We will collect you from your hotel at 8.00 am.
Your drive to Oxford will include ‘off the beaten
track’ routes and therefore represent a
privileged view of the English countryside. At its conclusion our Vacation
Director will take you to the Royal
Crescent.
Number One was the first house to be built in the
Royal Crescent, John Wood's masterpiece of Palladian design. The magnificently
restored and authentically furnished town house creates a wonderful picture of
fashionable life in 18th century Bath, including a superbly appointed dining
room, elegant drawing room, a deliciously feminine bedroom and bustling Georgian
kitchen.
The
Roman Baths. Visit the heart of the World Heritage Site. Around Britain's
only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that
still flows with natural hot water. See the water's source and walk where Romans
walked on the ancient stone pavements.
… which leads us nicely on to refreshment. While Bath
contains a rich tapestry of history for your enjoyment, it’s restaurants and
bistros compare with the worlds best. We can advise and organise according
to your clients’ taste.
After
lunch, your carriage will take you to Pulteney Bridge, which, together
with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, is one of the world's most beautiful
bridges. Like the Ponte Vecchio it is one of a handful of historic bridges in
the world with shops built into it. Built for William Pulteney by Robert Adams,
the bridge was an attempt to connect central Bath to land on the other bank of
the River Avon and make Pulteney's fortune. In spite of its practical origins it
is surely the most romantic bridge in the world, best viewed from Parade Gardens
park by the crescent weir.
… which leads us neatly into a tour of Bath’s famous
shops – not those which you can find on any main Street in England, but some
of the unique and individual stores and boutiques that make the City a shopping
paradise for miles around.
After some serious retail therapy, you will need to sample
the cornerstone of the former British Empire – the tea shop! Where better than:
The Jane Austen Centre. Celebrating Bath’s most
famous resident, The Jane Austen Centre offers a snapshot of life during Regency
times and explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen’s
life and writing. ‘Live’ Guides, costume, film, superb giftshop and an authentic
period atmosphere await your clients at this premier attraction.
The Tea Rooms have splendid rooftop views over the city.
All retail therapy should be accompanied by some serious
relaxation. We suggest :
Thermae Bath Spa.
Using the warm, mineral-rich waters which the Celts and Romans enjoyed
over 2000 years ago, Thermae Bath Spa is Britain’s original and only natural
thermal Spa. Thermae is a remarkable combination of ‘old and new’ where historic
spa buildings blend with the contemporary design of the New Royal Bath. You may
choose a spa session which includes full access to the warm waters and flowing
curves of the Minerva Bath, a series of aromatic steam rooms and the open-air
rooftop pool with spectacular views across the skyline of Bath.
By this time, you will be under the spell of the aristocratic charm of Bath.
They may wish to dine in the town, or we could guide them to a riverside pub or
restaurant before their return to London. The choice is yours;
but be warned – they will not wish to leave this jewel of the Cotswolds!
Pricing
$979 for two people, including taxes
