrilling two-hour tour in a private Mini Cooper, weaving through the city’s hidden streets and uncovering secret gems alongside iconic highlights. With your driver’s insider knowledge, discover charming corners, historic alleyways, and unique viewpoints often missed by visitors, gaining a fresh perspective on London’s character.
As the Mini drops you off, you meet your guide for an afternoon of culinary exploration at Borough Market. This foodie tour immerses you in the market’s vibrant atmosphere as you taste an array of delicacies, meet passionate vendors, and hear their captivating stories of tradition and innovation. The combination of hidden streets and Borough Market flavours creates a day rich in discovery and delight.
Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 2x Luxury Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure in London.
Overnight: London | Firmdale Charlotte Street
Room Type: 2x Luxury Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing London in the comfort of a private transfer, embark on a journey into the English countryside, heading toward the mystical Stonehenge. As you approach the ancient site, its iconic stones rise majestically against the horizon. Meet your specialist guide, who will lead you through an intimate exploration of this prehistoric wonder, sharing its enigmatic history, theories of its purpose, and its cultural significance.
After soaking in the atmosphere and capturing unforgettable views, your journey continues westward to the picturesque city of Bath. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel, surrounded by the city’s Georgian charm and rich heritage, ready to explore its treasures the following day.
End your day with a visit to No. 1 Royal Crescent, an impeccably restored Georgian townhouse that offers a glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life. Enjoy this special experience with a curator, wandering through its opulent rooms, adorned with period furnishings and artefacts, as they share captivating stories of Bath’s golden era.
Overnight: Bath | Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Heritage Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a captivating day exploring the elegant city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Roman and Georgian splendour. Begin with a guided tour of the Roman Baths, where you step back in time to admire the remarkably preserved ancient baths and learn about the city’s origins as a spa retreat. Hear fascinating stories of Roman rituals and engineering marvels as you walk through the historic site.
Next, visit the stunning Bath Abbey, an architectural masterpiece with its towering Gothic spires and intricate stained glass. Inside, soak in the serene atmosphere and learn about the abbey’s history as a spiritual heart of the city. The day offers a perfect blend of ancient and historic wonders, framed by Bath’s timeless charm.
Overnight: Bath | Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Heritage Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, after a leisurely check out from your hotel, embark on a scenic drive to the North Cotswolds, where rolling hills and charming villages create a tranquil backdrop for the next leg of your journey.
Upon arrival at your luxurious hotel, unwind and recharge with an afternoon of relaxation. Indulge in the serene spa, with its soothing treatments and inviting amenities, leaving you refreshed and ready for more adventures.
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Comfy Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day immersed in the charm of Snowshill Manor and Gardens, where you explore a captivating collection of eclectic treasures amassed by the eccentric Charles Wade. Wander through the atmospheric manor rooms and the beautifully tended gardens, each corner offering a story or a visual delight.
In the afternoon, head to the renowned Daylesford Organic Farm for a farm-to-table lunch experience. Savour a delicious lunch crafted from the finest organic ingredients, explore the farm shop’s artisanal offerings, and perhaps enjoy a wine tasting that highlights local and sustainable vintages. The day combines culture, nature, and indulgence, ending with a relaxed return to your hotel.
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Comfy Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A day at your leisure in the Cotswolds offers endless possibilities for relaxation and exploration. You might choose to stay at your hotel, indulging in the tranquility of the spa with a soothing massage, a dip in the pool, or simply unwinding in the serene surroundings.
Alternatively, venture out to discover nearby villages, each with its own charm—wander the antique shops and market square in Moreton-in-Marsh, stroll along the picturesque waterways of Bourton-on-the-Water, or take in the timeless beauty of Broadway’s golden-stone streets and independent boutiques. Whether you stay in or explore, the day unfolds at your pace, steeped in the Cotswolds’ signature charm and beauty.
Overnight: Broadway | Dormy House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: 2x Comfy Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Embark on a scenic journey from the charming Cotswolds, winding through rolling hills, quaint villages, and golden stone cottages, as you head northward towards the stunning Lake District. The drive takes you through the picturesque countryside, with the landscape gradually transforming into rugged hills and dramatic valleys. As you approach Windermere, the largest lake in the district, the view opens up to shimmering waters surrounded by lush greenery.
Arriving at your luxurious lake house hotel, you’re greeted with warm hospitality, where the tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking vistas immediately help you unwind. After checking in, settle into your elegant room, ready to enjoy an evening of comfort and relaxation in this serene haven.
Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse
Room Type: 2x Lake House Classic Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Spend today exploring the literary heart of the Lake District begins with a visit to Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where the poet William Wordsworth once lived and wrote some of his most famous works. Stepping into the quaint cottage, you’re transported back to the 18th century, surrounded by the simple beauty and tranquility that inspired Wordsworth’s poetry as well as special access to the private collection.
After soaking in the atmosphere of his home, take a short stroll through the charming village of Grasmere, where the streets are lined with traditional stone buildings and lush greenery. No visit is complete without a stop at the famous Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread shop, where you can taste the iconic sweet, spiced treat, a recipe that has remained unchanged for generations. As you savour the gingerbread, you’re reminded of the rich literary heritage that pervades this beautiful part of England, making for a perfect day of cultural immersion.
Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse
Room Type: 2x Lake House Classic Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Your morning begins with a visit to the magnificent Levens Hall, a stately Jacobean mansion renowned for its stunning, centuries-old topiary gardens. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the gardens with the head gardener. As you wander through the meticulously manicured grounds, marvel at the intricate sculptures of hedges, some dating back over 300 years, and the elegant architecture of the hall itself.
After exploring the gardens and the fascinating interiors, you return to your hotel by the shores of Windermere for your final night in the Lake District. The atmosphere is peaceful and reflective, and as you settle into your room, the soothing sound of the lake’s gentle waves invites a sense of calm. With the evening light casting a golden glow over the landscape, absorb the last moments of your stay, perhaps enjoying a delicious dinner with a view, and feeling grateful for the beauty and history that surrounds you.
Overnight: Windermere | The Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse
Room Type: 2x Lake House Classic Rooms (1x Single Occupancy)
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pricing:
The NET price for this itinerary, based on X clients on a twin-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:
£11,560 GBP per person
Conservation ContributionThis voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate. If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know. Click here for more information.
Please see our booking terms here.
Friday 24th January – Wednesday 5th February 2025