Amazing Britain – 7 nights – 8 days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Stratford - upon - Avon

Join your Travel Director this morning and indulge your love of theatre and poetry. Travel to romantic Stratford- upon-Avon, made famous by its favourite son, William Shakespeare, whose extraordinary works have been admired by audiences for over 500 years. View Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor Centre for insights into the life of the ‘Bard of Avon’, before exploring the charming cobblestone streets of his hometown.

Continue to the ancient cathedral city of York, where you will enjoy an orientation walk to view its ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles, and magnificent 800-year-old Minster. Then continue to your hotel in Leeds to enjoy dinner with your travelling companions.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Edinburgh

We venture north to the medieval riverside town of Durham, whose exquisite 11th-century cathedral sits imposingly alongside Durham Castle, watching over the streets below.

We cross what was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall, before enjoying a scenic drive through the soul-stirring landscapes of Northumberland National Park. Admire spectacular views of the windswept Cheviot Hills as you cross the Scottish border, stopping to admire the 12th- century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey en route to Edinburgh.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Experiences

1. Edinburgh by night and dinner
2. Dine beneath the iconic Three Bridges of South Queensferry

Day 3: Edinburgh

Fall in love with the enchanting city of Edinburgh as you join a Local Specialist to discover what lies behind its medieval façades. Ramble down the Royal Mile and enjoy astounding views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament.

Spend some free time this afternoon strolling through Edinburgh and admiring ancient relics, then visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Optional Experiences

1. Rosslyn Chapel

You will be offered one of the following two Optional Experiences, depending on availability:

1. Ceilidh evening and dinner at Ghillie Dhu
2. Dinner and drive to historic Torphichen

Day 4: Scottish Highlands

Cross the Firth of Forth to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews. The famous Old Golf Course is renowned for its 18th hole and 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge.

We continue our journey into the dramatic Scottish Highlands, where we’ll Dive Into Culture at a Distillery and sample a wee dram of whisky. Visit picture-perfect Pitlochry, on the edge of the Ben Vrackie and Cairngorms National Park, before arriving at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll dine tonight.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Experiences

1. Blair Castle Visit
2. Highland Farm Experience

Day 5: Glasgow, Scotland

The arresting beauty of the Scottish Highlands provides a stunning backdrop for today’s leisurely drive to Glasgow. View the World War II Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and admire views of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

Continue towards Glencoe, the site of a bloody massacre in 1692 following the Jacobite Uprising. In Glencoe Valley, join a ranger for an experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem, and the important work of reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. Travel to the ‘bonnie’ banks of Scotland’s prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. We arrive in Glasgow this afternoon, where our orientation will take us past St. Mungo’s Cathedral and George Square.

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Optional Experiences

1. Loch Lomond Boat Trip
2. A Stirling evening

Day 6: Liverpool

Today’s first stop is in the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green, where eloping couples would exchange their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Returning to England, we Connect With Locals, joining Christine for lunch at a Be My Guest experience on her family’s farm.

See beautiful Lake District landscapes and skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, arriving in edgy Liverpool of ‘Fab Four‘ fame, for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Optional Experiences

1. Famous sights and the Fab Four

Day 7: Bristol

This morning, we traverse the pretty Welsh countryside before we visit the Shropshire market town of Ludlow with some time to explore on your own. Later, arrive in Bristol for an orientation drive.

Join us for an Optional Experience that will take us out to the SS Great Britain as well as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, along with all the other highlights of Bristol. As the curtain comes down on a memorable journey through England and Scotland, you enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with your Travel Director and newfound friends.

 

Meals: Breakfast

 

Optional Experiences

1. Guided Tour of Bristol

Day 8: London

Before returning to London, visit the UNESCO-listed city of Bath to admire its elegant Georgian facades and the Roman Baths.

Emerging from the Salisbury Plain, the imposing megaliths of Stonehenge are your final stop before continuing through the lush Wiltshire and Hampshire landscapes to London, where your amazing holiday comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast