On this excursion from London, enjoy a taste of medieval Britain at Warwick Castle, discover a literary great in Stratford-upon-Avon—home to the famous Shakespeare, and experience the magic of Oxford, known as the "City of Dreaming Spires".

Drive through the countryside to reach the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, which has many lovingly preserved buildings dating back to Shakespeare's time—including the house where "The Bard" was born. During a guided tour of his birthplace, gain insight into Elizabethan England as well as Shakespeare's formative years. Arrive at Shakespeare’s school (before it opens to the public) and step back in time to the 1570’s when William Shakespeare was a pupil. Enjoy a guided tour and the chance to take part in a Tudor lesson—write with a quill and ink and see the rare medieval wall paintings.

After free time for lunch head to Warwick Castle—one the greatest medieval castles in Britain. Explore the history that dates back over 1,000 years, to a world of extravagant banquets, bloody battles, and royal splendor, and stop by the Tussauds Studio, which brings to life tales of treachery, torture, passion, and power.

Your final stop is in Oxford, where you head out on an introductory walking tour of the stunning center with its Gothic churches, chapels, and ivy-clad college buildings. On the way to the remarkable city, enjoy a short drive through the scenic Cotswold.

Immerse yourself in the real-life world of the bard with a visit to Shakespeare's Family Homes in Stratford-upon-Avon. Exhibits offer insight into the life and times of William Shakespeare, and talented actors bring his stories to vivid life before your eyes.

Start your exploration at Shakespeare's Birthplace, where you can see rare artifacts and follow costumed guides through the house for insight into the family's history. See Will's father's glove-making workshop, and watch the resident actors bring Shakespearean characters to life.

At Shakespeare's New Place, you can see the site of the playwright's final home, checking out sculptures and works of art in the garden and studying the footprint of the home as uncovered by archaeological digs. Roam the Knot Garden and the Great Garden, pass beneath the mulberry trees, and check out the informative displays in the exhibition center.

Make your way to the Jacobean home of Susanna and John Hall at Hall's Croft, where you can admire exquisite 17th-century furnishings, relax in the walled garden, and see the medicinal herbs as would have been used by Dr. Hall . At Anne Hathaway's Cottage, stand where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be, stroll the woodland walk, listen to Shakespearean verse recited in the sonnet arbor, and take visitors of all ages for some hands-on fun at the family activity tent.

Finally, get a taste of daily life at Mary Arden's Tudor Farm, a 23-acre (9-ha) estate with a wildflower meadow and farmyard that's home to rare and heritage-breed animals. Watch impressive falconry and goose-herding displays, and learn all about the foods and rituals of a Tudor-style dinner.

It could be argued that the thrilling (and heartbreaking) narratives behind Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear hatched in Stratford-upon-Avon. Birthplace to the world’s most praised playwright, Shakespeare's old scene contains many diverse sights that are best soaked up aboard this hop-on hop-off tour.

Cruise through town and admire Stratford’s compact streets and sweet architectural feats. Cobblestone alleyways offer quaint shops, charming cafes—and plenty of pubs, ensuring whenever you hop off, you’re in good hands. A slow stroll along the scenic River Avon might inspire a sonnet or 2, while a visit to Anne Hathaway’s 16th-century cottage could plant fodder for future poetic endeavors.

Have a peek at Holy Trinity Church, where the "Bard of Avon" was laid to rest in 1616, or indulge your inner actor with a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. William’s former dwelling—open for eager visitors—contains domestic furnishings, a glove-making workshop, and a glass window bearing visitors’ signatures over the centuries.

Route stops include:

• Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Shakespeare Centre
• Market Square and American Fountain
• Harvard House
• Royal Shakespeare Theatre
• Holy Trinity Church
• Evesham Place
• Alcester Road
• Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
• Mary Arden’s Farm
• Maybird Shopping Centre