FULL DAY: Today we head into the lush meadows and honeycoloured stone villages of the southern Cotswolds where this wonderful scenic tour takes in some of the most perfect picture-postcard villages of middle England. We arrive at Stow-on-the-Wold, where there is time to explore the ancient market square surrounded by dozens of independent antique shops. Then we come to Bourton-on-the-Water, a renowned Cotswold village with the little River Windrush flowing beneath tiny hump back bridges, before arriving in Burford a scenic delight with its pretty Cotswold buildings and magnificent church.

FULL DAY: This morning we head into the Cotswolds and visit Moreton-in-Marsh where there is an opportunity to explore the huge Tuesday market, a celebrated weekly event, which takes over the High Street. This afternoon we make our way to the pretty Cotswold village of Broadway, a delightful place often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds'. Here there is time to explore the ‘broad way’ with its ancient Cotswold stone cottages and myriad of antique shops before returning through the orchards of the Vale of Evesham.

HALF DAY: To nearby Stratford-upon-Avon where the preserved birthplace of William Shakespeare remains as a museum in the centre of the town. Enjoy a riverside walk beside the Avon or wander through the town centre where the memory of the Bard is alive on every street corner.

Situated within 65 acres of  grounds just sixmiles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Walton Hotel is built around a beautiful stately home, dating back in some parts to the 16th century. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, lounge area, restaurant and bar. All of the bedrooms - some of which are located in a separate accommodation annexe approximately 50 yards from the hotel - offer private facilities, television, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. • Full breakfast and three course evening dinner plus tea or coffee • No lift, all rooms are on the ground and first floors only **** (AA)(01789 842424)

■ Free local joining points ■ All coach travel ■ Reserved seats on tour coaches ■ Hotel accommodation and board as stated ■ Complete luggage handling ■ Excursions as stated ■ Admission fees and entertainment if stated ■ The services of the Grand UK Tour Manager

Unashamed luxury in black & gold

Representing more than a quarter of a million pounds of trail blazing motoring technology, a Grand UK Gold coach really is the king of the road! as you sink back into the rich leather seats, you’ll immediately appreciate the extra legroom and the individually controlled air conditioning. At the controls sits your Gold driver, a reassuring sight with years of experience - and hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel, as you cruise effortlessly through the countryside...

Getting there is only half the story

As you glide towards your destination from your privileged vantage point, you’ll be presented with our special Gold Welcome Pack. Containing a number of useful travel goodies, it’s all part of the privileged service with Grand UK Gold. en-route, your specially chosen Tour Manager will brief you about the journey and make the whole experience enjoyable and informative - only our best Tour Managers get to wear the coveted Gold badge! you can also track your journey from the onboard satellite Navigation system, or enjoy a drivers-eye view of the road ahead courtesy of the unique onboard camera.

You know you’ve arrived with grand UK gold

Arriving at your destination is a pleasure in itself. as you’d expect, we use only specially selected three and four star hotels, so you can look forward to comfortable accommodation, great food, and excellent service. and with Grand UK Gold you’ll also enjoy a Welcome reception with a complimentary glass of wine and a special commemorative photograph of your Grand UK Gold holiday

Upgrade to Gold and enjoy all these benefits...

•3 & 4 star hotels with great food and service •Special welcome reception •Gold welcome pack •Commemorative photograph •Top tour managers & tour drivers •Luxury coach travel in a class of its own

Our Gold coaches feature...

•Extra legroom and comfort •Luxury leather upholstered reclining seats •Panoramic windows for maximum views •Individually Controlled Air-Conditioning •Onboard sat-nav to track your journey •Driver-eye camera to view the road ahead •Onboard library selection •Level & easy access to the WC/washroom

■ 3 & 4 star hotels with great food and service ■ Special welcome reception ■ Gold welcome pack ■ Commemorative photograph ■ Top tour managers & tour drivers ■ Luxury coach travel in a class of its own

Our Gold coaches feature:

■ Extra legroom and comfort ■ Luxury leather upholstered reclining seats ■ Panoramic windows for maximum views ■ Individually Controlled Air-Conditioning ■ Onboard sat-nav to track your journey ■ Driver-eye camera to view the road ahead ■ Onboard library selection ■ Level & easy access to the WC/washroom

For important information on our pick up network please click here.