Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall (Small Groups, 11 Days) (from Oxford to London)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an enchanting 11-day journey through the picturesque landscapes of England and Wales. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. From the academic aura of Oxford to the Roman and Georgian architecture of Bath, the vibrant city life of Cardiff, the serene landscapes of the Brecon Beacons, and the mystical allure of Stonehenge, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy the quintessentially British charm of the Cotswolds, the maritime scenery of Cornwall, and the dramatic coastline of Exmoor National Park. Experience the rich history of Glastonbury Abbey, the bustling port city of Plymouth, and the quaint coastal town of Looe. This tour is a delightful mix of guided activities, leisure time, and culinary delights, promising an unforgettable travel experience.
Included
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
1 Dinner (D)
Bath: After a day exploring the Roman town of Bath, indulge on a Sunday Roast at your Welcome Dinner.
Experience Devonshire tea at Athelhampton and learn stories of the estate as you enjoy a delicious selection of scones, sandwiches and tea.
Dorchester: Toast to your travels at a delicious Celebration Dinner at your hotel, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa.
Brecon Beacons: Indulge on a hearty farm-to-table pub lunch, where a delicious seasonal menu with local ingredients will be available.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
Plymouth: During an orientation tour with your Travel Director, see Plymouth Hoe and the Citadel before continuing to the Barbican and Mayflower Steps. Afterward, explore a quaint Cornish fishing village.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Brecon Beacons: Visit a local kitchen garden for a peek into the freshest seasonal aromatics from the Brecon Beacons.
Brecon Beacons: Explore the stunning flora of the Brecon Beacons, forage for edible and medicinal plants with a Local Expert.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Dorchester: Visit the Manor House of Athelhampton and join an Estate Manager Owen on a guided tour to discover the beautiful Tudor architecture and Elizabethan style gardens.
Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Oxford: See the spires and colleges of this world-famous university town.
Cotswolds: This breathtaking area is about as quintessentially British as it gets. Honey-coloured stone houses line the winding streets of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages, while rapeseed fields decorate this colourful part of the UK in splashes of gold. See the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, before heading to the historic city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture.
Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
Glastonbury: Visit the historic Glastonbury Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, its ruins are now registered as a Grade I listed building.
Looe: Journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe. A holiday hotspot in the Victorian era, explore its comely stores and winding streets at leisure.
Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London - Oxford - Cotswolds - Stow-on-the-Wold - Bath
- Bourton-on-the-Water
- London
- Bath
- Oxford - Arrival day
- More
Start your journey in the bustling city of London, from where you'll travel along the scenic Great West Way to Oxford, a city renowned for its academic heritage and charming architecture. Next, you'll explore the quintessentially British Cotswolds, with its honey-coloured stone houses and vibrant rapeseed fields. Visit the picturesque market town of Stow-on-the-Wold before heading to the historic city of Bath, known for its Roman and Georgian architecture. After a city orientation, check into your accommodation at the luxury Apex Hotel (or similar) and end your day with a traditional Sunday roast for dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Bath
- Bath
- More
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your spa hotel before embarking on a discovery tour of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its Georgian and Victorian architecture and the well-preserved Roman Baths. You'll have the opportunity to learn more about the life of the famous author Jane Austen, who once called Bath home.
Day 3 – Day 3: Bath - Brecon Beacons - Cardiff
- Bath
- Cardiff
- Brecon
- More
After a leisurely start, you'll leave Bath and head to Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales. En route, you'll visit the stunning Brecon Beacons, a mountain range teeming with unique flora and fauna. Choose between a foraging walk with a Local Expert or a visit to a local kitchen garden. After a hearty Farm-to-Table pub lunch, you'll arrive in Cardiff, the cultural hub of Wales.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Cardiff
- Cardiff
- More
Enjoy a relaxed morning before embarking on a city orientation with your Travel Director. You'll see the Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh Rugby, and the historic Cardiff Castle. The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace.
Day 5 – Day 5: Cardiff - Glastonbury Abbey - Plymouth
- Cardiff
- Glastonbury
- More
Start your day with a visit to the historic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, an 8th-century monastery steeped in legend. Continue to the port city of Plymouth in Devon, known for its cobbled streets, gin distilleries, and the Mayflower that transported the first English Puritans to the New World.
Day 6 – Day 6: Plymouth - Looe - St. Ives - Penzance
- Plymouth
- More
Journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe, a popular Victorian holiday destination. Admire the turquoise waters and sandy beach before continuing to St. Ives, a charming town known for its art galleries, surf shops, and fashion boutiques. Your day ends in Penzance, a town made famous by the comic opera 'The Pirates of Penzance.'
Day 7 – Day 7: Penzance - Tintagel - Port Isaac - Padstow - Barnstaple
- Tintagel
- More
Begin your day in Tintagel, a village steeped in the legend of King Arthur. Travel to Port Isaac, a picturesque fishing village and popular filming location. Capture beautiful coastline views and stonework facades during an orientation around the village. For lunch, visit Padstow and perhaps try traditional fish and chips before returning to Barnstaple.
Day 8 – Day 8: Barnstaple - Lynmouth - Exmoor National Park - Bovey Castle
- Dorchester
- Salisbury
- More
Stop in the town of Lynmouth before journeying to Somerset's Exmoor National Park, a unique landscape of moorland, woodland, and dramatic coastline. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in Exmoor before ending your day at Bovey Castle. Nestled in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, this five-star accommodation offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, two refurbished restaurants, and individually-designed rooms. Unwind in this natural sanctuary and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Athelhampton
- Dorchester
- More
Visit Athelhampton, a 500-year-old Tudor Manor House in the heart of Dorset. Join Estate Manager Owen for a walk through one of the world's greatest estates and enjoy time at leisure to explore the tranquil Elizabethan gardens. Delight in a quintessential Devonshire high tea with freshly baked scones and sandwiches.
Day 10 – Day 10: Bovey Castle - Lulworth Cove - Weymouth
- Penzance
- More
Admire England's only natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, during a visit to Lulworth Cove. Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the pebbled beach or learn about the unique geology at the Visitor Center. Travel to the seaside town of Weymouth and enjoy time at leisure to explore the town while snacking on traditional 'seaside rock'. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Day 11 – Day 11: Weymouth - Stonehenge - Salisbury - London
- London
- Dorchester - Departure day
- More
This morning, journey to the iconic Stonehenge to appreciate the history and mystery of this prehistoric monument. Continue to Salisbury and visit the 13th-century cathedral, home to Britain's tallest spire and the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. Your tour through Wales, Devon, and Cornwall concludes as you arrive at your London hotel.
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