National Trust Members’ Tour: This tour incorporates four wonderful National Trust properties over three counties, taking in places along the River Thames and the rolling hills of The Chilterns. The price for National Trust Members is *£605. The sole use supplement remains the same. Please note: *National Trust members must bring a valid membership card with them in order to qualify for the discounted price. The discount cannot be given retrospectively. Not all areas of some National Trust properties will be accessible to those with limited mobility.
Day 1 We head up the A34 to Waterperry Gardens, 8 acres of beautiful ornamental gardens established in 1932 as a Horticultural School for Ladies. Visit the gardens, gallery, museum and tea shop before we travel the short distance to our hotel.
Day 2 This morning we visit Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires for free time to explore. In the afternoon we visit Basildon Park (NT), an 18th-century mansion set in 400 acres of historic parkland and gardens.
Day 3 We travel across the Chiltern Hills to Cliveden (NT), with its gorgeous gardens set high above the river with panoramic views over the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire countryside. The house, now a private hotel, may be open for 30-minute guided tours, and we will book this for you if possible. This afternoon we visit Marlow for some free time and a 40-minute round trip cruise on the River Thames past Bisham Abbey.
Day 4 After a leisurely breakfast, we head for Waddesdon Manor (NT), the incredible French-style chateau built by Baron Rothschild in 1874 to display his treasures and entertain his friends. As well as the opulent interiors of the manor, visit some of the finest Victorian gardens in Britain.
Day 5 Our last visit is to Hughenden (NT), the country home of Benjamin Disraeli, which offers a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister.
Ten miles from the historic centre of Oxford, our four-star hotel has excellent leisure facilities including indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym and beauty treatment rooms. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, WiFi, safe, ironing facilities, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift.
