November 10-16, 2012
Saturday - Arrival
From 1 to 3 in the afternoon, we'll await you in the lobby of The Queensberry Hotel, a boutique town house hotel in the historic center of Bath. Rooms will be ready by approximately 2pm , so those who arrive before that time can relax in the inviting sitting rooms of the hotel. Check in and make yourself comfortable – we’ll stay at the Queensberry for 2 nights.
An introductory stroll through the gracious city of Bath
Private Reception in the Pump Room, followed by Evening concert at Bath Abbey
Invitation-only Dinner (included) on the Pump Room Terrace.
Sunday- Bath and Wells
Breakfast (included)
Guided walking tour of Bath, followed by Sunday lunch in the country (included) at The Slab House, a traditional “olde world pub” renowned for its excellent menu.
Then on to the Cathedral town of Wells, England’s smallest city, which gets its name from the springs that bubble into a pool in the bishop’s garden, then burble through the streets of town. We’ll visit the splendid Cathedral, dating from the 12th century, with its vast inverted arches (known as scissor arches) and rare and beautiful medieval clock, arriving in time for the pure young voices of the Sunday afternoon Evensong.
Return to Bath
Monday- Avebury and Lacock
Breakfast (included)
Today we’ll move to The Park, an award-winning boutique hotel and resort centered around an historic Jacobean country house just outside of Bath.
The mysterious stone circle of Avebury awaits – we’ll walk among the stones and stop for a pint at the Red Lion, the only pub WITHIN a stone circle.
Then on to the stopped-in-time hamlet of Lacock, a National Trust village of centuries-old gabled and stone-tiled cottages. We’ll enjoy lunch (included) at The George Inn, an historic pub dating back to the 1300’s.
We’ll return to The Park for a delicious Pre-concert dinner ( included) at Oakwood, an amazing old Masonic lodge with a top-rated chef.
Then to Bath, for an evening concert of Mozart and more in the Assembly Rooms.
Tuesday - Eastern Cotswolds
Breakfast (included)
The eastern edge of the Cotswolds holds some unexplored gems, such as the ancient market town of Minchinhampton, with its 17th century market hall and coronet-towered parish church.
After a wander through this almost-untouched village, we’re off to the thriving little town of Nailsworth for a delicious lunch (included) at Wild Garlic, where chef Matthew Beardshall plans his menu according to what the local farmers tell him they have. From his daily-baked organic bread, to the house-made sorbet, this meal will be one to remember!
We’ll return to The Park before this evening’s concert in the Assembly Rooms - then stop for a light dinner in Bath.
Wednesday- Heart of the Cotswolds
Breakfast (included)
A day in the Cotswolds, those quintessentially English honey-colored villages set in gently rolling hills. We’ll enjoy the mellow stone buildings, village greens and medieval market places of this matchless part of Great Britain, stopping first at Burford, where we’ll take time to stroll down High Street, with its unique shops. Choose a spot for lunch, then we’ll make our leisurely way to the mellow riverside hamlets of Lower and Upper Slaughter, and the tiny town of Bibury, where we’ll enjoy tea ( included) by the fireside at Bibury Court.
Return to The Park, and then to Bath for this evening’s concert in the Assembly Rooms
Light dinner in Bath
Thursday - Bath
Breakfast (included)
Enjoy the lovely grounds of The Park before checking out and returning to The Queensberry
Lunch, and an afternoon concert in the Guildhall
Time to enjoy the town of Bath and its shops
We’ll complete the week with a memorable dinner (included) at the Olive Tree
Friday - Departure
Breakfast (included), then goodbyes to new-found friends before departing Bath on your journey homeward.
centuries-old pub.
costs and what's included?