Bath and the Cotswolds

Join this enchanting escape to the heart of England—a journey that weaves together colorful culture, timeless elegance and idyllic charm. From Bath's ancient Roman relics to the Cotswolds' picturesque villages, discover a captivating blend of historic grandeur and bucolic tranquility.

Itinerary

Day +1: En Route from U.S.

Day +2: Arrive in London, England | Bristol
Upon arrival to Heathrow Airport transfer to Paddington Station for the train ride to Bath. This UNESCO World Heritage city is renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture and well-preserved thermal baths that provide an extraordinary window into Roman life and culture.

Take time to unpack and refresh at the hotel.

Later meet with fellow travel companions for dinner.
Overnight: Hampton by Hilton Bath City (D)

Day +3: Bristol | Bath
After breakfast set out for the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge for photography opportunities. This 19th-century marvel arches gracefully over the Avon Gorge. Stroll across the pedestrian walkway to admire the stunning panoramic views from both sides.

Continue to the town of Cheddar for a tasty treat—a visit and self-guided tour at Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, the makers of authentic cheddar cheese since 2003. Browse through the shop's shelves of delicious cheese varieties plus locally made preserves, pickles and chutneys. Stop by the counter to sample a few flavors before finding the perfect treat for yourself.

This evening visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world. Dating back to around 70 AD, the Romans constructed this complex around natural hot springs that bubble up from the earth at around 115°F. This site became a sophisticated bathing and socializing complex known as Aquae Sulis, named after the Celtic goddess Sulis, whom the Romans identified with their own goddess Minerva. Exploring the grounds by flashlight adds a magical ambiance to the experience.
Overnight: Hampton by Hilton Bath City (B,L)

Day +4: The Cotswolds
Enjoy breakfast before heading north to explore the Cotswolds, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in south-central England renowned for its quintessential English charm, honey-colored limestone cottages and undulating terrain. Spanning six counties (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire and Somerset), the Cotswolds covers nearly 800 square miles.

Visit The Cotswolds Baking Workshop for a private, hands-on baking class with its founder, Susie Whitfield, winner of Gordon Ramsay’s Culinary Genius USA in 2017. Using local ingredients, learn traditional techniques and advanced tips for baking delicious English sweets.

Next enjoy a tour and tasting at Cotswolds Distillery—the first ever full-scale distillery in the Cotswolds. Begin with a brief video to hear of the distillery's inception and traditional production methods before touring the rehabilitated barn where the award-winning spirits are crafted. Pass through the cask warehouse before gathering in the cozy tasting room to sample a range of gin, whiskies and liqueurs each highlighting Cotswolds-grown ingredients including barley and lavender.
Overnight: Hampton by Hilton Bath City (B)

Day +5: Bath | Train to Glasgow | Main Program Begins
After breakfast take the complimentary group transfer to Bath Spa railway station for the train journey to Scotland to join guests for the main program. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level: 3

Moderate

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Historic areas are usually more accessible by foot than by vehicle. It may not always possible for the motor coach to drop guests off at site entrances.

Accommodations

Hotel Indigo Bath

Ideally situated within Bath's historic South Parade, Hotel Indigo Bath seamlessly blends Georgian elegance with contemporary luxury. Housed in a Grade I listed building, this boutique hotel exudes the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Bath. Indulge in modern comforts amidst thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, dine on the finest British cuisine at the on-site restaurant and unwind on the terrace with a handcrafted beverage. The property also features a private, luxury fitness area in its historic vault with distinctive stone walls and arches.

Room Amenities: Individual climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, mini-fridge, minibar, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer.

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

*Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Unless noted otherwise, airfare not included.

What's Included

3 nights hotel accommodations
3 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
Visit to Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Evening visit to the Roman Baths
Private baking lesson
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, porters and wait staff for included meals
Group airport transfers for guests arriving during the suggested times
Rail transportation from Bath to Edinburgh, Scotland, to join the main program