Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds

Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds | UKOX5
tourhub | Riviera Travel | Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds | UKOX5 tourhub | Riviera Travel | Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds | UKOX5

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds | UKOX5

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tourhub | Riviera Travel | Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds | UKOX5
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Oxford, Blenheim and The Cotswolds

5 Days Starting and ending in Oxford, UK

Visiting: Oxford, Bodleian Library, Cotswolds, Hidcote Gardens, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

UKOX5

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 25

Physical rating:

Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Historical landmarks, areas of outstanding beauty and traditional British villages - just a few elements that make this the perfect place to explore. Based in the academic city of Oxford, there's plenty to discover in its ancient streets and beyond. Our journey begins with a river boat tour and afternoon tea, with an expert guided tour to follow. Here we experience one of the oldest and most famous libraries in Europe with a tour of the Bodleian Library. There are also visits to the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace and Hidcote Gardens, one of the UK's finest Arts and Crafts gardens. A trip to the Cotswolds wouldn't be complete without a tour of its towns and villages with their famous  honey coloured Jurassic limestone buildings and cobbled streets of its towns and villages, and so we tour the rolling countryside, stopping at the likes of Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold and Chipping Camden, with time to explore.

Highlights

  • Historical landmarks, areas of outstanding beauty and traditional British villages â?? just a few elements that make this the perfect place to explore. Based in the academic city of Oxford, thereâ??s plenty to discover in its ancient streets and beyond. Our journey begins with a river boat tour and afternoon tea, with an expert guided tour to follow. Here we experience one of the oldest and most famous libraries in Europe with a tour of the Bodleian Library. There are also visits to the UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace and Hidcote Gardens, one of the UKâ??s finest Arts and Crafts gardens. A trip to the Cotswolds wouldnâ??t be complete without a tour of its towns and villages with their famous  honey coloured Jurassic limestone buildings and cobbled streets of its towns and villages, and so we tour the rolling countryside, stopping at the likes of Bourton on the Water, Stow on the Wold and Chipping Camden, with time to explore.

  • Discover the City of Spires’ fascinating history on a guided walking tour of Oxford

  • Explore UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace with included entry to house, gardens and grounds and visit the village of Woodstock

  • Relax on a boat trip along the river Isis with traditional afternoon tea included

  • Experience one of the oldest libraries in Europe with a tour of the historic Bodleian Library 

  • See the charming Cotswolds on a scenic tour and wander the timeless villages

  • Visit Hidcote, the UK’s finest Arts and Crafts garden

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Oxford

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Whether by road or rail, make your way to your four-star hotel in Oxford, chosen for its excellent amenities and central location. If you require assistance with any travel arrangements, be sure to get in touch with our Travel Concierge who will be happy to help in any way they can. Just a stone’s throw from the prestigious Magdalen College, the riverside and Oxford Botanical Gardens, our base is the perfect spot from which to explore Oxford, with many landmarks within walking distance.
However this afternoon we experience Oxford from a difference angle, with a leisurely boat trip along the river Isis. And what could be more fitting as the cherry on the cake of this beautiful British city than a quintessential afternoon tea? Enjoy deliciously dainty sandwiches, scones and cakes as this relaxing afternoon cruise sails downstream from Folly Bridge taking in the best known reach of the River Thames in Oxford.


Travelling down the University Regatta Course we pass Christ Church Meadows, the University College Boat Houses and other landmarks on our way to Iffley lock. This is often a busy and vibrant section of the river where training rowing crews, punts and pleasure boats jostle for river space in a wonderful display of Oxford at play. Passing through the lock at Iffley is an experience in itself. The river scenery and fascinating buildings combining to form a picture perfect location. Beyond Iffley we travel in to the tranquil water meadows that surround Oxford and there are abundant opportunities to spot wildlife amongst the green banks and overhanging willows. We turn for home at Rose Island, a favourite destination of Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell on their river journeys.    

Day 2

Location: Oxford, Bodleian Library

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We are used to seeing Oxford on our screens with Morse, Lewis and many other TV shows and films, more recently His Dark Materials and Discovery of Witches. However, like many historic cities, full of little gems and hidden passages, the best way to the heart of Oxford is by foot. So, after breakfast, we continue exploring this historic city with an Oxford walking tour lead by a specialist guide. Known as the ‘City of Spires,’ this iconic city was founded in Saxon times and has been home to scholars for the last 800 years. Some even dub Oxford the “Brains of a nation” – though Cambridge academics may disagree! As we wander the streets, we will see some of the oldest colleges, wander beneath the Bridge of Sighs, discover its green spaces, and soak in the atmosphere.

After a short break, our historical journey continues to one of the oldest working libraries in the world – of course it can only be the Bodleian. Storing a copy of every single book ever printed in the UK – though not all housed in Oxford – it’s arguably one of the most famous libraries of all. It truly is a breathtakingly beautiful place, and so there will be plenty of time to uncover its secrets in an expertly guided tour. You may even recognise some parts from films too – especially if you’re a fan of Harry Potter!

The rest of the day is yours to explore – so what’s it to be? You could climb Carfax Tower, visit the Ashmolean Museum or walk in the footsteps of Tolkien, Lewis Carrol and 38 former Prime Ministers. You’re simply strolling amongst history at every turn, and so even enjoying a drink in a historic inn or exploring the covered market, dating back to 1774, feels like you’re stepping back in time. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 3

Location: Cotswolds, Hidcote Gardens

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After yesterday’s exploration of historic Oxford, today we experience the rural natural landscapes of the Cotswolds and contrasting manicured gardens of Hidcote.

It’s no wonder the Cotswolds is declared an area of outstanding natural beauty with its rolling hills and meadows that lead to chocolate box, honey-toned towns and villages. In its entirety, this wonderful part of the world covers nearly 800 square miles across 5 counties. In Medieval times it was a centre for the wool trade, with the name Cotswolds coming from the Old English term for “sheep enclosure”. This prosperous legacy is illustrated with the wide market places, grand architecture and the fine merchant houses. Today we experience the best of the area, stopping at the likes of Bourton on the Water and Stow on the Wold, with time to explore.

Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds because of its attractive stone bridges that cross the river Windrush, Bourton on the Water is a typical Cotswolds village waiting to be explored. We also call in at Stow on the Wold - at 800ft above sea level it’s the highest of the Cotswolds villages. Found on the Fosse way where several roads meet, look out for St Edwards church, with its doorway flanked by ancient Yew trees, or perhaps enjoy some refreshment at England’s oldest inn, The Porch House. A fine example of the Cotswold’s elegance, we also pass through beautiful Chipping Camden with its sophisticated terraced high street.

After a morning of picture-postcard villages, we move onwards to the National Trust owned Hidcote Gardens. Created by Lawrence Johnson, it’s one of the most influential Arts and Crafts Gardens in the UK. Although not a professional gardener, he was a very talented amateur, who was influenced by Luytens and Gertude Jekyll. Let your senses be taken over by each garden room, every one different from the next, and stylishly separated by hedges rather than conventional fences.

Day 4

Location: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning begins with a visit to Woodstock, Old English in origin, meaning “a clearing in the woods”. With plenty of character and fawn-coloured buildings made from classic Cotswolds stone, there’ll be time to potter the streets of this charming market town.

Later, we immerse ourselves in the lives of 18th-century dukes with a visit to UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace. This truly magnificent place was once the site of a coach stop and royal hunting lodge in Woodstock, which later grew to the incredible place we see today. There are 300 hundred years of history in the palace to discover – and we do just that on our included entry to the house and gardens. As well as being the principal home of the Dukes of Malborough, it’s also the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and somewhere he came to revisit and cherish over the years. You can even follow his path around the estate to see these favourite beauty spots for yourself.

The house is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and is the only “non royal” home that can be called a palace. Delve into its unique history as you explore the magnificent state rooms, looking out onto its beautiful formal gardens and extensive parkland, landscaped by the famous Capability Brown. After some time to experience the beauty of Blenheim, we return to Oxford for a final dinner at the hotel.

Day 5

Location: Oxford

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, return home feeling inspired by the wonderful landmarks of Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds.

What's Included

  • Change your booking free up to 45 days before travel

  • Covid Cancellation protection included as standard

  • Discover the City of Spires’ fascinating history on a guided walking tour of Oxford

  • Explore UNESCO-listed Blenheim Palace with included entry to house, gardens and grounds and visit the village of Woodstock

  • Relax on a boat trip along the river Isis with traditional afternoon tea included

  • Experience one of the oldest libraries in Europe with a tour of the historic Bodleian Library

  • See the charming Cotswolds on a scenic tour and wander the timeless villages

  • Visit Hidcote, the UK’s finest Arts and Crafts garden

  • The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. •;;;;;;;;;; Four nights in four-star ;;;;;;;;;;; accommodation with daily breakfast and ;;;;;;;;;;; two dinners. •;;;;;;;;;; The services of our experienced and ;;;;;;;;;;; insightful tour manager throughout

  • Accommodation

    Four nights in four-star accommodation

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What's Not Included

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Kathryn Jurin, GB  

Riviera South Africa tour - awesome

21-May-2021

Riviera have amazing holidays and tours to choose from. The one we chose was South Africa and wow! It turned out to be our best trip ever - incredible memories we will never forget. We’ve been all over the world which was because of all our experiences, this one was awesome. The organisation of the holiday, the guide and the travel was e cells that. The choice of hotels, meals, restaurants, trips was absolutely fantastic - very good quality and character - nothing bland or boring! The Riviera guide was permanently with us along with a South Africa guide and they were both extremely friendly, professional, informative and you could ask any questions you want! I would massively recommend this holiday/trip and when you’ve experienced it, you realise how reasonable the price is. We reflect on this trip a lot and thank you Riviera for giving us such a wonderful experience.

Trustpilot
Barry, GB  

Rhine Christmas markets cruise

09-Dec-2019

Just completed a 5 day trip on the Rhine. Our first river cruise and a tester for future cruises. The boat was well appointed and the cabin and public areas were spotlessly clean. The staff were attentive and contributed to the very relaxed atmosphere on the boat. The quality of the food surpassed that which we have experiened on sea cruises in recent years. I have written little because it was a faultless experience. We have booked a further cruise (in France) on the basis of our experience.

Trustpilot
Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Rob Steele (Google Reviewer)  

My 3rd Riviera trip within...

16-Feb-2024

My 3rd Riviera trip within a year and I wasn't disappointed 😁 This time it was https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/escorted-tours/southern-india-coastal-route-solo-travellers This trip, although not cheap, it really offers exceptional value for money as you see a lot of Tamil Nadu and Kerela, stay in fantastic hotels, excellent breakfasts every day as well as some lunches and dinners also included. George Bareham, our "Tour Manager" was brilliant, very professional, but also friendly and diligent. Satheeshan, our local guide was helpful and picked me up antibiotics when I got ill, he was a nice chap, if (for my taste) went on a bit and used 20 words when 1 would suffice. Mr Sweeny, our coach driver was fantastic,really professional and an exceptionally good driver. His assistant, Murgon wad a delight, always smiling and attentive. This is a full on trip, early morning starts and quite a packed itinerary, but still leaving time to laze around some brilliant hotel swimming pools. Only a couple of suggestions to improve the holiday. More shopping time in Cochin and change carriers from Etihad who, unfortunately aren't the excellent airline they used to be. But, will I use Riviera Travel again - Yes 😁

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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