Details:
* Start/finish: Starts Wednesdays from Cirencester; finishes London.
* Hotels: 4 high quality village inns, small hotels in the heart of Oxford and Marlow, and comfortable, superbly situated accommodation near the London Eye.
* Cycling mileage: 7 days of cycling. 30 -38 miles (48 - 61 km) per day.
* Skill level: Some regular cycling.
* Terrain: Flat with some slopes on day 6.
* Traffic free: Very largely.
From its quiet source in the Cotswold Hills to the Thames Barrier at Greenwich where river and sea meet, this river of mystery holds many secrets for you to discover and enjoy.
The tranquil river path and the hidden lanes you will ride thread their way through sleepy rural villages and historic towns Pretty landscapes beckon and royal life abounds as you ride by Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and monarch's gardens. Enjoy the water meadows, old inns, wildlife and the traffic- free ride through the heart of London.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Cirencester.
Arrive in the village of Ewen close to Cirencester and to Kemble rail station. A warm welcome awaits you at the cosy inn where your host will meet you in the afternoon with your cycling equipment. Take a short ride if you wish to the source of the Thames River and its headstone for a photo call to mark the start of your adventure.
Day 2: Cirencester to Clanfield - 38 miles (61km).
Today's route is through the rural meadows of the Upper Thames area where the river begins as barely a trickle. Following country lanes and sections of the river path reach Cricklade, a well preserved Saxon town and Lechlade with its moored boats and antique shops. Your overnight stop is not far away in a 16th Century village inn.
Day 3: Clanfield to Oxford - 28 miles (45km).
Before reaching Oxford the Thames flows through a remote and agricultural area with pretty hamlets and ancient inns. Weather permitting; you may be able to cross the river at the only ford on the Thames. Then cycle at the waters edge all the way into the heart of historic Oxford.
Day 4: Oxford.
The famous university town is packed with history from its 13th Century colleges to the wharfes and pubs associated with countless writers and films. Take in fine museums and unique shops or try your hand at punting!
Day 5: Oxford to an Oxfordshire village - 28 miles (45km).
Criss cross the Thames today and discover forgotten rural scenes and a string of ancient market towns. Discover the ancient abbey in Abingdon or take tea in lovely Dorchester. Your overnight stop is in a rustic inn at the heart of a riverside hamlet.
Day 6: An Oxfordshire village to Marlow - 30 miles (48km).
Follow the river today through the picturesque Chiltern Hills. There are some slopes on the quiet lanes but there are also wonderful views and woods as well as flat Thames towpath and pretty bridleways. Cycle through the delightful riverside town of Henley with its weirs and old mill before reaching Thameside Marlow.
Day 7: Marlow to Old Shepperton - 32 miles (51km).
Leave the riverside scene for a short while and enjoy old villages before meeting the Thames again near Windsor. Cycle through the heart of Eton and Windsor, explore the castle there and then ride on for the rest of the day at the waters edge. Backwaters, locks and wildlife still abound as you reach your riverside hotel.
Day 8: Old Shepperton to London - 32 miles (51km).
Cycle beside the Thames almost all day and enjoy the royal history so prevalent along the banks of the river. Take in the palaces at Hampton Court, Richmond and Kew, the famous Botanical Gardens and the fine houses on the waterfront at Richmond. The route leads you almost traffic free past the Houses of Parliament to your riverside hotel beside the London Eye and Westminster Bridge.
Day 9: London to Greenwich - 15 miles (24km).
Ride east towards the sea and unravel the layers of history that have built up over two centuries beside the River Thames. Take in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hind, the Tower of London and the atmosphere of the old wharfs of London's docks.
Enjoy traffic - free route to the historic maritime centre of Greenwich and to the Thames Barrier where your adventure finally ends. Reward yourself with a lazy boat trip back upstream to your hotel for a second night.
Day 10: Depart London.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Range:
- £828 per person based on 2 people sharing a room for 10 days with a party of 6 using own bikes.
- £1392 per person based on 2 people sharing a room for 10 days.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation
- Breakfast every day during the tour
- Comfortable and impeccably serviced bikes
- The services of our friendly hosts to coordinate your travel and brief you on your route
- Emergency support provided by your host
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- A tour brochure
- Safeguarding of your payment
Price Does Not Include:
- Airfares
- Travel to and from the tour start and finish points
- Cycling helmets
- Entrances to attractions unless specified, boat trips, lunches, alcoholic beverages, mini bars and meals pre and post the tour
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
Bicycle Touring
Cultural Journey
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