Compare England: The Cotswolds by Country Walkers vs Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,248 | $ 3,355 |
| Price Per Day | $ 321 | $ 280 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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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 | N/A |
| 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. |
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales, and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to miles and miles of lakes, scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields; sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel; and indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside. |
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: Welcome to London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.
Day 2: London and Medieval York
At 07:30, meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.
Hilton York.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Hadrian's Wall to Edinburgh
See a part of Hadrian's Wall, once spanning 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 4: Edinburgh Sightseeing
In the morning, join a Local Expert to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty the Queen, at the end of the Royal Mile. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg, and see the Stone of Destiny. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Day 5: Loch Lomond to Glasgow
Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Breakfast
Day 6: The Glorious Lake District
Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: The Welsh Marches and Cardiff
Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.
Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Breakfast
Day 8: Georgian Bath and Devon
Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Continue on to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.
Jurys Inn Plymouth.
Breakfast
Day 9: Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic cruise of Plymouth Harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe.Later this evening, savour an unforgettable Celebration Dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.
Jurys Inn Plymouth.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Stonehenge and London
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Return to London for a final evening at leisure.
Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.
Breakfast
Day 11: Homeward Bound
Your journey ends this morning.
Breakfast
