This thoughtfully crafted seven-day tour invites you to experience England at its most graceful and inspiring. Settle into elegant Oxford as your base, exploring its iconic colleges, grand libraries, and centuries of heritage through exclusive behind-the-scenes visits. Journey into the storybook landscapes of the Cotswolds, indulge in Afternoon Tea at magnificent Blenheim Palace, and walk freely among the ancient stones of Avebury and Stonehenge. Along the way, discover the world of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, wander the halls of Warwick Castle, and unwind with a serene river cruise to celebrate your final evening. Blending culture, history, and gentle luxury at every turn, this is England at its most timeless — and most enchanting.

Meet your tour director and fellow travellers at London Heathrow Airport, before transferring to your 4* accommodation in central Oxford, the city of dreaming spires.

Settle in, refresh, and perhaps take a short stroll around the cobbled streets before we gather for welcome drinks on the hotel rooftop at 5pm — the perfect spot to take in panoramic views of this historic university city.

We’ll then enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Oxford’s best local restaurants, where you’ll savour seasonal British cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers.

We start the day at the Oxford Castle and Prison, which in many ways forms the beginning of the history of Oxford. As we learn more about some of the most notable prisoners here, you will also get an insight into the history of the justice system in England, as well as the early history of Oxford.

We will then embark on a guided walking tour of the city, discovering centuries-old colleges, quiet courtyards and much more!

Following a lunch break, we’ll reconvene at 1:00pm for an exclusive college tour led by an Oxford alumni guide, offering fascinating insights into student life and the city’s enduring traditions.

We finish around 3:00pm, after which you’ll have time on your own for any shopping or other visits you may be interested in.

Dinner this evening is at leisure — we’ll provide curated restaurant recommendations to suit all tastes.

We will start the day with a visit to the Ashmolean Museum with an exclusive behind the scenes tour, including great insight into the many great artefacts here.

After a short break for lunch, we will reconvene to take a tour of the Bodleian library, including the Divinity School.

In the evening we will have a special dinner at the Malmaison Hotel, before a fun and exciting evening of Murder Mystery at the Castle and Prison! Put on your detective hat to solve the mystery, which includes actors in costume to bring the experience to life.

After breakfast, we depart at 9:00am for a full-day excursion into the Cotswolds, where time seems to stand still.

Our first stop is the magnificent Blenheim Palace (10:00am) — birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture surrounded by sweeping parkland. Take time to explore the grand halls and gardens before we enjoy an exclusive Afternoon Tea in one of the state rooms, not usually open to the public!

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Bibury, famed for its honey-coloured cottages and the picturesque Arlington Row, often called “the most photographed street in England.”

On our return journey, we’ll stop at The Bear and Ragged Staff, Cumnor (6:00pm), a classic country pub, for a three-course traditional roast dinner. Expect hearty flavours and a warm, rustic atmosphere.

We return to Oxford around 8:30pm, comfortably full and full of memories.

Today we journey deep into England’s prehistoric landscape.

Departing Oxford at 9:00am, we travel to Avebury, home to one of the largest stone circles in Europe — older and more immersive than Stonehenge itself. Here, you can walk freely among the stones as we uncover the legends and rituals that surround them.

If time allows, we’ll visit West Kennet Long Barrow, an ancient burial site dating back over 5,000 years. After lunch in a traditional Avebury pub, we continue to the world-famous Stonehenge, arriving shortly before 3:00pm for a guided visit.

At 5:00pm, we return to Oxford (arriving around 6:30pm) where the evening is yours to relax or dine at leisure.

After breakfast, we depart at 9:00am for a day of history and theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon — the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Enjoy a guided walking tour to see Shakespeare’s Birthplace, charming half-timbered buildings, and the River Avon. After free time for lunch and souvenir shopping, we’ll visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a beautifully preserved thatched home that belonged to Shakespeare’s wife.

In the afternoon, we continue to Warwick Castle, one of England’s most spectacular medieval fortresses. Explore its towers, great hall, and tranquil gardens before returning to Oxford.

This evening, we’ll gather for a gentle river cruise at 6:00pm, complete with a glass of prosecco, followed by our farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and unforgettable memories made in the Heart of England.

 We will transport you back to Heathrow airport for your flight home unless you choose to connect to one of our post-trip itineraries or other adventures within the UK or Europe!