Village Life ~ England's Cotswolds

Download the brochure for Village Life in England's Cotswolds!

From approximately $2,995 per person based on double occupancy, air and VAT not included
Operated by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Overview
For one full week, immerse yourself in England’s Cotswolds, the quintessential English countryside. Enjoy accommodations in the stately, 19th-century QUEEN’S HOTEL, ideally located on the tree-lined promenade of splendid Cheltenham, an acclaimed spa destination since the 18th-century still defined by its dignified Regency houses, immaculate gardens and quaint family-owned shops. By special arrangement, meet Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill’s cousin and brother of the present Duke of Marlborough, for a guided tour of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a private lunch. This exclusive itinerary also features visits to the Norman Gloucester Cathedral, the fabled quads of Oxford, the fairy-tale castle of Broughton, impressive Hidcote Manor and Garden and the storybook villages of Bibury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden. The specially arranged VILLAGE FORUM™ with local residents provides a personal perspective on daily life in the Cotswolds. Unpack just once and experience charming villages that time has left unchanged, stunning natural beauty, rich cultural traditions and grand historic landmarks at an exceptional value.

ITINERARY
Day 1     Depart from the U.S. or Canada
Day 2     London, England/Cheltenham
Day 3     Cheltenham/Gloucester
Day 4     Woodstock (Blenheim Palace)/Bladon/Oxford
Day 5     Bibury/Burford/Stow-on-the-Wold
Day 6     Cotswolds Villages/Broughton Castle
Day 7     Hidcote Manor Garden/Chipping Campden/Broadway
Day 8     Cheltenham (Stratford-upon-Avon option)
Day 9     Cheltenham/London/Return to the U.S. or Canada

Activity Level
Moderately Active

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend one full week experiencing the quintessential English countryside—charming villages that time has left unchanged, stunning natural beauty, rich cultural traditions and grand historic landmarks.
• Enjoy accommodations in the stately, 19th-century QUEEN’S HOTEL, ideally located on the tree-lined promenade of splendid Cheltenham, an acclaimed spa destination since the 18th-century still defined by its dignified Regency houses, immaculate gardens and quaint family-owned shops.
• Meet Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill, Sir Winston Churchill’s cousin and brother of the present Duke of Marlborough, for a guided tour of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a private lunch.
• Enjoy specially arranged excursions to the Norman Gloucester Cathedral, the fabled quads of Oxford, the fairy-tale castle of Broughton and impressive Hidcote Manor and Garden.
• Visit the Cotswolds villages of Bibury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden.
• Meet the locals during the exclusive VILLAGE FORUM™.
• Join an optional excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s birthplace.

QUEEN’S HOTEL

• While experiencing traditional VILLAGE LIFE™ IN ENGLAND’S COTSWOLDS, enjoy seven nights in the charming QUEEN’S HOTEL, ideally located at the top of Cheltenham’s main tree-lined promenade. Founded in 1838, its lovely gardens and stately neoclassical façade, modeled after Rome’s Temple of Jupiter, still attract Cheltenham’s finest for traditional afternoon teas.
• Each of the hotel’s comfortable 79 guest rooms features a private bathroom, air conditioning, satellite television, hair dryer and 24-hour room service. Throughout the program, regional cuisine and international specialties are served in the hotel’s Napier Restaurant Conservatory. The hotel’s intimate lounge and bar are perfect for relaxation and conversation.

INCLUDED FEATURES
IN CHELTENHAM

• Seven nights in the historic QUEEN’S HOTEL.
• Private welcome reception in the hotel with select wines and cheeses.
• Breakfast each day, one lunch and two dinners, featuring regional and international cuisine in the QUEEN’S HOTEL.

TOURS AND EXCURSIONS, LED BY ACCREDITED LOCAL BRITISH GUILD OF GUIDES CULTURAL EXPERTS

• Walking tour of the Victorian spa town of Cheltenham.
• Tour of Gloucester Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman and Gothic architecture.
• Exclusive guided tour of the magnificent Blenheim Palace and gardens, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
• Specially arranged private luncheon at Blenheim Palace.
• Visit to Sir Winston Churchill’s grave in Bladon.
• Tour of the legendary university town of Oxford.
• Scenic drive to the northern Cotswolds villages of Bibury and Burford.
• Opportunity to stroll through the lively market square of Stow-on-the-Wold.
• Visit to Broughton Castle and gardens, with lunch.
• Tour of the typical charming Cotswolds village of Chipping Campden and Broadway.
• Visit to impressive Hidcote Manor and Garden.

EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL ENRICHMENTS

• Private meeting at Blenheim Palace with Lord Charles Spencer-Churchill who offers a unique perspective of the life of Sir Winston Churchill and his childhood home.
• Unique look at the English countryside’s architecture, cultural traditions and timeless way of life during visits to historic Cotswolds villages.
• Insight into contemporary life in the Cotswolds during an exclusive VILLAGE FORUM™ with local residents.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL SERVICES

• All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their international air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• Gratuities for local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Experienced Program Director to accompany you throughout the travel program.
• Hospitality desk in the hotel.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.