London, United Kingdom

Discover England’s outstanding beauty and rich historical and
cultural heritage on this day trip from London. In the company of an expert guide,
get up close to the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO-listed Baroque
manor house where Sir Winston Churchill was born. Then, enjoy a
panoramic tour of the Cotswolds, with stops at two of the
region’s most beautiful parishes. End your tour with a trip to
Bampton, the quintessential village that featured as Downton village in
hit TV show ‘Downton Abbey.’

Start your day with a pickup from your centrally located London hotel,
or make your own way to Victoria Coach Station to meet your guide.
Settle into your seat aboard a luxury coach, then relax on the journey
to Oxfordshire, a picturesque county roughly 1.5 hours away.

Make
your first stop at the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace (entry not included), the birthplace of
Sir William Churchill. With your headset switched on to ensure you can
hear your guide’s commentary clearly, set off on a tour of the lavish
State Rooms. Delve into the history of the 18th-century manor house, and
get up close to priceless works of art and tapestries. Then, enjoy a
stroll through the landscaped gardens.

Next, hop back inside your
coach and gaze out of the window as you journey through the Cotswolds, a
region of outstanding natural beauty characterized by charming parishes
and thatched villages. Stop in Bilbury, and walk with your guide to
Arlington Row, a set of pretty cottages that date back to the 14th
century.

Continue on to the ‘Little Venice’ of the Cotswolds,
Bourton-on-the-Water. Have your camera ready as you wander down the high
street, lined with shaded greens. Then, feel the tranquility wash over
you as you head across arched stone bridges for views of River Windrush.
You’ll also have the opportunity to stop in at a local restaurant or
cafe for lunch (own expense).

After, head to Bampton, a quintessentially English village that featured as Downton village in the hit TV show Downton Abbey.
See the church where Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley married, and the
house that was once the Crawley family home. Pass Downton hospital and
take in other sites such as the fictional Grantham Arms pub.

When the time comes, return to your coach for the journey back to London, where your day trip concludes at Victoria Station.