Day 1: London / Oxford / Cheltenham, ENGLAND
Continue your journey from London as you head west to Oxford, home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its more than 40 colleges and halls have produced an astounding number of world-renowned alumni, including 26 British prime ministers, economist Adam Smith, J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen Hawking and Bill Clinton. Embark on a walking tour of the city center, beginning at Magdalen Bridge. It leads into the High Street, which is flanked by several ancient colleges. Pause for lunch on your own and afterward, head to the gentle, rolling Cotswolds and Cheltenham. Once a humble market town, Cheltenham has been a fashionable spa town swathed in Regency architecture since 1788. A century later, the rich and famous began flocking in droves to take in the curative waters that are said to relieve a variety of ills and afflictions. Check in to your accommodations at either the Ellenborough Park, located outside of town, or the Montpellier Chapter Hotel in the city center. ►Some suggested Cheltenham hotels (in alphabetical order): Ellenborough Park (Gold) Montpellier Chapter Hotel (Silver) ►Together, we will find the best choice for you!
Day 2: Cheltenham / Solihull / Cheltenham, ENGLAND
The UK is the home of luxury carmaker Jaguar. You have a chance to tour the plant where every Jaguar is still designed and built and learn the history this internationally famous marque. Afterward, proceed to the Land Rover Experience Centre, where you witness expert demonstrations of off-road driving and take your own turn behind the wheel beside a skilled Land Rover instructor. Make sure to bring your driver’s license for an exhilarating and educational afternoon as you hone your off-road driving techniques while putting the latest Land Rover production models through their paces on the Jungle Track, the Land Track and in the Adventure Zone. Return to Cheltenham at the end of the afternoon. ►For Cheltenham hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 3: Worcestershire / The Cotswolds, ENGLAND
Travel through beautiful countryside to the Morgan Motor Company in Worcestershire. There you observe craftsmen using traditional skills to build handmade sports cars. Discover the long history of this brand and learn how it has embraced new developments and the cutting-edge technology required in the 21st century. Afterward, continue to the Cotswolds, a quintessentially English region of rolling hills, quaint villages and honey-colored limestone buildings. Drive to Broadway to stroll past little shops built out of Cotswold stone. From there, continue to the great wool and market town of Chipping Campden, often regarded as one of the most attractive in England. Afterward, head to Stow-on-the-Wold, where in the 18th century more than 20,000 sheep could be sold in the square on a busy day. The charming village is filled with antique shops and small boutiques. ►For Cheltenham hotel suggestions, see above.
Day 4: Cheltenham / Beaulieu / Brighton, ENGLAND
Drive south to the coastline of the English Channel, making a stop in Beaulieu at the National Motor Museum. It houses an impressive collection of more than 250 cars and motorcycles and recounts the history of British motoring. View Campbell’s famous Bluebird, as well as the “Flying” Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. New for 2012, “Bond in Motion” showcases more than 50 vehicles from the James Bond films, including Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III. Late this afternoon, arrive in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton. ►Suggested hotel:
Grand Hotel Brighton
Day 5: Brighton / Battle / Brighton, ENGLAND
Change gears with a visit to perhaps the most significant historic site in all of England. When William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, he completely upended English society, forever changing the native language, culture and political institutions. Today the site is as tranquil as any in the English countryside, with the ruins of a great Benedictine abbey built by William standing near where the battle took place. Take a walk to the edge of the battlefield site and then visit Herstmonceux, a magnificent moated castle that dates from 1444. Late this afternoon, return to Brighton. ►Suggested hotel: Grand Hotel Brighton