Arrive at London Heathrow for private transfers to our luxurious 5-star hotel, the Old Bank, located in the heart of Oxford. (Or, if you are already in London, we will pick you up at your hotel.) Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the ‘Top Hotels in the UK’ and listed in The Sunday Times as ‘the place to stay in Oxford’, the Old Bank is surrounded by the colleges of Merton, All Souls, Christ Church and University and sits proudly opposite the iconic Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian library.

Anyone arriving early might want to take themselves to the famous Ashmolean Museum, an elegant neoclassical edifice on Beaumont Street with one of the oldest collections in the world, dating back to 1682 (it claims to be the world's first - though try telling that to the British Museum).

After check-in, have a rest and gussy up for this evening’s festivities, sure to dazzle, as we’ve privatized the nearby Bodleian Library for our backdrop.

Celebrate the power of literature during our after-hours visit to this world-renowned institution in Oxford,  one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Raise a glass of bubbles to firsts: our first magical evening and the first of many closed doors to be opened exclusively for our group.

Without the crowds, surround yourself in centuries of knowledge on a guided tour through the oldest reading room at ‘the Bod’, Duke Humfrey’s Library (15th century).

Dine beneath the vaulted stone ceilings of the 17th century Convocation House and marvel at the fine woodwork. Imagine sitting next to a Royalist Member of the English Parliament while being addressed by Charles II in 1665. Or simply get to know your new C&S friends, perhaps asking “Is the monarchy dead?” Discuss. 

It's a short walk back to the Old Bank to collapse into bed. 

OLD BANK HOTEL (Welcome Reception (R), Dinner (D))