Charm of the Cotswolds

Day 1

A morning departure as we head south to Stratford upon Avon, time at leisure for lunch before we continue onto Cheltenham and our hotel the Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

Today we experience some of the prettiest places in the Cotswolds on a scenic drive though this quintessentially English region. Absorb the views over the area's rolling hills, honey- stone houses and lush meadows as we travel to pretty towns and villages, picturesque Broadway, the ancient wool town of Stow on the Wold and Moreton in Marsh. We return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3

This morning we spend at leisure in Cheltenham, time to look around this fine Regency spa town which is renowned for its stylish shopping, colourful parks and floral displays. After lunch we head to Cheltenham Race Course Station where we have an included train ride on the Gloucester Warwickshire Steam railway, travel through the stunning Cotswolds countryside on this restored heritage railway. We rejoin our coach in Broadway for a return journey to the hotel. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 4

We spend this morning at leisure in the historic city of Gloucester, with ample time to explore as we wish. Perhaps visit 11th-century Gloucester Cathedral, which doubled as Hogwarts in many Harry Potter films, delve into the award-winning Gloucester Waterways Museum overlooking the River Severn, or roam the shops and factory outlets of the waterside Gloucester Quays. This afternoon we visit the Miserden Garden, a 17th century idyll nestled in the Cotswolds Hills. Wander this timeless walled garden, famous for its stunning mixed borders, 200-year-old sycamore tree grown through a stone wall and grass steps designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.Dinner in the hotel.

Day 5

We leave our hosts at the Cheltenham Chase hotel and return home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner