Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Monday: Saturday: Arrival
On arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Castle Hotel in Windsor, where we stay for the next two nights. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Sunday: Windsor Castle & Kew Gardens
We start our day with a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and the final resting place of Elizabeth II. Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been remodeled by successive kings and queens and is regularly used for ceremonial and state occasions. The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art for you to admire, beautifully decorated at this time of year. We find out more of the castle’s history on our audio-guided tour.
Later, a festive treat awaits us at the world-famous Kew Gardens, where the iconic architecture and tree canopies are brought to life, enriched with Christmas color and sparkling with seasonal decorations. Discover an enchanting festive trail of lights that winds its way through the botanic gardens, before enjoying some tasty treats from one of the many enticing stalls.
Meals: Breakfast,
DAY 3
Monday: Bath Assembly Rooms & Bath Christmas Market
After checking out of the hotel we head to Bath, an elegant Regency city graced with wonderfully well-preserved Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths are a must-see here, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s ancient past. This historic site consists of the remains of one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world, where natural hot springs still flow with steaming water. We enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Great Bath, the Sacred Spring and the Roman Temple, all while learning about the daily life and rituals of the Romans through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
We then explore the enchanting Bath Christmas Market, bursting with traditional chalet-style stalls selling a variety of handmade items. Whether you’d like to start your Christmas shopping early, treat yourself to a tempting seasonal offering or simply browse the high-quality Christmas gifts, homewares, jewelry and more, there’s plenty to get you into the festive spirit.
Later we check into the Queens Hotel in Cheltenham, where we stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Tuesday: Cotswolds Villages
Leaving Regency Cheltenham, we take a scenic drive through the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where quintessentially English villages are peppered throughout rolling hills.
We stop in Broadway, where you can expect a lovely mix of honey-hued buildings, cozy traditional pubs and independent boutiques. Coffee and cake awaits at the Lygon Arms, one of the town’s most iconic buildings and an atmospheric 13th-century hotel with warming fireplaces and original features.
Next, we visit Stow-on-the-Wold, a quintessential Cotswold market town known for its vibrant history and charming atmosphere. The town square, a bustling hub of activity, is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, each with its unique character. Don’t miss the chance to visit St Edward’s Church, famous for its enchanting north door flanked by ancient yew trees, often said to be the inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin in The Lord of the Rings.
We end the day with a festive afternoon tea at Hartwell House, one of the National Trust’s Historic House Hotels, where we also stay for the next three nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
DAY 5
Wednesday: Henley-on-Thames, Grey’s Court & Blenheim Palace
This morning we make a brief stop in Henley-on-Thames, one of the most picturesque towns in the country and set on the River Thames against the idyllic backdrop of the Chiltern Hills. It’s a lovely spot for a riverside stroll, and there are also plenty of historic buildings to admire.
We continue to Greys Court, a filming location of the hugely popular Downton Abbey TV series and movies. Set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns, this picturesque Tudor mansion has a rich patchwork of styles, including 18th-century additions and 20th-century interiors. The house is still furnished as an intimate family home, having been occupied until 2003, and is beautifully decorated during the countdown to Christmas.
Our last visit today is Blenheim Palace, set in over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. As the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, the palace is synonymous with the Churchill family and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms are sumptuously dressed for Christmas and reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture. In the courtyard outside, there are plenty of tempting goodies on offer at the enchanting Christmas Market.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Thursday: Waddesdon Manor & Festive Farewell
We travel to the Five Arrows Hotel, a Grade II listed building located at the gates of Waddesdon Manor. Adorned with beautiful period features and festive decorations, the hotel provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for a sumptuous lunch, featuring seasonal dishes prepared with the finest local ingredients.
Afterward, we visit Waddesdon Manor itself. Built in the Neo-Renaissance style of a French château between 1874 and 1889 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, Waddesdon Manor is an architectural masterpiece. Inside, the manor houses an impressive collection of art, including works by Gainsborough and Reynolds, as well as exquisite 18th-century French furniture and decorative arts. We have time to explore these beautiful interiors, given an extra sparkle around Christmas with lavish decorations.
This evening, we toast the festive season with a farewell dinner and drink in a private room at Hartwell House. We also enjoy a Victorian-style carol singing performance, highlighting some of the traditions and customs during this special time of year.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
Friday: Departure
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: the order of excursions is subject to change and guided tours are subject to restrictions.
Email us today to reserve at BKennedy@Royal-oak.org or call 212-480-2889 ext. 203
