British Highlights - 14 day tour

Day 2 - Windsor - Stonehenge - Tavistock

Drive to Salisbury Plain to marvel at the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths of Stonehenge. The fascinating Visitor Centre will provide insight into the construction of this iconic monument and its mysterious bronze-age builders. It’s a short drive to the delightful city of Salisbury which is dominated by Salisbury Cathedral whose graceful spire is the tallest in England. Later travel on to Tavistock, a market town on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. 

Overnight: The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 3 - Dartmoor National Park Excursion

Today travel across Bodmin Moor, an area famed for its natural beauty. Make a photo stop at Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne du Maurier's tale of smugglers. Later stop to visit Lanhydrock House to learn the history of this magnificent late-Victorian country house. During your tour see the grand family rooms and discover how life was lived “downstairs”. Head to Plymouth to view the Mayflower Steps then take a cruise from the Barbican, a popular waterfront district. Tonight is free for independent dining. 

Day 4 - Cornwall & Land’s End Excursion

Drive to the picturesque village of Marazion located on the coast with magnificent long, sandy beaches. From here view the majestic outline of St Michael’s Mount, an important pilgrimage destination throughout the ages and provides a wonderful photo opportunity. Travel through wonderful Cornish scenery to visit St Ives. Take a walking tour through the maze of narrow streets and soak up the old-world charm of this delightful town. Enjoy free time here to admire the sea views and picturesque sandy beaches. Later return to Tavistock in time for dinner.

Day 5 - Tavistock - Roman Baths - Cardiff

Travel north to tour Bath, celebrated for its natural hot springs since Roman times 2,000 years ago. Visit the perfectly-preserved Roman Baths and Pump Room, famous for the mineral-rich hot springs. Cross the River Severn into Wales and make for Cardiff, the Welsh Capital. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the City Centre before arriving at Cardiff Castle for a Welsh evening with dinner with a performance of traditional Welsh music and entertainment.

Overnight: Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Day 6 - Cardiff - Hay-on-Wye - Chester

Drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park to view some majestic Welsh scenery. Stop in Hay-on-Wye, a town that specialises in second-hand books. You will see bookstores everywhere, making a browse around the town centre great fun. Continue your drive north through the Shropshire Hills to Shrewsbury, a picturesque town that is close to the Welsh border with England. Take a walking tour with the town crier to see black-and-white buildings that line the narrow streets and learn about the history of the area. Travel through Cheshire to your hotel, located on the outskirts of Chester.

Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Spa, Chester (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - North Wales & Chester Excursion

Today travel through Llangollen and the Horseshoe Pass for wonderful views at every turn. Next stop off at a local farm to marvel at the highly-trained dogs herding sheep under the watchful eye of an experienced shepherd. Conwy, is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Britain. The town sits in the shadow of imposing Conwy Castle. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the attractive streets and see the smallest house in Britain. Tour back to Chester where another walking tour will introduce you to the medieval black-and-white Rows and fortified Roman walls. Tonight dinner is served in your hotel.

Day 8 - Chester - Lake District - Edinburgh

Head northwards into the un-rivalled scenery of the Lake District National Park. This attractive part of England was home to the popular children’s author, Beatrix Potter, and the poet, William Wordsworth. Visit the charming village of Grasmere, where Wordsworth lived and is buried. Near the Scottish border visit the Old Blacksmith’s Shop in Gretna Green, a favourite retail outlet for quality Scottish goods. Travel through the rolling countryside of the Scottish Border country to reach your hotel situated in its own grounds, just a short distance from Edinburgh. Tonight enjoy a fun-packed Scottish evening with special dishes and entertainment.

Overnight: Norton House Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 9 - Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

After breakfast make the short drive into Edinburgh for a city tour. First see the grand squares and impressive architecture of the Georgian “New Town”. Built 200 years ago these streets were home to some of Scotland’s most notable authors and inventers. Cross into the medieval Old Town for a drive along the famous Royal Mile. See the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the modern Scottish Parliament building before visiting impressive Edinburgh Castle to see the ancient buildings and the Scottish Crown Jewels. The afternoon is completely free so you can explore more of Edinburgh on your own. On 29 July to 12 August 2024 departures tickets are included to the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Day 10 - Glamis Castle and St Andrews Excursion

Leave Edinburgh behind and view the impressive Forth Bridges before travelling through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. Visit stately Glamis Castle, the childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and the famous location of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Later travel over the River Tay to visit St Andrews, famously known as the "Home of Golf”. On our orientation tour we'll see the iconic Old Course as well as St Andrews Cathedral and the University, Scotland’s oldest. Enjoy spending some free time browsing around the town before returning to Edinburgh, where dinner is served in a traditional tavern.

Day 11 - Edinburgh - Scottish Borders - York

Drive south from Edinburgh stopping at Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, the famous poet and novelist. Travel through the Border countryside then cross back into England to tour through the ancient Kingdom of Northumbria. On our arrival in York visit York Minster, which dominates the city centre and is famous for its stained glass windows. This impressive gothic cathedral dates from the 13th Century and is the largest medieval church in Northern Europe.

Overnight: Marriott Hotel, York (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 12 - Excursion to Castle Howard & North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Step back in time today when you take a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway by vintage locomotive. Board your train at Goathland Station, which played the part of Hogsmeade Station in the “Harry Potter” movies. Next discover the picturesque harbour, winding streets and quaint buildings of Whitby on a walking tour. End the day at impressive Castle Howard, where the Evelyn Waugh’s famous novel, “Brightshead Revisited” was filmed. During your tour see the elegant rooms and artworks by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds. End your visit with a traditional English cream tea.

Day 13 - York - Stratford-upon-Avon - London

We make for the attractive town of Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace to see an exhibition about his life and work. Walk through the furnished house where he was born and see how the family would have lived. Drive through the beautiful Cotswold Hills, famous for the charming towns and villages built of honey-coloured stone. On arrival in London enjoy a free evening.

Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton London - Victoria (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 14 - London City Tour & Tower of London

This morning take a panoramic tour of central London with a local expert to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column flanked by huge lions in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses, Beefeaters, ravens and the priceless Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free.