Page 23 - Self Drive - Explore the freedom of the open road

Day 3 Blenheim Palace Today we set off by
coach for Blenheim Palace. The grand palace
was given to the 1st Duke of Marlborough
by Queen Anne and her grateful nation as
thanks for his stunning victory at the Battle
of Blenheim in 1704. Sir John Vanbrugh’s
magnificent English Baroque architecture
reflects not only the 1st Duke’s military
achievements, but also Vanbrugh’s own feeling
that the Palace should, at the same time, be a
monument to Queen Anne’s glory. Finally, the
parkland, with its sweeping lake and hanging
beech wood, is, in fact, man-made, constructed
laboriously between 1764 and 1774 to the Included meals
far-sighted plans of the master landscaper,
Look out for 'B', 'L' or 'D' – they're the secret
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. On arrival we enjoy code for when breakfast, lunch or dinner is
a guided tour of Blenheim Palace followed included!
by an included lunch. There will be plenty of
time to explore the grounds and gardens this Included memory makers
afternoon before we head back by coach to the
hotel. B L D Windsor Lunch Cruise Windsor Castle
Day 4 Oxford Guided Tour and Thames Blenheim Palace Oxford Guided Tour
Lunch Cruise This morning, we journey by
Thames Lunch Cruise
coach to one of the oldest and most celebrated
university cities in the world, Oxford. On arrival Your home
we head off on a city and university walking
tour, which is the perfect way to get to know away from home
this magical place! A knowledgeable guide will
take you through the thousand-year history, THE SIGNATURE COLLECTION
including a visit to one of the more famous
You will stay for four nights at the 4-star
colleges. You will also hear about the hidden
Doubletree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel.
stories that reveal the heart of one of the oldest
Set in 17 acres of beautiful countryside, the
universities in the world, and learn first-hand
DoubleTree by Hilton Oxford Belfry Hotel is a
about the intricacies of academic life from both
luxurious countryside retreat. The hotel offers
past and present days. Our walk concludes
comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and spa
at Folly Bridge, where we will board our 2.5 hr
facilities. It's the perfect location for a relaxing
fish and chip lunch cruise. During this relaxing
escape or as a base to explore Oxfordshire's
cruise, some points of interest along the way
famous attractions.
include Christ Church, the college boathouse,
Iffley Lock and the lock keeper's cottage, Osney Day 5 After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to
Lock and weir, and Port Meadow. After we check out of the hotel and make your own
disembark, there is time at leisure to explore home. B
this fascinating university city, before heading
Bag it with just a deposit! See page 7
back to the hotel late afternoon. Please note:
there are shallow steps with a handrail down to Code A5DUNBWS
the landing stage of the lunch cruise. B L D APR 27 2025 £995
The hassle is taken away with our hand-on-heart promise 23