South Coast to Skye – England and Scotland 2023

This morning, using your included rail pass, depart London by train for the short journey to the historic city of Salisbury. After leaving your luggage at the hotel, your afternoon is free to explore this charming destination; wander the cobbled streets to the impressive cathedral which boasts Europe’s oldest operating clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta. By evening, we get together to meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meal.

Overnight: Salisbury

Meals: Dinner included.

Departing Salisbury, we’ll make the short journey to nearby Stonehenge. Here we can visit the state of the art visitor centre and exhibition to try to unravel the mysteries of this ancient site before walking the perimeter of the stone-circle itself, an enchanting experience. We’ll then pass south pausing to visit one of England’s most photographed streets before exploring the Dorset coast; this area is named the Jurassic Coast owing to its abundance of prehistoric fossils which can be found on the beaches. We’ll pause in one or more of the charming seaside towns before crossing the county border in to Devon.

Overnight: Exeter or Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we explore the rugged beauty of South Devon. Crossing the wilds of the Dartmoor National Park we’ll see desolate landscapes, rocky tors and wild ponies before pausing in one or more of the quaint moorland villages. The charming market town of Tavistock makes for the perfect spot for a Devonshire cream tea. Then it’s onward to explore South Devon where we enjoy a steam railway journey along the scenic valley of the river dart before returning to our overnight base.

Overnight: Exeter or Dartmoor

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we cross the county border in to Cornwall. Arriving on the North Cornish coast, we’ll visit Tintagel Castle, a dramatic cliffside fort steeped in Arthurian Legend and reputedly home to Merlin’s cave beneath. Then we’ll pass South along the coast to visit the charming fishing village of Port Isaac, better known as Port Wen, the stomping ground of television’s ”Doc Martin”. Here we’ll enjoy a brief walk through the village before free-time to explore. By afternoon, we’ll cross the Cornish Peninsula to the South heading for the seaside resort of Falmouth home to sweeping sandy bays and our overnight base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we embark on an epic excursion to explore the farthest reaches of the Cornish Peninsula. We’ll explore craggy coastlines and fishing villages such as the charming seaside town of St Ives where we’ll enjoy free-time to wander the harbour or visit the renowned Tate Art Gallery. We’ll gain views of the island monastery of St Michaels Mount and visit the enchanting Minack Theatre – an amphitheatre carved in to the Cornish cliffs over-looking the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean. After our enjoyable day we’ll return to Falmouth where your evening is free to dine at your leisure.

Overnight: Falmouth

Meals: Breakfast included.

Departing Falmouth, we’ll make our way to the magnificent Eden Project; set in the colossal crater of a former china clay pit the site consists of a collection of diverse contemporary gardens and tropical biodomes. Then it’s to nearby Charlestown for lunch; you may recognise this charming 18th century harbour town from the hit BBC show ”Poldark”. By afternoon, our journey takes us back through the Devonshire countryside to and in to rural Somerset and our final hotel. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight: Taunton

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before bidding farewell to your group and Cornwall tour leader. Using your included rail pass to make your onward journey to Bath by train. Upon arrival in Bath, you can drop your bags at your hotel and the afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace. Experience Bath’s magnificent Regency architecture at the Circus, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent which featured in the Netflix hit series ”Bridgerton”. Using your complimentary tickets, visit the magnificent Roman Baths which date 2000 years. By evening, meet with your tour leader and the rest of the group to dine together.

Overnight: (or similar), Bath

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Boarding the mini-coach, our first stop today will be the historic town of Lacock; seemingly frozen in time this charming village has been used in TV and film productions including "Pride and Prejudice", "Downton Abbey" and "Harry Potter". After time to wander the cobbled streets we’ll venture deep in to the Cotswolds countryside stopping in one or more of the honey-coloured villages. By afternoon we visit 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. Enjoy dinner together, before relaxing in your room.

Overnight: The Cotswolds

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

This morning we head out for a scenic drive through the Cotswolds countryside to visit the historic university city of Oxford. Here we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of some of the key sites and view some of the famous ivy-clad college quads. Afterwards there is free-time to further explore the cobbled streets and soak up the whimsical academic atmosphere or perhaps enjoy a traditional river punt manned by one of the local students. By afternoon, we'll return to the central Cotswolds.

Overnight: The 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: 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: The Lake District

Meals: Breakfast and dinner 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.

Overnight: The Lake District

Meals: Breakfast 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 or more of the typical Yorkshire villages, learn about local foods and spot some of the local highlights such as the beautiful Aysgarth Falls. By afternoon, we’ll stop in the elegant Victorian Spa town of Harrogate, the perfect spot for afternoon tea before continuing to the magnificent city of York, our base for the next two nights.

Overnight: 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: York

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and then bid farewell to your England driver. After checking out from your hotel you may choose to continue to explore York at your own pace before using your inclusive rail passes to take the train north to Edinburgh in Scotland (journey time approx. 2hrs). After checking-in from 2pm at your hotel your day is free to explore this historic city at your leisure. You’ll have complimentary tickets for admission to Edinburgh Castle which sits at the head of the Royal Mile and is a home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and St Margaret's Chapel. By evening meet your tour leader and the rest of the group where we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: (or similar), Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll get together to enjoy a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh spotting the city’s many highlights from the elegant Georgian New Town to the rambling alleys of the medieval old town. Then we head for the National Museum of Scotland for a private tour of the exhibitions to gain an insight into Scotland’s turbulent history. The balance of your day is then free to explore Edinburgh further – perhaps visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or the Queen’s residence at Holyrood Palace.

Overnight: (or similar), Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included.

This morning we board the mini-coach and head into the Scottish countryside. We’ll pass through the fishing villages of Fife on route to St Andrews, a charming seaside town that is the renowned spiritual home of golf and where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met at the historic university. After time for lunch we’ll head for Glamis Castle; this elegant country house has an intriguing history with connections to Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and more recently as the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Finally we pass north in to Aberdeenshire and to our hotel on the banks of the River Dee, where we’ll enjoy an included dinner.

Overnight: Aberdeenshire

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today we tour the heart of Scotland; meandering along the course of the River Dee we’ll pass through Royal Deeside and pause at various points of interest including scenic waterfalls, unique castles and a church attended by the Royal family when they’re in residence at Balmoral. Later we turn north in to the dramatic landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. Reaching the renowned Speyside Whisky region, we’ll visit one of the many Scotch distilleries to tour the facilities, learn about the Scottish “Water of Life” and of course sample a dram or two. Later we continue to Inverness and our overnight base for the next two nights, where we dine together.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today is completely free for you to spend at your leisure. Equipped with your complimentary open-top-bus tour tickets you can discover the “Capital of the Highlands” at your own pace. Take in the historic cathedral, hill-top castle or simply indulge in some souvenir shopping in the many gift shops and boutiques of the town. Using public transport you may choose to visit the nearby Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, site of the infamous battle which played a crucial role in Scottish history. Your evening is free to dine in one of Inverness’ many restaurants.

Overnight: Inverness

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we board the mini-bus for an epic journey over the Scottish Highlands. Departing Inverness we’ll follow the scenic shores of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle whose weather beaten ruins hide an intriguing history and whose ramparts offer a perfect lookout for legendary Nessie. We then continue across the barren landscapes of the Highlands pausing at Eilean Donan Castle for a photo-stop before stretching our legs and enjoying free-time in a traditional highland village. The final leg of our journey today takes us over the bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye, our destination and base for the next two nights. In the evening enjoy dinner together as a group.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Isle of Skye. We’ll head through the heart of the island past the imposing Cuillin Mountains to the northern territories. Passing along the picturesque Trotternish Peninsula we’ll take in dramatic landscapes and seascapes as we spot the region’s unique geological features such as Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. There’ll be plenty of time to visit Portree, the island’s principle town, where pastel fishermen cottages bustle around the harbour. A day on Skye is one to remember.

Overnight: Isle of Skye

Meals: Breakfast included.

Today we head for the south of the Isle of Skye to board the ferry for a journey over the water back to the mainland at Mallaig. Enjoying scenic Highlands landscapes on our journey to Glenfinnan, we’ll climb to a viewpoint, for stunning vistas overlooking the Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct which featured in the “Harry Potter” movies. There’ll be time for lunch in Fort William before we continue to our overnight stay in the Glencoe area and we enjoy a farewell dinner together.

Overnight: Ballachulish/Glencoe Area

Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.

The final leg of our journey takes us through more dramatic landscapes as we pass South over the desolate Rannoch Moor and through the wilds of the Trossachs National Park; we’ll pause at various view points for some final stunning photo opportunities. After lunch we’ll visit the imposing Doune Castle which you may recognize as Winterfell from “Game of Thrones” or from the “Outlander” series. We’ll pause briefly to view the magnificent modern sculptures of the Kelpies arriving back in Edinburgh where our tour ends by early evening.

Meals: Breakfast included.