Highlights of Britain

An epicentre of rich history and innovation, London is where you’ll meet for the start of your incredible journey. Tonight, you’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar). 

After breakfast, you’ll leave the capital behind you and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where you’ll discover the highlights of this medieval university city on an orientation walk with your expert Tour Leader. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where you’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages.

Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar). 

There will be plenty of time to enjoy this morning at your leisure before you board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. You’ll have some time to follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before pressing on to the rolling hills and panoramic views of the Cotswolds.

You’ll discover more about the crusades of saints and kings on a visit of Worcester Cathedral before your road turns towards the rugged ancient landscapes of Wales this afternoon. This evening, you’ll dine together in Denbighshire.

Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar). 

Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is your next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. You’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner. 

Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, you’ll leave Wales behind you and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Toes still tapping, you’ll round off the day in York where you’ll have the evening to spend at your leisure.

Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar). 

You’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways - and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is yours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel. 

Today you’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Your path will then take you through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, you’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel.

Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar).

What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s highlights? Your first stop will be charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. With its flower-filled gardens and glorious views of Lake Windermere, it’s easy to see why Wordsworth was inspired by this tranquil spot. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. You’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to your accommodation for the evening. 

You’ll commence your day of culture this morning with a visit to The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and antiques, there’s something for everyone in this treasure trove! Next, you’ll turn your attention to Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here you’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening you have a local treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide you with a grand ending to your final night.

Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar).

Before you say your goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Your tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh.