Garsington Opera Festival

Join us for a cultural and musical treat as we head to the borders of the Vale of Aylesbury and the Cotswolds to enjoy a short break that includes a ticket to a performance at the acclaimed Garsington Opera Festival. The annual opera festival here is a summer tradition with picnics as well as interval dining options in a beautiful garden setting. The Vale of Aylesbury is indelibly linked to the supremely wealthy Rothschild family, whose influence in this area was far-reaching. Sightseeing highlights include the remarkable Waddesdon Manor, plus a day trip to nearby Oxford.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival
Arrive independently at the Holiday Inn Aylesbury from 15.00. Evening welcome reception, and dinner with wine.

Day 2  Waddesdon Manor and Garsington Opera with dinner
Today, we spend the day at Waddesdon Manor, the ultimate exhibition of the Rothschild’s extraordinary wealth with an amazing collection of all that is best in the decorative and fine arts. From here we head back to the hotel to get ready before travelling to Garsington for the highlight of our short tour - a performance of L'Elisir d'Amore in the theatre’s intimate 600-seat auditorium. Our package price includes a third price ticket with upgrades available as well as a group dinner in one of the festival’s dining venues (drinks not included).

Day 3 Oxford
Today we coach to nearby Oxford for a guided walking tour of the city. Free time to explore independently then return to the hotel. Arrive back at the hotel at approximately 17:00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Holiday Inn Aylesbury, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night three-course dinner with wine at the hotel
• Rear stalls ticket for a performance at Garsington Opera
• Group dinner at Garsington Opera
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach touring as per the itinerary
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday Insurance 
• Double for sole use supplement - £145
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities 
• Seat upgrade for Garsington performance

HOTEL

Holiday Inn Aylesbury

Modern four-star hotel, located on the outskirts of Aylesbury with indoor pool, fitness club bar, restaurant and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, WIFI, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Please note that parking is available onsite with a daily charge applicable.

Hotel Website

MORE INFO

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.

Recent Reviews

“This was a fantastic holiday. What I enjoyed the most was the visit to Garsington Opera, which was a truly special experience. Everything ran smoothly, and the coach travel was very comfortable. I particularly appreciated how well everything was organised for those of us travelling by train. It was a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable trip.” Pauline Robinson, travelled June 2025 

“This was a thoroughly enjoyable tour with so many highlights, but visiting Garsington itself was a true delight. The itinerary was well planned, and I loved exploring two fascinating historic houses and the beautiful gardens of Stowe. The opera performance was an unforgettable experience, and the entire trip felt very well put together.” Ms P, travelled June 2025 

“This holiday offered a wonderful combination of culture and music, and the opera experience was simply superb. The historic houses we visited were fascinating, and I really enjoyed the peaceful beauty of Stowe Garden. It was a very fulfilling trip.” Mr H, travelled June 2025 

“This was a delightful holiday, and I particularly enjoyed the opera evening, which was a true highlight. The selection of National Trust properties was excellent, and the whole tour felt very well paced and considered. It was a pleasure to be part of such a well-arranged itinerary.” 
Mrs H, travelled June 2025 

“What a lovely holiday this was. The opera evening was a real highlight, and everything throughout the tour was enjoyable and beautifully organised. The balance of culture, music, and sightseeing made it a truly memorable experience, and I felt well looked after from beginning to end.” 
Ms S, travelled June 2025 

“This was a most enjoyable and rewarding tour. I appreciated the variety of experiences, and although I don’t live far from the area, having the opportunity to stay an extra night made it feel like a real break. The organisation was excellent, and the entire trip was a pleasure from start to finish.” Harvey Mahn, travelled June 2025