A Private Luxury 12 Day Tour with London, Bath, The Cotswolds, Oxford York and The Lake District

FULL DAY WITH PRIVATE GUIDE FOR LONDON SIGHTSEEING

This morning you will meet your guide for an included full day of sightseeing in London where you can utilise public transport to travel around the city. You can discuss specific requirements with your guide and sights can include the Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, The London Eye, The Churchill Museum and many more.

Westminster Abbey is a traditional place of coronation and the burial site of many English monarchs. The abbey isn’t a cathedral or a parish church but is a place of worship and owned by the royal family. The oldest parts of the abbey dates back to the year 1050 and inside you will see some of the most amazing medieval architecture. King Henry VIII spared Westminster Abbey from his assault on monastic buildings because of its royal connections. 

The Tower of London - Mighty fortress. Royal palace. Infamous prison. When William the Conqueror built a mighty stone tower at the centre of his London fortress in the 1070s, defeated Londoners must have looked on in awe. Now nearly 1000 years later, the Tower still has the capacity to fascinate and horrify. As protector of the Crown Jewels, home of the Yeomen Warders and its legendary guardians, the pampered ravens, the Tower now attracts over three million visitors a year. Here, the Ceremony of the Keys and other traditions live on, as do the ghost stories and terrible tales of torture and execution.

The London Eye. Enjoy priority Fast Track timed entrance to a wonderfully unique overview of this fabulous city from the London Eye! It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe with a total height of 443 feet. The capsules are sealed and provided with air conditioning, seating is available but not necessary, and you will want to stand for the best viewing options. The ride itself is remarkably steady, the wheel rotates once every 30 minutes and provides exceptional views over London. Be sure to have your cameras ready!

TOUR OPTIONS IN LONDON CITY

Today we can add a special experience in London City subject to your preferences and interests.

You may wish to enjoy a private James Bond 007 Tour of the city with an expert guide. This tour will take you around some of the main filmset locations, from Dr. No right through to Spectre. Immerse yourself in the world of your favourite Secret Service agent, and take some time out for a martini – shaken, not stirred. Your guides will show you where some of the most famous scenes were based. See the place where Bond met Q in Skyfall, and stand where the Fabergé egg was put up for sale in Octopussy. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to merge a city tour with a visit to the locations of your favourite Bond scenes. 

Alternatively, we can arrange a private shopping experience with a personal shopper and transport including private visits to high end luxury establishments in the city, perhaps having a custom suit tailored on Saville Row! You can advise of your interests and we will create the right experience for your party.

PRIVATE CRUISE ON THE THAMES AND PRIVATE WALKING FOOD TOUR

Today you will enjoy a private cruise on the River Thames and also a private walking food tour at the renowned Borough Market with celebrity TV Chef Celia Brooks. Transfers to/from hotel to cruise boarding point and meeting point for the walking tour is included.

Enjoy a private 2-hour cruise on the Thames in a luxury private water limousine. You will see the city from a new perspective and can enjoy a glass of champagne as the skipper points out points of interest as you cruise. Transfers from and to your hotel to the boat departure point is included.  

Private Walking Food Tour at Borough Market. Join Celia to discover the secrets and delights of London's oldest and most renowned food market. Explore the huge range of exceptional British and international produce available and learn all the fascinating facts about the Market’s rich history.

Starting with drinks, nibbles and a meet and greet at a restaurant within the Market, you'll then start an exclusive tasting tour with Celia, a passionate food expert and founder of the original tasting tour of Borough Market back in 2003. She’s also the first of only two operators licensed by Borough Market to run tours there. Celia will show you the best that Borough has to offer and lavish you with bespoke tastings of the unique foods and wines on offer.

You will taste an array of treats, including exceptional charcuterie, many fine cheeses from Britain and beyond, fresh oysters and scallops, hot street snacks, exquisite truffle products and antipasti, fine chocolate and patisserie, plus many more, whilst hearing the stories behind the creation of these fabulous artisan foods. Fine wine and more delicious boozy tipples are also included in this educational and demystifying Borough Market experience. All diets can be catered for where possible.

LONDON TO OXFORD VIA STONEHENGE AND BATH

This morning, check out of your hotel and meet with your driver/guide in the hotel lobby. Depart London and travel to Stonehenge for an included visit. Afterwards, continue to the city of Bath where you will enjoy some time to explore with a visit to The Roman Baths. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the elegant Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a luxury hotel known for its tranquil gardens and exquisite dining. Conclude your day with a memorable dinner in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, celebrated for its innovative and seasonally inspired cuisine.

Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance, a World Heritage Site, surrounded by remains of ceremonial and domestic structures - some older than the monument itself. Stonehenge’s orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features. Whether this was simply because the builders came from a sun-worshipping culture, or because - as some scholars believe - the circle and its banks were part of a huge astronomical calendar, remains a mystery.

Bath was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge alongside a diverse collection of museums and attractions including the Roman Baths, Jane Austen Centre and Thermal Bath Spa. Bath is also a great place to enjoy traditional fish’n’chips or Afternoon Tea, perhaps at the Pump Room.

The Roman Baths are well-preserved thermae in the city of Bath, Somerset, England. A temple was constructed on the site between 60 and 70 AD in the first few decades of Roman Britain. Its presence led to the development of the small Roman urban settlement known as Aquae Sulis around the site. 

Oxford, a city in central southern England, revolves around its prestigious university, established in the 12th century. The architecture of its 38 colleges in the city’s medieval center led poet Matthew Arnold to nickname it the 'City of Dreaming Spires'. University College and Magdalen College are off the High Street, which runs from Carfax Tower (with city views) to the Botanic Garden on the River Cherwell. 

Le Manoir Aux Quat'saisons: Church Rd, Great Milton, Oxford, OX44 7PD

3 nights at Le Manoir Aux Quat'saisons in a Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast

Set in a 15th-century manor surrounded by countryside, this plush hotel is 11 miles from the city centre and 13 miles from the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Posh rooms with French country-style furnishings offer flat-screen TVs, iPod docks and free Wi-Fi, plus marble bathrooms, and garden or countryside views. Suites add sitting areas, and some also come with private terraces or gardens, fireplaces and/or whirlpool baths.

PRIVATE FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR OF THE COTSWOLDS

Spend the day exploring the idyllic Cotswolds while traveling in style to your next destination. Begin with a visit to the renowned Cotswolds Distillery, where you’ll participate in a hands-on Gin or Whisky Blending Masterclass, learning the art of crafting your own unique blend. Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Stillhouse Café (payable direct), savoring locally inspired dishes in a charming countryside setting. Afterward, continue your journey through the Cotswolds’ picturesque villages and rolling hills before returning to your hotel.

A FULL DAY TOURING WITH BLENHEIM PALACE AND HIGHCLERE CASTLE

Meet with your driver/guide in the hotel lobby and on a full day for local touring which will include entrance to Blenheim Palace and Highclere Castle. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and you may wish to arrange a spa treatment or another activity available at the hotel.

Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704. Today, the Palace is home to one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries. Be sure not to miss the magnificent Long Library with its walls lined by more than 10,000 books, many of them hundreds of years old and of great historic significance. 

PRIVATE DAY TOUR OXFORD TO YORK VIA STRATFORD

Today, you will meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby and depart Oxford. Travel to Stratford-upn-Avon where you will enjoy some time to explore. We will include entrance to Shakespeare's birthplace and in the afternoon, you will arrive at the city of York and check in to your hotel. The evening is free. 

Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town in England’s West Midlands, is the 16th-century birthplace of William Shakespeare. Possibly the most famous writer in the English language, Shakespeare is known for his sonnets and plays such as 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Hamlet'. The Royal Shakespeare Company performs his plays in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and adjacent Swan Theatre on the banks of the River Avon.

Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace to walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps and explore the house where he was born and grew up. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, enjoy live theatre on demand and get up close to rare artefacts from the Trust’s world class collections as you discover how the extraordinary William Shakespeare continues to shape our lives today. Your ticket also covers entrance to other local Shakespeare sites should you wish to visit including Mary Arden's Farm, Anna Hathaway's Cottage, Shakespeare's New Place and Hall's Croft.

York: To uncover the city’s more unusual past, take a trip to Britain’s oldest living convent or step below ground for a fascinating look at York's last Cold War relic. Check out all things Roman at the Roman Bath Public House or journey back 150 million years at the Yorkshire Museum.

The Grand Hotel, Station Rise,York, YO1 6GD

2 nights at The Grand Hotel in a Deluxe Room inclusive of breakfast

Stay at The Grand, York, the only 5-star hotel in Yorkshire. Perfect for romantic getaways and spa breaks.

FULL DAY TOURING YORK AND SURROUNDS WITH YOUR DRIVER/GUIDE

Today, you will meet your driver guide in the hotel lobby for a full day tour of York City and the surrounding area. You can discuss options with your driver and no entrances will be included to allow for flexibility on the day.

You may wish to spend some time in York City with an optional visit to York Minster and walk the city walls.  Drive out of the city with a possible visit to Castle Howards. Return to the city in the afternoon. You may like to include a private walking ghost tour in the evening - we can make arrangements to suit your preferences.

YORK TO THE LAKE DISTRICT VIA THE YORKSHIRE DALES

Depart York with your driver this morning and travel via The Yorkshire Dales. The dales is one of Britain’s most iconic National Parks, a stunning landscape of dramatic hills and valleys lined with drystone walls. You will enjoy views of castles, waterfalls and the famous ribbleshead Viaduct. You can enjoy a refreshment stop in Hawes with time to briefly explore the town or sample the famous Wensleydale Cheese. Continue to your hotel in the Lake District and check in.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park is in northern England. It encompasses thousands of square miles of moors, valleys, hills and villages. Southeast, on the River Wharfe, the Bolton Abbey Estate includes the ruins of a 12th-century monastery. Malham Village features a towering cliff, and a footpath leading to Gordale Scar, a limestone ravine with waterfalls. A 5-arched bridge crosses the river at Burnsall Village.

Gilpin Lodge Hotel Crook Rd, Windermere, LA23 3NE

2 nights at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast.

Set among landscaped gardens in a 1901 Georgian-style country house with an annexe, this upscale hotel is 2.6 miles from the World of Beatrix Potter and 9.1 miles from Abbot Hall Art Gallery. The warm, sophisticated rooms and suites feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Some add garden access, fireplaces and/or patios with private hot tubs. Airy suites offer additional sitting areas, plus whirlpool tubs in most. WiFi is free.

TOURING THE LAKE DISTRICT WITH YOUR DRIVER/GUIDE

Enjoy a full day with your driver/guide for touring The Lake District. You will travel from Bowness Bay towards Waterhead, cruising on England’s largest Lake, Windermere. Sit back and enjoy the unrivalled views from the Lake towards the fell ranges beyond.  After arriving at Waterhead you make your way to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm, where she wrote many of her famous children’s stories in this 17th century cottage. You will have the opportunity to explore the gardens and visit the shop.

Continuing onto the medieval village of Hawkshead, you will have a little time to explore its many delightful features. There is plenty of photo opportunities as William Wordsworth old Grammar School is located here.  Onwards then, to the renowned beauty spot of Tarn Hows, which is one of the most photographed locations in the Lake District. Soak up the stunning views looking towards the mountains at Tarn Hows, before making your way back to your hotel.

The Lake District: From sixteen sparkling lakes and England’s highest mountains, to sheltered valleys, heather moorlands and salty seascapes, Cumbria and the Lake District have inspired and captivated generations of visitors and famous writers and poets such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. But there’s more to see than just scenery. The area has a rich heritage to discover, a vibrant and contemporary cultural scene, and a growing reputation for fine food and drink. The unique landscape that inspired Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter today nurtures a new generation of writers, artists and musicians. Sculpture trails, poetry programs, street art and theatre add up to a thriving cultural scene. The area has a fascinating heritage, too. In stone circles and Roman forts, in historic houses and museums, the past still echoes. 

DEPART...OR CONTINUE TO THE NEXT DESTINATION

Our services will end after breakfast this morning upon check-out. We can add a transfer to your departing airport or you may wish to add a tour in Scotland which we can assist with. 

We simply want you to focus on having an incredible time. It’s that simple.

All our suggested tours are created by locals, using years of country knowledge. It’s your tour though. That’s why any of our itineraries can be tailored to exactly suit your needs. And that might mean fitting it to your budget. Do you have a particular destination in mind, We can include any specific request, so please ask.

Please note that we can also use some or all 4-star hotels in great locations. We can adjust services to meet your wish list, your requirements and your budget.

The Cost for this Wonderful Private Tour as shown online based on 2 Guests sharing a room ranges from UK POUND £13495 - £14895 per person sharing.

Utilising wonderful 4-star hotels in great locations, the price range will be from UK POUND £11095 - £11795 per person sharing.

Please see below for complete list of included services.

Accommodation is included for 11 nights at the following hotels including breakfast.

Accommodation

Nts          City               Hotel - Room Type

4             London           Shangri-La The Shard - Superior Shard Room

3             Oxford            Le Manoir Aux Quat'saisons - Deluxe Room

2             York                The Grand Hotel – Deluxe Room

2             Windermere   Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – Junior Suite

Transport (Private services throughout)

• Private Arrival Transfer London Heathrow Airport
• London to Oxford via Stonehenge and Bath
• Private Driver Guide for Full Day Touring Cotswolds
• A Full Day Touring with Blenheim Palace and Highclere Castle
• Oxford to York via Stratford
• Full Day Local Touring with driver/guide
• Private Departure Transfer London Heathrow Airport
• York via Yorkshire Dales to Windermere
• Full Day Touring in The Lake District

Services

• Full Day with Private Guide for London Sightseeing
• Westminster Abbey
• The Tower of London
• The London Eye Fast Track Entry
• Private Cruising On River Thames
• A Taste of Borough Market with Author and TV Chef Celia Brooks
• Stonehenge
• Roman Baths Entrance Fee
• Cotswolds Distillery Whisky Blending Masterclass
• Blenheim Palace
• Highclere Castle
• Shakespeare's Birthplace

We also include hotel taxes and fees, (please note that city tax is payable locally) communication costs and the help of our local travel experts throughout your trip; 24/7.

What's Not Included

• Your flights to and from Europe
• Gratuities and tips to driver-guides and local guides
• Anything that we’ve not mentioned above

BOOKING: The proposal is subject to availability and subject to our terms and conditions available on request. To book we require a 30% deposit which is non-refundable as required to pre-book all services.  We accept payments by credit card or by bank transfer. The balance of your trip would be due by 60 days prior to travel.  We strongly suggest taking out travel insurance with your local broker or online provider.