The Great Britain Tour

Landing at London Heathrow (or Gatwick) Airport, collect your vehicle and head out in to the English countryside. Passing on to the eerie Salisbury Plain make your way to the historic city of Salisbury itself, a charming town which is home to cobbled streets, market squares and Britain’s tallest cathedral spire which also houses Europe's oldest working clock and a copy of the original Magna Carta. Take time to explore this quintessential cathedral city before getting back on the road to visit the surrounding pre-historic sites which dot the barren plains; these include the Neolithic Old Sarum, Avebury Stone-circle and of course the iconic Stonehenge. Later continue to Bath, your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Bath

Journey details: 110 miles / 2hr 30mins (from Heathrow, via Salisbury) approx *

Today Spend the day exploring historic Bath; this elegant city oozes Georgian opulence and is home to so many sites of historic importance that the entire city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. Visit architectural highlights including the Elizabethan Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent, a wealth of quality museums such as the Jane Austen exhibition and of course the spectacular Roman Baths (admission included) and Pump Room which date back to the 1st century AD. Outside of the city, you may want to visit the nearby village of Lacock, a picture-perfect historic village, and Lacock Abbey, which were used in TV and film productions of Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

Overnight: Central Cotswolds or Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included

Taking a bridge over the Severn channel you arrive in the ancient land of Wales where you can make your way to the nation's capital city, Cardiff. Discover this cosmopolitan city from the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, the Victorian shopping arcades and the city’s stunning centrepiece at Cardiff Castle (admission included) which combines Roman and Norman history with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion. In Cardiff Bay you'll find the National Assembly for Wales and the Millennium Centre whilst outside of the city centre you can explore St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh life and fairy-tale Victorian castle at Castell Coch.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 60 miles / 1hr 20mins approx *

Passing north from Cardiff you may choose to follow the course of the scenic Wye Valley stopping at the stunning monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey before crossing the border back in to England to the beautiful patchwork fields of the Cotswolds. Here you can explore the quintessential English countryside of the region including quaint and eccentric chocolate-box villages with eccentric names such as Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold. Stunning historic sites you can visit include Snowshill Manor and Garden or the 13th century Hailes Abbey. Later continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Central Cotswolds or Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 145 miles / 3hrs 15mins approx (travelling via the Wye Valley) *

Today explore the picturesque, medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon. This charming town is synonymous with Tudor timberwork buildings, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon and a wealth of heritage sites dedicated to the town’s most famous resident William Shakespeare. Explore heritage sites including Shakespeare's Birthplace (admission included), Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's Farm. After visiting Stratford you may choose to explore the East Cotswolds where you can make your way to the University city of Oxford and visit Churchill's magnificent baroque mansion at Blenheim Palace in the charming Cotswolds town of Woodstock.

Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: Central Cotswolds or Stratford-upon-Avon

Today continue north and return across the border in to North Wales. Pass through the traditional Welsh town of Llangollen, home to a stunning aqueduct which transports canal boats 150ft above the valley floor. Then onward in to the glorious mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park before heading to the North Wales Coast and the hidden gem at Conwy, a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and dominated by the stunning 13th century castle at Conwy Castle. Continue to nearby 19th century seaside resort of Llandudno where you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the elegant Victorian architecture.

Overnight: Llandudno, North Wales

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 160 miles / 3hrs 30mins approx *

Today enjoy a scenic drive along the North Wales coast and cross the border back in to England and take the opportunity to visit one of two charming cities of Northern England; Liverpool or Chester. Liverpool was designated as European City of Culture in 2008 and is home to two cathedrals, dozens of listed buildings, the famous Albert Docks and a wealth of Beatles Heritage including Matthews Street, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and the Beatles Story Exhibition. A short onward drive brings you to the contrasting city of Chester, this Roman town is home to Roman City walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre, an impressive medieval cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded "Rows". By afternoon, continue North in to the scenery of the English Lake District.

Overnight: Lake District

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 160 miles / 3hrs approx *

Today is dedicated to exploring some of England’s most spectacular natural beauty in the Lake District. Discover the lakes, their surrounding fells, woodlands, stone walls and quaint lake-land villages such as Windermere and Grasmere. Take a steam-boat ride on Lake Windermere or climb Scafell Pike, the highest point in England to enjoying breath-taking views. This region is a haven for walkers, hikers, budding artists and photographers or those simply looking for a tranquil boat trips or lazy drives soaking up the scenery. Possible cultural visits include Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount and Dove Cottage along with Beatrix Potter’s Hilltop Farm and a host of historic country houses.

Overnight: Lake District

Meals: Breakfast included

Continuing North cross the ancient border between England and Scotland and make a stop at Birdoswald Roman Fort visitor centre to uncover the secrets of Hadrian’s Wall. Then pass through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to reach the thriving Scottish city of Glasgow. Soak up the modern Scottish vibe as you explore the city from the Victorian monuments and impressive town hall facade of George Square, to the bustling Sauchiehall Street ideal for your Scottish shopping. The stunning Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis are well worth a visit whilst in the fashionable West End you can visit the renowned Kelvingrove Park and Museum.

Overnight: Glasgow

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 150 miles / 2hrs 40mins approx *

Today embark on a magnificent journey through Scotland’s raw natural beauty, passing firstly along the banks of Loch Lomond and through the scenery of the Trossachs National Park and then across the desolate and awe-inspiring Rannoch Moor. After passing through Glencoe valley, site of the infamous clan battle, take lunch in port town Fort William on the stunning west coast overlooking Loch Linhe. Then continue through the Great Glen along the windswept banks of the eerie Loch Ness keeping an eye out for the renowned monster Nessie and perhaps stopping to visit to the weather-beaten ruin of Urquhart Castle perched overlooking the loch. Arriving in Inverness, capital of the Highlands, time-permitting explore the city and its hilltop castle and museum.

Overnight: Inverness or Nairn, Scottish Highlands

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 175 miles / 4hrs 15mins approx (travelling via Fort William) *

Today make your way south through the heart of Scotland towards Edinburgh. On route south you may choose to stop in charming Victorian town of Pitlochry where you can visit the magnificent Blair Castle or tour the Blair Athol Scotch Malt Distillery. Later arrive in historic Stirling home of the towering Wallace Monument erected in dedication to the Great Scottish Hero "Braveheart" William Wallace; after exploring the cobbled old town climb to Stirling Castle which, once the Royal Seat of Scotland, rivals that of Edinburgh for its historic significance and beauty. By evening continue to the Scottish Capital city of Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 180 miles / 3hrs 45mins approx (travelling via Stirling) *

Today you can dedicate to exploring Edinburgh. Discover this magnificent city from the winding streets of the cobbled old town to the wide avenues of the opulent Georgian new town before visiting the Queen’s residence at the Palace of Holyrood House. Enjoy the national museums and galleries in the shadow of the Burns Monument before strolling through Princes Street Gardens or climbing to Arthur's Seat for spectacular views over the city. You may choose to head for the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or view the modern Scottish Parliament building before climbing the Royal Mile to the city's centrepiece at the magnificent Edinburgh Castle (admission included), home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and St Margaret's Chapel.

Overnight: Edinburgh

Meals: Breakfast included

Returning South, drive through the mellow hills of the Scottish Lowlands where you could stop at the Rosslyn Chapel or Melrose Abbey. Then once again in English territory make your way through the rustic landscapes of Yorkshire to the grandiose city of York itself, home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites from the cobbled Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to Viking heritage at the Jorvik Centre. Stroll along the remaining medieval city walls, gates and towers or visit the National Railway Museum, current home of the Flying Scotsman, before enjoying York’s undoubted highlight at the iconic York Minster, northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 200 miles / 4hrs approx *

Dedicate today exploring outside of the city, where you’ll find yourself in another area of outstanding natural beauty with the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors on your doorstep. Explore the Quaint Yorkshire towns of Harrogate and Skipton, visit James Herriott country and the Bronte Parsonage where the famous literary sisters created their works. Historic sites of note include the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Water Gardens and the Impressive Castle Howard (admission included), an elegant manor house which you may recognise from the small-screen as it has featured in several television productions including Evlyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Making your way south today, you may choose to stop in Lincoln to see the beautiful cathedral before continuing to the glorious university city of Cambridge where you can explore labyrinthine cobbled parades and squares and marvel at the intricate architecture of world-renowned colleges including Kings College, Trinity College and Christ’s College. Take a stroll along the Backs, extensive parklands behind the university or take a punt on the river with one of the resident students. You may choose to visit the Cambridge American Cemetery just west of the city, the nearby Duxford Imperial War Museum before continuing South and returning your vehicle to Heathrow (or Gatwick Airport). Make your way in to the city using the extensive public transport network.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 230 miles / 4hrs 30mins approx *

Having returned your vehicle, today London is yours to explore on foot or by public transport. This magnificent city 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, the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and the London Eye on the banks of the River Thames. Culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum whilst Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the West End make for unrivalled shopping opportunities.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning, enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. You may have a chance for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing (luggage can be stored at your hotel) before making your way back to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airports to check-in for your return flight to your home nation.

Meals: Breakfast included