Encantos de Oxford y los Cotswolds

About the destination: Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.

About the destination: "Oxford is a city in the South East region of England and the county town of Oxfordshire. Oxford has a broad economic base. The city is known worldwide as the home of Oxford University, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Buildings in Oxford demonstrate examples of every English architectural period since the arrival of the Saxons, including the mid-18th-century Radcliffe Camera. Oxford is known as the ""city of dreaming spires"", a term coined by poet Matthew Arnold. Visitors to Oxford should definitely visit at least one museum, visit at least one college and - if possible - hear one of the world class college chapel choirs. A walking tour is a good way of achieving this. Some main tourist attractions are: • Bodleian Library. The main research library of the University of Oxford, The Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and in the UK is second in size only to London's British Library. The Bodleian now possesses numerous branches throughout the university; visiting bibliophiles will be most keen to peruse the central site, which includes Duke Humfrey's Library above the Divinity School, the Old Schools Quadrangle with its Great Gate and Tower, the Radcliffe Camera, Britain’s first circular library, and the Clarendon Building. • Sheldonian Theatre. This unusual building was Sir Christopher Wren's first major architectural commission. At the time he was a Professor of Astronomy at the University. • Balliol, University, and Merton. Colleges each claim to be the 'oldest' in the University, with founding dates in the 13th century, although the exact year may be unclear or contested. They are fine examples of the collegiate Gothic architecture for which Oxford is renowned. • Ashmolean Museum. Vast, impressive, and recently undergone major redevelopment, the Ashmolean is Britain's oldest public museum, having been founded in 1683. The museum displays ancient art from Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome, a fine collection of Western art and artifacts and a sizable Eastern Art collection. • Museum of the History of Science. Located in the Old Ashmolean building, the Museum of the History of Science houses an unrivaled collection of early scientific instruments. The Old Ashmolean building is the world's oldest surviving museum-purpose building. It is a department of Oxford University as well as a public museum. • The Museum of Oxford. The museum tells the tale of the growth of the city and University. • Modern Art Oxford. An art gallery often showing temporary exhibitions of art and photography by renowned contemporary artists, which are accompanied by well-designed talks and workshops. • Parks, gardens and open spaces. Many of Oxford University's colleges have parks and gardens to walk through that are open to the public. "

About the destination: Welcome to the Cotswolds, a quintessentially English region known for its rolling hills, historic villages, and outstanding natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of England, this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers almost 800 square miles across five counties, including Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking tranquility, the Cotswolds offers a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Begin your journey in one of the many charming villages that dot the landscape. Take a leisurely stroll through Bourton-on-the-Water, often referred to as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' due to its beautiful waterways and low bridges, or explore the quaint streets of Chipping Campden, which boasts a rich history dating back to the wool trade. Do not miss a visit to Castle Combe, frequently named as the 'prettiest village in England', where you can admire honey-colored Cotswold stone cottages, ancient woodlands, and the tranquil Bybrook River. No trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without experiencing the great outdoors. Walkers can embark on the Cotswold Way, a 102-mile footpath that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, or wander through the endless network of trails that crisscross the region. For a unique perspective, enjoy a horseback ride or cycle through the gentle hills and valleys. Along the way, be sure to pause at one of the many traditional English pubs to sample local ales and savor hearty, regional dishes. For those interested in culture and history, the Cotswolds is home to a wealth of heritage sites. Visit the impressive Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, or delve into the past at the Roman Baths in the historic city of Bath. Gardens enthusiasts will delight in the Hidcote Manor Garden or the grounds of Sudeley Castle, where carefully curated gardens offer year-round beauty. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer retreat, the Cotswolds promises a serene and enriching experience that captures the heart of English countryside charm.

About the destination: "Bath is a city in Somerset, South West England. In 2011, its population was 88,859. It became part of Avon in 1974; since Avon's abolition in 1996, it has been the principal centre of Bath and North East Somerset. The city, in the valley of the River Avon, became a World Heritage Site in 1987. To visitors Bath is a pretty complete Georgian city with an awful lot of the architecture intact, much of the city remained intact and most of what was bombed was rebuilt. Therefore, Bath is one of the most architecturally pleasing cities North of the Alps. Some the most importants places to see at the city are: • Roman Baths. Built by the Romans around 2000 years ago, and later rediscovered by the Victorians, the Roman Baths are the must-see tourist attraction in Bath. The baths are fuelled by England's only mineral hot springs. You can wander the rooms that made up the baths, including the large open air 'Great Bath', see Roman medieval and Georgian architecture, and learn about the history of Bath Spa. • Bath Abbey. The last Gothic church in England, started in 1499 and built on the ruins of the former Norman cathedral, this impressively large church (of small cathedral proportions) is located next to the Roman Baths. A wonderful view of Bath can be had with a trip up the Abbey tower. • The Royal Crescent, a magnificent semi-eliptical crescent of houses designed by John Wood and completed in 1774. This was the first of Bath's eight crescents, and its shape remains unique. You can visit one of the houses which has been redecorated to resemble what it would have been like at the end of the 18th century. • Sion Hill - Wealthy neighbourhood in the upper part of the city that makes for a pleasant stroll. Attractive Bath stone buildings. • Bath's parks are ideal for a summer picnic. Topless bathing used to be frowned upon but is becoming the norm as the regenerating city becomes more cosmopolitan. The Council maintains all parks to a high standard. Parks at the city are Parade Gardens, Victoria Park and Sydney Gardens."

About the destination: Of all European capitals, London lives deepest in the imagination of travelers. We absorb London before we know it exists and when we finally approach the city, it does not disappoint. There are the red double-deckers, the bobbies and impassive guards at Buckingham, Westminster Abbey, and the notes of Big Ben, sounding familiar, as we have heard them before. We see these things with satisfaction. Yet there is much to surprise. London is not quaint. London is not a museum, though you could spend all of your time going from one to the next. It is a booming, urban sprawl, with traffic snarls, shops, and an astonishing international population. Visit the many monuments with nearly a millennium's worth of history, from the grave of Chaucer to the pub where the captain of the Mayflower drank to Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s most photographed sights. But don’t miss contemporary London, with its intensely active theatres, international cuisine, political demonstrations, the latest in music and fashion, punks and peers, and everyone in between. In 1777, writer Samuel Johnson said when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life, and the phrase is still true. There's something different to experience every day in London.