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 Blenheim Palace
Following an astounding victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim, the Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, was awarded the Woodstock estate upon which the spectacular palace was later built. Blenheim is the grandest example of Baroque civic architecture and is full of treasures including furniture from Versailles in France. The palace was also later home to Sir Winston Churchill, our wartime prime minister.
Oxford and the Cotswolds
The honey coloured stone buildings of Oxford, set around ivy-clad quadrangles, are some of the finest examples of architecture in England. Our walking tour will take you to the very heart of this revered university city. Then we head into the Cotswolds to enjoy the scenic views of the open countryside criss-crossed by the dry stone walls and bustling market towns with perpendicular churches. We stop for lunch in a delightful pub famous for its home cooking and ales.
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Stratford, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language, and home to the theatres of the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford is a charming market town set in the heart of rural England. A delightful river winds its way through the town, past the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare lies buried. There are some wonderful half-wooden buildings that date back to Shakespeares time, including the famous cottage of Anne Hathaway, who married the great writer in 1582. We will visit Shakespeares birthplace followed by a private guided tour of Anne Hathaways quaint cottage. Afterwards we will enjoy Champagne and strawberry scones in the cottages beautiful gardens.
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