Essence of England and Wales 2022

This morning, make your way to Cardiff, the Welsh Capital (just 2hrs from London by direct rail). After checking in to your central hotel the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace. With your included tickets, you can visit the unique Cardiff Castle whose history stretches from Roman times right through to the industrial revolution and an illustrious Victorian manor house. By evening meet your tour leader and the rest of the group where we’ll enjoy a hearty Welsh dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: The Coal Exchange Hotel (or similar), Cardiff

Meals: Dinner included.

Boarding the mini-coach, a short ride from central Cardiff, we’ll visit the Museum of Welsh Life; set in the expansive grounds of the Elizabethan manor house of St Fagan’s Castle you can trace Welsh life through the centuries. We’ll then head for the cosmopolitan Cardiff Bay area to see the vibrant Mermaid Quay which is now a hub of Welsh heritage and politics and is home to a host of waterfront cafes, bars and eateries. Your afternoon is free to explore the Bay or return to central Cardiff to see more of the historic city.

Overnight: The Coal Exchange Hotel (or similar), Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we leave Cardiff for a day of contrasts; we’ll ascend the South Wales valleys to experience Wales’ industrial heritage at Big Pit where we’ll have the opportunity to descend a an operational coal mine. We then pass West in to the Welsh countryside – we’ll pause at Laugharne the picturesque home-town of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, before continuing to the beautiful seaside town of Tenby. There’ll be time to wander the within the 13th century town walls and see the sweeping golden bays or climb the rocky headland overlooking the harbour before taking dinner together at our hotel.

Overnight: Heywood Hotel and Spa (or similar), Tenby, Pembrokeshire

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we continue to explore the natural scenery of the protected Pembrokeshire Coast. We’ll head for St Davids, namesake of Wales’ patron saint. This tiny village enjoys city status owing to its beautiful cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. From here we’ll turn North and follow Wales’ scenic west coast past the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay and in to rural mid-Wales. We’ll pause in one or more of the bustling harbour towns before arriving in Aberystwyth, our overnight destination. In the evening we enjoy our dinner together.

Overnight: Nanteos Mansion Hotel (or similar), near Aberystwyth

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

After a hearty Welsh breakfast we’ll enjoy a scenic drive North to the intriguing town of Portmeirion. Nestling in a sheltered position on an enclosed estuary this beautiful Italian style village was uniquely designed by Sir William Clough Ellis and has since been used for various television productions. After plenty of time to explore, we’ll head for the local train station – here it’s all aboard a narrow gauge steam train for an epic mountain railway journey of breath-taking views in to the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. Later we retire to our base in Llandudno on the North Wales coast.

Overnight: Dunoon Hotel (or similar), Llandudno

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today is a free day to enjoy at leisure; equipped with your complimentary open-top bus tour tickets you can explore the contrasting towns of Llandudno and nearby Conwy at your own pace. Llandudno is an elegant seaside resort with a Victorian promenade whilst Conwy is a cobbled medieval market town nestled on the shores of the Conwy estuary. Between the two there are a host of sites to enjoy including a Victorian cable tramway ride to the top of the Great Orme headland for spectacular panoramic views or exploring the medieval ramparts of the imposing 13th century fortress at Conwy Castle.

Overnight: Dunoon Hotel (or similar), Llandudno

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we make our way south along the course of the Conwy Valley to the charming Welsh town of Llangollen home of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a stunning waterway which carries boats more than 100 feet above the valley floor. By afternoon we’ll continue south pausing at the beautiful National Trust Powis Castle where we’ll admire the interior collections of the Herbert family and explore the manicured and wild gardens. Finally, we arrive in the barren landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park where wild ponies roam the hillsides. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together at our village hotel.

Overnight: Bear Hotel (or similar), Crickhowell

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

After a leisurely start our journey will take us south along the scenic Wye Valley where we’ll visit the haunting riverside ruins of Tintern Abbey which is said to have inspired Wordsworth himself. By afternoon we return to Cardiff where you bid farewell to Welsh tour leader and board the train for a brief rail journey over to English Bath. After hotel check-in, the balance of the day is yours to explore as you wish. Using your complimentary tickets, be sure to visit the magnificent Roman Baths which date back to Roman times. By evening, meet with your tour leader and the rest of the group to dine together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: The Bird Hotel (or similar), Bath

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Boarding the mini-coach, our first stop today will be nearby Lacock; seemingly frozen in time this historic village has been used in TV and film productions including "Pride and Prejudice", "Downton Abbey" and "Harry Potter". After time to explore we’ll venture deep in to the Cotswolds countryside stopping in one or more of the charming villages with their traditional honey-coloured cottages. By afternoon we head for a local brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample some innovative English beer. Then its onwards to our base for the next two nights in the heart of a Cotswolds village.

Overnight: Noel Arms Hotel (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning we head out for a scenic drive through the Cotswolds countryside to visit the historic university city of Oxford. After a brief orientation we’ll enjoy free-time to explore the cobbled streets and soak up the whimsical academic atmosphere. Wander the famous ivy-clad college quads, visit the Ashmolean Museum, climb Carfax Tower for unrivalled views of the city’s dreaming spires or simply relax on a river punt manned by one of the local students. By afternoon, we'll return to Chipping Campden for time at leisure to explore this traditional Cotswolds’ village.

Overnight: Noel Arms Inn (or similar), Chipping Campden, Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast included.

Departing the Cotswolds we make our way north to visit the bustling town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. We’ll learn about the life and times of the great bard at Shakespeare’s Birthplace before taking time to stroll this pretty medieval town nestling on the River Avon. This afternoon we’ll board an historic steam train for a scenic rail journey along the Severn Valley to the historic town of Bridgnorth. Later we'll continue to the elegant city of Chester where your evening is free to dine independently.

Overnight: The Queen at Chester Hotel (or similar), Chester

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we have a leisurely start; after breakfast we’ll enjoy a brief stroll around Chester to see some of the highlights of this charming city such as the old medieval town walls, cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded shopping arcades. Then it’s all aboard the bus to visit nearby Liverpool and its famous Albert Docks. The Birthplace of the Beatles, here you can see the statue of the fab four in front of the famous Liver Buildings and enjoy plenty of free-time to wander the revitalised docklands, visit the Tate Art Gallery, the Merseyside Maritime Museum or the Beatles Story exhibition. By afternoon, we'll continue north from the bright lights of Liverpool to our overnight base, the heart of the Lake District.

Overnight: Wordsworth House Hotel (or similar), Grasmere

Meals: Breakfast included.

Our day today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting natural beauty of the English Lake District. In the company of a local guide we’ll head off the beaten track to the lesser known corners of England’s favourite National Park. Our journey will take us through winding country lanes, over mountain passes and past sheep scattered fells to charming villages, ancient stone-circles and look-out points where we can drink in the views. It will be easy to see how this region has inspired poets, authors and artists alike. Our day wouldn’t be complete without a relaxing cruise on one of the famous lakes before we return to our hotel for our dinner together.

Overnight: Wordsworth House Hotel (or similar), Grasmere

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Departing the Lake District we traverse the North of England passing over the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll pause in one of the typical Yorkshire villages and visit the beautiful Aysgarth Falls on route to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Here we’ll enjoy free-time to explore the imposing monastic ruins and the pristine gardens which have enjoyed World Heritage status since 1986. Our final stop today will be the elegant Victorian Spa town of Harrogate, the perfect spot for afternoon tea. By evening we'll continue to the magnificent city of York, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Grange Hotel (or similar), York

Meals: Breakfast and afternoon tea included.

Boarding the bus, we’ll take the short drive to one of the North of England’s finest country estates, Castle Howard. Dating back to the 17th century we’ll have the opportunity to stroll magnificent house and gardens which have featured in various television productions also including the Netflix series ”Bridgerton”. Then it’s back to York for an afternoon at leisure to explore this magnificent historic city. Wander the cobbled alleyways, climb the steps to walk atop the medieval city walls or visit one of the many local museums and exhibitions. The highlight should be the magnificent York Minster – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Tonight we reconvene for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Grange Hotel (or similar), York

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Your tour leader will bid farewell after breakfast and your tour ends today after checking out from your hotel. You may choose to continue to explore York at your own pace before taking the train back to London or onwards to Edinburgh using your complimentary rail passes. Either journey is an easy direct rail trip taking around 2hrs. Either way you’ll return to the city with fond memories of rural England’s rustic charm.

Meals: Breakfast included.