Enjoy a picturesque, small group tour of the Heart of England on a full-day trip from London to Shakespeare's birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon, the enchanting Cotswold villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter and the University City of Oxford. Start by driving west over the Chiltern Hills and continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare. Enjoy an expert narrative about the history of the poet as you drive to sites that were important in his life, such as the Holy Trinity Church where he was baptised and buried. Stop at his birthplace to go inside. After some free time to explore the town on your own, drive to Shottery to photograph Ann Hathaway's Cottage, the thatched roof house that was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife. Continue through the beautiful Cotswold region, where stone villages and green pastures chequer the landscape. Marvel at ancient churches, built by the wealth of the wool trade. Your guide will lead you down tiny one-track lanes through rolling hills. Stop at Burford, and walk around Bibury to see the weavers’ cottages. Explore the delightful Coln Valley and the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Then, it’s time for a lunch stop in Stow-on-the-Wold at your own expense. After lunch, drive south and upon arrival in Oxford, you will explore the dreamy spires of the university buildings. Founded in 1167, it is one of the oldest, and most famous, universities in the world. Take a walking tour of the college buildings, and discover shady cloisters and library courtyards. See where statesmen, writers, artists and inventors studied. Hear about the famous alumni, such as J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis of “Alice in Wonderland” fame. Discover where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were shot. Then, enjoy some free time to explore the narrow streets alone.