Compare England: The Cotswolds by Country Walkers vs England & Scotland in 11 days - The Royal Capital and The Highlands - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,248 | $ 1,999 |
| Price Per Day | $ 321 | $ 182 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 10 Breakfasts. |
| Description |
Covering some 800 green square miles, the Cotswolds are England’s largest “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”—and it’s easy to see why. Its ancient limestone villages and gentle hills (or “wolds”) are the very essence of England. Though time appears to stand still here, you won’t! You’ll follow detailed maps from the historic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the- Water, the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Peruse antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, then meander to the Saxon capital of Winchcombe, site of 500-year-old Sudeley Castle. Your walk to Broadway enthralls with 16th-century architecture and an 18th-century folly tower. Delve still deeper into history at the ruins of Hailes Abbey, an important Cistercian monastery. Explore the almshouses and covered market of Chipping Campden on a route rich with discoveries—from tiny shops and Elizabethan cottages to gourmet restaurants and classic village pubs where you can savor a pint with the locals. |
Discover the cosmopolitan city of London. Enjoy Edinburgh, the mountainous and compact capital of Scotland. Explore the different castles that Stirling and St. Andrews offer. Discover the port city of Aberdeen on a panoramic tour. Relax whilst tasting the famous whiskeys in Speyside. Admire the wild nature of the Highlands on the way to Inverness and enjoy a quick visit to the city of Glasgow. |
Day 1: Arrival in Moreton-in-Marsh
Accommodation: The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh
Begin your adventure in the thriving market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, at the head of the beautiful Evenlode Valley.
Day 2: Broadwell Crossroads to Lower Slaughter
Accommodation: The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter
Today you’ll pass through a bucolic landscape of green pastures and wheat fields, breaking for lunch in the antique-filled village of Stow-on-the-Wold, once a mainstay of the Cotswolds’ wool industry. This evening’s destination is a rural manor turned boutique hotel in the tiny hamlet of Lower Slaughter.
Day 3: Layover day in Lower Slaughter
Accommodation: The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter
Spend a relaxing day exploring the surroundings of Lower Slaughter. Stroll hidden streets full of tiny shops, Tudor houses, and gourmet restaurants in Bourton-on-the-Water, regularly voted England’s prettiest village; or walk along the Windrush River to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, passing through the timeless villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. Near Winchcombe, visit enchanting Sudeley Castle, set against the quiet dignity of the Cotswold hills.
Day 4: Winchcombe to Broadway
Accommodation: Broadway Hotel, Broadway
Begin your day walking the Cotswolds Way from Winchcombe to the eerie ruined arches of Hailes Abbey. From here, it’s a gentle climb to the Iron Age fortress at Beckbury Camp for superb valley views. After a pub lunch in Stanton, amble through open meadows to charming Broadway—dubbed the “Jewel of the Cotswolds”—with its picturesque tree-lined High Street.
Day 5: Broadway to Chipping Campden
Accommodation: Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, Chipping Campden
This morning you’re rewarded with stunning, unspoiled vistas at Broadway Tower, the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. From here, it’s a gentle descent to Chipping Campden, a charming town once famous for its wool trade, with many fine 14th-century buildings and a covered market.
Day 6: Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
Accommodation: The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh
After a morning walk to Blockley, visit the arboretum at Batsford, filled with spectacular coral bark maple and russet-berried mountain ash trees. The final stretch is an easy stroll to Moreton-in-Marsh, where your Cotswolds walking journey began six days ago.
Day 7: Departure from Moreton-in-Marsh
After breakfast, transfer on your own for onward travel connections.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to London. Night on board.* * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: London
Arrive in London and self-transfer to the hotel*. London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. Located on the banks of the River Thames, London has been an important human settlement since it was founded by the Romans originally named Londinium almost two millennia ago. London is a global city, one of the nerve centers in the arts, commerce, education, maintenance, fashion, finance, media, research, tourism and transport. Rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in London. * You will have the option to add a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the next step of the booking process. Please contact our customer service if you require a transfer from an airport other than LGW or LHR.
Day 3: London
Breakfast at the hotel. See London from a different perspective today, with a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames! Take in the views of several of the capital's most emblematic riverside landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Southbank and the London Eye and enjoy the fully-stocked bar to buy drinks and snacks as you listen to the entertaining onboard commentary! Afternoon free to enjoy the capital at your leisure. Overnight stay in London.
Day 4: London
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to continue exploring the wonderful city of London. Overnight stay in London.
Day 5: London - Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer* to the London Kings Cross Station to take the train to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh and self-transfer to the hotel. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is famed for its charming medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with neoclassical gardens and buildings. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore the city. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. Please note: During the winter season, the itinerary may be affected. In this case, it is important to review the notes section before your departure. * You will have the option to add a transfer from your hotel to the station and from the station to the hotel in the next step of the booking process.
Day 6: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city’s most famous tourist sights and monuments on a panoramic walking tour of Edinburgh with a professional English-speaking guide, visiting the Grassmarket area of the city, the elegant Georgian New Town and the historic Old Town. Among its main attractions, there is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles Cathedral and The National Gallery of Scotland. Stroll along the majestic Royal Mile and visit Canongate. Take some free time in the afternoon to wander through the city's atmospheric streets at your leisure, browsing the shops or stopping for a warming 'dram' of whiskey in one of the local bars. We recommend an optional visit to legendary Edinburgh Castle*. Overnight stay in Edinburgh. * Optional Edinburgh Castle visit: Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress built on a volcanic rock located in the centre of the city. It has been used for military purposes since the 12th century, being used for civil uses only in very recent times. Enter it and explore all the corners of this wonderful castle!
Day 7: Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at your leisure to continue discovering this amazing city. Why not take in the views from Carlton Hill or, if the weather is good, take a hike up Arthur's Seat for an unforgettable panorama of Edinburgh and beyond. Alternatively, Edinburgh is a paradise for shoppers, with plenty of quirky boutiques to explore. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 8: Edinburgh - Stirling - St Andrews - Aberdeen
After breakfast, meet your guide and depart towards Stirling. The castle played an important role during the Scottish independence wars and many will recognise it as it is featured in the 1995 film, Braveheart. Continue to St Andrews where to visit this picturesque town, known as the home of golf. Enjoy some free time to take in the sea views before continuing towards Aberdeen, stopping on the way to take pictures of beautiful Dunnottar Castle. Overnight stay in Aberdeen.
Day 9: Aberdeen - Castle Fraser - Cairngorms National Park - Aberdeen
Breakfast at the hotel. Explore the city of Aberdeen on a guided Panoramic coach tour. Visit the area surrounding the Cairngorm Mountains, home to breathtaking scenery, typical of the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy some free time at your disposal at lunchtime. In the afternoon, head to Speyside, famous for the whisky distilleries. Here, pay a visit to a local whisky distillery for a fascinating tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to Aberdeen for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Aberdeen - Inverness - Aviemore
Breakfast at the hotel. Head west today as you depart on a guided coach journey towards Inverness. Along the route, admire the wild nature of the Highlands as you pass by spectacular landscapes of moorlands and glens. Arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and enjoy a city tour. Afterwards, leave the city behind as you head to your hotel in the beautiful area of Aviemore, within the Cairngorms National Park. Overnight stay in the Aviemore area.
Day 11: Aviemore - Trossachs - Glasgow - Edinburgh
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, depart south towards Glasgow via the beautiful Trossachs where you can admire the scenery and see the largest Loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond. On arrival in Glasgow, the second most important and largest city in Scotland, enjoy a panoramic tour and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, return to Edinburgh to enjoy your final night in Scotland at your leisure. Overnight stay in Edinburgh.
Day 12: Edinburgh - US
Breakfast* at the hotel. At the indicated time, self-transfer** to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** You will have the option to add the airport transfer in the next step of the booking process.
