Start your journey in Oxford. Oxford is the oldest university city in the United Kingdom, some 50 miles (80 km) to the west of the capital London in its own county of Oxfordshire, on the rivers Thames and Cherwell. Together with Cambridge (the second oldest university city and Oxford's great rival), Oxford has long represented the English academic establishment and elite ("Oxbridge"), a haven of tradition and endeavour. Oxford's famous "Dreaming Spires" refer to the medieval churches and colleges that dominate the bustling modern town in all their Gothic splendour. Picturesque architecture and a vibrant modern life, driven by students, light industry and technology, all set in the rolling countryside of Oxfordshire, make this a great destination.

Starting in Oxford, you can enjoy low fares and a comfortable trip in a modern, well-equipped coach. easyBus.com.. Sunderland is a city in Tyne and Wear in northeast England, with a population of 174,286 in 2011. Geographically it was in County Durham until in 1974 the new metropolis of Tyne and Wear was created, also containing Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead. It's industrial, but has lost traditional trades such as shipbuilding, and is still in the process of re-inventing itself.