jj

Hi, I'm deciding between the above 2 tours with Evan Evans for end of Nov. I was wondering which you would choose. I know, I know, it depends on what I want to see. But honestly, I can't decide if the Stonehenge is a must or if I would rather see the countryside, so I would like to hear your argument for either.<BR><BR>Thanks much in advance.

Robyn

Having seen all your choices, I would opt for the Stonehenge/Bath tour. I love the Cotswolds and return there every time I am in England. Oxford (and Blenheim Palace, which is just outside) is worth the trip. Stratford --- skip it! Just another busy town. But I was totally awed the first time I saw Stonehenge. Even though you have to stick to paved walkways and can't get close enough to touch the stones, it is so old and so famous that I could not believe I was really there. An audio guide is provided with lots of interesting history about the site. And Bath is a beautiful city, which I have visited twice. The <BR>Roman baths are very interesting, and having seen the Circus and Crescent in movies and in magazines, I enjoyed seeing them in person. You won't be sorry, whichever you choose, but Stonehenge/Bath is my recommendation.

jen

I'll also vote for Stonehenge/Bath. I visited all the areas in your query -- but it took a week! IMHO, a one-day tour of Oxford, Stratford, and the Cotswolds can't do any of them justice and just won't be enjoyable.

tom

Well, I would vote the other direction. You can see the other stonehenge thread for the variety of opinions, though.<BR><BR>For myself (and many others), Stonehenge just doesn't offer much. We went because it fit as a reasonable side trip in a driving tour we were doing. It was worth the hour out of our way to see it once, but I wouldn't bother again. If you are not inspired by Stonehenge before you go, you most likely won't be after.

Jen

Tom, as you yourself said, Stonehenge is worth (at least) an hour's side trip. And the rest of the Evans tour is Bath. I think that makes a more reasonable day than trying to deal with all 3 of the other locations.

John H

Hi, jj,<BR><BR>Having been to all the places you mention, I'd opt for Stonehenge/Bath. I love the Cotswolds and Oxford; not crazy about Stratford. But, I think if you are doing a short outing, a stop at Stonehenge combined with a longer stay in Bath makes the most sense. Bath is great and very walkable.<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR><BR>John H.

carolyn

I have done an Evan Evans tour of Oxford, Stratford, and Warwick Castle and enjoyed it very much. I like Stratford just for the awed feeling that I had to think I was having lunch in a teashop across the street from Shakespeare's birthplace, a house that is 500 years old; but then I'm an English major and I don't mind being in a touristy place since I am a tourist. Warwick was super, too.

Sam

Topping for Michael.

jj

Thanks everyone for your input. Does anyone know how long is spent at the Stonehenge and at Bath with the Evan Evans tour? Do we have free time in Bath to explore on our own? Does anyone recommend another tour company we can use, just to compare itinerary and price? <BR><BR>Thanks again!

Nancy

Try Astral Travels, they offer tours with similar itineraries. I took several 2 years ago, and I will take another on my return trip this winter.