Southampton
A 6,000 Year Treasure Hunt
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Devizes (2 nights), London (1 night)
Day 1
Leave Southampton and travel to Stonehenge, surely Britain’s greatest national icon, symbolizing mystery, power and endurance. Its original purpose is unclear, but some have speculated that it was a temple made for the worship of ancient deities. It has been called an astronomical observatory for marking significant events on the prehistoric calendar. On then into Devizes (2 nights).
This afternoon either visit the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, Devizes, which houses the world renowned Bronze Age collection
from the barrows surrounding Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Or a guided tour to Marlborough along the ancient road visiting sites of mystery, myth and legend such as West Kennet Longbarrow, which is one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain, then Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in ancient Europe, constructed c2800BC. Now even after centuries of research, archaeologists have still not discovered the original purpose of the Hill. Discover the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road. Return to Devizes. Dinner at the Bear Hotel. Optional evening Ghost Walk.
This afternoon either visit the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, Devizes, which houses the world renowned Bronze Age collection
from the barrows surrounding Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Or a guided tour to Marlborough along the ancient road visiting sites of mystery, myth and legend such as West Kennet Longbarrow, which is one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain, then Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in ancient Europe, constructed c2800BC. Now even after centuries of research, archaeologists have still not discovered the original purpose of the Hill. Discover the Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road. Return to Devizes. Dinner at the Bear Hotel. Optional evening Ghost Walk.Day 2
Guided tour of five of Wiltshire’s white horses, cut out of the chalk on the Wiltshire Down and proof that mankind has always had an urge to leave an impression on the landscape. Coffee at Pewsey Wharf with time to relax and watch the boats drifting by before visiting the original white horse at Pewsey which was cut in 1785. In July / August this can be replaced with a crop circle tour.
A trip through the Vale of Pewsey takes you into Avebury for lunch at the Red Lion Pub, reputedly one of Wiltshire’s most haunted pubs (featured on ‘Most Haunted’), Florrie being the pub’s most well known ghost. The well she is supposed to have been thrown down after being murdered can be seen inside the lounge bar. Guided tour around Avebury, designated a World Heritage Site, this Neolithic site has plenty of stones to get up close to and touch, feel the energies and do some dowsing.
The tour includes a visit to Avebury Museum and the Barn Gallery Exhibition. Tea in the National Trust tearooms. Return to Devizes through Cherhill to see the Cherhill white horse.
A trip through the Vale of Pewsey takes you into Avebury for lunch at the Red Lion Pub, reputedly one of Wiltshire’s most haunted pubs (featured on ‘Most Haunted’), Florrie being the pub’s most well known ghost. The well she is supposed to have been thrown down after being murdered can be seen inside the lounge bar. Guided tour around Avebury, designated a World Heritage Site, this Neolithic site has plenty of stones to get up close to and touch, feel the energies and do some dowsing.
The tour includes a visit to Avebury Museum and the Barn Gallery Exhibition. Tea in the National Trust tearooms. Return to Devizes through Cherhill to see the Cherhill white horse.
Day 3
Depart Devizes for London and a final night at the theatre.
Day 4
Airport transfers and home.
A Connoisseur's Collection
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Salisbury (1 night), Petworth (1 night), London (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for a leisurely tour of majestic Salisbury Cathedral. Between Saturday and Wednesday, add a visit to Mompesson House, an elegant 18th century house in the Cathedral Close, featured in the award winning film Sense and Sensibility. This afternoon, be prepared to be amazed by your visit to Wilton House, home to one of the finest art collections in Europe, with over 230 original paintings on display. Overnight Salisbury.
Day 2
To Winchester for a special tour of the awe inspiring cathedral. Then to Goodwood House, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Richmond where you’ll see another world class art collection comprising of fine French furniture, Seures porcelain and paintings by Canaletto, George Stubbs and other world renowned artists. Later in the afternoon, a visit to Chichester Cathedral renowned for its collection of contemporary art. Stay on for Choral Evensong perhaps. Overnight Petworth (1 night).Day3
Two options this morning, either antiquing in Petworth or a stroll through centuries of vernacular architecture at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. This afternoon, a relaxed tour of Petworth House, one of the finest of the National Trust’s properties where you’ll see an art collection that rivals many London galleries. Continue to either Royal Windsor, London or your hotel near Gatwick Airport.
Day 4
Airport departures.
A John Wesley Trail
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Salisbury (1 night), Bristol (1 night), Oxford (1 night), London
Day 1
Depart Southampton for Salisbury where in addition to a visit to the cathedral, the visit will develop the city’s connections with Bishop Francis Asbury. Salisbury was his last circuit before leaving for America. Overnight Salisbury (1 night).
Day 2
Depart Salisbury for a visit to Stonehenge. Then heading westwards, approach Bristol with a visit to 
Glastonbury Abbey and an hour or so in Wells Cathedral. Overnight Bristol (1 night).
Glastonbury Abbey and an hour or so in Wells Cathedral. Overnight Bristol (1 night).Day 3
After a visit to the John Wesley Chapel, the first one he built, and the intimate Charles Wesley Centre, a brief visit to Bath before heading to Oxford (1 night).
Day 4
A colleges walking tour with a special focus on the John Wesley connections at Lincoln College. Into London or to Windsor Castle and a final night in Royal Windsor.
Day 5
Airport departures.
A Spire Soaring from the Meadows
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Salisbury (2 nights), London (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for an early morning visit to the mystical and awe inspiring stone circle at Stonehenge. Next, Old Sarum, the former site of the first cathedral and ancient city of Salisbury. At around 4pm, rendezvous at the cathedral for a tour and Choral Evensong. Overnight Salisbury (2 nights).
Day 2
This morning, a visit to the 14th century Old Wardour Castle, in a picture book setting on the edge of a beautiful lake surrounded by landscaped grounds. Then, if in May a stroll through the stunning gardens at Stourhead and the nearby Stourton House. At other times to Longleat, one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.Day 3
After a leisurely start, to the treasure-filled Wilton House, the ancestral home of the Earl of Pembroke and his family for over 450 years. Continue to either Royal Windsor, London or your hotel near Gatwick Airport.
Day 4
Airport transfers and home.
Antiquing in The Cotswolds
Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Based: Bibury or Moreton in Marsh (3 nights), Royal Windsor (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for the Cotswolds market town of Tetbury, famous for the quality and diversity of its antique shops. Overnight in Bibury or Moreton in Marsh.
Day 2
Following a trail that includes Broadway, Chipping Campden and Stow on the Wold. It can be themed to match your specific areas of interest.
Day 3
A day trip to Bath, another renowned center for antiques, with a Cotswolds pub supper on the way back.
Day 4
With a visit to Blenheim Palace or a Harry meets Alice tour of Christ Church college, Oxford, to Royal Windsor for the final night.
Day 5
Depart Heathrow for home.
Arts and Crafts and William Morris
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: The Cotswolds (3 nights)
Day 1
Arrive Bristol and travel into the Cotswolds. Rest and relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Overnight in the Cotswolds.
Days 2 and 3
This morning, to Cheltenham to see the world renowned Arts and Crafts Movement collection at the Cheltenham Art Gallery which includes fine furniture and exquisite metalwork made by Cotswolds craftsmen, inspired by William Morris.
Then, depending on the dates in question, put together other components which include:
Romantic, privately owned Tudor Owlpen Manor with strong Cotswolds Arts and Crafts associations.
Rodmarton Manor, a Cotswolds Arts and Crafts house and one of the last great country houses to be built and furnished in the traditional way.
Hidden in a wooded valley, Woodchester Mansion, started in 1856 but abandoned in 1870, offering a unique insight into traditional building techniques.
Hidcote Manor, one of England’s great Arts and Crafts gardens.
William Morris’ summer house at Kelmscott Manor, totally unspoiled and unaltered and in harmony with the village and the surrounding countryside.
The William Morris trail which meanders through the West Oxfordshire countryside.
Then, depending on the dates in question, put together other components which include: Romantic, privately owned Tudor Owlpen Manor with strong Cotswolds Arts and Crafts associations.
Rodmarton Manor, a Cotswolds Arts and Crafts house and one of the last great country houses to be built and furnished in the traditional way.
Hidden in a wooded valley, Woodchester Mansion, started in 1856 but abandoned in 1870, offering a unique insight into traditional building techniques.
Hidcote Manor, one of England’s great Arts and Crafts gardens.
William Morris’ summer house at Kelmscott Manor, totally unspoiled and unaltered and in harmony with the village and the surrounding countryside.
The William Morris trail which meanders through the West Oxfordshire countryside.
Day 4
Depart the Cotswolds for Southampton, pausing at Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral on the way.
Discover Bath
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Bath (2 nights), Royal Windsor (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for a coffee stop and visit to Salisbury Cathedral. On then to Stonehenge before veering westwards to reach Bath via an hour or so at Glastonbury Abbey, the alleged burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Overnight Bath (2 nights).
Day 2
Bath is one of those cities where a day entirely on your own to snoop and enjoy is advisable. 
This is a terrific spot for antique collections. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off open top bus tour is worthwhile as is a Jane Austen themed day for fans of the great writer.
This is a terrific spot for antique collections. Alternatively, a hop-on hop-off open top bus tour is worthwhile as is a Jane Austen themed day for fans of the great writer.Day 3
Given the outstanding gardens in the southern Cotswolds, according to the season, an attractive routing that will eventually finish in Royal Windsor can be devised.
Day 4
To the airport.
Great Cathedrals
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Salisbury (1 night), Winchester (1 night), Guildford (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for a cup of coffee and tour of Salisbury Cathedral and a walking tour of the city center. This afternoon if you’ve ‘done’ Stonehenge before, visit 14th century Old Wardour Castle, picturesquely set on the edge of a beautiful lake surrounded by landscaped grounds and the beautiful gardens at Heale House, the first winners of the Christies Historic Houses Association Garden of the Year award, complete with an authentic Japanese Tea House and Nikko Bridge. Pub supper tonight perhaps at the Haunch of Venison? Overnight Salisbury (1 night).
Day 2
Depending on the time of year, if in May, consider a detour into the New Forest to see Exbury Gardens, a remarkable display of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias. 
From June onwards, peaceful tranquil Mottisfont Abbey, home to the National Trust’s collection of old fashioned roses. Mid afternoon, one of Winchester cathedral’s imaginatively themed tours concluding with Choral Evensong. Pub supper at the nearby Wykeham Arms. Overnight Winchester (1 night).
From June onwards, peaceful tranquil Mottisfont Abbey, home to the National Trust’s collection of old fashioned roses. Mid afternoon, one of Winchester cathedral’s imaginatively themed tours concluding with Choral Evensong. Pub supper at the nearby Wykeham Arms. Overnight Winchester (1 night).Day 3
To Chichester for an early morning tour of the glorious Norman Chichester Cathedral before reaching Petworth House, a stately palace with one of the finest late 17th century interiors in England. Continue to Guildford for a tour and Choral Evensong in the cathedral completed in 1961. Overnight Guildford (1 night).
Day 4
Transfers to LHR / LGW for the return flight home.
Jane Austen
Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Based: Winchester (1 night), Bath (2 nights), London (1 night)
Day 1
Disembark Southampton and head for the village of Steventon and then to her former home at Chawton. Into Winchester to visit the cathedral where she is buried. Overnight Winchester (1 night).
Day 2
To Salisbury to visit the spectacular cathedral and then either via Stonehenge and the Avebury Stone Circle into Bath, or via Stourhead, magnificent in April and May and Glastonbury Abbey, alleged burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and into Bath (2 nights).
Day 3
An orientation visit at the Jane Austen Centre and then a themed walk that includes the Georgian Garden and the outstanding Assembly Rooms and Museum of Costume. Late afternoon visit to the Roman Baths.
Day 4
Straight to London or a gentle meander through the Southern Cotswolds to Oxford and a Harry Meets Alice tour of Christ Church and then into London.
Day 5
To the airport.
Spring Garden Tour
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Salisbury (1 night), The Cotswolds (1 night), Royal Windsor (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for a leisurely drive through the New Forest to include a visit to the unusual 13th century church of All Saints Minstead, burial place of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Then to Exbury, the 2001 winner of the Christie’s Garden of the Year Award, a 200 acre spectacular showcasing the famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Into Salisbury for the night.Day 2
This morning to Stourhead, an outstanding example of English landscape gardening. If you take the counter-clockwise route around the lake, the full sequence of Arcadian images will be revealed. While here, take a look at the colorful five acre garden at Stourton House. Take a look at the treasures inside the house as well. Head north now into the Cotswolds (1 night).
Day 3
Depending on the day of the week, a fabulous combination for you to enjoy at Hidcote Manor, the archetypal English garden and the award winning Kiftsgate Court Gardens just a short walk away. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Cotswold gardens and plenty of stunning alternatives are available. Then on to Royal Windsor, London or your Gatwick hotel for the third night.
Day 4
Airport transfers.
The Cotswolds - Spring, Summer or Autumn
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: The Cotswolds (3 nights)
Day 1
Arrive Bristol and head for Glastonbury Abbey, the alleged burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere and a gentle stroll around the Chalice Well and the jewel of a garden nestling around one of Britain’s oldest Holy Wells. Then to your Cotswolds hotel for the next 3 nights.
Days 2 and 3
Depending on your dates, consider including four to six of the following in a stimulating 2 days in the Cotswolds. Choose from:
Hidcote Manor, the archetypal English garden
Batsford Arboretum and Wild Garden, the Cotswolds secret garden and former home of the Mitford family.
The privately owned three acre Bourton House Garden with excitingly planted herbaceous borders full of stunning plant and color combinations.
Kiftsgate Court where three generations of women gardeners have designed, planted and sustained this garden.
Lydney Park, a place of tranquil beauty amidst fine formal gardens.
Maltara, a new and emerging meditative garden, alive with inspiration from around the world.
Mill Dene, a typical English Country Garden.
The lovely timeless English Garden at Misarden Park.
Historic Tudor Owlpen Manor in a picturesque wooded setting under the Cotswold Hills.
Painswick Rococo Garden which gives a fascinating insight into 18th century English garden design.
Rodmarton Manor where the eight acre garden is laid out in a series of characterful outdoor rooms.
The award winning gardens at Sudeley Castle, famous for its topiary and collection of English roses.
The early 20th century gardens with breathtaking views at Trull House Garden.
The extensive terraced pleasure grounds, Italianate walled gardens, water features and statuary at Westonbirt School (open only during school holidays).
The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, ablaze with color in the Spring but more famous for its Autumn color when it seems that almost every tree turns a brilliant orange, red or gold.
Hidcote Manor, the archetypal English garden
Batsford Arboretum and Wild Garden, the Cotswolds secret garden and former home of the Mitford family.
The privately owned three acre Bourton House Garden with excitingly planted herbaceous borders full of stunning plant and color combinations.
Kiftsgate Court where three generations of women gardeners have designed, planted and sustained this garden.
Lydney Park, a place of tranquil beauty amidst fine formal gardens.
Maltara, a new and emerging meditative garden, alive with inspiration from around the world.
Mill Dene, a typical English Country Garden.
The lovely timeless English Garden at Misarden Park.
Historic Tudor Owlpen Manor in a picturesque wooded setting under the Cotswold Hills.
Painswick Rococo Garden which gives a fascinating insight into 18th century English garden design.
Rodmarton Manor where the eight acre garden is laid out in a series of characterful outdoor rooms.
The award winning gardens at Sudeley Castle, famous for its topiary and collection of English roses.
The early 20th century gardens with breathtaking views at Trull House Garden.
The extensive terraced pleasure grounds, Italianate walled gardens, water features and statuary at Westonbirt School (open only during school holidays).
The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, ablaze with color in the Spring but more famous for its Autumn color when it seems that almost every tree turns a brilliant orange, red or gold.
Day 4
Via Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral to Southampton.
The Salisbury
Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Based: Salisbury (4 nights)
Best in May, very early June
Other variations from July onwards
Other variations from July onwards
Day 1
After disembarkation arrangements can be made to meet and escort you from Southampton to the world renowned gardens at Exbury. Lunch at Buckler’s Hard where Nelson’s fighting ships were built and then to Beaulieu, home to the internationally renowned National Motor Museum which traces the story of motoring from 1894 to the present day. To Salisbury for the next 4 nights.
Day 2
Two outstanding houses and gardens for your delectation today firstly at Athelhampton, one of England’s finest 15th Century manor houses surrounded by arguably the greatest architectural garden in England. With lunch here or in the market town of Dorchester, on then to the sub-tropical gardens at Abbotsbury. Established in 1765, they are famous for their camellia groves, magnolias, rhododendron, and hydrangea collections.
Day 3
This morning, an intriguing walking tour of Salisbury which will give you the history, and your bearings. Free time until 4:00 PM when you should arrive at the cathedral for a special visit which concludes with choral evensong.Day 4
Let’s beat the crowds and visit the spectacular 18th Century landscaped gardens at Stourhead. Returning to Salisbury’s pause for an hour or so at Stonehenge before enjoying the idyllic privately owned, award winning gardens at Heale House. Depart for Royal Windsor for the final night.
Day 5
Airport transfers.
Winchester, Saxon Capital of England
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Based: Winchester (2 nights), London (1 night)
Day 1
Depart Southampton for Winchester and a city walking tour which includes a viewing of the famous Round Table in the Great Hall and Queen Eleanor’s garden, a faithful representation of the medieval garden visited by the Kings and Queens of England. Then head to the great Norman cathedral for a special tour which concludes with Choral Evensong. Overnight Winchester (2 nights).
Day 2
Being so close, a morning visit to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, returning to Winchester with a visit either to the fabulous Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (April to May) or to Mottisfont Abbey (June onwards), home to the fragrant and colorful national collection of old fashioned roses.
Day 3
After a leisurely start, to Chawton, Jane Austen’s former home where she wrote or revised her six novels. On then to either Royal Windsor, London or your hotel near Gatwick Airport.
Day 4
Departures for the airport.
Classic Sights - The Post Cruise Masterpiece
Duration: 5 nights/6 days
Based: Salisbury (1 night), Bath (3 nights), London (1 night)
Day 1
Arrive Southampton where arrangements can be made to meet and take you to Salisbury via some retail therapy in the Wilton shopping Village and the thundering looms in the Wilton Carpet Factory. Included a visit to Wilton House where you’ll be amazed by one of Europe’s finest art collections with over 230 original paintings on display. Finally, a special tour of Britain’s finest medieval cathedrals, staying on for choral evensong. Overnight Salisbury (1 night).
Day 2
Depending on your interest, today can focus either on gardens or the treasures on display at:
Stourhead, an outstanding example of the 18th century English Landscape Movement, and adjacent Stourton House and its collection of fine paintings and Chippendale furniture.
Longleat, one of the finest examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Overnight Bath (3 nights).
Stourhead, an outstanding example of the 18th century English Landscape Movement, and adjacent Stourton House and its collection of fine paintings and Chippendale furniture.
Longleat, one of the finest examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain. Overnight Bath (3 nights).
Day 3
Today, a fascinating walking tour which can be themed toward the city’s Roman roots or its association with Jane Austen. Either way include visits to the Roman Baths and the outstanding collection at the Museum of Costume. Balance of the day at leisure.
Day 4
Your choice from either:
A visit to the Cheddar Caves and Gorge where you’ll learn about “Cheddar Man and the Cannibals” and sample the world’s only cave-matured Cheddar Cheese. Follow this with a close encounter with the awe-inspiring Abbey ruins at Glastonbury, traditionally the earliest Christian sanctuary in Britain and legendary burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Pausing to visit beautiful Wells Cathedral and staying on for choral evensong, return to Bath after a pub supper in an ancient coaching inn.
Or:
Visits to Bristol Zoo Gardens, the fifth oldest in the world outside a capital city and awarded Zoo of the Year 2004 by the Good Britain Guide; the fabulous collections of art, archaeology, geology and natural history at the City Museum and Art Gallery, housed in a magnificent early 20th century building; at Bristol, a unique destination where the thrill and fascination of nature, science and art are blended together to create the most exciting new leisure complex in Europe; a “Birthplace of America” tour, harbor cruise, and a visit to Kingdom Isambard Brunel’s own masterpiece, the ss Great Britain.
Day 5
Depart Bristol Airport for home, or via the ancient Stone Circle at Avebury to London for the final night at the theatre.
Day 6
Airport transfers of independent extensions
The Glorious Cotswolds in High Summer
Duration: 4 nights/5 days
Based: Moreton in Marsh (3 nights), London (1 night)
Day 1
Arrive Southampton where arrangements can be made to meet you for the relatively short hop to the city of Winchester where you can stop for a cup of coffee, a special tour of the magnificent Norman cathedral and a viewing of the medieval Winchester Bible. On then to the tranquil and fragrant gardens at 12th century Mottisfont Abbey and a spectacular display of the National Collection of old fashioned roses. Continue to Moreton in Marsh, your base for the next 3 nights.
Day 2
Because they are all so close together include leisurely visits to three lovely gardens today beginning with a cup of coffee and a stroll around the typically English country garden at privately owned Mill Dene. Next up, Hidcote Manor Gardens, one of England’s great Arts and Crafts gardens renowned for its color filled outdoor ‘rooms’ and stunning herbaceous borders. Lunch here. Finally and only a short stroll away the glorious garden at Kiftsgate Court, famous for its roses and winners of the fiercely contested Historic Houses Association Christie’s Garden of the Year award in 2003.
Day 3
With gardens still in mind, a slight change of emphasis with some retail therapy at Beckford Silk Mills and a tour and shopping time at Royal Worcester Porcelain. The filling in this particular sandwich will be a leisurely look at the topiary, roses and the Tudor Knot Garden at romantic Sudeley Castle, whose royal connections span many centuries. Returning from Worcester, enjoy a delicious early evening supper at the Kings Arms, Ombersley, a gastro pub of some note.
Day 4
Depart Moreton in Marsh for a private out of hours visit to moated, Elizabethan Broughton Castle, the ancestral home of the Lord and Lady Saye and Sele. It was extensively used in the filming of Shakespeare in Love.
If the interest is there before reaching London, add a Harry Potter meets Alice in Wonderland tour of Christ Church College in Oxford.
After checking into your London hotel, the balance of the evening is at leisure. Tickets for a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe or another West End theatre can be booked in advance.
If the interest is there before reaching London, add a Harry Potter meets Alice in Wonderland tour of Christ Church College in Oxford.
After checking into your London hotel, the balance of the evening is at leisure. Tickets for a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe or another West End theatre can be booked in advance.
Day 5
Airport transfers or independent extensions.
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