Meet your guide at Paddington station in central London, then hop aboard a train to the beautiful city of Oxford. Sit back and relax as the capital’s urban skyline gives way to the natural beauty of the English countryside.

Arrive in the ‘city of dreaming spires’ around an hour later. Plug in your headphones (if required) to help you hear your guide’s commentary, and set off to explore the sights. Admire the honey-colored buildings and learn about the city’s history as you stroll along the narrow streets toward some of the beautiful colleges that make up the University of Oxford.

Pass through ivy-clad walls and explore the hidden courtyards, elegant libraries, beautiful chapels and grand halls that have inspired generations of scholars, including J. R. R. Tolkien, Bill Clinton, Hugh Grant and Kate Beckinsale. Discover how the prestigious university is made up of some 38 colleges and is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Visit Christ Church College, one of the university’s largest colleges. Marvel at its grand faade, and if it’s open to the public at your time of visiting, head inside to discover its fascinating history. Learn about the many distinguished people who have studied here ─ including Albert Einstein and Lewis Carroll ─ and see the Great Hall, which has been featured in several of the Harry Potter movies.

After your walking tour, enjoy around two hours of free time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps refuel with lunch at a local pub, or indulge in a traditional afternoon tea (own expense). Alternatively, hit the city’s shopping streets in search of souvenirs.

When the time comes, meet back up with your guide and head to the train station for your return journey to London, where your tour concludes.