Elegance of Great Britain - 11 day tour

Day 2 - Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle

Today we discover Edinburgh in the company of a Local Expert.

We start with a drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Monument, then meander through the 18th-century New Town with its Georgian facades and grand squares.

Later, we travel to the ancient Old Town, where we explored Edinburgh Castle, home of Mons Meg, the royal palace, and the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as The Honours of Scotland.

At the opposite end of the Royal Mile, next to the modern Scottish Parliament Building, lies the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty, The King.

This afternoon is at leisure, so why not take time out to visit the art treasures in the Scottish National Gallery?

If you are travelling on the 03 August 2024 departures, you will also attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of tartan, music and dance set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Day 3 - Edinburgh - Gretna - The Lake District

Depart Edinburgh and travel westwards to visit Ardgowan Estate which extends to 10,000 acres and sits overlooking the estuary of the River Clyde.

Meet The Laird, Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart, for a personal greeting and tour of the house. During your visit learn the histories of the area, the family, the domain and its contents - you may even hear about the ghost!

Enjoy morning tea with delicious freshly-baked scones.

Continue to Gretna Green to see the famous spot where runaway lovers were married over the anvil at the blacksmith's shop. We cross the border into England and make our way into the picturesque Lake District.

Dinner is served at your hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Hotel: Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, Bowness on Windermere (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 4 - Lake District Excursion

We spend today exploring the “the most beautiful corner of England”.

The Lake District National Park is an area of rugged mountains and tranquil lakes. It’s been an inspiration for poets and authors for Centuries.

We visit the last resting place of William Wordsworth in the small churchyard at Grasmere.

Later we board a cruiser for a scenic sail on Lake Windermere along the way admiring the magnificent views of soaring peaks, varied wildlife and the little islands that are sprinkled across the lake.

On our arrival we board a steam-hauled train for a nostalgic journey following the banks of the beautiful River Leven.

Day 5 - Lake District - Haworth - York

Enjoy a relaxed start to the day with the morning at leisure.

We leave the Lake District behind and head for the harsh magnificence of the Yorkshire Dales.

Haworth has a unique charm with its steep cobbled main street and, of course, its connection to The Bronte Family. We will visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, created within the actual home of the Brontë family so you can discover more about the family’s literary legacy.

The last part of today’s journey takes us to York, one of the oldest cities in England.

Overnight: Hilton York (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 6 - Discovering York

Today we spend the whole day exploring York, one of England’s most historic cities. It has strong Viking connections having been inhabited by them in the 9th and 10th century.

Join a Local Expert to explore the historic jewels that are contained within the historic city walls including massive York Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral. Explore the tangle of quaint, narrow, cobbled streets and see The Shambles.

There is plenty of time to further explore on you own, perhaps visit the National Railway Museum housing over 300 years of history, or take a stroll along the well-preserved city walls?

In the evening, take the opportunity to mix with the locals over dinner and drinks.

Day 7 - York - Lincoln - Stratford-upon-Avon

Travel to visit William the Conqueror’s Castle at Lincoln, one of the finest Norman castles in England. Here you will have the opportunity to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta.

Continue on to pretty Stratford, attractively situated on the River Avon. Your hotel is set in its own private grounds, just a short walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the town's wealth of black and white timber-framed buildings.

Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 8 - Exploring Stratford-upon-Avon

Discover how William Shakespeare and his extraordinary works continue to entertain audiences to this very day when you explore his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and relics relating to his life.

Later, join your Travel Director for a traditional Sunday Roast Dinner, served with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings.

Day 9 - Stratford-upon-Avon - Blenheim Palace - Bath

A captivating day awaits in the morning.

We start by crossing the stunning Cotswold hills, a picture-perfect scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors.

Visit the splendid stately home and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque.

Continue to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, built in amphitheatre-style on the surrounding hills.

On your city tour see the imposing Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge, designed by Robert Adam. See the angels climbing Jacob's Ladder on Bath Abbey.

Overnight: Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 10 - Discovering Bath

The City of Bath is built above Britain's only thermal, mineral springs and the highlight of our time in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a visit to the Roman Baths. See amazingly well-preserved remains of one of the greatest spas of the ancient world, still flowing with the natural hot water from the springs.

The rest of the day is at leisure, why not soak and relax with a visit to Thermae Spa? Alternatively, you may wish to follow in the steps of the author, Jane Austen, with a visit to the Jane Austen Centre.

In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers as you raise a glass over your Celebration Dinner to celebrate your wonderful journey.

Day 11 - Bath - Stonehenge - London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old.

Continue on to Salisbury where there is free time to explore this delightful city and visit the medieval cathedral. Our journey ends on arrival in Central London.