Oxford is one of six cities to be judged for the title

They will be visiting cultural highlights such as museums, libraries and community projects.

It is an informal working visit, giving the judges a taste of how inspirational Oxford can be.

Britain has been chosen as the home of the 2008 Capital of Culture, and six cities are on the shortlist: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Liverpool, Newcastle/Gateshead.

The winner will be announced in June.

Oxford's Ashmolean Museum, Modern Art Oxford, and the Oxford Science Park are all on Wednesday's agenda for the judges' visit.

'Typical day'

A walking tour of east Oxford to see various community projects is also planned, as are visits to the Banbury Museum and Tooley's Boatyard, outside the city.

"This is an informal working visit with no presentations or lavish hospitality," Robert Hutchison, chief executive of Oxford Inspires, the organisation leading the bid said.

"What the selection panel will get is a typical day in Britain's most inspiring city.

"Many members of the panel already know Oxford well - but we are aiming to give them a further insight into the city and county's very varied contribution to what's best in British culture in the early 21st Century."

Events being proposed for Oxford, should it win the bid, include a Festival of Walks through the Oxfordshire countryside, a Freshwater Festival and a Food and Countryside Festival.