Details:
* Start/finish: Starts daily except Sundays with Oxford as the base.
* Hotels: A characterful and historic 5 star hotel located in the heart of Oxford.
* Cycling mileage: 10 to 28 miles (16 - 45km) per day. Optional additional mileages.
* Skill level: Novice.
* Terrain: Flat with a few gentle slopes on day two.
* Traffic free: Almost entirely.
This tour explores the different landscapes surrounding Oxford - the river Thames, the rolling Cotswold Hills and the Oxford Canal. There is a flat river focused route one day exploring a string of riverside villages and the elegant town of Abingdon before returning leisurely to Oxford by boat or train.
A second route embraces a peaceful ride along the canal to Blenheim Palace and a charming foray into the Cotswolds. For your third day, pedal along the Thames meadows and its rural villages to the north of Oxford and return along the canal.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: The River Thames to Abingdon - 10 miles (16km). Optional additional miles.
At a time to suit you, make your way to our base in the centre of Oxford, to pick up your cycling equipment. Your host will meet you there, organize your bicycle and run through your itinerary. Then you are off on your bike to explore the Thames and its sleepy hamlets and backwaters on bridleways and quiet country lanes.
Discover historic Abingdon, rustic pubs, tiny museums, magical views, and the wildlife of this ancient waterway. It's a gentle day's cycling with a relaxed boat trip back to Oxford. Those wanting to cycle further can explore the riverside villages beyond Abingdon.
Day 2: Blenheim and Cotswolds - 28 miles (45 km). Optional additional miles.
A different but equally delightful scene beckons today as you wind your way out of Oxford along the canal. Houseboats and wildlife abound, tiny bridges and dragon flies surprise. Not far from the navigation, sits the Cotswold stone village of Woodstock and grandiose Blenheim Palace. Set in 2000 acres of Capability Brown landscape, the palace was built in the 18th Century and became the birthplace of Winston Churchill.
The 11th Duke of Marlborough lives here today. After a leisurely stop, its time to amble through pretty Cotswold villages nestling in folds of the gentle hills. Discover the delights of Charlbury and take a short train hop back to Oxford.
Day 3: The Thames meadows and canal - 14 miles (22km).
We recommend a third day on this tour as there is a fascinating ride through the very rural river meadows to the north of Oxford. Formerly these meadows were part of extensive hunting grounds where you will now find Alice in Wonderland’s well, pretty villages, weir side pubs and endless backwaters. Enjoy a lazy lunch before ambling back along the canal. This is a gentle hugely attractive ride and virtually traffic free.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Price for 2 days is £199 per person,
- Price for 3 days is £369 per person,
- The price is based on two people sharing a room.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast every day during the tour
- Dinner each night of your stay
- Comfortable and impeccably serviced bikes
- The services of our friendly hosts to coordinate your travel and brief you on your route
- Emergency support provided by your host
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- A tour brochure
- Safeguarding of your payment
Price Does Not Include:
- Airfares
- Travel to and from the tour start and finish points
- Cycling helmets
- Entrances to attractions unless specified, boat trips, lunches, alcoholic beverages, mini bars and meals pre and post the tour
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
Bicycle Touring
Ecotourism
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