TRIP PRICE: $4595.00

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Beautiful accommodations double occupancy; $995 single supplement fee (ONLY 2 SINGLE ROOMS AVAILABLE)

• Most meals (6 Breakfast, 5 Dinners)

• Sudden Journeys Tour Director

• A small, friendly group of 12 people

• All ground transportation (pickup in Chippenham/drop off in Oxford )

• All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary

• All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes

• Coach Driver and Restaurant gratuities

• Special dinner and welcome drinks

• Unique experiences exclusive to this tour

• Custom-designed gifts for your travels

• Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks as well as any free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.

Arrival Airport: London (LHR) - Train to Chippenham (55 mins)

Departure Airport: London LHR - Train return from Oxford to London (55 mins) or a private driver can be arranged for you (additional cost)

Note: The itinerary is descriptive, not definitive, and is subject to change. There also may be modifications due to weather, restoration works taking place are historic sites, and availability of local activities and guides.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Three Nights in Malmesbury

Steeped in history and full of character, this hotel is said to be England’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1220. Nestled beside the ancient Malmesbury Abbey, this charming coaching inn blends medieval bones with modern comfort. Inside, you’ll find roaring fires, centuries-old stone walls, and elegantly styled rooms—each whispering stories of pilgrims, poets, and passing travelers. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass in hand and history at your elbow.

Three Nights in Cotswolds

For your last three nights, you will stay in a 17th-century wool merchant’s house turned boutique hotel-with-a-buzz venue. When you step through the door, you’ll discover there’s a series of small, interconnecting sitting rooms with wood paneling, fireplaces, and shelves of books, perfect spots to enjoy a book or conversations with new friends. On the other side is another interconnecting set of rooms forming the dining and drinking area: a large, more formal room complete with exposed beams and plenty of space for intimate dinners. The bedrooms are a warm rustic country feel: think striking feature wallpaper, boldly colored bedheads, and the occasional piece of vintage furniture. The beds are the most comfortable! The best aspect of this hotel: The incredible staff. By the end of your stay, they’ll feel like family. An on-site spa in the shepherd’s hut is available to you. Beyond the hotel, there are many footpaths leading into the countryside and neighboring villages.

Kyle, a seasoned travel guide and tour leader with over two decades of industry experience, has dedicated her life to creating enriching and inspiring travel experiences for diverse groups. With a repertoire of leading more than 200 groups (over 1500 travelers), she possesses an intimate understanding of the transformative power of travel. Her journeys span across the picturesque locales of Europe and the US, underlining her vast travel experience and knowledge. Yet, with every tour, Kyle's heart for her guests remains the same: to ensure every individual returns home with a revitalized spirit, a broadened worldview, and heartwarming memories of newfound friendships.

DAY ONE MON, OCT 19TH | Welcome to the Cotswolds

Your journey begins in Castle Combe, often hailed as England’s prettiest village. Stroll cobbled streets framed by ivy-clad cottages, where time has stood still since the medieval era. Later, enjoy a refined afternoon tea at the Manor House, a 14th-century country retreat, or opt for a cozy pint at a traditional village pub—each offering its slice of English charm. As the sun sets, we arrive in Malmesbury. Tonight’s dinner is at The Old Bell Hotel, England’s oldest hotel, where the atmosphere is as rich as the locally sourced dishes.

• Castle Combe village walk

• Afternoon tea or pub visit to get to know each other

• Welcome Drinks and Dinner

Light walking: 2-4 miles throughout the afternoon, moderate stairs. Bus 45 mins. Sleep in Malmesbury

DAY TWO TUES, OCT 20TH | Wiltshire

A day steeped in cinematic beauty and historic splendor. Begin with a visit to Stourhead Gardens, a masterpiece of 18th-century landscape design—lakes, grottoes, and temples nestled amid fiery autumn foliage. Next, journey to the romantic ruins of Old Wardour Castle, a hidden medieval gem enveloped in woodland and legend. In the evening, dine at a Michelin-starred treasure in Bruton, where the tasting menu is both an homage to the land and a celebration of seasonality.

• Stourhead’s autumnal gardens

• Explore Old Wardour Castle ruins

• Seasonal tasting menu at Michelin-starred restaurant

Light walking: 3-5 miles throughout the day, moderate stairs. Bus 2 hours. Sleep in Malmesbury

DAY THREE WED, OCT 21ST | Southern Cotswolds

Begin the morning in Malmesbury, discovering its ancient abbey and charming high street. Enjoy lunch in Lacock, a village suspended in time and beloved by filmmakers. Then on to Corsham, where peacocks parade through the streets and Georgian architecture abounds. The day concludes with dinner at a lovely country pub, a gastro haven in a rustic-chic setting.

• Free morning in the market town of Malmesbury

• Lacock village exploration

• Corsham’s historic streets

• Dinner at a historic country pub

Light walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day. 2 hours coach. Sleep in Malmesbury.

DAY FOUR THURS, OCT 22ND | Central Cotswolds

Start your day in Bibury, a postcard-perfect village home to the iconic Arlington Row. Capture the serenity of the River Coln and the glow of golden stone under autumn skies. Then, step into design history at Kelmscott House, the former home of William Morris and a pilgrimage site for Arts & Crafts lovers. Check into the stylish and warm boutique inn where rustic luxury meets culinary finesse.

• Stroll through Bibury, viewing Arlington Row

• Visit a farm shop along the way

• Visit to Kelmscott House, William Morris' House

Light walking: 2-4 miles throughout the day, light hills and stairs. Bus 1 hr. Sleep in Cotswolds.

Friday, October 23 | Northern Cotswolds

Today, we wind through the northern reaches of the Cotswolds, discovering lesser-known yet breathtaking villages. Start in Stanton and Snowshill, where views and stillness are spellbinding. Stop for lunch in Stow-on-the-Wold, an antiques-lover’s paradise with excellent pubs and shops. Then on to Daylesford Organic Farm, where you’ll indulge in an artisanal food tasting. Cap the afternoon with a hidden village tour—a curated experience through the lesser-traveled corners of this region. Raise a glass at the Falkland Arms, a storybook inn, before returning to the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight—perhaps a quiet meal at the inn, or a spontaneous culinary adventure.

• Stanton and Snowshill villages

• Free time: Stow-on-the-Wold for lunch and shopping

• Visit Daylesford's organic farmshop for a food-tasting and exploring

• Pint at the Falkland Arms

Moderate walking: 4-6 miles throughout the day, moderate hills and stairs. Bus 2 hr 45 mins. Sleep in Cotswolds.

DAY SIX OCT 24TH (Southern Cotswolds) Free Day. Sleep in, linger over breakfast. Enjoy a countryside amble. Book a massage or beauty treatment at the onsite treatment room. A few ideas: A day trip to Blenheim Palace, visit Kelmscott Manor, home to William Morris, or visit other villages in The Cotswolds. Farewell feast together.

• Free Day: The entire day is yours to do as you like

• Farewell Feast

No Bus. Sleep in Cotswolds.

DAY SEVEN OCTOBER 25TH (Departure Day) Departure breakfast. After an amazing 6 days together, it is time to leave. You will depart the hotel for the rail station in Oxford.