Bristol, Bath & The Cotswolds

Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Day +2: Arrive in London, England | Bristol
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Upon arrival to Heathrow Airport transfer to Paddington Station for the train ride to Bristol.

Nestled beside the River Avon, this vibrant city in the southwest of England offers a compelling blend of rich history and cutting-edge culture. Its historic harborside, once a bustling port, now buzzes with life featuring a variety of museums, galleries and waterside eateries. The M Shed museum vividly recounts the city’s storied past while the Arnolfini Gallery showcases contemporary art in a stunning harborside setting.

Enjoy time to explore the city at leisure.

Later experience an unforgettable three-course dinner at The Ivy Clifton situated within a beautifully restored Georgian building. The restaurant offers an eclectic menu that blends classic British dishes with international influences. Seasonal ingredients and local produce are frequently highlighted, ensuring freshness and quality.
Overnight: Clayton Hotel Bristol City (D)

Day +3: Bristol | Bath
Friday, August 15, 2025
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.

Enjoy the scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage city Bath for an evening visit to 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: Clayton Hotel Bristol City (B,L)

Day +4: The Cotswolds
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Following breakfast head 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: Clayton Hotel Bristol City (B)

Day +5: Bristol | Train to Glasgow | Main Program Begins
Sunday, August 17, 2025
After breakfast take the complimentary group transfer to Bristol Temple Meads for the train journey to Glasgow, 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.

Activities are generally not very strenuous, but a fair amount of walking can be expected. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to follow a guide through paved and unpaved streets of even and uneven terrain at an average pace for two hours. Guests should have the ability to walk up and down stairs without assistance. Due to the nature of some structures, handrails may not be present, and facilities for people with disabilities may be limited. Participation in itinerary activities is up to the individual.

• Rail transportation from London to Bristol
• 3 nights at Clayton Hotel Bristol City (or similar)
• 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
• Rail transportation from Bristol to Glasgow, Scotland
• Group airport transfers for guests arriving during the suggested times