Best of England

(11 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
London, Bath, Cotswolds, Oxfordshire

This private tour of England focuses on the best of the beautiful English countryside—spectacular country houses, extraordinary gardens, charming villages, historic attractions, and gourmet cuisine—balanced with time in London to enjoy its cultural attractions, upscale shops and more.

Begin in London, one of the world's greatest cities. Discover the best of London—heritage architecture, fascinating museums, important historic attractions, exclusive boutiques, traditional pubs and incredible food markets—during private touring customized to your interests. Tour famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Covent Garden, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Perhaps explore other incredible museums around the city such as the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Sir John Soane's Museum, the Tate Modern or the Tate Britain. Also visit hidden squares, renowned British shops, atmospheric tea rooms and other highlights.

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure will also arrange reservations for dining and afternoon tea, book tickets to performances, and provide recommendations for the best shopping in London. Accommodation is at one of London's best luxury hotels.

Next, transfer with your private driver-guide to Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with ancient Roman baths, rows of Georgian townhouses, antiques shops, gardens and other interesting attractions. Also see Stonehenge, an iconic ring of standing stones that's one of England's most enduring landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to the Cotswolds, a picturesque region of charming villages, beautiful gardens and grand estates among rolling hills and farmland. Visit renowned gardens such as Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate Court Gardens. See the ancient ruins of Chedworth Roman Villa, and visit charming villages to enjoy the markets, galleries, antiques shops and pubs. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a visit to Highgrove, the royal gardens of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, including time for lunch featuring local ingredients at the garden restaurant. While in the Cotswolds, stay at Buckland Manor, a luxurious stone manor house hotel surrounded by manicured grounds.

Next, transfer to Oxfordshire and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, a refined luxury estate with extensive grounds, including vegetable gardens that provide fresh produce for the hotel's renowned restaurant. Enjoy a guided tour of Oxford, home to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Upon request, Pequot Travel can also arrange a VIP tour of the Harry Potter Studios. One day, tour Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and a sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Site of grand 18th-century Baroque buildings and formal gardens on a 2,000-acre English landscape park designed by Capability Brown.

Next, visit Windsor for a private tour of Windsor Castle, one of the official homes of Queen Elizabeth II and the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world.

End your tour with time in London for additional city touring or a visit to nearby Greenwich or Kew Gardens.