This morning we experience punting on the River Cam, with views of the Backs and waterways of Cambridge. This is followed by a tour of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, chapels and pathways. In the afternoon we attend Evensong performed by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, conducted by Daniel Hyde.

Overnight at Graduate Cambridge (or similar). B

This morning we depart from Cambridge and travel towards Stratford-upon-Avon. We break our journey with a visit to a National Trust property, the delightful moated Tudor manor house of Baddesley Clinton, which probably originated in the 13th-century, when large areas of the Forest of Arden were cleared. On arrival we have an introduction to the house, then time to explore the house and charming gardens.

From Baddesley Clinton we proceed to Stratford-upon-Avon, where we settle into our hotel.
The evening is free to rest, or to stroll through the town. You might like to walk to the Church of the Holy Trinity, along paths and gardens that border the Avon River. In a striking position on the banks of the river, the church is Stratford-upon-Avon’s oldest building and England’s most visited parish church because of its beauty and situation, and because it is the church where William Shakespeare was baptised and buried.

Overnight Arden Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar). B

This morning we are introduced to our Shakespearean experience with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, a restored 16th-century half-timbered house, located in pretty gardens. It is believed that William Shakespeare was born here in 1564. This is followed by a trip up the RSC Tower to enjoy views across scenic Stratford-upon-Avon, with its historic town centre and the River Avon winding through it.

We then travel to Shottery to visit the historic cottage that was the home of Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway. Built more than 500 years ago and extended over the years, much of the original survives, including furniture such as the Hathaway bed. We are given an introduction to the cottage and have the opportunity to wander through the cottage gardens and orchards.

Overnight Arden Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar). B,D

This morning we visit Sudeley Castle and Gardens. An expert will lead us on a guided walking tour of the gardens to help us gain an understanding of the castle’s fascinating 1000 year history. Sudeley Castle remains the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within the grounds, Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII, who lived and died in the castle. Henry himself, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I and Richard III have all played a part in Sudeley’s story. King Charles I found refuge here during the Civil War, when his nephew Prince Rupert established headquarters at the Castle. Following the tour, there is time to enjoy the house, the chapel, or to have lunch in the cafe.

In the afternoon, we return to Stratford-upon-Avon where we have time to explore the town further, or to relax before the evening’s performance. If you are interested in some exploration, you might take the 3-minute walk to Shakespeare’s School Room and Guildhall, in Church Street. There you have a chance to see the beautiful Tudor building that houses the Guildhall as it was in Shakespeare’s time, and to experience the very classroom where young William Shakespeare sat in the 1570s.

In the evening we attend a performance by the celebrated Royal Shakespeare Company.
THEATRE PERFORMANCE – ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Play TBA

Overnight Arden Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar). B,

This morning we visit Blenheim Palace, one of England’s largest houses, built between 1705 and 1722. It was the home of Winston Churchill’s forebears. We have a private guided tour of the Palace which reveals not only the sumptuous reception halls and the splendid private quarters, but also the history of this eminent family. 

Following our guided tour, time is allowed to wander over the sweeping lawns and through the award-winning formal gardens. 

In the early evening we enjoy a private opera recital, arranged exclusively for guests on the tour, in the Jacqueline du Pré Music Building in beautiful St Hilda’s College. Following the recital, we have drinks and canapés and the opportunity to talk with the artists.

Overnight at Randolph Hotel, Oxford (or similar). B,S

Free time this morning and early afternoon. You might like to rest ahead of our visit to Garsington Opera, or enjoy a short stroll through beautiful Oxford which might also be relaxing. If you feel like some exploration, you might consider visiting the Ashmolean Museum, with its amazing collection of artefacts, specialising in art and archaeology. It is located just across the road from our hotel.

In the afternoon we travel to spectacular Wormsley Estate where the 18th-century country house nestles in the rolling, green Chiltern Hills. We have time to enjoy the landscaped grounds and to visit the 18th-century Walled Garden before attending an opera performance at Garsington Opera. During the extended interval we enjoy a traditional picnic in the beautiful gardens. After the opera we return by private coach to Oxford.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – GARSINGTON OPERA

Overnight at Randolph Hotel, Oxford (or similar). B,D

This morning we travel to London and check into our central city hotel, with easy access to London’s famous theatre district.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free to relax or to explore London. There are many delightful attractions in London you might like to visit. The remarkable Courtauld Gallery, is renowned for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including the world-famous A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Édouard Manet and Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear. The gallery also presents an exciting programme of acclaimed temporary exhibitions.

One particularly enjoyable activity is to visit Handel’s House, located at 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, a 4-minute walk from Bond Street Underground Station. It was a new upper-middle class townhouse in 1723 when Handel, a bachelor who was 38 years old, rented it. He lived there for the rest of his life, dying in the upstairs bedroom in 1759. The details of his everyday life and the conditions in which he composed are very vivid when one makes this visit. Guests can sit in the very room in which Handel composed his Messiah in the autumn of 1741. From Handel’s House it is a 7-minute walk to elegant Regent Street, one of London’s most beautiful and popular shopping streets.

Overnight Hilton, London (or similar). B

We travel to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden where we experience a backstage tour. We get glimpses of the sets and costumes, how they are made and stored, and we have an expert guide to explain it all to us.

The afternoon is free. At the conclusion of the backstage tour you might like to return to the hotel to rest before this evening’s performance, but Covent Garden is located in a fascinating district of London. There are colourful markets, restaurants and pubs immediately outside the opera house, and a short walk in any direction takes you to some of London’s icons. You could walk to Trafalgar Square to visit the fabulous National Gallery, or call in to the architectural jewel that is the church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The Strand with its shops and cafes is only a few minutes’ stroll away. 

In the late afternoon we travel to the Royal Opera House and enjoy a dinner at opera house’s Balconies Restaurant. Following dinner, we attend a performance at the iconic Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, COVENT GARDEN
Georges Bizet Carmen

Overnight Hilton, London (or similar). B,D

In the early afternoon we travel to Grange Park Opera’s beautiful home in a former country retreat, nestled in woodland on a 400-acre estate at West Horsley Place, in Surrey. 

There is time to explore the beautiful woodlands before the performance. We have a delicious 3-course dinner during the extended interval, and afterwards return to our London hotel.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – GRANGE PARK OPERA
Giuseppe Verdi Simon Boccanegra

Overnight Hilton, London (or similar). B,D

This morning we visit the beautiful mansion of Hertford House, where we take a private guided tour of the art treasures in the Wallace Collection with its unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century painting, furniture and porcelain and its superb Old Master paintings. 

The afternoon is free to rest or to explore London. 

In the evening we travel to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the banks of the Thames River to attend a production. Shakespeare’s Globe is a spectacular re-creation of the theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed.

THEATRE PERFORMANCE – SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE
Play TBA

Overnight Hilton, London (or similar). B

In the early afternoon we travel by private coach to Glyndebourne Estate, delightfully situated in the pastoral surroundings of the Sussex South Downs. In 1953 Vita Sackville West wrote of Glyndebourne: ‘The graciousness of civilisation here surely touches a peak where the arts of music, architecture and gardening combine for the delight of man.’ 

We are given time to stroll through the impressive grounds before attending a performance by the internationally celebrated Glyndebourne Festival. During the extended interval we enjoy a 3-course fine dining menu. Following the performance, we return by private coach to our London hotel.

OPERA PERFORMANCE – GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL OPERA
Richard Wagner Parsifal

Farewell dinner (included) with the group tonight. Overnight Hilton, London (or similar). B,D

Following our final breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes. B

Please note: There may be changes to the itinerary depending on confirmation of performances.