Literary Tour: Shakespeare

If you’re looking for a stateside alternative to a Shakespeare-inspired journey through England, consider planning a literary escape to Ashland, Oregon, home of the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Nestled in the charming Rogue Valley, Ashland offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and nature with multiple performances running throughout the season in both traditional and modern interpretations. Oh, and I used to live there! Another fantastic option is the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, which brings the Bard’s works to life against the scenic backdrop of southern Utah’s red rock landscape. Both destinations offer immersive theatrical experiences, boutique lodging, and the opportunity to explore the surrounding regions — making them ideal for travelers seeking a Shakespearean adventure without crossing the Atlantic.

Day 1: Arrival in London – A Literary Welcome

✈️ Optional VIP airport arrival service with fast-track immigration & private transfer to hotel

Hotel Summary: The Connaught – Maybourne Hotel Group
Located in elegant Mayfair, The Connaught is a five-star sanctuary blending British heritage with modern luxury. Guests enjoy the award-winning Aman Spa, the iconic Connaught Bar, and three-Michelin-starred dining at Hélène Darroze — all within easy reach of London’s literary and cultural landmarks.

• 📚 Afternoon visit to the British Library Treasures Gallery
  Experience Summary:
  View an original Shakespeare First Folio, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, and the Magna Carta in one of the world’s most fascinating exhibitions of rare books and manuscripts. Private docent tours available for deeper insight.

• 🍸 Optional: Afternoon tea at The Library Lounge, London Marriott County Hall
  Experience Summary:
  Enjoy river views and literary ambiance with a refined menu of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries in a historic space once used as a Members’ Library.

Day 2: Shakespeare’s London – South Bank Stories

• 🎧 Self-guided “Shakespeare in London” Audio Tour by Context Travel
  Experience Summary:
  Walk in the Bard’s footsteps through Southwark, visiting sites like Southwark Cathedral, the Rose Theatre, and the original Globe site. Narrated by historian Tim Barron, this tour brings Shakespeare’s Elizabethan world to life.

• Lunch at Swan at the Globe

• Private Globe Theatre Exhibition Tour

• Optional private Thames River Cruise for post-tour relaxation

• 🎭 Evening performance at Shakespeare’s Globe, with pre-theatre dinner

Day 3: Theatre Through the Ages – From Globe to West End

• “From the Globe to the West End” Tour with Context Travel
  Experience Summary:
  Trace the evolution of English theatre with a private guide, exploring how it moved from rowdy South Bank playhouses to the refined stages of the West End and Covent Garden.

• Lunch at Clos Maggiore

• 🎭 Evening show in the West End, with chauffeur service

Day 4: Literary Oxford Day Trip

• 🚄 First-class train to Oxford with private transfer and porter service

• 📚 Literary Oxford Tour by Context Travel
  Experience Summary:
  Explore the literary legacy of Oxford with a university scholar. Visit the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the settings that inspired Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Pullman.

• Lunch at The Randolph’s Alice Restaurant

• Optional high tea or private bookshop browsing

• 🚄 Return to London in the evening

Day 5: Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Hometown

🧳 Morning private transfer with luggage handling to Stratford-upon-Avon

Check in: The Arden Hotel – Stratford-upon-Avon

Overlooking the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre and the River Avon, The Arden Hotel offers elegant comfort with luxurious rooms, garden dining, and warm English hospitality in the heart of Shakespeare country.

• 🏠 Private tour of Shakespeare’s Birthplace and stroll along Henley Street

• 🥂 Rooftop drinks at the hotel

• 🎭 Royal Shakespeare Company performance with premium seating and pre-show dinner

Day 6: Quaint English Charm & Family Homes

• 🏡 Morning private car + guide for Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Hall’s Croft

  A picturesque thatched Tudor home nestled in blooming gardens, this is where Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, grew up. Stroll through orchards and romantic paths where William and Anne once walked during their courtship.

• 🍽️ Lunch at The Vintner – gourmet tasting menu

• 🏰 Afternoon visit to Shakespeare’s New Place with private garden guide

  Discover the site of Shakespeare’s final home, where he lived and wrote in his later years. Though the house no longer stands, the beautifully landscaped gardens and modern sculptures offer a poetic tribute to his legacy and imagination.

• 🚣 Optional private boat ride on the River Avon with wine & canapés

• 📖 Evening: RSC performance or fireside literary discussion with a Shakespearean actor/academic (if available)

Day 7: Warwick Castle Excursion + Return to London

• 🏰 Private day trip to Warwick Castle

  Just 30 minutes from Stratford, Warwick Castle offers a grand look at medieval England with state rooms, towers, and thrilling live performances. Guests enjoy VIP access, a private guide, and optional falconry meet-and-greet.

• Lunch in Warwick at The Rose & Crown or Tailors

• 🚗 Private luxury transfer back to London (estimated 2.5 hours), with snacks and wine en route

• 🏨 Return to The Connaught for your final night

• 🍷 Farewell dinner reservation

Day 8: Departure – Until Next Time

• 🥐 Breakfast in-room or garden terrace

• 🧳 Luggage porter and private departure transfer

• ✈️ Optional VIP airport escort for departure

All experiences booked based on availability, client preferences and budget.