ENGLAND
5 DAYS FROM £447
Blenheim Palace © Blenheim
A Very Oxford Scandal This brilliant tour includes a whole day to explore Oxford, a picturesque Thames cruise following the path of the famous Regatta, a scenic Cotswolds drive, and visits to the superb Blenheim Palace and Cliveden – known for its part in the
scandalous ‘Profumo Affair’! PACKAGED ITINERARY Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Oxford
Stow-on-the-Wold
Oxford
Today we visit the historic university city of Oxford with its honey-gold buildings, dreaming spires and riverside setting. We enjoy time exploring the city at leisure. Attractions include Christ Church College (entrance to colleges is subject to availability), where many distinguished people have studied. More recently the colleges have become famous for their connection to the Harry Potter films. Day 3 Scenic Cotswolds Drive & Blenheim Palace We begin our day with a short, scenic drive around the pretty Cotswolds, with a stop in the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. We then head to the fabulous Blenheim Palace , the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, with the rest of the day to explore at leisure. One of England’s largest houses, it was built in the early 1700s and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The palace is a family home, a mausoleum and national monument, and is notable as being the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. Here, we can explore the gilded State Rooms, visit the Churchill This morning we visit the spectacular gardens of Cliveden , the former home of the Astor family. With beautiful views over the Thames, we have time for lunch and to explore the gardens and woodlands, following in the footsteps of dukes, earls & royalty. The grand estate was at the centre of a major scandal in 1963 when John Profumo, of Harold Macmillan’s Conservative government, had an affair with 19 year old model Christine Keeler, having met at Cliveden two years earlier. The ‘Profumo Affair’ ended Profumo’s political career and damaged the credibility of Macmillan’s government, with the Prime Minister resigning in October 1963 and the Labour Party winning the 1964 general election. This afternoon we head for the famous waterside market town of Henley-on-Thames . We embark on a 1 hour circular cruise complete with on-board commentary while we follow the path of the famous Regatta, before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Attractions include the award-winning River & Rowing Museum, which explores the River Thames, the sport of rowing and the town of Henley. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we make our way home. Exhibition and wander the Formal Gardens. Day 4 Cliveden & Henley-on-Thames Cruise
The Parterre at Cliveden
DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Thame, Oxfordshire Plus
The DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry hotel is located in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, around 25-30 minutes’ drive from both Oxford city centre and Blenheim Palace, with convenient access to the M40. The 154 bedrooms are to an excellent standard with modern furnishings and neutral décor. All are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a relaxed and welcoming environment in the stylish Spires Restaurant and guests can relax with a drink in the bar and lounge area. There is also a pleasant courtyard area for alfresco dining in the summer. Leisure facilities include a pool, sauna, gym & spa. • Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge 4 Nights Half Board Twin from £447pp Double for Sole Use Supplement from £170 Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions • Porterage • Choice of menu • Tea/coffee after dinner • Entrance to Blenheim Palace, Park & Garden • Entrance to Cliveden Gardens • 1 hour Henley-on-Thames circular cruise
Henley-on-Thames Cruise
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Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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