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Quintessential English Villages
May 20 to 26, 2012 · July
22 to 28, 2012
September 9 to 15, 2012
Designated
as "an area of outstanding natural beauty",
the Cotswolds are just 100 miles west of London.
Steeped in history, its tiny villages of honey-colored
limestone abound with thatched cottages that
cluster around spired churches. This superbly
picturesque countryside of rolling meadows
and beech forests lends itself to our gentlest
series of walks, 5 to 10 miles daily, with
quite modest elevation changes. From our well-located
hotel, we drive daily to ramble in various
parts of the region.
Itinerary
 Day 1
Arrive at Lygon Arms Hotel for the first of four nights. Following a light lunch and introductory talk by your guide, take a short walk (3 miles) to enjoy your first experience of the peace and tranquillity of the area. Dinner awaits you on your return to the hotel.(D)
Day 2 Transfer to Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest village in the Cotswolds and, unusually, built around a square. From here a circular walk through the pretty villages of Lower Swell, Donnington (famous for its brewery) and Longborough. Lunch at Broadwell, with its huge green, ford, and interesting churchyard. Free time in Stow. 6 miles. Once we return to the hotel their will be a talk by a local expert. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Transfer to Stanway with its beautiful Manor House and walk across the estate to Stanton, which is generally agreed to be a perfect Cotswold village, frozen in time. The main street is lined with beautiful golden limestone houses and it is no surprise that Stanton is frequently used as a movie location. Walk via Buckland along the Cotswold Way to beautiful Broadway for lunch. 6 miles. Free time in Broadway or take a walk up to Broadway Tower. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Transfer to the village of Mickleton, on the very edge of the Cotswolds, and then walk to Hidecote Manor, one of England's world renowned gardens. Designed and created by the horticulturist Major Lawrence Johnston in the Arts & Crafts style, it is made up of exquisite garden rooms, each possessing its own special character. Continue to Chipping Campden, perhaps the loveliest of all Cotswold villages, for free time. 5 miles. (B,L,D)
 Day
5 After breakfast we leave Chipping Campden and head to Rodborough in the southern Cotswolds. Enjoy a walk into one of the Wool Mill valleys around Stroud and into the 'mysterious' Woodchester Park' valley. The walk circles above Stroud on the Common Land of Rodborough and Minchinhampton, visiting the quaint old town of Minchinhampton and pausing in the afternoon for some of the best ice cream in the Cotswolds. 7 miles (B,L,D) Return to the Bear for dinner and overnight. 7 miles (B,L,D)
Day 6
After a short transfer to Tetbury we will walk today past Highgrove House – (Prince Charles’ beautiful home) and through two lovely country estates stopping for lunch at the curiously named Cat and Custard Pot Inn which serves excellent food. Walk back into Tetbury and free time. 7 miles (B,L,D) Return to the Bear for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 Departure
after breakfast.(B)
Land Cost $3175
Includes:
- 5 scenic guided walks and hikes
- 6 nights' lodging in
charming country hotels
- Double-occupancy room with private bath
- 6 sumptuous breakfasts
and 6 dinners
- 6 packed or pub lunches
- Sightseeing visits and admission fees
- Talk by Cotswolds expert
- Ground transportation during tour where applicable
“Meals at our
hotel were superb, outstanding. Pub lunches
were excellent. Our guide’s leadership
was a high point of the trip — his
knowledge of the region (topography, history,
social and cultural characteristics), his
overall concern for the group, his keen
insight and well-developed sense of humor
were magnificent.”
D Swoap Clearwater, FL
“For the Cotswolds — an
area steeped in history — one needs
a guide who is steeped in the knowledge
of it. Ours met this criterion to the max.”
J & C Tate Malvern, PA
“It was a very
friendly group — helping to make
the tour an excellent experience. Meals
were superb, both the quality of the food
and the serving staff.”
A Matz PA
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