Details:
* Start/finish: Starts Mondays and is circular from Oxford.
* Hotels: Characterful and historic, high quality 3, 4 and 5 star hotels and inns, chosen for their character and fine locations.
* Cycling mileage: 3 days of cycling with one further day of optional cycling. 10 - 23 miles (16 - 37 km) per day.
* Skill level: Novice.
* Terrain: Mostly flat; some slopes.
* Traffic free: About half; very low traffic on the rest.
This tour wanders through the classic hills and valleys of Cotswold country with its picturesque honey coloured villages and peaceful streams and is a shortened version of the Cotswolds and Stratford Tour.
The graceful contours of Cotswolds lanes and bridleways provide the route for much of this undemanding itinerary whilst the tranquil Oxford Canal leads to Blenheim Palace. Stop and explore Cotswold market towns enroute, thatched inns, and marvellous vistas. Discover the history of Oxford and relax and soak up the atmosphere of Cotswolds country.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Oxford.
Arrive in Oxford on Monday and check into your hotel located in the heart of the city. Enjoy the treasures of this beautiful city today. Stroll through the lovely colleges of the University with their magnificent architecture and gardens. Take in the museums, galleries and libraries galore, and perhaps a concert or play.
Discover the little tea rooms and fine restaurants, the unique shops and back streets and the river backwaters dotted with punters and rowing eights. At a time to suit you make your way to our base in the center of Oxford, which is open from 9.30 to 17.30 every day, to pick up your cycling equipment. Your host will meet you there, organize your bicycle and run through your itinerary.
Day 2: Oxford to Woodstock - 10 miles (16 km).
Your cycling journey begins along the Oxford Canal which lies very close to your hotel. This delightful and rural waterside ride leads out of Oxford, past houseboats and locks and through pretty villages.
Not far from the navigation, sits the Cotswold stone village of Woodstock and the grandiose Blenheim Palace set in 2000 acres of Capability Brown landscape. Built in the 18th Century, it was the birthplace of Winston Churchill and the 11th Duke of Marlborough lives there. Your hotel sits in the heart of the lovely village.
Day 3: Woodstock to Bledington - 23 miles (37km).
Today’s ride explores classic Cotswolds country. There are twisting lanes leading through pretty villages; tiny bridges crossing gurgling rivers; ancient woodlands, hidden tracks nestling in the valleys and wonderful views.
Cosy pubs are dotted along the route and there’s time to linger in the old stone and thatched villages. Your inn for the next two nights overlooks the village green in one of these villages.
Day 4: Bledington. Optional miles.
Time for relaxing or exploring well known Cotswold towns and tiny hamlets today – all within a handful of miles from Bledington. There is a very attractive ride to Stow on the World, and onto Bourton on the Water, and the Slaughters if you want to see more.
We can also point you in the direction of lesser known but equally appealing gems such as farm shops and National Trust houses. There is fine walking along the Cotswold Way which runs through the village or excellent fly fishing which we can organize for you not far away.
Day 5: Bledington to Moreton in Marsh - 15miles (24km) or 25 miles (40km).
Start the day with a short train hop or a gentle pedal to the Cotswold market town of Moreton-in-Marsh where the high street once formed part of the Roman Fosse Way. Linger in the shops and cafes before cycling gently on through peaceful country lanes and hamlets to the 14th Century honey colored stone buildings of Chipping Campden, Spend the afternoon exploring this ‘must see’ village before returning to Moreton to catch the train back to Oxford.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price: £674 per person based on two people sharing a room.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast every day during the tour
- Dinner for 3 nights
- 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
Cultural Journey
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