The Cotswolds

Day 1 – Welcome to Oxford

Arrive at Oxford Railway Station just after lunch today and meet your Wilderness guide. After being relieved of your luggage, enjoy a private walking tour of this beautiful, historic city. An established town since the 9th century AD, people have inhabited this area for thousands of years. With stunning architecture and fascinating history, exploring the bustling cosmopolitan streets is the perfect way to begin your trip. Later this afternoon, transfer your bright, contemporary hotel, just outside the delightful market town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Get comfortable on your E-bikes and chat with your guide about the adventure ahead, afterwards enjoying dinner and a good night’s sleep. (D)

Day 2 – Burford and Bourton-on-the-Water

After breakfast this morning, roll out of your hotel and enjoy a scenic ride to Burford. Along the way, listen to the delicate melody of songbirds and pop by an organic farm shop that overflows with fruit, vegetables, artisan bread and award-warming cheese. Arrive in Burford and visit the church – learning about its history and the Levellers who were imprisoned there by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. Enjoy lunch in a charming cafe before continuing riding to Bourton-on-the-Water (often considered as one of the prettiest villages in the UK), which bestrides the River Windrush. Arrive back at your hotel later this afternoon and enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 61 km/38 miles | 640 m/2,100 ft elevation gain

Day 3 – Visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon

Feeling well-rested, join your guide for a wonderful pedal that winds its way through the picturesque countryside to Stratford-upon-Avon. Along the way, cycle through the elegant market town of Moreton-in-Marsh and enjoy a coffee break in Chipping Campden. Relax in the sunshine and chat with your lovely group. Continue your ride, pedalling past lush green fields above which skylarks sing and arrive in the birthplace and burial ground of William Shakespeare. Enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s house and then stroll around the town, perhaps popping into some of the artisan shops that nestle together on the historic streets, before transferring back to your hotel to enjoy the evening. (B, L)

Ride details: 47 km/29 miles | 360 m/1,180 ft elevation gain

Day 4 – Bibury and the Coln Valley

Enjoy a relaxed, leisurely breakfast before heading out into the tranquil landscape. Breathe deeply as you pedal along, enjoying the rhythmic whir of your legs as you ride along slender roads. Arrive in the town of Northleach and enjoy a cool drink in the pretty centre. Continue to Bibury, and, leaving your bikes with your support guide, walk over to Arlington Row – a charming row of cottages which were built in 1380 as a monastic wool store. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch before riding into the enchanting Coln Valley. Later, call by a bakery for tea and cake. Arrive at your traditional country-house hotel this evening with time to freshen up before a delightful, seasonal dinner. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 71 km/44 miles | 730 m/2,400 ft elevation gain

Day 5 – Malmesbury and Cirencester

As the morning light spills through the windows, join your guide for an engaging circular ride that passes in and out of honey-coloured villages. Cycle past Highgrove, a private residence of His Majesty King Charles III, before continuing to Malmesbury to visit the Abbey. With a rich history, Malmesbury Abbey is thought to have been home to the first king of England (King Athelstan the Glorious). Continue towards Cirencester and meet your support guide to enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon, make your way along the leafy lanes back to your hotel, where a hot shower followed by a cool drink will carry you into another relaxing evening. (B, L)

Ride details: 67 km/42 miles | 450 m/1,475 ft elevation gain

Day 6 – Westonbirt and Wine Tasting

After breakfast, buckle up your helmet and head out on your bike for a picturesque pedal to Westonbirt Arboretum. Enjoy listening to the cheerful song of the blackbird as you weave by thick hedgerows and past fields dotted with grazing sheep. Arrive at Westonbirt and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the arboretum. With 15,000 specimens and 2,500 species of tree from all over the globe, it plays a vital role in research and conservation, as well as being a beautiful place to visit. After lunch in the cafe, ride back to the hotel, before transferring to a boutique vineyard for a private late afternoon tour and guided tasting. This evening, enjoy another delicious dinner at your hotel. (B, L, D)

Ride details: 44 km/28 miles | 490 m/1,600 ft elevation gain

Day 7 – Castle Combe and Bath

As the silky dawn light creeps across the peaceful grounds, head out with your guide to enjoy the final day of your trip. Leaving Tetbury, cycle to Castle Combe, a quintessential Cotswold village which is a popular filming destination. After a little wander around and a few photographs, continue pedalling to Bradford-upon-Avon, peeling off to take the canal path that ribbons its way towards Bath. Stop for lunch in the sunshine before riding the final few miles to Bath, an elegant city full of traditional heritage which has been a well-being destination since Roman times. Finish your trip at the Railway Station, returning your bikes and bidding farewell to your guide. (B, L)

Ride details: 60 km/37 miles | 440 m/1,440 ft elevation gain