Bath Christmas 2010

Highlights

• Return coach travel to/from London
• 3 nights’ twin share hotel accommodation
• Driving tour of Bath
• Walking tour of Oxford and Windsor
• Entry to Stonehenge
• 3 breakfasts
• Christmas lunch
• European trained Topdeck trip leader

Itinerary

DAY 1 London to Bath, England - 24 December 2010
Depart with us early this morning from London and wave goodbye to the city of London as we head toward the “city of dreaming spires” – Oxford, renowned for its medieval university. Our orientation tour of the city takes us to the famous Christ Church, Carfax Tower, Jesus College and the Bodleian Library. Our next destination is the famous Cotswolds village of Bourton on the Water. Often described as the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, this beautiful village has something for everyone, from unusual museums to beautiful parklands to delicious restaurants! We continue our journey to the historic city of Bath which dates back two thousand years. Before checking into our hotel take it all in on our driving tour of the city where our expert Topdeck road crew will share with you the sights and sounds of one of England’s favourite destinations including Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths and the picturesque Royal Crescent. This eveningit is our first chance to experience the nightlife that Bath has to offer.

DAY 2 Bath - 25 December 2010
Merry Christmas! See what Father Christmas has left in your stocking this Christmas morning, before your chance to wander through beautiful Bath during this festive time. This afternoon is our included Christmas lunch. (B, L)

DAY 3 Stonehenge - 26 December 2010
Enjoy a half day trip by coach today to Stonehenge, one of England’s most famous historical landmarks. For centuries there has been intense debate about the significance of Stonehenge. The true meaning of this ancient, creation has been lost in time - was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? Surrounded by mystery, your visit to Stonehenge will not be forgotten. We return to Bath this afternoon for our final chance to toast the memories of the past few days! (B)

DAY 4 Bath to London, England - 27 December 2010
Today we say our sad farewells to Bath, heading first today to Windsor,where our walking tour of the old town will take in amazing sites like the Guildhall or famous Windsor Castle. During your free time why not visit Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of Her Majesty the Queen. Or you can see Eton College, where both Prince William and Prince Harry were educated, as well as other famous names such as current British Prime Minister David Cameron, actor Dminic West and James Bond novelist Ian Fleming. This afternoon we head back to London where the trip finishes this evening at the Clink Hostel. Upon arrival back in London, we say our fond farewells to our Topdeck companions! (B)

Destination Information

The Romans established the City of Bath in AD 43 and this city, awash with architecture, history and culture, has been welcoming visitors ever since. Many of Bath's great buildings date back from its renaissance in the 18th century when it again became a fashionable spa town and played host to royalty and the cream of aristocracy, who visited the city to 'take the waters'. Today visitors can walk around the old Roman Baths, enjoy the splendour of Bath Abbey or simply take in the breathtaking Georgian architecture of this beautiful city, which somehow managed to escape the ravages of industry and the Luftwaffe. Jane Austen lived and based many of her books on Bath, and on Gay Street, near where she once lived, visitors can find the Jane Austen Centre, which displays her life and times. For an authentic feel of life gone by, period decorations and furniture have been reinstated in No1 Royal Crescent, so that the house appears as it might have been as a fine 18th-century townhouse. Though architecturally Bath is something of a period piece, it is also a very modern city; its restaurants and pavement cafés packed full of local businessmen and artisans. The International Music Festival marks the beginning of summer and adds to the city's lively, festive atmosphere and its Theatre Royal is one of the country's leading provincial theatres, attracting big names and pre-West End runs.

-Wordtravels

Pricing

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• Availability: 24 Dec 10 - 24 Dec 10 Adult Price from £249