Heart of England 2024
Heart of England 2024
Heart of England 2024
6 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswold Lavender, Lacock, Bath, Longleat House, Avebury
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHOLL4
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
7 - 18
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$2057 (USD)NB: Prices correct on 18-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Neolithic man, Roman forces, celebrated writers and contemporary filmmakers have all made a mark on England’s heartland. On this quintessentially English tour, we’ll follow their tracks – covering Wiltshire’s ancient stone circles and movie-set good looks, the delightful hamlets of the Cotswolds, Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’ and Bath’s incredible architecture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London (England)
Location: London
Accommodation: Wellington by Blue Orchid (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
After meeting the group in England’s vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: London – Oxford – Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: London, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation: Hotel, Swan’s Nest (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll set our sights on our first stop: charming Oxford. Here, we’ll learn about the poets, professors, scientists and sporting heroes that have graced the city’s streets over the years with a locally guided walking tour. Then: we’ll venture through quintessential English countryside to meet with the Cotswolds. This charming area is a patchwork of green hills and farmland, peppered with centuries-old villages and caramel-hued cottages. We’ll enjoy some free time to stroll the elegant terraced High Street of Chipping Campden – before tucking into another delicious group dinner at our hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Day 3: Stratford-Upon-Avon – Cotswolds – Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswold Lavender, Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation: Hotel, Swan’s Nest (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The life and times of William Shakespeare will take centre stage today when we pay a visit to the playwright’s timbered childhood home and his wife Anne Hathaway’s pretty thatched cottage. A stroll through the blooming gardens here is a must! We’ll have some time to enjoy lunch at our leisure – before we explore some picturesque Cotswolds hamlets this afternoon. This evening will be ours to spend at our leisure.
Day 4: Stratford-Upon-Avon – Lacock – Bath
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Lacock, Bath
Accommodation: Hotel, The Abbey (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day four promises to be an indulgent one, with an afternoon of high tea on the agenda before we move on to Lacock. This showstopper of a village often doubles as a film set, and you may recognise it from Pride and Prejudice or The Other Boleyn Girl. After imagining ourselves as costume drama heroes and heroines, we’ll step inside the magnificent abbey – whose peaceful cloisters took a starring turn as the Hogwarts hallways in the Harry Potter series. Then: onwards to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with true ‘wow’ factor, where we’ll make ourselves at home for our final two nights. This evening, we’ll spend exploring Bath at our own pace.
Day 5: Bath
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Hotel, The Abbey (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After receiving a fascinating insight into Roman life on a morning visit to the Roman Baths, we’ll visit the museum at No. 1 Royal Crescent. The afternoon will then be yours to explore the city for yourself. You could enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ at Thermae Bath Spa (Britain’s only thermal spa), and bathe in mineral-rich waters while scanning the skyline from the rooftop pool – or, if you’d prefer to explore on foot, you could discover Bath’s proud independent side as you wander past stylish boutiques and celebrated coffee shops. At our last dinner together, we’ll swap stories and look back on our English journey with fond memories.
Day 6: Bath – Longleat House And Avebury – London
Location: Bath, Longleat House, Avebury, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
The current seat of the Marquess of Bath, the impressive Longleat House blends classic architecture with creative interiors – and it’s here that we’ll start the day. We’ll have plenty of time to explore before we move on to Avebury, an immense stone circle set within an ancient landscape of enigmatic monuments, tombs and roads. While Stonehenge attracts tourists from around the world and does not permit close access, at Avebury we’ll have the opportunity to walk freely among the standing stones. Steeped in mystery, this prehistoric stone circle is a fascinating sight – and makes for a tremendous final stop. Later this afternoon, our trip will come to a close back in London.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Drinks with Meals
Check out our Q&As
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All Entrance fees listed are included
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discretion of the guest
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Friday
May 26, 2024 - May 31, 2024Sunday - Friday
Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024Sunday - Friday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 12, 2024Sunday - Friday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Sunday - Friday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Sunday - Friday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Sunday - Friday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 11, 2025 - May 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.