Christmas in The Cotswolds, England, UK

Embrace the warmth, charm, and magic of an English countryside Christmas with this unforgettable 6-day experience

Private Itinerary
6 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

From fairy-tale villages dusted with frost, to the grandeur of Blenheim Palace aglow with festive lights, this journey captures the essence of a traditional yet luxurious British Christmas. With guided touring, gourmet feasts, carols, and seasonal splendour, every detail has been carefully curated to ensure a truly memorable Christmas experience. Please note there is a minimum 3-night stay over the Christmas Period.

  • 5 nights in the historic 4-star Lygon Arms hotel
  • 5 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L), 1 dinner (D)
  • Enjoy a sumptuous 3-course Wellington Dinner Feast, with champagne, in the hotel’s elegant dining room
  • Indulge in a 4-course traditional Christmas lunch made with local seasonal ingredients on Christmas Day
  • Explore the region’s most iconic and picturesque villages on a full day Cotswolds small group tour, including Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold
  • Experience a magical Christmas Eve at Blenheim Palace’s themed Wizard of Oz adventure
  • Christmas Carol choir performance on Christmas Eve
  • Watch the time-honoured spectacle of the Broadway North Cotswold Hunt parade on Boxing Day
  • Train VIP transfers on arrival
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6

DAY 1: Moreton-in-Marsh – Broadway

Picturesque, tranquil and enchanting, welcome to The Cotswolds in winter. On arrival, transfer from the train station to your beautiful accommodation. Your evening is at leisure to settle in and enjoy an evening by a cosy fire.

The Lygon Arms

Overnight Hotel / or similar

DAY 2: Broadway – Moreton-in-Marsh – Dover’s Hill – Chipping Campden – Snowshill – Stow-on-the-Wold – Bibury – Bourton-on-the-Water – Moreton-in-Marsh – Broadway

After breakfast, set out on a small group tour through the storybook landscapes of the Cotswolds. Begin at Dover’s Hill, where sweeping views stretch across the Vale of Evesham, before wandering the honey-hued lanes of Chipping Campden, renowned for its arts and crafts heritage. Continue to the charming village of Snowshill, nestled amidst rolling hills, then on to Stow-on-the-Wold, known for its historic market square. Stop in Bibury, once described by William Morris as “the most beautiful village in England,” and conclude with a visit to Bourton-on-the-Water, affectionately called the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ for its graceful low bridges over the River Windrush. After a day immersed in timeless charm and festive touches, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

The Lygon Arms

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included
Photo by Experience Oxfordshire

DAY 3 (Christmas Eve): Broadway – Blenheim Palace – Broadway

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, be swept into the magic of Christmas at the magnificent Blenheim Palace. Begin with a scenic drive through the winter countryside to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the palace interiors are transformed into a festive fantasy, inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Wander through rooms adorned with whimsical decorations from the Emerald City to the Yellow Brick Road. As twilight falls, follow the Illuminated Trail through the palace gardens filled with twinkling lights, lanterns, and seasonal installations.

Return to Broadway for a heartwarming Christmas Eve celebration at the historic Lygon Arms Hotel. Begin with a traditional carol performance, before indulging in a sumptuous three-course Wellington Feast in the hotel’s elegant dining room, complete with a glass of champagne to toast the night, all while looking forward to Christmas morning.

The Lygon Arms

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Dinner

Meals Included

DAY 4 (Christmas Day): Broadway

Wake on Christmas morning to see that Santa has visited this magical village. Start the day with a celebratory champagne breakfast. Enjoy the morning at your leisure, before gathering in the hotel’s elegant dining room for an indulgent four-course Christmas lunch feast, thoughtfully prepared to highlight the finest local flavours and seasonal ingredients. The roaring fireplace and stunning decorations add t the magic of Christmas in true English countryside style.

The Lygon Arms

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included
Image from The Broadway North Cotswold Hunt Facebook page

DAY 5 (Boxing Day): Broadway

Embrace the slower pace of Boxing Day with a leisurely morning. As the village stirs to life, step outside to witness the time-honoured spectacle of the Broadway North Cotswold Hunt, a festive parade of riders in traditional red coats trotting down the high street to the cheer of locals and visitors alike. It’s a beloved countryside tradition that captures the spirit of rural England during the holidays.

Return to the warmth of the Lygon Arms Hotel for a light buffet lunch, then enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace, whether curled up by the fire with a book or browsing the charming local shops. For those wishing to end the day with another indulgent meal, an optional hearty Boxing Day dinner may be reserved at the hotel, celebrating the final evening of your festive countryside escape.

The Lygon Arms

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

DAY 6: Broadway

After a final breakfast at The Lygon Arms Hotel, check out and bid farewell to the charming village of Broadway. For those not quite ready to leave the comfort of the Cotswolds, there’s the option to extend your stay and indulge in a little more relaxation at the the hotel’s award-winning spa (available at additional cost). Alternatively, continue your onward journey feeling rested, refreshed, and full of festive memories from your quintessential English Christmas.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the freedom of a private, fully customisable itinerary with Ormina Tours. This itinerary can start on any date, with options to adjust activities, upgrade experiences, and tailor every detail to suit your travel style, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey designed just for you.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully customisable
  • Unique activities
  • Comfort and privacy
From $6,690 Twin Share PPMin. 3 Night Stay

Upgrade Options

  • Enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside on the Santa Express
  • Visit the Spectacle of Light Show at Sudeley Castle Grounds for a themed after dark experience
  • Join a small group tour to Bath's Christmas Markets (available only on certain dates)
  • Join a small group tour of some of the secret villages of the Cotswolds for an off the beaten path discovery
  • Add unique experiences such as falconry to your itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.