Classic Cambridge & Oxford's Dreaming Spires

Learn more about these two cities distinguished by their hallowed halls of academia and explore the highlights of each, through guided tours, on this delightful break. We visit the stunning city of Oxford, perched on the Thames and known for its world-famous Royal Regatta and Cambridge, with its combination of tranquil botanical gardens and striking buildings. There's also the chance to discover the fine charms of Ely and Stamford.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 4 nights at the Holiday Inn, Northampton (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Cambridge & OxfordOptional Excursion to Ely & Stamford £14pp

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsCambridgeDiscover beautiful façades, exquisite views, stunning architecture and so much more in the thriving city of Cambridge, famous for its historic university. We find out more on our walking guided tour of the city before we enjoy some free time here. Wander down Bridge Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, discover Kings College, where the magnificent Chapel is a perfect example of late Gothic architecture, or enjoy a relaxing punt ride on the picturesque River Cam.OxfordToday we enjoy time in Oxford. This beautiful city of dreaming spires has plenty to offer, with many historic university buildings to see including the famous Bodleian Libraries, and postcard-perfect scenes of students and visitors punting on the river. Oxford also has a wide variety of shops, from High Street stores to quaint individual boutiques and bookshops, peppered with plenty of restaurants and olde worlde taverns. The city's literary connections include J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Oscar Wilde and it also provided inspiration for some of the sets in the Harry Potter films.Optional ExcursionEly & Stamford (£14pp)We have the chance to explore the riverside city of Ely. The historic cathedral is not to be missed, home to the country's only museum dedicated to stained glass, while Ely Museum in the city's old gaol is a fascinating place to discover more about the past. With its range of eateries, peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views, the waterside area is a lovely spot for relaxation.We then visit idyllic Stamford. Wander through the cobbled streets of the “finest stone town in England” and discover a treasure trove of attractions on offer, from All Saints Church, Barn Hill and the Stamford Art Centre to the relaxing beauty of Stamford Meadows and the historical delights at Stamford Museum.

Oxford
This beautiful city of dreaming spires has plenty to offer the visitor on a coach break, with many historic university buildings to see including the famous Bodleian Libraries, and picturesque scenes of students and visitors punting on the river.
Oxford also has a wide variety of shops, from high street stores to quaint individual boutiques and bookshops, intermingled with plenty of restaurants and olde world taverns. The city's literary connections include J.R.R Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Oscar Wilde and provided inspiration for some of the sets in the Harry Potter films.


Cambridge
Discover beautiful façades, exquisite views, stunning architecture and so much more in the thriving city of Cambridge, famous for its historic university. Wander down Bridge Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, discover Kings College, where the magnificent Chapel is a perfect example of late Gothic architecture, or enjoy a relaxing punt ride on the picturesque River Cam.Hotel
Holiday Inn, NorthamptonJG3 ratingThis riverside Holiday Inn is located in Northampton and offers everything we need for a comfortable stay, including a games room, lounge/bar, restaurant, tennis court, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and en-suite bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities.Hotel RatingJG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.