On arrival at Heathrow airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel. In the evening you are invited to join the group for a welcome drink, followed by dinner.

After breakfast we head to the world-famous Highclere Castle, residence of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and filming location for the much loved Downton Abbey television series. Entrance includes access to the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars of the castle, which explores the achievements of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922.

Later in the afternoon we visit The Vyne, a splendid Tudor red-brick mansion set in 13 acres of attractive gardens. It was built for King Henry VIII’s Lord Chamberlain before becoming the Chute family home for over 300 years. The Tudor chapel is still largely in its original condition while the richly decorated Oak Gallery is another wonderful survival from this era.

We then travel to Hartwell House Hotel where we stay for the next six nights. This evening, we enjoy a fascinating talk by Jessica Fellowes, niece of Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey.

We enjoy a scenic drive to some of the picturesque locations used in filming Downton Abbey. We drive through Shilton before stopping in the traditional Cotswold village of Bampton, which doubles as the fictional village of Downton. We continue on to Cogges Manor Farm, an important heritage site with a 13th-century manor house and historic farm buildings. The farm featured as Yew Tree Farm in the series.

This afternoon we head to Blenheim Palace, undoubtedly one of Britain’s greatest houses. Seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim was designed on an awe-inspiring scale by Vanbrugh and is set in over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. After our visit, we enjoy afternoon tea.

Built in the late 18th century in Neo-classical style, Buscot Park is the family home of Lord Faringdon, who looks after the property on behalf of the National Trust. We enjoy morning coffee here before admiring the family collection of pictures, furniture, ceramics and objets d’art, known as the Faringdon Collection, which are displayed in the house.

We then travel to Oxford, the city of Dreaming Spires. We enjoy a bespoke guided tour to discover the history and many of the magnificent buildings of the city including the colleges of the famous Oxford University.

We journey to Dorney Court, one of England’s finest Tudor manor houses set amidst mature parkland and home of the Palmer family for more than 450 years. The house contains family portraits and a varied collection of art that tell a visual tale of the tastes and fortunes of everyone who has lived here.

We continue on to Greys Court, another filming location of Downton Abbey. Set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns, this picturesque Tudor mansion has a rich patchwork of styles, including 18th-century additions and 20th century interiors. The house is still furnished as an intimate family home, having been occupied until 2003.

En-route back to the hotel, we make a brief stop in the riverside town of Henley-on-Thames, famous for its rowing regatta.