Gems of Britain
from London
Day One
London to York
Meet your Tour Director early this morning & head northwards to the gracious university town of Cambridge, fierce rival to Oxford. A glimpse here of the age-old tradition of learning as you walk by some of the colleges, including the magnificent King's College. Continue through the heart of 'Robin Hood Country' (although little now remains of the leafy glades of Sherwood Forest) to reach historic York. Inside the ancient city walls, you approach the magnificent York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Then walk through the narrow cobbled streets to the Tudor 'Shambles', where the houses lean so far they almost touch! After some free time to shop check in to your hotel for a Welcome reception and light informal meal.
Hotel: Hilton Hotel, York (or similar)
Day Two
York to Edinburgh
Cross the wild Northumberland Moors & go past the romantic ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, cross the Border and head on to Scotland's elegant capital, Edinburgh. On a guided city tour, drive down the stately Royal Mile, past St Giles' Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace - the Queen's official residence in Scotland - and on to the 18th century New Town with its sweeping crescents, grand squares and delightful gardens. See Edinburgh Castle, housing the Honours of Scotland, the nation's crown jewels. Why not spend the evening eating haggis & listening to the sound of bagpipes?
Hotel: George Hotel, Edinburgh (or similar)
Day Three
Edinburgh - Lake District – Liverpool
Drive through the Southern Uplands via Gretna Green, where many an eloping English couple have been married, then cross the border back into England. Enjoy a drive through the Lake District, a region so beautiful it inspired a host of English poets. Visit the grave of William Wordsworth before continuing to lively Liverpool, home of the Beatles! Your hotel is adjacent to the iconic Liver Building & overlooking the Dock Front World Heritage Site.
Hotel: Atlantic Tower, Liverpool (or similar)
Day Four
Liverpool – Chester - London
First stop today is at the former Roman fortress town of Chester. Walk with your Tour Director along part of the well preserved city walls. See the Eastgate Clock, Cathedral, the unique black & white 'Rows' (shopping arcades) & the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the pretty market town of Stratford-upon-Avonwhere you visit the half-timbered birthplace of William Shakespeare. Return to London through the flower-trimmed villages of the Cotswolds, one of the most beautiful parts of England.