The Cotswolds, The King’s Garden & the Three Choirs Festival

Depart U.S./ Arrive Heathrow Airport

On arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel in Windsor. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner. 

Blenheim Palace

One of England’s grandest country houses, Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built for the 1st Duke of Marlborough following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim, the palace remains home to the Marlborough family and is also renowned as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. A guided tour reveals magnificent State Rooms, priceless collections and centuries of aristocratic history, while the surrounding parkland was shaped by the celebrated landscape designer Capability Brown. An included lunch completes our visit to this remarkable estate.

Croft Castle, Ludlow & Evening Concert

Croft Castle has been home to the Croft family for almost 1,000 years and stands amid beautiful Herefordshire countryside. A guided tour introduces this fascinating property, part castle and part country house, revealing stories of medieval knights, Civil War intrigue and generations of family life, while the surrounding parkland and ancient trees add to its timeless appeal.

Later, free time in the historic market town of Ludlow offers the chance to explore one of England’s finest medieval towns. Browse the market stalls, discover independent shops and cafés or perhaps visit the impressive ruins of Ludlow Castle (admission not included), once one of the most important fortresses on the Welsh border.

The Three Choirs Festival is an unmissable annual event where the resident cathedral choirs from Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester unite to present a very special programme of concerts and recitals. In 2027, this will be hosted in the magnificent surroundings of Worcester Cathedral. After an early dinner at our hotel, get ready for the first of two evenings of incredible music with soaring vocals accompanied by a live orchestra. 

Hellens Manor, Eastnor Castle & Evening Concert

Day 4: Hellens Manor, Eastnor Castle & Evening Concert

A guided visit awaits at Hellens Manor, one of England’s oldest historic homes. Tucked away in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle, this remarkable Tudor and Jacobean manor is filled with centuries of history, fine art and fascinating family stories. Highlights include works by renowned artists, heirlooms associated with Anne Boleyn and rooms linked to some of England’s most dramatic historical events. Following our private tour, we enjoy tea or coffee and a slice of homemade cake.

Eastnor Castle rises dramatically from its estate at the foot of the Malvern Hills. Built in the early 19th century and still home to the Hervey-Bathurst family, the castle combines romantic architecture with richly furnished state rooms filled with paintings, armor and family treasures. Beautiful grounds, lakes and sweeping views complete the experience before we return for dinner and another evening at the Three Choirs Festival.

 

Hidcote Manor, Broadway & Scenic Cotswolds Drive

Hidcote Manor Garden is one of England’s most celebrated Arts and Crafts gardens, created by the American horticulturalist Major Lawrence Johnston. Renowned for its series of beautifully designed outdoor ‘rooms’, the garden combines colorful planting, rare botanical specimens and far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Our visit is enhanced by exclusive early entry, a guided tour and two glasses of prosecco or refreshing elderflower, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience this horticultural masterpiece at its most tranquil.

Later, free time in the picturesque village of Broadway provides the chance to enjoy lunch at leisure and explore one of the Cotswolds’ most charming destinations. Independent boutiques and inviting cafés line the broad main street, which has welcomed visitors for centuries. The afternoon concludes with a scenic drive through the rolling hills, idyllic villages and beautiful landscapes that have made the Cotswolds one of England’s most beloved regions.

Chavenage House, Cirencester & Painswick Rococo Garden

Built in 1576 and still owned by the same family, Chavenage House is one of the finest Elizabethan manor houses in England. Little changed over the centuries, its historic rooms are filled with period furniture, family treasures and fascinating stories, including connections to Oliver Cromwell and numerous film and television productions. A guided tour offers a unique glimpse into more than four centuries of English country house life.

Free time in Cirencester, often known as the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds,’ allows time to enjoy lunch and explore this attractive market town with its rich Roman heritage and elegant streets lined with independent shops and cafés.

Later, a guided tour at Painswick Rococo Garden reveals one of England’s most enchanting and unusual gardens. Created in the 18th century as a pleasure garden for entertaining, its whimsical design features winding pathways, follies, woodland walks and vibrant seasonal displays set within the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

Snowshill Manor & Sudeley Castle

Snowshill Manor offers a glimpse into the extraordinary world of Charles Wade, an eccentric collector who devoted his life to assembling a remarkable array of treasures from around the globe. Every room is filled with fascinating objects, from samurai armor and model ships to clocks, toys and musical instruments, creating one of the National Trust’s most unusual properties. The beautifully designed hillside gardens offer equally captivating views across the surrounding countryside.

Later, we visit Sudeley Castle, one of England’s most historic private castles. For more than 1,000 years, it has played a role in some of the nation’s most important events and is closely associated with Henry VIII and his final wife, Katherine Parr, who is buried within the castle grounds. Lavish interiors, fascinating collections and award-winning gardens combine to create one of the Cotswolds’ most memorable historic attractions and on our behind-the-scenes tour, we’ll see a number of the private family rooms not normally open to the public. Our visit is rounded off with a traditional afternoon tea, served in these magnificent surroundings.

Highgrove Gardens & Windsor Castle

One of the highlights of our tour is a private guided visit to Highgrove Gardens, the personal gardens of His Majesty The King. Developed over more than 30 years, these extraordinary gardens reflect the King’s passion for sustainability, traditional craftsmanship and working in harmony with nature. From the Wildflower Meadow and Kitchen Garden to the celebrated Stumpery and Arboretum, each area reveals a different aspect of this uniquely personal royal retreat. Please note that photo identification is required for this visit.

Later, free time in Windsor offers the opportunity to explore one of England’s most historic royal towns, browse the shops or enjoy an early dinner at your leisure. In the evening, an exclusive out-of-hours tour of Windsor Castle provides a memorable finale.  In the evening, we’ll enjoy an exclusive out-of-hours tour of Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, which has served as a royal residence for almost 1,000 years and remains one of the most iconic symbols of the British monarchy.

The Savill Garden & Windsor

Set within Windsor Great Park, The Savill Garden is one of Britain’s finest ornamental gardens. Created in the 1930s, its beautifully designed landscapes feature woodland walks, rose gardens, seasonal displays and rare plant collections from around the world. A guided

tour reveals the history and horticultural highlights of this remarkable royal garden, followed by an included lunch in the Garden Kitchen.

The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Windsor at your own pace. Perhaps revisit Windsor Castle if you wish to visit attractions such as St George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, stroll across the river to the historic colleges of Eton, or continue your explorations of the historic royal town of Windsor ahead of tonight’s farewell dinner.

Departure

A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.