marlene_

My husband and I will be heading to London for a week in late June. We'd like to spend a day in the Cotswolds. We're looking for a smaller tour that will afford some opportunity to take scenic photos and take in the countryside. I've read that it is best to avoid going on the weekends when the crowds are larger.

I have found two tours that might fit the bill and would love any feedback you have on these companies or the towns they visit.

Premium Tour--'Lunch in the Cotswolds' visits Burford, Birbury, Stow on the Wold
or
International Friends--'Spires, Shires, Sonnets' visits Oxford, Buford, Stow on the Wold, Upper and Lower Slaughter and Stratford-upon-Avon

Any reason one might be better than the other?? Thanks for any input!

dorfan2

My husband and I took an International Friends Tour that sounds like the one you mentioned. I liked that the smaller coach was able to navigate some roads where the larger buses could not (Premium Tour?). We went in March on a Thursday. It was my favorite day of the vacation. Here is the excerpt from my trip report:
"International Friends Tour of Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford Upon Avon - This tour was worth every penny in my opinion. There were 8 people (including us) on the passenger van tour. John, the driver/guide, pointed out places of interest on the way (such as J. K. Rowling's London home) and was a wealth of knowledge. I wish I could remember all the interesting facts and stories he told us the whole way there and back. Should have had a notebook to write it down like another passenger did. Had a different guide, David, for the Oxford tour - both were very good. I loved seeing Burford, Upper and Lower Slaughter, Stow on the Wold, and Stratford Upon Avon-so picturesque-and we had a beautiful day. We had some free time to walk around a little in all? of these places - enjoyed buying a souvenir in each place. Due to accidents on the freeway back, the driver took a backroads way back to London that went through even more villages - we even passed by the Prime Minister's summer retreat, Checkers (nothing to see but the gate, however)."
Didn't mention it in my report, but we stopped in one of the villages and ate at a picturesque pub. Had delicious sandwiches and tried my first shandy (which was also delicious).

marlene_

Thanks, dorfan2. I have read good things about International Friends. I was concerned with them visiting so many areas (compared to Premium) that maybe we'd feel rushed. Good to know you enjoyed the IF tour.

Mimar

Visiting Oxford (which is well-worth doing) would take a significant chunk of of your day. I don't know either of these tour companies. How long is each tour supposed to be?

marlene_

Both tours are just a day--total of 11-12 hours.

rebelrpr

Marlene , I've just posted on this subject . I've found tours and am looking for a couple to share the tour ?
If you'd like my tour info/ideas , just email me

rebelrpr

cynthia_booker

I echo what Dorfan2 wrote about International Friends. Those small buses are the best. We had David as our driver/guide and he went above and beyond, and took a slightly different route as someone had asked about a particular village. Plus, when one guest mentioned how much they liked custard tarts, he stopped and bought a box for all of us to share. I don't think anyone felt like they were on a tour but rather just out for the day with friends.