Shakespeare's home in the heart of England - 6 days

"All the world's a stage:" Follow the spectacle through rolling hills and lush green meadows where flocks of sheep graze. In addition, fragrant gardens, imposing castles and manor houses, dreamy villages with quaint pubs and sandstone-colored houses as far as the eye can see - that's the Cotswolds. Experience the heart of England on this trip. From a location hotel in the Gloucester/Cheltenham area, you will discover picturesque villages that tell of times gone by, when the wool trade still dominated the region. In Stratford-upon-Avon, you can follow in the footsteps of William Shakespeare and in the famous university towns of Oxford and Cambridge, half-timbered alleyways and colleges invite you to stroll around. Don't miss out on this trip - you'll be surprised what this idyllic region in the heart of England has in store for you: "The stuff dreams are made of."

Day 1: Arrival at the megacity of London - A
Welcome to London, a city steeped in history, pulsating with modern energy and seducing its visitors with its timeless charm and dynamic spirit. As the beating heart of the United Kingdom, London is a testament to resilience, innovation and cultural diversity. From the regal elegance of Buckingham Palace to the bustling markets of Camden, London offers a kaleidoscope of experiences to delight any traveler. London is a city of contrasts, where the old and the modern blend harmoniously. A place where every corner holds a new adventure and every landmark and every street tells a story. In London, the past is omnipresent and the future is brimming with possibilities. At the heart of the city stands the majestic Tower of London, a fortress steeped in history, where the Crown Jewels shine in unparalleled splendor. Nearby is Tower Bridge, an architectural masterpiece whose elegant spans span the Thames in a timeless embrace. enture into the bustling streets of Westminster, where the grandeur of Buckingham Palace commands attention and the solemn beauty of Westminster Abbey invites reflection. Marvel at the imposing facade of the Houses of Parliament and the graceful silhouette of Big Ben, icons of London's enduring spirit. In London, every street corner holds a new adventure, every landmark a story waiting to be told. It is a city of contrasts and contradictions, where ancient history and cutting-edge innovation coexist in perfect harmony. London beckons, a city of dreams waiting to be explored.

Day 2: Oxford – the City of Dreaming Spires – Cotswolds – 190 km - F/A
The twin sister of Cambridge, the equally world-famous university city of Oxford, is on your program today. Together with a guide (optional), you will discover the charming center of the "City of Dreaming Spires" and learn about the untamed spirit of research in the old college walls, see charming gardens and experience the hustle and bustle of the pedestrian zone. The university is the oldest in Great Britain and you embark on a journey through time in the footsteps of ministers, poets and many other personalities who have studied here. Oxford is also a popular movie set.
Your journey of discovery continues north of Oxford to Blenheim Palace, home of the Spencer-Churchill family, the Dukes of Marlborough, and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, twice Prime Minister and the most important statesman of the 20th century. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle is set in extensive parkland. Inspired by the Renaissance and Baroque periods, it is one of the largest and most famous castles in England and impresses every visitor. The State Room and Great Hall are considered the showpiece rooms of the country estate and, like many other rooms in the palace, offer an impressive collection of portraits and paintings as well as hand-painted ceilings, tapestries and antique furniture.

Day 3: Experience the Cotswolds – 100 km - F/A
The Cotswolds are a trendy destination on the British Isles. Look forward to villages with honey-colored sandstone houses nestled in lush green hills, galleries, antique stores and, of course, regional gastronomy. In Bourton-on-the-Water, the narrow, railing-less arched bridges that have earned the charming village the nickname "Venice of the Cotswolds" are striking. Stow-on-the-Wold was once the center of the wool trade and is a prime example of English country life. Winchcombe, whose cottages in Dent's Terrace Almshouses are among the loveliest rows of houses in the region, is a hidden gem. For the afternoon, we recommend a stop at Sudeley Castle (optional), a Tudor-style country castle well worth seeing.

Day 4: Excursion to the home of Shakespeare – 160 km - F/A
A visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare is said to have been born, is a very special highlight of your trip. It is located in the middle of the green county of Warwickshire and is said to be the center of England and Wales. Half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, beautiful green spaces and the River Avon characterize the old townscape. Visit the birthplace and the partially preserved homes of the world-famous poet and follow in his footsteps. To this day, the city has retained the character of an Elizabethan market town; old half-timbered houses and dreamy squares can be found everywhere. On the banks of the Avon, parks and public gardens invite you to linger. Stratford-Upon-Avon takes you right back to Shakespeare's time.
Warwick has a historic townscape with its beautiful old half-timbered houses and many sights. These include the Church of St. Mary, the ancient Westgate with the Chapel of St. James from 1123 and the neighboring Lord Leycesters Hospital. More famous, however, is Warwick Castle, which is situated on a huge rock on the River Avon. This mighty building not only houses a magnificent garden with over 700 rose bushes, but also a collection of paintings, porcelain and weapons. On a tour (optional) in the afternoon, you will see an important collection of old weapons, armor and paintings. There is even a small Madame Tussaud's wax museum within the walls.

Day 5: Via Cambridge to London – 300 km - F
Today is your last day of this eventful journey. Once again across the Cotswolds, you can visit the historic country estate of Stowe Gardens on your way back. The Georgian landscape garden is also home to Stowe House, a lavish mansion that even Queen Victoria was puzzled by. Filled with rooms that mimic ancient worlds and classical ruins, the house reflects the extravagant and colorful characters of its creators. Ceilings and walls adorned with hidden messages of mythology hint at the former power and glory of the mighty Temple-Grenville family - before they squandered their wealth on extravagant parties, travel, intrigue and scandal and had to declare bankruptcy. The richest family in England became the biggest debtors in the world.

You reach Cambridge around midday. The university city greets you with its winding alleyways and imposing historic buildings. From Charles Darwin to William Wordsworth, some of the greats attended a lecture here. Stroll past the numerous colleges worth seeing and learn everything you need to know about the city and its university, which was founded in 1209, on a guided tour.

How about an afternoon visit to one of the colleges or a leisurely punt trip across the shallow River Cam (optional). Similar to a gondola ride in Venice, an experienced "punter" will take you in small wooden boats past the "backs", the picturesque backs of the colleges with their gardens and grounds. Then travel back to London.

Day 6: London - Journey back home - F
Unfortunately, you have to leave the British Isles again today. Enjoy one last English breakfast before packing your bags. Have you bought any nice souvenirs? You are sure to remember this wonderful trip for a long time to come.

Experience package "Just as you like it"
1 h punt boat trip cambrige
Admission Kings College and Chapel, Cambridge
Admission Sudeley Castle
Admission Warwick Castle
Admission Stowe House and Garden Buckingham