Join a local driver/guide on a relaxing full-day tour of the Cotswolds National Landscape. Experience the very best of this quintessentially English region on a tour that stops at 6 different and unique locations with ample time built into the day for self-exploration, shopping, and lunch. The tour stops at: • Dover's Hill: the Northern-most Cotswolds viewpoint offering panoramic views out towards Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham & Coventry • Chipping Campden: a historic wool town where you have an hour of free time to explore with our unique maps and local recommendations • A secret off-the-beaten-track Cotswolds village (join to find this one out) • Stow-on-the-Wold: your designated lunch stop with a wide range of wonderful food options to choose from  • Bibury: often referred to as the prettiest village in England it's also the home of the iconic Arlington Row of cottages • Bourton-on-the-Water: famed for the crystal clear waters of the River Windrush and the pretty bridges that cross it Between the stops, your driver-guide will tell you the story of the Cotswolds with a fun, fact-filled commentary as you travel the narrow back lanes only the locals know about.

The Cotswolds is classified as an area of outstanding beauty, famed for its traditional villages, rolling hills, cream teas, sheep, and Victorian follies. It is one of the UK’s most popular tourist spots so join us on our small group tour to get a more ‘off the beaten track’ experience of this charming area. Beautiful in all seasons we will visit some of the highlights of the Cotswolds, all within a day’s driving distance from London. A rural idyll that was once the heart of the wool industry in the medieval times, exporting textiles throughout Europe. During the Victorian Era the newly built railways passed this area by, meaning that its medieval charm has been preserved. It was rediscovered by the pioneers of Arts & Crafts Movement and the Pre-Raphaelites in the late Victorian era, who made it fashionable and created lots of small artisan workshops making goods such as furniture, jewelry and ceramics. First we will go to Burford, known as the Gateway to the Cotswolds, an old Market town on the River Windrush that winds around a medieval church with a fascinating history. Then we will visit a variety of villages including Bibury with its Trout Farm and the old Weavers Cottages of Arlington Row. After a meander through nearby villages including Bourton on the Water, we will visit the iconic Broadway Tower for some great views across the countryside.

Starting with a pick up in Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's Birthplace Coach Terminal, 9.00AM), or Moreton-in-Marsh train station (9.30AM), set off into the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Begin with a short, countryside walk to the iconic Broadway Tower (1 mile/1.6km). Soak up the panoramic views and see if you can spot the resident herd of red deer. Walk back to the minibus (1 mile/1.6km) and drive to Broadway village, or descend into the village on foot by walking a short section of the famous Cotswold Way (1.5 miles/2.5km). Enjoy free time in the stunning village of Broadway to explore at your own leisure and grab some lunch. Travel through the scenic countryside before embarking on a beautiful circular walk (2.75 miles/4.5 km) to discover quiet, quaint villages along the Windrush Valley. Here, you'll truly be off the beaten track, discovering hidden churches, surprising history, and gorgeous Cotswold villages without the crowds of tourist hot spots. Unwind after in the historic market town of Burford, where you can admire the historic buildings, shop for gifts or relax in a local pub or cafe. Listen to your guide’s fascinating commentary throughout the day about local life and history.

Experience the picturesque Cotswolds, an area of idyllic English countryside known for its green landscapes, charming villages, and honey-coloured stone cottages, on a guided driving tour without worrying about missing the must-see places. Skip the hassles of a DIY or large-group trip and relax on a luxury tour of must-visit towns and villages. See the historical homes of Stow-on-the-Wold and marvel at the honey-stoned Broadway and other precious villages like Chipping Campden, Bibury and Snowshill. Highlights: - Spend at least 6 hours exploring the best of the Cotswolds! - Discover iconic villages, historic towns, and stunning countryside! - Enjoy free time to explore each location at your own pace! - Travel in a luxury car along the country roads! - Private tour offers a fully personalized experience. - Learn about local history and photography from your guide! Basic Itinerary: 1. Moreton-in-Marsh: This is the meeting point and the beginning of your adventure. 2. Chipping Campden: Explore the historic town with its diverse architectural styles and experience outstanding natural beauty and tranquil countryside. 3. Broadway Tower: Visit the 18th-century iconic landmark, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about its history. 4. Snowshill: Stroll through the idyllic village, and take a tour of the National Trust Snowshill Manor (optional, and tickets not included). Admire Charles Wade's eclectic collections. 5. Stow-on-the-Wold: Experience the highest Cotswold town, delve into its historical significance, and enjoy the charming market square and St. Edward's Church. 6. Lower Slaughter: Take a picturesque village walk, and visit the ancient mill and its little shop. 7. Bourton-on-the-Water: Discover the scenic village, cross river bridges, and explore family-friendly attractions such as Birdland Park, Model Village, Motoring Museum, and Dragonfly Maze (optional and tickets not included). 8. Bibury: Visit the "most beautiful village in England," see the iconic street Arlington Row, and explore the rich heritage and stunning architecture. 9. Moreton-in-Marsh: This is the drop-off location, and the tour ends here.

With the Cotswolds broken down into mini itineraries, you can be sure you will see the best of the chocolate box views, but also discover more and get off the beaten track with the wider, lesser-known Cotswolds too. Get the best out of your break with our user-friendly, online guide that will make planning a breeze. Simply cherry-pick from the options provided ensuring you won’t miss a thing! Access this Class Cotswolds road trip on 2 devices (mobile, tablet or desktop) for 12 months to help with planning your break before you travel, as well as on your holiday. Cotswolds Itinerary • The suggested mapped route is a fully flexible route that winds through the Cotswolds with a series of mini-themed routes that connect, creating a road trip of 183 miles (292 km) with a drive time of around 7 hours and 35 mins. Depending upon stops, however, you can adjust this to between 3 and 14 nights. Of course, you can tweak this route as much as you like to make your own perfect route. • As you journey through the Cotswolds you will also travel through the ages and discover the history of the land and the ages that defined it. Commencing the times gone by with Neolithic settlements. Bronze and Iron Age forts, and Roman settlements. Learn about how the prosperous wool trade shaped affluent towns and provided the creation of several ‘wool churches’ in the Middle Ages. The more prominent towns in the Cotswolds highlight the Regency period and the Victorians, including the Golden Age of Steam, taking you through thousands of years of history on your road trip. Destinations Guide: • Save hours using our inspiration and signposting to plan your perfect Classic Cotswold driving route. • The destination guides cover 20 destination locations and guides on essential places to visit in the Cotswolds, such as Bronze and Iron Age forts, and Roman settlements. Don’t miss any of the iconic homes and gardens on the route. • The destination guide includes over 220 attractions, experiences and activities to uncover your own England. The Uncover More map includes: • 40+ Viewpoints • 195+ Places of interest • 40+ Hidden gems • 20+ Wild swim spots • 30+ On screen spots The Overnight Stay map includes: • 50+ Cotswolds Campsites • 25+ Motorhome stops & almost wild spots • 120+ Hotels • 135+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

Explore the picturesque villages and scenery of the world-famous Cotswolds region on a private full day tour scheduled from 10am to 6pm. Get off the beaten track and avoid the coach crowds with the help of your local guide. Visit the destinations you want to see, where practical, and discover locations you may not have heard of too. As the tour is private, the itinerary and start time are flexible. Along the way, enjoy coffee, lunch, and cake stops to suit your schedule as well. Possible places to visit include Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold, Minster Lovell, North Leigh Roman Villa, Broadway Tower, Chastleton House, Kingham, and Kelmscott Manor. By booking this activity with me here, you are agreeing to book me as your guide for the day but this booking and payment does not include the significant costs of my arranging a taxi to drive us or alternatively you can choose to hire a car to drive us. I cannot be your driver as if I hire the car to deliver a commercial activity, the car insurance policy is invalidated. I do not own a vehicle of my own either.

Day 1 Departing Bristol, your journey begins with a scenic drive through what is considered the birthplace of British tourism and the birthplace of the industrial revolution. We’re talking about Wye Valley, of course, which is dubbed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll love the views of this region as we head towards Tintern Abbey on the banks of River Wye. There’s some fascinating history behind this now-roofless national icon which was founded in 1131. Afterwards you make your way to the market town of Ross-on-Wye where you have free time to explore and grab a bite to eat. Then it’s time to head to Broadway. No, we’re not talking about seeing a stage production, we’re talking about the picturesque village in the Cotswolds. This is a great time for a spot of shopping, or simply wander and enjoy the town before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the night. You arrive in the birthplace of Shakespeare in the mid-afternoon so there’s still some time to explore and sort yourself out for dinner. You’re spoilt for choice in Stratford-upon-Avon. Perhaps you’ll explore the Schoolroom and Guildhall, where Shakespeare was first inspired by literature and theatre. Or perhaps you’ll visit his childhood home and hear tales of his family life. Day 2 You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie today. Your first destination is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK. Wander around the picturesque village of Chipping Campden before heading to Bourton-on-the-Water. Quite a literal name, as this village boasts the beautiful River Windrush running through it, and is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. You continue onto Oxford, your main stop for the day. Famously known for its university, the city of Oxford has an interesting history and plenty of things to do and see. You can learn about some of it at the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always Oxford Castle & Prison, a tour of some of the colleges around town, and even several Harry Potter locations to spot. Enjoy a relaxing drive back through some of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to end your day as you head to Bristol where your tour ends in the early evening.