Great British Cities
9 day / 8 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 two full days of sightseeing. This, surely, is Britain at its very best!
Price range: £1,724 - £2,590
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 two full days 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
Select Day:
Land in Edinburgh. Transfer to your hotel and spend the day relaxing or exploring a little on your own. At 6:30 pm meet your tour director and fellow travellers and head out to a Scottish evening with special dishes and lively music.
Overnight: Norton House Hotel and Spa, Ingliston (Edinburgh) (or similar) (3 nights)
Explore central Edinburgh to see the 200-year-old "New Town” with planned streets and elegant Georgian houses. View the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses and tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, known as the Honours of Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny. On 06 to 20 August departures, experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Travel to St Andrews, famously known as the "Home of Golf” and location of Scotland’s oldest university. Take a panoramic drive around the town to view the famous Old course. A gentle walking tour will take you to the picturesque ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral. Spend some free time browsing around the speciality shops and maybe even try your hand at pitch and putt! Return to Edinburgh over the River Forth where we will see the famous Forth Bridge. Tonight head to a nearby tavern for dinner with your fellow guests.
Drive south through the rolling countryside of the Borders area and past some of the quaint market towns. Stop in Jedburgh for a look around the town and see the ruined Jedburgh Abbey, once a vast complex with Royal connections. In York take a walking tour to appreciate narrow medieval streets, especially the Shambles where the houses almost form an arch across the street. Visit mighty York Minster, which is famous for its stained glass windows and memorials to many prominent people. In the evening dine in a centuries-old pub with plenty of atmosphere then enjoy a light-hearted ghost walk.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel, York (or similar) (2 nights)
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.
Travel south by highway to Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace in the center of the town. William Shakespeare was born in this house and lived here until he was old enough to marry and spend the first five years of family life here with his new wife, Anne Hathaway. Here you will discover the world that shaped the man as you look through an exhibition about his life and work. Today the house is furnished as it would have been when he lived and worked there. Drive through a part of the scenic Cotswolds region, renowned for picturesque villages built of honey-coloured stone with charming gardens. Arrive in London where the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton London Victoria (or similar) (3 nights)
This morning take a panoramic London tour to see some of the famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses, Beefeaters in their elaborate uniforms, ravens that inhabit the Tower and the dazzling Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities and dining.
Today plan your day as you wish as you travel around London on your own and choose the places that interest you. Use your voucher for an open-top bus tour around famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Madam Tussaud's and Tower Bridge. There are a number of different bus routes as well as a walking tour and a River Thames cruise so you will have plenty of interesting areas to explore.
Your tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers to London Heathrow Airport are available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
