From Bath: Cotswolds Villages Tour (Small Group)｜United Kingdom

Begin your journey in Bath and head into the gentle hills of The Cotswolds, where honey-colored cottages, winding rivers, and storybook villages await.

Stop at Castle Combe, often called England’s prettiest village. Meander along its narrow streets lined with stone cottages, admire the quaint market cross, and watch the brook tumble over mossy stones — a scene that seems frozen in time.

Travel further into the heart of the countryside to arrive in Bibury, celebrated as 'the most beautiful village in England.' Here, find the iconic Arlington Row, 14th-century weavers’ cottages that stretch along the river. Take time to wander the riverside paths, glimpse the swans gliding along the stream, and breathe in the tranquil rural setting that has inspired artists and visitors for centuries.

By the middle of the day, arrive in Stow-on-the-Wold, a bustling market town with a rich wool-trading history. This town was the setting of the last battle of the English Civil War (1646) and was a source of inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien when creating Lord of the Rings. Stroll the broad marketplace and winding lanes to discover the charming character of this Cotswold hub.

While in Stow, enjoy time for lunch in one of the welcoming local cafés or traditional pubs, perhaps the Porch House, which claims to be the oldest pub in England.

In the afternoon, continue to Bourton-on-the-Water, affectionately known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds.' Criss-cross the quaint stone bridges spanning the River Windrush, watch the ducks drifting by, and explore the shops and gardens that line the banks. Here, find the famous Model Village, an ornate miniature replica of Bourton village itself.

Finally, return to Bath by late afternoon, concluding at the Abbey Hotel.