Best of Britain 2021

At 7:30 am, meet your Travel Director and begin your British journey! Departing London, we pass north through the patchwork hills of the Cotswolds on route to Stratford-upon-Avon; here we visit the Birthplace of William Shakespeare to learn about his life and times. Then continuing north to York, we walk inside the ancient city walls to see the crooked houses, The Shambles, before seeing York Minster, England’s largest Gothic cathedral. In the evening, join Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a Welcome Drink and Dinner. Enjoy this first opportunity to get to know each other over food and drink ahead of our first day exploring Britain.

Overnight: Hilton York, York

Meals: Dinner with wine included.

Today our route winds north through the Yorkshire Hills to the place which was once the ancient northern edge of the Roman Empire; we’ll have an opportunity to view parts of Hadrian’s Wall which remain intact to this day. Then we cross the Northumberland Moors and in to the rolling hills and understated beauty of the Scottish Borders region; here we’ll pause for views of Jedburgh Abbey, one of Scotland’s most impressive monastic ruins dating back to the 12th century. After checking in to your hotel in Edinburgh, enjoy time at leisure and dining independently in one of Scottish capital’s restaurants.

Overnight: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, we are joined by a local expert for a drive around the city; we’ll enjoy views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queens official Scottish residence, and travel along the renowned Princes Street passing the Princes Street Gardens and the Sir Walter Scott Monument before arriving in the elegant 18th century New Town. Later we visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle home to St Margaret’s Chapel, the Stone of Destiny and the Scottish Crown Jewels. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore the Scottish Capital independently, perhaps taking in some of the city’s world class museums and galleries. On selected departures throughout August, you will also attend the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Overnight: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

Departing Edinburgh, we make our way north for a taste of the Scottish Highlands. Passing Bannockburn, site of the famous battlefield, and historic Stirling, where we gain views of the beautiful Stirling Castle, we’ll continue on a scenic drive through the glorious landscapes of the Trossachs National Park. In the region known as the Highlands in miniature, we'll venture along "The Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond. Then, we'll descend in to Scotland’s most populous urban centre, the thriving city of Glasgow; here we enjoy an orientation tour taking in the city’s key sites such as the magnificent St. Mungo's Cathedral and the Victorian monuments of George Square.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we make our way south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and stop in Gretna, where eloping English couples would cross the border to marry over a blacksmiths anvil. We then continue in to the stunning scenery of the Lake District that inspired artists, authors and poets alike. We visit the charming lake-land village of Grasmere and the final resting place William Wordsworth at St Oswald’s Church before making our way to our lake-side hotel for a group dinner.

Overnight: Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, Windermere.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner with wine included.

Continuing south through Shropshire Hills, we make our way to the border town of Ludlow. One of England’s most attractive towns is dominated by its castle and has rich and tragic royal history. Explore the half-timbered Jacobean houses or the traditional market square. This afternoon we cross the border Welsh Marches and pass south to the stunning Welsh Capital in Cardiff, where we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of some of the city’s key sites, before having the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the Welsh Capital at leisure.

Overnight: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included.

A short drive over the Severn Bridge takes us back in to England and to the Georgian city of Bath with its 15th century Abbey, elegant sandstone streets and crescents; here we visit the gloriously preserved Roman Baths and Pump Room. Continuing South, we pass in to the Somerset Hills and on to Glastonbury; a spiritual capital of England and steeped in legend including connections to King Arthur and the Isle of Avalon. Later we continue to your resort hotel in the Cornish countryside.

Overnight: St. Mellion International Resort, Saltash

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful coastal county of Cornwall as we head firstly to one of the South West Peninsula’s many traditional seaside villages. Then, choose between a foraging walk experience in Dartmoor or a scenic cruise across the coast of city of Plymouth with its Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the new World, Barbican, Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later we return via the rugged hilly countryside of Dartmoor. This evening we enjoy a last evening celebration dinner. Join Travel Director and fellow travellers for the farm-to-table dining experience with local, fresh and seasonal dishes over a glass of wine. Return to the hotel for the final night of your British journey.

Overnight: St. Mellion International Resort, Saltash

Meals: Breakfast and dinner with wine included.

Today we return East through Dorset and in to the Wiltshire countryside; arriving on the eerie Salisbury Plain we make our way to the mysterious standing monoliths of Stonehenge. Here we explore the new visitor centre to try to uncover the secrets of this ancient monument before viewing the enchanting stones themselves. By afternoon we make our way back to London where our tour ends in the heart of the city.

Meals: Breakfast included.