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  1. Days 1 Arrival and Rail to Oxford

    After arriving in to Heathrow or Gatwick, validate your BritRail Passes and travel by rail to the historic university city of Oxford, your base for the next two nights. Here you can soak up the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. Perhaps visit one or more of the famous colleges such as Magdalene and Christchurch or the Bodleian Library and New College Hall which were used as parts of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" movies.

    Overnight: Oxford

    Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 1 hour to Oxford (approx.)*

  2. Day 2 Cotswolds Excursion

    Today is dedicated to exploring the quintessential English landscapes and villages of the Cotswolds – take a short rail ride from Oxford to the market town of Moreton-on Marsh. Meet your local driver to begin your scenic journey through the country lanes and rolling hills of the heart of England – your day will be packed with rustic Cotswold views and we’ll pause regularly to enjoy some of England’s prettiest settlements. Visit eccentrically named villages such as Upper Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Broadway each bustling with local markets, honey-coloured homes and thatch cottages.

    Overnight: Oxford

    Meals: Breakfast included

  3. Day 3 Rail to Lake Windermere

    This morning board the train for a journey to the North of England and the rustic landscapes of Cumbria. Arriving in the beautiful market town of Windermere on the shores of the famous Lake Windermere make your way to your hotel to drop your bags. Spend the afternoon exploring this charming lakeside town – wander the local boutiques, visit The World of Beatrix Potter exhibition, hike along the shores of the lake or take a private boat or leisurely cruise along on the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere.

    Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Journey details: 4 hours 40 minutes (approx.)*

  4. Day 4 Lake District Excursion

    Today is dedicated to exploring the rugged landscapes of the Lake District with a local guide on a small-group tour of this spectacular region. Your journey will take you off the beaten track over mountain passes, through deep valleys and passing sparkling lakes. Along the way you’ll stop at one or more the traditional Lakeland towns or villages such as Grasmere or Keswick and take in some of the region’s most iconic spots such as Borrowdale Valley, Thirlmere and Castlerigg Stone Circle. The highlight will be an included boat trip on one of the lakes itself.

    Overnight: Bowness-on-Windermere

    Meals: Breakfast included

  5. Days 5 Glasgow City

    Board the train once more and head north through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands on route to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow and your base for the next two nights. By contrast to the lakes, Glasgow is a vibrant city; explore the Victorian monuments of George Square, the bustling Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Cathedral and necropolis, Kelvingrove Park and Museum before enjoying a vibrant Scottish nightlife around the fashionable bars of the Merchant City or the West End.

    Overnight: Glasgow

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Journey details: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

  6. Day 6 Glencoe, Highlands and Lochs Excursion

    Today enjoy a small-group excursion to for a taste of Scotland’s dramatic Highlands. Meet your driver and group in the heart of Glasgow then head north passing the historic town of Inveraray and its white-washed castle on route to Scotland’s scenic West Coast. Pause in Oban “Gateway-to-the-Isles” for lunch before continuing deep in to Glencoe Valley; one of the most eerily beautiful areas of Scotland and home to a tragic history of clan battles. By afternoon you’ll return south over the barren Rannoch Moor and along the banks of Scotland’s largest Loch, Loch Lomond.

    Overnight: Glasgow

    Meals: Breakfast included

  7. Days 7 Rail to Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle

    Today make the short journey east to the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. Explore this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled Old Town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian New Town. Stroll past the Gothic Burns Monument and through Princes Street Gardens 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

    Journey details: 40 minutes (approx.)*

  8. Day 8 Explore Edinburgh City and Stirling Castle

    Today explore Edinburgh in more depth; perhaps enjoy a spot shopping along Princes Street, visit Scotland’s national museums and galleries or discover Royal Edinburgh with visits to the Palace of Holyrood House, the Queens Edinburgh residence, or the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks, the official royal yacht for over forty years. By afternoon, take a short rail journey from Edinburgh to the historic town of Stirling, whose impressive castle was once the royal seat of Scotland. Alternatively, you could take an optional small group tour to St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife.

    Overnight: Edinburgh

    Meals: Breakfast included

  9. Day 9 Rail to York and York Minster

    Hop on the train and head south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and rugged landscapes of Northumberland to York. This historic city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore; wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles (Britain’s first shopping street) to the medieval city walls, gates and towers. The highlight of course will be exploring the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England.

    Overnight: York

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Journey details: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)*

  10. Day 10 Rail to London and Icons of London

    Today you’ll be whisked south to London on the high-speed line; this will be your base for your final two nights offering you time to explore the stunning English Capital. London 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 and Trafalgar Square. In the east of the city you’ll find the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. By evening why not take a flight on the London Eye for spectacular views of the city skyline.

    Overnight: London

    Meals: Breakfast included

    Journey details: 2 hours (approx.)*

  11. Day 11 London City and Museums

    Today explore London in more depth; culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum. You may choose to stroll through Hyde Park to the elegant Kensington Palace or simply enjoy the abundance of shopping opportunities the city has to offer; from the department stores of Oxford Street to the host of traditional street markets such as the one in Covent Garden.

    Overnight: London

    Meals: Breakfast included

  12. Day 12 Return Home

    Today bid farewell to the UK as you board the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links to take you back to your departure airport.

    Meals: Breakfast included

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

What's included

  • 11 nights accommodation (suggested accommodations listed below).
  • Full cooked regional breakfast each morning
  • BritRail Flexi Passes (8 day) – Passes offer 8 separate days of travel on the British National Rail Network within a one-month period. Travel is fully flexible and completely unlimited on each day of use and will cover all outlined rail journeys including transit on the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links.
  • Our hand-picked small-group day-tours to explore more rural regions which cannot be easily reached by rail, as follows:
    • Famous Cotswolds or Cotswold Highlights tour from Moreton-in-Marsh.
    • Ten Lakes Spectacular Tour from Windermere, Lake District.
    • Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs and Castles tour from Glasgow.
  • Admission to the following attractions on your itinerary:
    • Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh.
    • London hop-on-hop-off bus tour to explore the city.
  • Adeo travel documents pack and suggested rail schedule information for each of your point-to-point journeys including journey durations and departure stations and travel departure times etc.
  • Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip.
  • Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel.

Suggested accommodations

  • Malmaison Oxford Hotel, Oxford x 2 nights
  • Lindeth Howe Hotel, Windermere x 2 nights
  • Mercure Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow x 2 nights
  • Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh x 2 nights
  • Hedley House Hotel, York x 1 night
  • Mornington Hotel, London x 2 nights

 

As our rail tours are fully customizable we can tailor the suggested accommodations for your particular quotation based on your preferences, budget etc.

 

Unless otherwise requested all suggested accommodations for our rail tours will be within walking distance or a short taxi journey from the local railway station.

Optional extras

  • Upgrade your rail passes for First Class Travel – first class carriages are available on many inter-regional services across Britain.
  • Add a small group day-tour to St Andrews and the Fife from Edinburgh.
  • Purchase London Oyster travel cards for flexible travel around London on its underground rail network.

Customize this tour!

  • Add an extra night in York and enjoy a day-tour to the Yorkshire Dales or Moors.
  • Combine this tour with one of our other Britain rail tours.
  • Have your own rail travel expert accompany you on your tour.

Exclusions

  • Travel on the London Underground, the Glasgow Subway rail networks – these are separate to the national rail network and your Britail Passes will not be valid.
  • Taxis / transfers from train stations to your hotels – taxis are readily available at all major train stations in the UK and hotel receptions / concierges will be happy to call local taxi firms for collection on days of departure.
  • Trip Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. More information on the benefits of trip insurance can be found here.
  • Flights – adeo Travel do not book air travel but are happy to offer advice on where to seek competitive airfare.
  • Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.

Departure Dates 2023/2024

This self-guided tour is customizable and can be taken at any time throughout the year and starting and ending on any day of the week - simply let us know your preferred dates of travel!

Pricing 2023/2024

Twin/Double - from GBP £2,395 per person.

 

Single supplements apply for single occupancy rooms, please ask for a quotation for details.

Pricing Notes

  • Above pricing is an estimated "from" price based on shoulder-season travel (April/October). As this tour can be taken at any time pricing will vary dependent on departure day, date of travel, selected accommodations etc.
  • Above pricing is based on suggested accommodations listed however please note that we can tailor your specific quote to accommodate your budget and preferences.
  • Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room with one adult BritRail pass per person as specified. (Please enquire for single supplement)
  • Prices are for land only travel and do not include flights.
  • Prices are in GBP£ currency, for approximate amounts in other currencies please contact us.
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