Warwick Castle & The Cotswolds

Next Tour   2010
Includes   Return Travel, Castle entry & Guided Tour
Tour Price   Adult £45; Student £39; Child £33

 Overview  
 Warwick Castle is an old, imposing castle on the banks of the River Avon with an incredible history. The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful rural areas of England. Situated to the south of Stratford, it is an area of rolling hills, wooded valleys, fields of sheep and flowers, and, the reason for its fame and popularity, wonderful honey-coloured villages. Quintessential England!
  
 
What can I see?      
  The impressive castle at Warwick
  The most beautiful countryside in southern England, The Cotswolds.
   Warwick Castle Cotswold Village Cotswolds countryside  Lower Slaughter Mill   

  Plan for the day  

 First, we head for Warwick. Spend the morning either in the old medieval town or at Warwick Castle, an interesting introduction to life across the ages. The Castle, owned by Madame Tussauds, is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Britain with its fabulous exhibitions of life 600, 300 and 100 years ago. You will have 2.5 hours free time before being collected for the onward trip to the north Cotswolds. The Cotswolds itinerary depends on the weather. If the weather is good, we may make some short, unchallenging hill climbs so good walking footwear is recommended. However, whatever the weather we will visit the rural villages of Chipping Campden, the Slaughters and Bourton-on-the-water through the winding country lanes and over the undulating pastures. You will have time to browse the shops and relax in the many cafes that flank the pretty River Windrush that flows through the heart of the village of Bourton. Back to Cambridge mid-evening.  
 
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  Tour Details
 
  Travelling times
 Cambridge-Warwick 2 hours; Warwick-Bourton 1 hour; Bourton-Cambridge 2 hours 30 minutes
  Free time at Warwick Castle
  2 hours 30 minutes
  What is included?
 Return travel, Informal Guided Tour of the Cotswolds, Maps, Info.
  Entry Fees 
  Warwick Castle – Entrance fee included in tour price
  Itinerary
 Leave Cambridge at 0800; Arrive at Warwick Castle at 1000, Depart for The Cotswolds at 1245; Visits to Chipping Campden, The Slaughters and Bourton-on-the-water; Leave for Cambridge at 1730; Arrive in Cambridge at 2000

Stratford-upon-Avon & Oxford

Next Tour   Sunday, 29 November, 8am~8pm
Includes   Return Travel & Guided Tour
Tour Price    Adult £39; Student £33; Child £29

 Overview  
 Stratford-upon-Avon is a small, pretty town on the banks of the River Avon, famous for once being the home to one of the most important playwrights of the English language, William Shakespeare. Oxford’s dreaming spires dominate the city skyline. But Oxford has more than just the University; interesting museums including Britain’s oldest public museum, the Ashmolean, a vibrant shopping centre, a fascinating history and plenty of attractions.  
 

 What can I see?      
  Oxford University, the oldest in the UK
  The home of Britain’s most famous playwright, William Shakespeare
  The North Cotswolds, one of Britian’s most beautiful areas of countryside
    Shakepeare’s birthplace
 Stratford streets  Radcliffe Camera Oxford streets  
 

 

Plan for the day  

 On arrival in Stratford-upon-Avon, your guide will take you on an informal walk of the town including a visit to Shakespeare’s grave in Holy Trinity Church. The tour concludes at the birthplace museum, the house that Shakespeare was born and lived in as a boy (Entry optional). After lunch, we take the short journey to Oxford through the beautiful landscape of the northern Cotswolds. In Oxford your guide will introduce you to the sights of the city centre and the colleges explaining the history of the University. Then wander the college-lined streets or the beautiful parks to soak up the atmosphere of one of the world’s great academic cities. Back to Cambridge mid-evening.  
 
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  Tour Details
 
  Travelling times
 Cambridge-Stratford 2 hours; Stratford-Oxford 1 hour 15 minutes; Oxford-Cambridge 2 hours
  Free time in central Stratford
 2 hours 45 minutes
  Free time in central Oxford
  4 hours
  What is included?
 Return travel, Informal Guided Tours of Stratford & Oxford, Maps, Information
  What can I do in Oxford?
 Visit the colleges (Harry Potter was filmed at Christ Church College); Climb Carfax Tower for great views; Go punting; Visit the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest Museum; Visit The Bodleian Library, one of only five “copyright” libraries in Britain
  Entry Fees 
  Shakespeare’s Birthplace – Adult £7, Student £6
  Ashmolean Museum – Free
  Itinerary
 Leave Cambridge at 0800; Arrive in Stratford at 1000; Informal guided walk & Free time; Leave for Oxford at 1245; Arrive in Oxford at 1400; Informal guided walk & Free time; Depart Oxford at 1800; Arrive in Cambridge at 2000

The Cotswolds

Guided day tour of The Cotswolds from Cambridge
Next Tour   Sunday, 22 November, 8am~8pm
Includes   Return Travel & Guided Tour
Tour Price    Adult £39; Student £33; Child £29
 Overview  
 The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful rural areas of England. Situated to the west of Oxford, it is an area of rolling hills, wooded valleys, fields of sheep and flowers, and, the reason for its fame and popularity, wonderful honey-coloured villages. Quintessential England!  
 

What can I see?      
  The most beautiful countryside in southern England
  Rolling hills, fields of sheep and flowers
  Quaint honey-coloured villages
    Lower Slaughter Mill  Rolling hills Cotswolds in Autumn Bourton-on-the-water  
 

 
Plan for the day  

 The Cotswolds itinerary depends on the weather. If the weather is good, we may make some short, unchallenging hill climbs so good walking footwear is recommended. However, whatever the weather we will visit the rural villages of Bibury, the Slaughters and Bourton-on-the-water passing through the winding country lanes and over the undulating pastures. You will have time to browse the shops and relax in the many cafes that flank the pretty River Windrush that flows through the heart of the village of Bourton. Lunch in a traditional Cotswolds pub (not included in tour price). Back to Cambridge mid-evening.  
 
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  Tour Details
 
  Travelling times
 Cambridge~Eastern Cotswolds 2 hours 15 mins;
  Visit times
 There will be several village stops and/or hill climbs depending on the weather. Bad weather tours will include visits to the beautiful Regency town of Cheltenham Spa.
  What is included?
 Return Travel, Maps and information, All-day guidance
  Entry Fees 
  No entrance fees required; Pub lunch not included in tour price
 Itinerary
 Leave Cambridge at 0800; Arrive in Bibury at 1030; All-day touring of the Cotswold countryside with various village and scenic walk stops; Leave for Cambridge at 1730; Arrive in Cambridge at 2000

Brighton & Beachy Head

Next Tour   Sunday, 6 December, 8am~8pm 
Includes   Return Travel & Guided Tour
Tour Price    Adult £39; Student £33; Child £29

 Overview  
 Brighton was once the fashionable retreat for the rich London elite. Now it is a bohemian town of grand buildings, narrow winding shopping streets, amusement arcades on the pier and a wonderful beach. With a pedigree history and plenty to see and do, Brighton can entertain on a warm, sunny summer’s day or a cold, wet afternoon in mid-winter! The Seven Sisters white cliffs, high and imposing, are beautiful! The views towards France from the top of Beachy Head are simply stunning.
 

What can I see?      
  The highest cliffs on England’s south coast
  Brighton, the UK’s premier seaside town 
  The Royal Pavilion, England’s most wonderful building 
  The maze of shopping streets of The Lanes
 

Plan for the day  

 We leave Cambridge at 0800 for the south coast. See the lush, rural landscapes of Kent and Sussex, The Garden of England, before arriving at Beachy Head – at 170m the highest cliff on England’s south coast with its spectacular views over the English Channel to France. We will visit the top and bottom of the cliffs to take in their awesome size. Then on to Brighton to arrive at lunchtime. Join your driver-guide for a walking tour of the town to learn about the history and culture of this once royal city. You will have time to take in all the sights, be entertained on the quintessentially British pier, or relax in the many atmospheric cafes. The route home is a fast one to be back in Cambridge mid-evening.
 Tour Details
 
  Travelling times
 Cambridge-White Cliffs 2 hours 45minutes; White Cliffs-Brighton 30 minutes; Brighton-Cambridge 2 hours 15 minutes
  Free time in central Brighton
 4 hours 30 minutes
  What is included?
 Return Travel, Informal Guided Walks, Maps and Information
  What can I do in Brighton?
 Visit The Royal Pavilion; Go shopping in The Lanes; Have fun at the amusement arcades on Brighton Pier; Wander the bohemian streets of North Laine; Marvel at the creatures of the Sea Life Centre; Marvel at the creatures on the nudist beach! 
  Entry Fees 
  Brighton Royal Pavilion – Adult £7.50, Student £5.75
  Sea Life Centre – Adult £10, Student £8.50
  Itinerary
 Leave Cambridge 0800; Arrive at the White Cliffs at 1100 (rest break included); Visits to top and bottom of the cliffs; Arrive in Brighton at 1315; Guided Tour of Brighton; Leave Brighton at 1745; Return to Cambridge at 2000.

Greenwich, River Cruise & London

Next Tour   Sunday, 8 November, 8.30am~7.30pm
Tour Status   AVAILABLE
Includes   Return Travel, River Cruise + Guided Tour
Tour Price   Adult £39; Student £33; Child £29

Overview  
 London is the political, financial and cultural capital of the UK. This tour introduces you to one of the world’s great cities – feel the vibrant buzz of the city centre but also sample the peaceful and historic backwater of Greenwich: The Royal Observatory is where all clocks worldwide are synchronised to GMT – Greenwich Mean Time. All this connected by a trip by ferry along the River Thames past some of London’s most famous landmarks, the most relaxing and most enjoyable way to travel to the city centre.

What can I see?      
  The Royal Observatory at Greenwich
  London sights next to the River Thames
  Most other major sights in central London
  The buildings of political Westminster
 

Plan for the day  

 This trip begins with your guide in Greenwich at the Royal Observatory. Hear about Britain’s maritime past, the colonies and the significance of Greenwich Mean Time. Then on to Greenwich Market for handicraft or souvenir shopping. Sadly, the Cutty Sark (photo above) in dry dock at Greenwich Pier, was badly burned recently by fire and is off limits. From Greenwich, we take the ferry to central London past some of the city’s major sights including Docklands, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. On arrival at the London Eye, there will be a short guided walk through Westminster to Trafalgar Square. Free time in the afternoon. Collection for the return journey to Cambridge will be made from central London.  
 

 Tour Details

  Travelling times
 Cambridge-Greenwich 1 hour 20 minutes; Ferry boat Greenwich-central London 1 hour; central London-Cambridge 1 hour 30 minutes
  Free time in central London
 4 hours 
  What is included?
 Return Travel, River Cruise, Guided Tours of Greenwich & Westminster, Maps and Information
  What will I see?
 Royal Observatory, Greenwich Market, Cutty Sark, Docklands, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square
  Itinerary
 Leave Cambridge 0830; Arrive Greenwich 1000; Leave Greenwich 1220; Arrive central London 1320; Guided tour to Trafalgar Square by 1400; Free time until 1800; Return Cambridge 1930.

Bath & Stonehenge

Next Tour   Saturday, 7 November, 8am~9pm
Includes   Return Travel, Stonehenge entry & Guided Tour
Tour Price   Adult ￡45; Student ￡39; Child ￡33

Overview  
 Bath is the most beautiful town in England famous for its wonderful Roman Baths, the only working Roman baths in existence worldwide. It is an an elegant city with fabulous architecture and a rich history. Stonehenge, like Bath, is a World Heritage Site.The stone circle was built almost 5000 years ago and is the oldest monument in Europe. Learn about Neolithic cultures and marvel at what scientists believe to be the Early Britons’ most important temple

What can I see?     
  Stonehenge, the oldest monument in Europe
  Georgian Bath, the most beautiful town in England
  The 2000-year old Roman Baths
  Fabulous Palladian architecture
  Bath Abbey, the last great medieval church built
  Museums of Costume, Jane Austen and Astronomy The Circus, Bath  Bath Abbey The Roman Baths

Plan for the day  

 We leave Cambridge at 0800 for Stonehenge. On arrival, your guide will explain the history and understanding of Stonehenge. You will have over an hour at the stones. Take the audio tour (available in several languages) to hear more about the site. We arrive in Bath at lunchtime. There will be a walking tour around the city and free time to explore on foot. Don’t miss a trip to the Roman Baths. We leave Bath late in the afternoon arriving back in Cambridge at 2100.

Tour Details
 
  Travelling times
 Cambridge – Stonehenge 2 hours 30 minutes; Stonehenge Bath 50 minutes; Bath – Cambridge 3 hours
  Free time in central Bath
 4 hours 30 minutes
  What is included?
 Return Travel, Introduction to & Audio Tour of Stonehenge, Guided Tour of Bath, Maps and Information.
  What can I do in Bath?
 Optional guided tour: 1 hour 30 minutes; Visit Roman Baths (bathing not permitted) and Pump Rooms to taste the water; Visit new thermal baths (bathing permitted); Enter Bath Abbey, the last great medieval church; Admire the fabulous architecture of Royal Crescent and The Circus; Go shopping in the maze of shopping streets in the city centre or, uniquely, those on Pulteney Bridge; Visit the Jane Austen Centre, the Museum of Costume or the Herschel Museum of Astronomy.
  Entry Fees 
  Roman Baths – Adult ￡10, Student ￡8.50
  Stonehenge – Included in tour price
  Itinerary
 Leave Cambridge at 0800; Arrive at Stonehenge at 1030; 1 hour 30 minutes at Stonehenge; Arrive in Bath 1300; Guided walk & Free Time; Leave Bath at 1730; Arrive back in Cambridge at 2100 (includes rest break).