Steaming through the Cotswolds & Cruising the River Avon

On this relaxing getaway we explore the pastoral landscapes of the Cotswolds with their gently rolling hills scattered with honey-coloured stone towns and villages. We include a scenic journey on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and a visit to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, complemented by a gentle cruise along the River Avon. If you are yet to experience the peaceful ambience and memorable charm of the Cotswolds, then now is your chance.What's Included?
- Return coach travel- 4 nights at a selected hotel in the West Midlands (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester, Tewkesbury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & Broadway- Cruise on the River Avon- Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsStratford-upon-Avon & River Avon Cruise (full day)Forever associated with William Shakespeare, we head to the beautiful town of Stratford-upon-Avon. We start with a sightseeing cruise along the River Avon where we sit back, relax and enjoy the glorious Warwickshire countryside as our guide keeps us entertained with interesting facts about Stratford's history.After our cruise, we have time at leisure to explore Stratford. Fans of Shakespeare can visit the house in which he was born, and there's a chance to wander the riverside gardens or discover the town's theatres including the Swan Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.Worcester, Tewkesbury & Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway (full day)We spend some time in the historic city of Worcester set on the banks of the River Severn. The town is known for its exquisite Royal Worcester porcelain and piquant Worcestershire sauce as well as a magnificent cathedral.Next stop is the delightful Gloucestershire town of Tewkesbury, where there's time to look around the abbey with its stunning medieval architecture and wander the narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses and Tudor buildings.Lastly, we travel to Cheltenham Racecourse where we board our train on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. We embark on a nostalgic journey to Broadway travelling through the spectacular scenery of the Cotswolds with lovely views of sleepy hamlets and villages along the way.Cotswold Villages (full day)We explore some of the Cotswolds' most beautiful towns and villages. We head first to Bourton-on-the-Water with its low, elegant 18th-century bridges and pretty riverbanks. There are a range of quaint tea rooms and tempting cafés for you to enjoy. We then make our way to the beautiful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, renowned for its traditional stone buildings and wonderful collection of artisanal boutiques. Finally, we visit Broadway which boasts a wide main street of picture-perfect cottages, pubs and shops.

Stratford upon Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic market town in Warwickshire situated on the banks of the River Avon and a popular tourist destination attracting over three million visitors a year. With its beautiful surroundings it's not hard to see why it's such a hit with coach trip visitors.
Best known for being the birthplace of the poet and playwright William Shakespeare and home to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford plays host to a rich programme of events and activities from festivals and music in the park to river racing and cruises.

Tewkesbury
Nestled in the lovely county of Gloucestershire and with its delightful riverside setting, the market town of Tewkesbury is bursting with charm and character. Enjoy a stroll through the network of alleyways and quaint streets, lined with black and white half-timbered buildings, or admire Tewkesbury Abbey, famous for its beautiful stained glass windows, intricate 12th-century ceiling and historic Norman tower.Find out more about the town's history at the heritage centre or Tewkesbury Museum, housed in a well-preserved 17th-century building, or why not browse the unique shops? Alison's Bookshop boasts a range of different titles, Sweets & Treats offers traditional chocolates, jellies and sweets and look out for Tewkesbury Mustard to continue a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. The artisan product was once famous throughout the land and was even mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV and many old recipe books!

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway offers a lovely chance to step back in time and experience the nostalgia of steam travel. Using part of the old Great Western Railways main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, the heritage railway now operates journeys between Cheltenham Racecourse and quintessential Broadway.
Sit back, relax and enjoy meandering through the stunning countryside, dotted with sleepy hamlets, and take in the stunning views of the Malvern Hills and beyond. This is a real highlight of any trip to the Cotswolds!

The Cotswolds
One of the unspoilt regions of England, the lovely Cotswolds, an area of outstanding natural beauty, covers six English counties and draws coach trips visitors from all over the world.
Renowned for its rolling meadows, meandering river valleys, pretty woodland, gentle hillsides and of course it's sleepy ancient limestone villages and market towns, the area hasn't changed much for over 300 years.
Select West Midlands Hotel (JG3 rated) Hotel
We'll stay at one of two hotels in the West Midlands:\n\nHoliday Inn Birmingham, BromsgroveLocated on the outskirts of Bromsgrove, the Holiday Inn Birmingham - Bromsgrove offers comfortable en-suite rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV, mini fridge and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features a bar and restaurant, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Spa treatments are available at an extra cost.\n\nHockley House Hotel, Hockley HeathSituated on the outskirts of Hockley Heath, the Hockley House Hotel features a restaurant and bar, along with en-suite rooms with flat-screen TV and tea and coffee-making facilities.