Classic Britain

Departing London, travel west to the stunning UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. The city oozes Georgian opulence with grand regency architecture, sweeping terraces and cobbled market places. Architectural highlights include the Elizabethan Abbey, the Royal Crescent and the romantic Pulteney Bridge as well as several quality museums and city’s magnificently preserved Roman Temple and Baths. Outside of the city you visit the nearby village of Lacock, a picture-perfect historic village, and Lacock Abbey, which were used in TV and film productions of Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

Overnight: Bath

Journey details: 100 miles / 2hrs 30mins approx.*

Passing north, make your way in to the heart of the Cotswolds, which will be your base for the next two days. Explore Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque, medieval town of Tudor timberwork buildings, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon and a wealth of heritage sites dedicated to the town’s most famous resident William Shakespeare. Explore heritage sites including Shakespeare's Birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's Farm.

Overnight: Central Cotswolds or Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 80miles / 2hrs 15mins approx*

Outside of Stratford you can explore the quintessential countryside of the Cotswolds including quaint and eccentric chocolate-box villages such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. Stunning sites you can visit include the 13th century Cistercian Hailes Abbey and the medieval manor at Sudely Castle, linked to King Henry VIII and 2 of his wives. The University town of Oxford and Churchill's magnificent baroque mansion at Blenheim Palace are also within driving distance.

Overnight: Central Cotswolds or Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today travel across the border in to Wales and your base in the charming seaside resort of Llandudno where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the Victorian architecture. A short drive away is the hidden gem at Conwy, a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares, the town is seemingly frozen in time with its medieval town walls and dominated by the stunning 13th century castle at Conwy Castle.

Overnight: Llandudno, North Wales

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 160miles / 3hrs 45mins approx*

Today venture in to the spectacular mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the scenic Conwy Valley. You may choose to ride a mountain train at the funicular railway at Blaenau Ffestiniog, visit the National Slate Museum exploring the slate mining history of the region or tour Caernarfon Castle, a World Heritage site which was used the investiture of the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, in 1969.

Overnight: Llandudno, North Wales

Meals: Breakfast included.

Make your way back across the border to the North West of England to enjoy some of England’s most spectacular natural beauty in the Lake District. Take time to explore the lakes, their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint lakeland villages such as Windermere and Grasmere. Take a steam-boat ride on Lake Windermere or climb Scafell Pike, the highest point in England to enjoying breath-taking views. This region is a haven for walkers, hikers, budding artists and photographers or those simply looking for a tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery.

Overnight: Lake District

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 145miles / 3hrs 45mins approx*

Reaching the ancient border between England and Scotland, make a stop at Birdoswald Roman Fort visitor centre to uncover the secrets of Hadrian’s Wall. Then pass through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to reach the thriving Scottish city of Edinburgh. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town before visiting the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 155 miles / 3hrs 30mins approx. *

Enjoy the national museums and galleries in the shadow of the Burns Monument before strolling through Princes Street Gardens or climbing to Arthur's Seat for spectacular views over the city. You may choose to head for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or view the modern Scottish Parliament building before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

Returning south, drive through the mellow hills of the Scottish Lowlands where you could stop at the Rosslyn Chapel or Melrose Abbey. Then once again in English territory make your way through the rustic landscapes of Yorkshire to the grandiose city of York itself, home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre. Stroll along the remaining medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the National Railway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at the iconic York Minster, northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 200 miles / 4hrs approx *

Dedicate today exploring outside of the city, where you’ll find yourself in another area of outstanding natural beauty with the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors on your doorstep. Explore the Quaint Yorkshire towns of Harrogate and Skipton, visit James Herriott country and the Bronte Parsonage where the famous literary sisters created their works. Historic sites of note include the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Water Gardens and the Impressive Castle Howard.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included.

Making your way south today, you may choose to stop in the university city of Cambridge where you can explore labyrinthine cobbled parades and squares and marvel at the intricate architecture of world-renowned colleges including Kings College, Trinity College and Christ’s College. Take a stroll along the Backs, extensive parklands behind the university or take a punt on the river with one of the resident students. Later, continue South and return your vehicle to Heathrow (or Gatwick Airport). Make your way in to the city using the extensive public transport network and spend the blanace of the day exploring London.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included.

Journey details: 230 miles / 4hrs 30mins approx *

Having returned your vehicle, today London is yours to explore on foot or by public transport. This magnificent city is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames. Culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum whilst Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the West End make for unrivalled shopping opportunities.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing (luggage can be stored at your hotel) before making your way back to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports to check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included.