Essence of England and Wales

This morning, make your way to Cardiff, Wales’s vibrant capital city, easily reached by direct rail from London in just two hours. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover the city’s many attractions. Stroll through the elegant Edwardian shopping arcades, sample local flavours in the historic Victorian Market Hall, and soak up the atmosphere of this dynamic Welsh capital. Later, visit Cardiff Castle with your included admission and explore this remarkable landmark at the heart of the city. Its fascinating story spans nearly 2,000 years, from its Roman origins to the lavish Victorian splendour created during the height of the industrial age. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before enjoying a traditional Welsh dinner together.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Dinner included.

Today, it's all aboard the mini-coach to visit the nearby Museum of Welsh Life, one of the country’s most celebrated heritage attractions. Set within the beautiful grounds of an Elizabethan manor estate, this fascinating open-air museum features more than fifty historic buildings from across Wales, carefully dismantled and reconstructed on-site to tell the story of Welsh life and culture through the centuries. We’ll then continue to Cardiff Bay, the city’s revitalised waterfront district and a centre of modern Welsh culture and government. Here, you’ll find the bustling Mermaid Quay, home to a vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants and waterside attractions. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether exploring the Bay further or returning to the city centre to discover more of Cardiff’s rich history and character.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we leave the vibrant city of Cardiff behind and journey west to the stunning landscapes of Pembrokeshire. Our first stop is the impressive National Botanic Garden of Wales, set within a 500-acre nature reserve and recognised as one of the country’s leading centres for horticulture, conservation and biodiversity. This afternoon, we continue to the charming seaside town of Tenby. One of Wales’s most treasured coastal destinations, Tenby offers plenty of time to explore its historic 13th-century town walls, admire breathtaking views across its golden sandy beaches, or stroll to the rocky headland overlooking the colourful fishing boats bobbing in the picturesque harbour. This evening we enjoy dinner together.

Overnight: Pembrokeshire

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we continue our exploration of the breathtaking Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Our first destination is the village of St Davids, named after Wales’s patron saint and renowned as Britain’s smallest city. Despite its size, St Davids boasts a magnificent cathedral and the evocative ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Palace. From here, we travel north along the spectacular coastline and in to rural West Wales. We’ll pause in one or more points of interest such as the charming harbour town of Fishguard, known for its sea views and hilltop fort or one of the numerous historic and cultural sites of the region. Later we enjoy an inclusive dinner together at our countryside hotel.

Overnight: Ceredigion Region

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 micro-climate on a sheltered estuary, Wales meets the Mediterranean in this uniquely designed village whose collection of quirky architectural styles and colourful houses have been setting and inspiration for various television productions. By afternoon, we’ll pass in to the breath-taking panoramas of the Snowdonia National Park - a region of barren hilltops, thick forests, steep river gorges and lush valleys, not to mention the highest peak in England and Wales, Mount Snowdon herself. Later we continue to our overnight base on the North Coast where we dine together.

Overnight: Llandudno

Meals: Breakfast and dinner 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 Victorian seaside resort with a sweeping sandy bay and long 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 leisure and visitor attractions to enjoy including a Victorian cable tramway ride to the top of the Great Orme headland or a walk along the medieval town walls to the ramparts of the imposing 13th century fortress at Conwy Castle.

Overnight: Llandudno

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we make our way south along the course of the Conwy Valley and through the lush landscapes of the National Park to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a stunning waterway which carries boats more than 100 feet above the valley floor and enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. By afternoon we’ll continue south through the rolling hills of mide-Wales to visit the beautiful National Trust Powis Castle where we’ll admire the interior collections of the Herbert family and explore the elegant manicured and wild gardens. Our scenic drive south then takes us over the enchanting landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park to our overnight hotel where we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight: Brecon Beacons

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to Newport Railway Station in South Wales, where you will bid farewell to your Wales driver-guide. Using your included rail pass, travel independently to Oxford. Upon arrival, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your leisure. Set along the banks of the River Thames, Oxford is a picturesque city renowned for its historic university, charming cobbled streets, elegant squares, and magnificent medieval architecture. This evening, meet your new driver-guide and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Oxford

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning, enjoy an orientation walk through Oxford with your driver-guide, taking in some of the city’s most historic colleges and immersing yourself in the unique academic atmosphere that inspired literary greats such as J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Oscar Wilde. Afterwards, we board the mini-coach and travel to the magnificent Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO-listed stately home and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore its grand interiors and fascinating exhibitions, which celebrate the life and legacy of one of Britain’s most influential leaders. Later, continue into the heart of the Cotswolds, your base for the next two nights. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today is devoted to discovering the timeless beauty of the English Cotswolds. Journey along winding country lanes over rolling hillsides and patchwork fields, stopping in a selection of charming honey-coloured villages renowned for their quaint character and distinctive names. Explore cobbled market squares, admire soaring church spires, and stroll past postcard-perfect thatched cottages that epitomise rural England. By afternoon, we visit a celebrated local brewery for a guided tour of its farm-based facilities, gaining insight into the brewing process and the craftsmanship behind its award-winning beers and ciders. Naturally, there will be an opportunity to sample a drop or two before returning to your accommodation in the heart of the Cotswolds. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at leisure.

Overnight: Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast included.

A short journey brings us to the northern reaches of the Cotswolds and the vibrant medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Here, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque riverside before visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where you'll gain fascinating insights into the life and legacy of England’s most celebrated playwright. Continuing through the heart of the English countryside, this afternoon we'll hop aboard an historic steam train, travelling along the scenic Severn Valley Railway. Later, we arrive in the charming city of Chester, where the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure and dine independently.

Overnight: Chester

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, enjoy a guided walk through the historic city of Chester, taking in the remarkably preserved medieval city walls, the magnificent cathedral, and the distinctive Tudor-style shopping galleries known as The Rows. Afterwards, travel into the heart of the Cheshire countryside to visit Quarry Bank Mill, one of Britain’s best-preserved industrial heritage sites. Set within a beautiful 400-acre estate of woodland and landscaped gardens, this former 18th-century cotton mill offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich industrial past. Later, continue north into the stunning scenery of the Lake District. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers to enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: The Lake District

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today is devoted to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the English Lake District, a region renowned for its spectacular scenery. Venturing beyond the well-trodden routes, we'll discover some of the National Park’s hidden corners, travelling along winding country roads, over dramatic mountain passes and passed sheep-scattered fells. Our driver will take us to picturesque villages and scenic viewpoints for stunning panoramas of lakes, valleys, and rugged peaks. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, with the opportunity to dine either at your hotel or in a nearby Lakeland village.

Overnight: The Lake District

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today promises another day of rustic scenery as we journey through the unspoilt beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, a region characterised by sweeping valleys, rolling green hills, and windswept moorlands. On our journeys we'll uncover a variety of hidden treasures, from quintessential Yorkshire villages and cascading waterfalls to secluded garden grottos and artisan producers showcasing local delicacies. We'll visit the serene ruins of Fountains Abbey and Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing to York city where we'll take time to savour a traditional afternoon tea of finger sandwiches and sweet treats. York is our base for the next two nights and your evening is free to spend at your leisure.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning, we take a short journey to Castle Howard, one of northern England’s most magnificent stately homes. Dating back to the late 17th century, this grand estate offers the opportunity to explore its opulent interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens, and sweeping parkland. Afterwards, we return to York for an introduction to the city’s highlights before enjoying a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. Walk along cobbled streets and climb the preserved medieval city walls before marvelling at the awe-inspiring York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. This evening, join your fellow travellers once more for a memorable farewell dinner.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before saying farewell to your tour leader and fellow travellers. You may wish to continue to explore the historic city of York, taking in its many attractions at your own pace. Later, use your complimentary rail passes, travel either back to London or onwards to Edinburgh, both of which are easily reached by direct train in approximately two hours. Either way, you’ll depart with wonderful memories of England’s picturesque countryside and enduring rustic charm. Should you wish to extend your exploration of Britain, consider joining one of our other exceptional journeys - your travel consultant will be happy to offer recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast included.