Compare England: The Cotswolds by Country Walkers vs Portugal, Spain, France and UK Adventure Tour by Discovery Nomads
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 2,248 | $ 2,718 |
| Price Per Day | $ 321 | $ 194 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
5 Breakfasts |
| Description |
Covering some 800 green square miles, the Cotswolds are England’s largest “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”—and it’s easy to see why. Its ancient limestone villages and gentle hills (or “wolds”) are the very essence of England. Though time appears to stand still here, you won’t! You’ll follow detailed maps from the historic market town of Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the- Water, the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Peruse antique shops in Stow-on-the-Wold, then meander to the Saxon capital of Winchcombe, site of 500-year-old Sudeley Castle. Your walk to Broadway enthralls with 16th-century architecture and an 18th-century folly tower. Delve still deeper into history at the ruins of Hailes Abbey, an important Cistercian monastery. Explore the almshouses and covered market of Chipping Campden on a route rich with discoveries—from tiny shops and Elizabethan cottages to gourmet restaurants and classic village pubs where you can savor a pint with the locals. |
Explore Lisbon and Porto for great views and portwein, discover Madrid and beautiful Prado museum, marvel at Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona, travel to France's wine capital Bordeaux for best red wines, visit Louvre and Tour Eiffel in Paris and enjoy the nights vieww from London Eye. |
Day 1: Arrival in Moreton-in-Marsh
Accommodation: The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh
Begin your adventure in the thriving market town of Moreton-in-Marsh, at the head of the beautiful Evenlode Valley.
Day 2: Broadwell Crossroads to Lower Slaughter
Accommodation: The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter
Today you’ll pass through a bucolic landscape of green pastures and wheat fields, breaking for lunch in the antique-filled village of Stow-on-the-Wold, once a mainstay of the Cotswolds’ wool industry. This evening’s destination is a rural manor turned boutique hotel in the tiny hamlet of Lower Slaughter.
Day 3: Layover day in Lower Slaughter
Accommodation: The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter
Spend a relaxing day exploring the surroundings of Lower Slaughter. Stroll hidden streets full of tiny shops, Tudor houses, and gourmet restaurants in Bourton-on-the-Water, regularly voted England’s prettiest village; or walk along the Windrush River to the ancient Saxon capital of Winchcombe, passing through the timeless villages of Naunton and Guiting Power. Near Winchcombe, visit enchanting Sudeley Castle, set against the quiet dignity of the Cotswold hills.
Day 4: Winchcombe to Broadway
Accommodation: Broadway Hotel, Broadway
Begin your day walking the Cotswolds Way from Winchcombe to the eerie ruined arches of Hailes Abbey. From here, it’s a gentle climb to the Iron Age fortress at Beckbury Camp for superb valley views. After a pub lunch in Stanton, amble through open meadows to charming Broadway—dubbed the “Jewel of the Cotswolds”—with its picturesque tree-lined High Street.
Day 5: Broadway to Chipping Campden
Accommodation: Cotswold House Hotel & Spa, Chipping Campden
This morning you’re rewarded with stunning, unspoiled vistas at Broadway Tower, the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. From here, it’s a gentle descent to Chipping Campden, a charming town once famous for its wool trade, with many fine 14th-century buildings and a covered market.
Day 6: Chipping Campden to Moreton-in-Marsh
Accommodation: The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh
After a morning walk to Blockley, visit the arboretum at Batsford, filled with spectacular coral bark maple and russet-berried mountain ash trees. The final stretch is an easy stroll to Moreton-in-Marsh, where your Cotswolds walking journey began six days ago.
Day 7: Departure from Moreton-in-Marsh
After breakfast, transfer on your own for onward travel connections.
Day 1-3: Lisbon
Accommodation: Novotel Lisboa or similar.
Arrival at any time. Learn about important areas in Lisbon’s history as you explore its most interesting neighborhoods. Discover Chiado and Bairro Alto and admire the views from Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara. Ride the Eleléctrico tram and visit the Alfama district.
Day 3-5: Porto
Accommodation: Mercury Porto Centro or similar.
Experience a walking tour through the streets of the historical center of Porto, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marvel at the fantastic views of the Crystal Palace Gardens, walk along the famous Aliados Avenue, catch a glimpse of the Douro River from Louis I Bridge, descend down the narrow streets and staircases of the Miragaia neighborhood, learn about Porto's founding and formation.
Day 5-7: Madrid
Accommodation: AC Atocha by Marriott or similar.
Enjoy a walking tour around this beautiful city, additionally visit the Prado Museum or Reina Sofia Museum where you will see the works of Picasso and Dali or ancient Toledo.
Day 7-9: Barcelona
Accommodation: Silken Diagonal Barcelona or similar.
Today you will fly to Barcelona, exploring this beautiful city, visiting the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, and in the evening go to try tapas and Spanish wine. You will have free time to relax on the Barcelonetta beach or go shopping.
Day 9-11: Bordeaux
Accommodation: ApartAccommodation Adagio Gambetta or similar.
Next head to Bordeaux to become masters of the grape in the red wine capital. Drink the best drops and hear tales of how these fiery reds came to be. Enjoy a wine tour to one of the wineries and a sightseeing tour in Bordeaux.
Day 11-13: Paris
Accommodation: Novotel Paris or similar.
Today you travel to Paris and will have a walking tour around the city. On the next day visit the Louvre museum, get on top of the Eiffel Tower, additionally take a walk on the creative Montmartre, visit Sacre Coeur cathedral and in the evening go to the restaurant and explore the nightlife of the city.
Day 13-14: London
Head to London, where you will have free time to explore the city, see London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Tower Bridge, Hyde Park and more.
