Enchanting Eastern England 2023

This morning make your way to Scotland's majestic capital city; Edinburgh is synonymous with the nation’s ancient culture and bristles history and elegant architecture. After checking in at your hotel you may spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the city before meeting the group at the hotel, where we’ll get to know each other over a delicious welcome meal.

Overnight: Malmaison Edinburgh (or similar), Edinburgh

Meals: Dinner included.

Departing Edinburgh, we travel south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders passing the coastal town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and over the border to the more rugged landscapes of the Northumberland Coast. Later we head for the historic village of Alnwick where we’ll be invited in to the beautiful Alnwick Castle which remains the home to the 12th Duke of Northumberland; we’ll visit the opulent state rooms and hear tales of crusades and chivalry. The castle may feel familiar as some areas have appeared in film and television productions most notably in Downton Abbey and as parts of Harry Potter's Hogwarts. Tonight, we’ll come together once again for an included group dinner.

Overnight: Gisborough Hall (or similar), North Yorkshire

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Continuing South this morning we make our way to the charming university city of Durham to explore the magnificent Durham Cathedral, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the late 11th century, it is the largest and finest example of Norman architecture in England. Afterwards, our route takes us to the “picture-perfect” Whitby, another traditional cobbled fishing community. Here we visit the museum chronicling a young Captain Cook's training as a seaman before embarking on his epic voyages of discovery and can gain views of the haunting cliff-top ruins of Whitby Abbey which helped inspire Bram Stoker's Dracula. Later we continue to our country house hotel situated on the edge of the wild North Yorkshire Moors, where we will enjoy an included dinner together.

Overnight: Gisborough Hall (or similar), North Yorkshire

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Rewind back to the Middle Ages and feel the ambience of the Vikings as we embark on journey to York. Here, we'll wander mysterious narrow-streets of York known as "Snickelways" and timber-framed buildings of the Shambles. Enjoy free time in this city, settle for lunch and take plenty of photos, before we continue to Peak District for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa (or similar), Peak District

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today is dedicated to exploring the beautiful Peak District, an area rich in history and home to some of England's finest scenery. Firstly, we visit the magnificent stately home at Chatsworth House; said to be the inspiration for Jane Austen's Pemberley in "Pride and Prejudice" the house and grounds were later used in the 2005 film adaptation. You'll enjoy time to explore the stately rooms, halls, quarters and elegant grounds and gardens of this countryside manor. By afternoon we return to our hotel where you'll enjoy free-time to explore the local village. We will meet again by evening to enjoy a dinner together.

Overnight: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa (or similar), Peak District

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we head for historic city of Lincoln as we bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District - on route we'll pause at places of interest. Our first stop will be at Eyam, a charming village with an intriguing history - we’ll learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. By afternoon we'll head for a local brewery to learn about the traditional beer-making processes and facilities: after becoming connoisseurs we’ll, of course, have time to raise a glass (or two) ourselves. Our evening is free to dine out in the historic city of Lincoln.

Overnight: White Hart Hotel (or similar), Lincoln

Meals: Breakfast included

Today we can explore historic Lincoln. Our visit will take us to Lincoln Castle which remains one of the most impressive Norman Castles in the UK with parts dating back to Roman times; today it homes the 1215 Magna Carta. Also on our itinerary is Lincoln Cathedral, a fine example of medieval architecture - this interesting site also featured in the filming of the famous Da Vinci Code. Soak up the past as you wander through its cobbled streets & medieval architecture. Your afternoon is then free to explore the city at your leisure and take in the shopping, history, sights and eateries at your own pace.

Overnight: White Hart Hotel (or similar), Lincoln

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning we can take a "punt" on the river cam with one of the resident students along the "Backs" of Cambridge University. Then the day is yours to spend as you choose in this beautiful city - perhaps spot world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library, Kings College & the Bridge of Sighs or step inside one of the many university colleges, chapels or museums. We particularly recommend visiting the Round Church, one of only four round churches in Britain or exploring the Botanic Garden, one of the great secret delights of the city.

Overnight: Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar), Cambridge

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we have a date with Royalty as we head for the regal Sandringham Estate; this royal house has been passed down through four generations of the British monarchy and today remains the private Norfolk retreat of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. We’ll see the beautiful grounds and onsite museum. Upon return, enjoy your afternoon before gathering later for a final evening dinner together.

Overnight: Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar), Cambridge

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Our final day takes us a short drive East to Newmarket, one of England’s most famous horse-racing towns. At the renowned Newmarket National Stud we’ll have the chance to see behind the scenes of a working thoroughbred stud farm seeing stallions stomping in the paddocks and perhaps the odd baby foal in the nursery. After that, we'll proceed on the final leg of our journey taking us back in to central London where our tour ends at approximately 5.30pm.

Meals: Breakfast included.