Britain's Heritage Cities Itineraries

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

OXFORD BATH

LONDON

BRITAIN’S HERITAGE CITIES

www.heritagecities.com

TOUR 1TREASURE HOUSES AND GARDENS TOUR

Oxford, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London

BHC.A4Itineraries.Tour1-14623-AW:Layout 1 09/09/2011 16:12 Page 1



TOUR 1TREASURE HOUSES AND GARDENS TOUR

Oxford, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London

DAY 1Arrive London where we will meet and escort you to your hotel in Oxford, Burford orWoodstock, pausing on the way for a leg stretch around the beautiful and award-winningWaterperry Gardens. Once checked in, independent sightseeing until a welcome reception,dinner and an early night. Overnight here for 2 nights.

DAY 2Getting the day off to a spectacular start, we’ve arranged a memorable visit to BlenheimPalace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the ancestral home of the Dukes ofMarlborough. With some free time in the picturesque market town of Woodstock,into Oxford for a walking tour of some of the hidden College gardens.

DAY 3Heading south, this morning’s ‘step back in time’ will include a visit to the awe-inspiringStonehenge before reaching Avebury where you’ll have time to walk among the prehistoricstones that encircle the village. With a lesson in Dowsing, the next stop will be the privatelyowned, romantic Italianate gardens at Iford Manor. Overnight Bath for 2 nights.

DAY 4After breakfast, there’s a guided walking tour of the city which will include a visit to theBath Abbey and the adjacent Roman Baths. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps discoveringthe original Theatre Royal and now a Masonic Lodge or enjoying a couple of hoursat the Thermae Bath Spa.

DAY 5As you meander through the Cotswolds, you’ll see two contrasting gardens, firstly atthe Abbey House, Malmesbury which is the home and creation of the Naked Gardeners,Barbara and Ian Pollard. With a pub lunch on the way, your next stop will be to see thesuperb gardens at historic Sudeley Castle, burial place of Queen Katherine Parr thelast of the six wives of King Henry VIII. Overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon for 2 nights.

DAY 6This morning, there’s a tour of the Shakespeare Houses where the costumed interpretersvividly bring to life Elizabethan England. The afternoon will be spent at the fascinatingCoughton Court which is closely associated with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and whereyou’ll find another absolutely fabulous garden. Tonight, you might consider an eveningat the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

DAY 7Leaving Stratford for London, pause for a visit to treasure-filled Waddesdon Manor,the French style chateau built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. Once checked intoyour hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Theatre tickets can be purchased in advance.The tour can be timed to coincide with either the Chelsea Flower Show (end May)or the Hampton Court Flower Show (early July).

DAY 8Private transfers to the airport for the return flight home.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel

UNLOCKING THE BEST THAT BRITAIN HAS TO OFFER

London

Oxford

Stratford-upon-Avon

Bath


STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

OXFORD BATH



TOUR 2LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon




TOUR 2LITERARY, VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Oxford, Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon


London

Oxford

Stratford-upon-Avon

Bath

DAY 1Arrive London where we will meet and escort you to your hotel in Oxford, Burford orWoodstock, pausing on the way to breath in some clean English country air in thelovely Savill Gardens near Windsor. Once checked in, independent sightseeing untila welcome reception, dinner and an early night. Overnight here for 2 nights.

DAY 2Today’s Bibliophile Oxford visit begins at the Bodleian Library and includes the wonderfulDivinity School, Duke Humphreys Library (Hogwarts Library) and Convocation House.The literary walking tour can then be themed along the lines of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkienor Pottering with Harry. This afternoon will be spent discovering the priceless treasuresand landscaped gardens at Blenheim Palace.

DAY 3Today’s highlights will be a viewing of the current exhibition at Modern Art Oxfordbefore seeing the Old Master drawings and paintings at the Christ Church Picture Gallery.The rest of the day will be for you to discover Oxford under your own steam.

DAY 4Leaving Oxford, we’ll take you on a meander through the Cotswold countryside fora curator led tour of the eclectic collection at Compton Verney, the art gallery in theWarwickshire countryside. With a close look at the Cotswold Arts and Crafts Movementin Chipping Campden, into Stratford-upon-Avon for 3 nights. We can arrangetheatre tickets for the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as and when required.

DAY 5This morning you’ll discover Elizabethan England as vividly brought to life by the ShakespeareHouses. During the afternoon you’ll take a tour of Palladian Ragley Hall, the family home ofthe Marquis and Marchioness of Hertford. While you’re there you’ll also see the collectionof 20th and 21st century works of art at the Jerwood Sculpture Park.

DAY 6Breaking with the literary and arts theme for a morning, much of today will be spent atspectacular Warwick Castle where, if we’ve got the timing right, you’ll see jousting displays,Birds of Prey in full flight and a whole lot more. Visiting the town of Warwick, you’ll also seethe Lord Leycester Hospital, a magnificent range of 14th century, half-timbered buildingsthat were adapted into almshouses in 1571.

DAY 7Heading for London, break the journey at the moated, Elizabethan Broughton Castle,the ancestral home to the Lord and Lady Saye and Sele which was extensively usedin the filming of Shakespeare in Love. Overnight in London (2 nights).

DAY 8Free and easy in London. An evening at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre could finish this tourin style.

DAY 8Private airport transfers or independent extensions.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel


LONDON



TOUR 3TREADING THE BOARDS

Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

BATH




TOUR 3TREADING THE BOARDS

Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and London


London

Stratford-upon-Avon

Bath

DAY 1Arrive London Heathrow where we will meet and escort you to the roman city of Bath. For thosewho’ve not seen it before, we could arrange a visit to Windsor Castle on the way. Once in Bath,rest and relax prior to dinner and the chance for an early night. Overnight in Bath for 3 nights.

DAY 2This morning’s walking tour will concentrate on the city centre and include a visit to theoriginal Theatre Royal before taking a backstage tour of its magnificent and sumptuouslyrestored successor. The walk will finish at the Roman Baths where after a visit, the restof the day is free.

DAY 3After breakfast, you will head for Glastonbury Abbey for a fascinating insight into the mythsand legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Returning to Bath, pausefor a visit to the beautiful cathedral in Wells. The balance of the day is at leisure before anevening performance at the Theatre Royal.

DAY 4Leaving Bath, your next destination is Stratford-upon-Avon, taking the scenic route througha number of well known, sleepy Cotswold villages and market towns. Depending on thetime of the year, visits to a couple of lovely gardens could be added to the itinerary.Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon for the next 3 nights.

DAY 5This morning will be filled with a front stage back stage tour of the newly reopenedRoyal Shakespeare Theatre which will be followed by a free afternoon prior to anevening performance at the intimate Swan Theatre.

DAY 6Today, we’re going to take a leisurely look at the 5 Shakespeare Houses, listening to thecostumed interpreters who at Mary Arden’s House and at the Birthplace bring to lifeElizabethan England. This evening dinner will be at the Theatre Restaurant prior to thisevening’s production in the main house.

DAY 7Over breakfast, there will be a conversation with a member of the RST about the twoperformances you’ve seen. Mid morning, leave Stratford-upon-Avon and making for Londonwe can arrange visit to either the superb garden at Waterperry, a tour of the treasure-filledWaddesdon Manor or a stroll around the university colleges in Oxford.

DAY 8On the agenda this morning is a tour of the Theatre Collection at the Victoria and AlbertMuseum. Depending on the time of year, the tour will finish with either.� Dinner and an evening performance at the Globe Theatre.� An actor-led tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, supper in a Theatreland restaurant

and then the West End show of your choice.

DAY 9Private airport transfers or independent extensions.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel


BATH

LONDON



TOUR 4GIRLS GETAWAY

Oxford, Bath and London

OXFORD




TOUR 4GIRLS GETAWAY

Oxford, Bath and London


London

Oxford

Bath

DAY 1Arrive London Heathrow or Gatwick where we will meet and escort you to the university city ofOxford, pausing on the way for a cup of coffee and a leg stretch around the lovely WaterperryGardens. Once checked in, we will take you on a leisurely orientation tour before leaving youto your own devices. Welcome reception, dinner and overnight in Oxford for three nights.

DAY 2Today’s ‘pick and mix’ Oxford tour can include your choice from the following:� The outstanding textile collection at the Ashmolean Museum� The world wide collection at the Pitt Rivers Museum� A viewing of the ecclesiastical vestments at Christ Church Cathedral� The William Morris room at Exeter College and then the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 3Today’s Woodstock Textile Trail will reveal some truly outstanding treasures in and around thiswell known Cotswold town. You’ll see the Woodstock Wallhangings which tell the town’sstory in colourful textile pictures and the Stonesfield Embroidery, a fine and rare exampleof 18th century needlework. St Mary Magdalen’s Church is where you’ll find over 200 kneelers,each with about 28,000 individual stitches. To complete the day, you’ll also see the trulymagnificent tapestries that adorn the State Room walls in Blenheim Palace.

DAY 4Leaving Oxford, your journey to Bath will take you through Cotswold villages like Burford,Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden (a very good place for a lunch stop) and Broadway,pausing during the afternoon for a special tour of the ‘Herbs for Healing’ garden nearCirencester. From here it is not far at all to your hotel in the roman city of Bath,your base for the next two nights.

DAY 5After breakfast, there’s a brief walking tour of the city centre which includes Bath Abbey andafter morning coffee in the Pump Room you’re in the right place for a visit to the Roman Baths.With an afternoon free for shopping, why not bring the day to a close with a couple of hoursat the Thermae Bath Spa.

DAY 6Leaving Bath and after a step back into the mists of time at the Avebury Stone Circle,the journey will have something of a royal flavour as you pass through Marlboroughwhere Kate Middleton went to school, Bucklebury where she grew up and Sandhurstwhere Prince William did his army officer training at the Royal Military Academy.Once checked into your London hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 7Having been organised for the past six days, you’ll be pleased to know that today is totally freefor you to revisit familiar haunts or discover London on your own. To finish with a flourish,we can arrange an actor-led tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, supper in a Theatrelandrestaurant and seats at tonight’s performance of your choice.

DAY 8Private transfers back to the airport or extensions on an independent basis.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel


LONDON



TOUR 5CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and London

OXFORD

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON




TOUR 5CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and London


London

Oxford

Stratford-upon-Avon

DAY 1Depart London Heathrow or Gatwick and on the way to Oxford, drop into Windsor for a‘beat the crowds’ visit to its magnificent castle. Once in Oxford, rest and relax before a 5.30pmwelcome reception and dinner and a chance for an early night. Overnight here for 2 nights.

DAY 2Today’s walking tour will include visits to a number of Colleges including a special Harry Potterand Alice in Wonderland tour of Christ Church and its Cathedral. Associations with CS Lewiswill also be worked into the itinerary. The afternoon will be at leisure in Oxford.

DAY 3Leave Oxford for Stratford-upon-Avon with visits on the way to treasure-filledBlenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and the moated ElizabethanBroughton Castle which was extensively used for the filming of Shakespeare in Love.Overnight Stratford-upon-Avon for 2 nights.

DAY 4Most of this morning will be spent discovering the Shakespeare Houses where costumedinterpreters bring 16th century England vividly to life. We’ll also include a visit to Holy TrinityChurch, the Bard’s final resting place. The afternoon will be at leisure in Stratford-upon-Avon.

DAY 5To Coventry Cathedral where in 2012, they will be celebrating its 50th anniversary,before returning to Stratford after a ‘shake the dust off the history books’ few hoursat stunning Warwick Castle.

DAY 6Leave Stratford-upon-Avon so that you’re in London by lunchtime. Before checking in,we’ve arranged an orientating city tour that finishes with a special tour of SouthwarkCathedral. Once checked in, the rest of the day’s at leisure. Theatre tickets for theWest End show of your choice can be booked in advance.

DAY 7A totally free day to go where you will in our capital city.

DAY 8Private transfer to Heathrow or Gatwick for the return flight home.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel




TOUR 6GREAT CASTLES, STATELY HOMES ANDGARDENS IN ENGLAND’S NORTH COUNTRYA three country tour

YORKCHESTER

CARLISLE

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TOUR 6GREAT CASTLES, STATELY HOMES ANDGARDENS IN ENGLAND’S NORTH COUNTRYA three country tour


Manchester

York

Chester

Carlisle

DAY 1Arrive Manchester Airport where we will meet and take you to the nearby Roman city of Chesterfor a leg stretch and cup of coffee. Once checked in, free time until around 4pm when there’sa private tour of the Cathedral which can be followed by Choral Evensong (optional) beforea welcome reception, dinner and the chance for an early night. Overnight Chester (2 nights).

DAY 2You’ll spend the day in North Wales where the day can be spent walking the walls in Conwy,driving through the Snowdonia Mountains, discovering 12th century Britain at CaernarfonCastle and whiling away an hour at the Italianate village of Portmeirion. Return to Chesterfor the night.

DAY 3Leave Chester and make for the Lake District for a cruise on Lake Windermere andvisits to the former homes of William Wordsworth at Dove Cottage and of Beatrix Potterat Hill Top near Sawrey. Overnight Carlisle (2 nights).

DAY 4With Scotland so close, today you’ll hop across the border for a special visit to DrumlanrigCastle owned by His Grace The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry and one of themost rewarding and romantic of Scotland’s great houses. Returning to Carlisle, you’ll alsosee Threave House which is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and famous asa garden for all seasons.

DAY 5Today’s outing will take you from west to east along Hadrian’s Wall, stopping at Vindolandato discover what life was like at this the northernmost point of the Holy Roman Empire.Another halt will be called at Durham where you just have to see its magnificentCathedral before pressing on to the Viking city of York (2 nights).

DAY 6To give you your bearings, we’ll start with a guided walking tour of the city centreafter which you’re fee until 4pm where we’ve arranged a private tour of the imposingYork Minster which can be followed by Choral Evensong (optional).

DAY 7Being the last day, we’ve come up with something memorably special as we take youto see 12th century Fountains Abbey, one of the most remarkable sites in Europe andits adjacent Studley Royal, a remarkable Georgian water garden. To finish with, there’sHarewood House, one of the great Treasure Houses of England. Your final night will bein a hotel close to Manchester Airport.

DAY 8To the airport for the return flight home.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel




TOUR 7GREAT CATHEDRALS IN ENGLAND’SNORTH COUNTRYChester, York

CHESTER YORK

YORK CHESTER

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TOUR 7GREAT CATHEDRALS IN ENGLAND’SNORTH COUNTRYChester, York


Manchester

York

Chester

DAY 1Arrive Manchester Airport where we will meet and take you to the nearby Roman city of Chesterfor a leg stretch and cup of coffee. Once checked in, free time until around 4pm when there’sa private tour of the Cathedral which can be followed by Choral Evensong (optional) beforea welcome reception, dinner and the chance for an early night. Overnight Chester (2 nights).

DAY 2Into North Wales for a walk along the walls of Conwy Castle and a few utterly pleasurablehours at Bodnant, one of Britain’s finest gardens. Returning to Chester, stop to see St AsaphCathedral, the smallest cathedral in the UK, an important ecclesiastical centre for centuriesand dating back to 560AD. On the way back to Chester, you might like to visit the beautifulshrine St Winefride’s Well in Holywell.

DAY 3Today we’ve arranged a light hearted look at The Beatles in their former home city of Liverpool.It begins with a ‘ferry ’cross the Mersey’ and a leisurely visit to the Beatles Story. While herein the Albert Dock area, a visit to the Maritime Museum is strongly recommended anda Magical Mystery bus tour can also be included before visiting the truly spectacularLiverpool Cathedral. Return to Chester for the night.

DAY 4After breakfast, you’ll leave Chester and make straight for the Viking city of York where afterleaving your luggage at the hotel a walking tour will give you your bearings and a betterunderstanding of York’s colourful history. At 4pm, there’s a special tour of the Minsterand you might like to stay on for Choral Evensong.

DAY 5Today’s circular tour will give you an insight into the World of James Herriot, the internationallyrenowned author of All Creatures Great and Small. It will be followed by a visit to RiponCathedral, one of the oldest sites of continuous Christian worship in Britain. On then to12th century Fountains Abbey, one of the most remarkable sites in Europe and its adjacentStudley Royal, a remarkable Georgian water garden.

DAY 6With so much to see and do in York, a totally free day in the city might be well received.Alternatively, we can arrange a Brideshead Revisited few hours at impressive Castle Howardand a Fish ’n’ Chip supper in the coastal town of Whitby.

DAY 7Leave York for a final night at a hotel near Manchester Airport but with a detour to seethe treasure-filled Palace of the Peaks at Chatsworth, the ancestral home of the Dukes ofDevonshire. Time permitting we can provide some end of tour retail therapy with a‘how much damage can you do in an hour’ ex-factory shopping visit to Wedgwood!Overnight near Manchester Airport.

DAY 8To the airport for the return flight home.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel




TOUR 8GREAT GARDENS IN ENGLAND’SNORTH COUNTRYChester, York

CHESTER YORK

YORK CHESTER

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TOUR 8GREAT GARDENS IN ENGLAND’SNORTH COUNTRYChester, York


Manchester

York

Chester

DAY 1Arrive Manchester Airport where we will meet and take you to the ancient Roman city of Chesterwhere after a brief walking tour of the city and a welcoming cup of coffee, you’ll check intoyour hotel. Rest and relax until about 4pm when we’ve arranged tea and cakes at aprivately-owned garden near the city. Early supper and the chance for an early night.Overnight Chester (3 nights).

DAY 2To Tatton Park where you’ll discover one of England’s finest gardens which over the centurieshave been shaped and influenced by some of the best garden designers in the country.Before leaving, there’s time for lunch (indep) in the Stables Restaurant and a tour of thehouse itself. On the return to Chester, there are two award-winning gardens for you to visit,either at privately-owned Arley Hall or at the fascinating 800 year old Norton Priory.

DAY 3A day in North Wales which begins with a drive up and over the Horseshoe Pass and intoLlangollen. After a brief stop there, you’ll be on your way to Ewephoria and an entertaininginsight into a day in the life of a Welsh shepherd and his sheepdogs. On then to visitthe lovely privately-owned garden at Maenen Hall, a photo opportunity at Conwy Castleand a cup of tea and Welsh cakes at the internationally famous Bodnant Garden.

DAY 4Heading for York, you’ll take a swing through the Derbyshire Peak District to see theunmissable Chatsworth and the nearby Haddon Hall where the rose display in June/Julyis fragrantly and colourfully gorgeous. Overnight in the Viking city of York (3 nights).

DAY 5To Castle Howard, aka Brideshead, dramatically set between two lakes with extensive gardensand mightily impressive architecture. By contrast, the afternoon visit will be to Scampston Hall,the home of Sir Charles and Lady Legard where the wonderful walled garden is the creationof the renowned designer and plantsman Piet Oudolf (co-designer of Chicago Millennium Park’sLurie Garden).

DAY 6Leaving York for Manchester Airport your first stop will be to see 12th century Fountains Abbey,one of the most remarkable sites in Europe and its adjacent Studley Royal, a remarkableGeorgian water garden. Finishing on a high note will be the afternoon in the award-winninggardens at privately owned Newby Hall which is full of rare and beautiful shrubs and plantsand a famous double herbaceous border. Overnight near Manchester Airport.

DAY 7By train to London for a 2-3 night extension or to the airport for the return flight home.Itineraries designed in partnership with Paull Tickner, Great Days Travel




TOURING MAP8 DIFFERENT TOURS AVAILABLE

Bath, Carlisle, Chester, London, Oxford,Stratford-upon-Avon and York


London

Oxford

Stratford-upon-Avon

Bath

York

Chester

Carlisle