Great British Cities
8 day / 7 night
This chilled tour features comfortable stays in Edinburgh, York and London. With these extended stops there’s plenty time to relax and discover these heritage cities for yourself. On your journey southwards visit St Andrews, the home of golf and the charming fishing port of Whitby. In Stratford-upon-Avon explore William Shakespeare’s birthplace before heading through the picturesque Cotswolds to reach London for a full day of sightseeing. This, surely, is Britain at its very best!
Price range: £1,965 - £3,015
Edinburgh - tour the Georgian “New Town” and drive along the famous Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle
St Andrews - see the famous Old Course, St Andrews Castle and Cathedral during your orientation tour
York - explore the narrow shambles and see towering York Minster
Whitby - discover this atmospheric fishing port and see where Bram Stoker got the inspiration to write Dracula!
London - enjoy a two night stay in London to see the famous sights including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Big Ben
Movie locations – Harry Potter, Brideshead Revisited and My Fair Lady
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Welcome to Edinburgh & Scottish Evening
Welcome to Scotland! Make the short transfer to your manor house style hotel situated in its own grounds. Spend the day relaxing in your new surroundings, why not enjoy some “me time” in the hotel’s luxurious spa?
At 6.30 pm join your tour director and fellow travellers to head to attend a fun-packed Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment.
Overnight: Norton House Hotel and Spa, Ingliston (Edinburgh) (or similar) (3 nights)
Day 2 - Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
Today we explore Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital city. Admire the Georgian architecture of the "New Town” with its grand squares, lush gardens and sweeping crescents. Later cross into the ancient Old Town for a drive along the famous Royal Mile with its narrow alleyways and towering townhouses. Visit Edinburgh Castle which is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels of Scotland, known as the Honours of Scotland. The views from the battlements over the city are just amazing! On 09 to 23 August departures, attend a performance of the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 3 - Excursion to St Andrews
Leave Edinburgh behind and admire views of the mighty Forth Bridge as you cross the Forth estuary and tour through the Kingdom of Fife. Visit grand Glamis Castle, the fabled setting of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Travel over the Tay Bridge to reach St Andrews, the "Home of Golf” and site of Scotland’s oldest university. Enjoy an orientation tour of this historic town to see the famous Old course. Join your guide for a relaxed walking tour will introduce you to the attractive ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Enjoy some time on your own to browse the many souvenir stores or take a bracing walk along the beach. Travel back to Edinburgh for dinner in a local pub.
Day 4 - Edinburgh - Abbotsford House - York
Bid farewell to Edinburgh and travel through the gentle scenery of the Scottish Borders. Make a stop at Abbotsford House, the sprawling and attractive former home of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s greatest novelists and patriots. Later seamlessly cross the border into England and head for the Viking city of York. On arrival enjoy a walking tour of ancient walls and medieval cobbled streets including the famous Shambles where the Elizabethan buildings dramatically lean towards each almost touching! Visit York Minster, the largest gothic church in England. The stained glass windows are outstanding and contain some of the oldest glass in the country.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel, York (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 5 - Excursion to Castle Howard & North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Travel at a leisurely pace to admire the scenery when you board a vintage train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Arrive in Whitby, a lovely fishing town. Stroll around the picturesque harbor, winding streets and quaint buildings. If you like to take photos, this is an ideal place as everywhere throughout the town you can find delightful scenes. Drive to Castle Howard, a magnificent 18th Century residence set in 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of North Yorkshire. Tour the elaborate chambers where "Brideshead Revisited” was filmed and sit down to a cream tea with freshly-baked scones. Return to your hotel in York in time for dinner.
Day 6 - York - Stratford-upon-Avon - London
From York make your way south to visit Stratford-upon-Avon forever connected William Shakespeare. See his birthplace in the centre of the town. This half-timbered house was where he was born in 1564 and was his home until he married Anne Hathaway. Containing many exhibits you’ll get a real insight into the life and times of “The Bard”. Later head for London touring through the picturesque Cotswolds region, famous for its charming villages constructed using local honey-coloured stone. On arrival in London enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton London Victoria (or similar) (3 nights)
Day 7 - London City Tour & Tower of London
Today London awaits. Start with a panoramic tour that takes in many of the key sights including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Later visit the ancient Tower of London to view the many fortresses, Beefeaters in their colourful uniforms, ravens that live in the Tower and the stunning Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free for you to sightsee and dine as you wish.
Day 8 - Depart for Home
Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers to London Heathrow Airport are available.
Day 9 - Depart for Home
Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers to London Heathrow Airport are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Premium Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of travelling in comfort and style then a Premium Escorted Tour is for you. You’ll travel in a group that is restricted to around 40 fellow travellers. Travel is aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, on-board WiFi, reclining seats and oversized windows. For your comfort there is an emergency washroom on-board too. An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain cities you’ll be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights. These tours are fully inclusive of first class/superior class accommodation, transportation, admission fees and most meals. Savvy travellers appreciate that these tours have no hidden extras – all the ingredients needed for a great tour are included in the tour price. There are no optional extras for you to budget for during your holiday.
What type of room should I choose?
There are different bedrooms types to choose from, here is what you can expect: Single room - one person sleeping in a single bed. Twin room - two people sleeping in two separate beds. Double room - two people sharing one large bed. Family room - three people sharing a room sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person). Please note that a family room can be a standard double room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.
Can you cater for special dietary needs?
Yes, it is possible to cater for passengers who are vegetarian or have medically-recommended diets. Please advise any special dietary requirements that you may have at time of booking. Unfortunately it is not possible to arrange meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.
Can I reserve specific seats on the coach?
Seats cannot be pre-booked however your tour director will implement a seat rotation system which will allow all passengers the opportunity of experiencing spectacular views from different seats on the motorcoach.
How many people will be on the tour?
The number of people travelling on an Escorted Tour will not normally be more than 50 passengers. On a Premium Escorted Tour you will travel with around 38 fellow passengers.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: Edinburgh (3); York (2) and London (2)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (7)
- Table d’hôte dinners (2)
- Scottish Evening in Edinburgh
- Pub dinner in Edinburgh
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Edinburgh Castle, Glamis Castle, Abbotsford House, York Minster, Castle Howard, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Tower of London
- North Yorkshire Moors Railway vintage train journey
- Walking tours of York and Whitby
- City tours of Edinburgh and London
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 09 to 23 August, 2020 departures
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with extra-legroom, reclining seats, on board washroom and Wifi
- All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
- Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
- Service charges and taxes
Departure information
Please check your tour documention for the commencement time of the tour
From Norton House Hotel and Spa
Ingliston
Edinburgh EH28 8LX
The tour will end in London after breakfast on day 9
Check-in: 18:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 18:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 09:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 8 to 18 years inclusive on the basis that they share a room with an adult.
We’re sorry but children aged under 8 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Accommodation
The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Selected departures include a visit to this famous celebration of music, dancing and culture performed against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
CIE 02087
