Highlights of England & the Belmond Britannic Explorer Train Through Wales

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bath, Cotswolds, London, Wales, Cotswolds

This private tour of England and Wales features the best of London, the UNESCO-listed city of Bath and the Cotswolds, as well as a luxury train journey through the beautiful landscapes of Wales aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer.

Begin in Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with ancient Roman baths, rows of Georgian townhouses, antiques shops, gardens and other interesting attractions. Also see Stonehenge, an iconic ring of standing stones that's one of England's most enduring landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Continue to the Cotswolds, a picturesque region of charming villages, beautiful gardens and grand estates among rolling hills and farmland. Visit renowned gardens such as Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate Court Gardens. See the ancient ruins of Chedworth Roman Villa, and visit charming villages to enjoy the markets, galleries, antiques shops and pubs. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a visit to Highgrove, the royal gardens of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, including time for lunch featuring local ingredients at the garden restaurant.

Next, transfer to London, one of the world's greatest cities. Discover the best of London—heritage architecture, fascinating museums, important historic attractions, exclusive boutiques, traditional pubs and incredible food markets—during private touring customized to your interests. Tour famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, Covent Garden, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Perhaps explore other incredible museums around the city such as the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, Churchill War Rooms, Sir John Soane's Museum, the Tate Modern or the Tate Britain. Also visit hidden squares, renowned British shops, atmospheric tea rooms and other highlights.

Next, board the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train, for a luxurious journey through Wales, a country with verdant hills, rugged mountains and a meandering coastline. Enjoy the romance of restored vintage train carriages, relax with a meal or afternoon tea in the dining cars and perhaps book a treatment in the train spa. Sit in the observation car as you travel through the rural Welsh counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys. Take in views of the glacier-carved mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park as you journey into North Wales. During train-based excursions and touring, opt to hike through a beautiful Welsh valley, visit a lavender farm, take an art class, learn about modern Welsh art at the MOMA Machynlleth art museum, watch a theater performance or try your hand at clay-pigeon shooting. En route back to London, stop in the Cotswolds market town of Moreton-in-Marsh for an exclusive meal in a historic Cotswold pub. Also pass through the charming farmland and hills of the Chilterns.

Return to London for additional touring or shopping according to your interests.

Artisans of Leisure can incorporate Britannic Explorer train journeys in Wales into any of our private England, Scotland and Wales tours.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive London, England – Bath Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Bath Full-day private tour Day 3 Bath – Cotswolds Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 4 Cotswolds Full-day private tour Day 5 Cotswolds – London Private transfer to luxury hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon city tour Day 6 London Full-day private city tour Day 7 London – Britannic Explorer train Private transfer to train station for 3 nights on luxury train Day 8 Britannic Explorer train & Wales Train-based activities and excursions Day 9 Britannic Explorer train & Wales Train-based activities and excursions Day 10 Britannic Explorer train – Cotswolds, England – London Private transfer to luxury hotel for 2 nights. Day at leisure Day 11 London Half-day private city tour. Afternoon tea reservation Day 12 Depart London Private airport transfer

Hotels

Bath: The Royal Crescent Cotswolds: Buckland Manor or Dormy House Hotel & Spa London: Claridge’s, The Connaught, Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park or Belmond Cadogan Luxury train: Britannic Explorer, a Belmond Train

Cost

Upon request