Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds: 09 July 2023

Blenheim Palace

Description

Discover stunning British villages and attractions on this 4-day tour.  We visit the historic and captivating Warwick Castle and an Oxford College along with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace. Also include is an excursion to the famous Cotswolds to see its quintessential cobbled towns and villages.

Program

Day 1:
Your tour will start with a flight from Dublin to Birmingham airport. Flight departs Dublin 09:15 and arrives Birmingham 10:15. (please note that flight times are subject to change at airlines discretion)

After arrival at Birmingham airport, your local guide will meet you and take you for a light lunch. After lunch, we proceed to the medieval Warwick Castle, to enjoy the various activities and also learn more about the fascinating history of the castle itself.

Early evening arrival at hotel and check-in

Hotel: 4* Doubletree by Hilton Stratford-Upon-Avon

A stunning riverside hotel set amid landscaped gardens beside the River Avon and just a short walk from the town centre. Crowne Plaza Stratford Upon Avon offers the perfect setting for your stay.

A welcome two-course dinner is included at the hotel.

Day 2:
Full day excursion to Oxford and Blenheim Palace

Renowned throughout the world for it’s many Universities, spend the morning with your guide in Oxford, learning about the town and also visiting one of the Colleges or Bodleian Library (to be confirmed), to gain an insight into the life of an alumni and history of the University itself. Following lunch, we take the short journey to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Here we enjoy entry into the Palace, to see the magnificent rooms and artefacts, and also have the opportunity to enjoy a wander through the surrounding parks and gardens. Lunch is included in today’s excursion.

Day 3:
Full day excursion to North Warwickshire visiting Shakespeare Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s House Palace

Today, join your guide for a busy but rewarding day. We visit two of Shakespeare’s family homes, Shakespeare’s Birthplace the house where William grew up and also Anne Hathaway’s House, the family home of Shakespeare’s wife to be. Here we will learn about their family life, as well as getting close to various collections surrounding William Shakespeare and his works. Lunch is included in today’s excursion.

Day 4:
The Cotswolds is one of England's most beautiful regions, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and an area where much of its wealth originated from the wool trade in the 13th and 14th century - agriculture to this day still plays an important part in its economy. With our guide, we will spend the day soaking up the scenery and visiting the quaint country towns and villages of the region, including the well known Bourton on the Water, with the pretty River Windrush flowing through the centre. Lunch is included, and will be taken in one of the quintessential Cotswold towns. Mid afternoon we have to take out leave and head back to the airport for our departure flight home.

Return flight departs 20:55 and arrives Dublin 21:55 (please note that flight times are subject to change at airlines discretion)

Price includes

• Return flight from Dublin, taxes and transfers
• Three-nights in the 4* Crown Plaza Stratford-Upon-Avon with breakfast
• Four lunches and one evening meal
• Entrance to Warwick Castle
• Full day excursion to Oxford and Blenheim Palace
• Full day excursion visiting Entrance to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
• Excursion to the Cotswolds; admire the scenic Cotswolds as you wander the cobblestoned villages
• Private transfers and local guide according to the programme

Price does not include

Hotel Rating
Please note that our hotel rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard in the UK in relation to when it comes to price, facilities and services offered by the hotel.

Luggage
One small bag (size of a ladies handbag) and one standard piece of check-in luggage is included in your tour price. (10 kilos). Extra checked in luggage is available to purchase prior to travel, prices varies according to baggage weight. Please note that checked-in luggage should be booked at the time of booking and must be booked with a minimum of 14 days prior to travel.

Tour Activities
Please note that there is a fair amount of walking on this tour. Ours are active holidays. Walking, stair-climbing and standing around for periods are unavoidable aspects of this tour. This tour is suitable for those of a normal fitness but may not be suitable for those who need support. Walking and getting on and off a coach several times a day is part of the tour.

Tour Itinerary and timing of excursions
Please note that we reserve the right to amend the timings of the tour itinerary in line with supplier requests and included excursions may take place on different days.

Travel Insurance
IFC strongly recommends travel insurance and can offer a competitive quotation if not already purchased. The EHIC is a European Healthcard available to all EU citizens and is recommended to carry for travel within Europe. Please check www.ehic.ie for more information. IMPORTANT: If you have purchased travel insurance with IFC. If you or any person travelling has a pre-existing medical condition then you must declare that condition to Health Check


Please note that dates are provisional and that the itinerary is subject to change until airline flights are released by the airline.

Itinerary

Accommodations provided in each place