Taste of Britain
8 day/7 night
This relaxing one way journey from London to Scotland visits many of Britain’s must-see sights. There’s time to explore the great cities of London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Out of town see the scenic beauty of England’s famed Lake District, the rolling countryside of the Cotswolds and the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Join us on this fantastic journey to experience all this and much, much more!
Price range: £1,560 - £2,593
London - enjoy two days of sightseeing including a visit to either Kensington Palace or the Tower of London
Liverpool - discover the story behind the Beatles, the Fab Four
Lake District - explore the National Park and enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere
Edinburgh - tour the Georgian “New Town” then drive along the famous Royal Mile to visit Edinburgh Castle
Loch Lomond - enjoy the best views of the “bonnie, bonnie banks” during a cruise on the lake
Movie locations - Notting Hill, Braveheart and World War Z
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - London Arrival & City Tour
Your vacation starts at your London hotel at 2:00 pm when you meet your tour director. Head out on a panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Along the way your guide will highlight some of London's rock-and-roll history. In the evening meet your tour director to discuss your trip over a welcome drink and dine in your hotel.
Overnight: Park Plaza Hotel, Riverbank, London (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 2 - Tower of London & City Sights
Today you can schedule your own London sightseeing when you take an open-top bus tour around the many famous landmarks including St Pauls Cathedral, Harrods and Buckingham Palace.There are a number of different bus routes as well as a walking tour and a cruise on the River Thames. Visit either the Tower of London to view the magnificent Crown Jewels or Kensington Palace, home of Princess Diana. You are free to choose a restaurant to dine independently.
Day 3 - London - The Cotswolds - Liverpool
Drive through the Cotswolds, a delightful hilly region with mellow-hued stone houses. Enjoy a traditional pub lunch then continue to Liverpool where a local guide will show you around places associated with various aspects of the lives of The Beatles, known throughout the World as the "Fab Four.” Check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Liverpool (or similar)
Day 4 - Liverpool - Lake District - Edinburgh (Uphall)
Travel through the glorious Lake District, associated with the children’s author, Beatrix Potter, and the poet, William Wordsworth. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, then cross the border into Scotland. Stop at the Old Blacksmith’s Shop in Gretna Green, a popular shopping venue for quality Scottish goods. Check in to your hotel near Edinburgh and head out to a Scottish evening with special dishes and lively music.
Overnight: Macdonald Houston House Hotel, Edinburgh (Uphall) (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 5 - Edinburgh City Tour & Edinburgh Castle
Explore central Edinburgh this morning, starting in the 200-year-old "New Town” with its planned streets and elegant Georgian houses where many famous writers and inventors lived. See the Royal Mile where medieval houses are clustered and tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The afternoon is free for independent activities. On 3 to 17 August departures, experience the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 6 - Edinburgh (Uphall) - Scone Palace - Inverness
A warm welcome awaits us at Scone Palace, a fairytale castle set in 100 acres of grounds. In ancient times this was the crowning place of the Scottish Kings. The Palace contains remarkable treasures including Marie Antoinette's writing desk and embroidery worked on by Mary, Queen of Scots herself. At Dalwhinnie Distillery we'll stop to discover how Scotch Whisky is lovingly produced and even enjoy a wee sample! Continue to Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands”. Check in to your hotel beside the River Ness in the City Centre.
Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness (or similar)
Day 7 - Inverness - Loch Ness Glasgow
Travel south through more wonderful Highland scenery today, passing the shoreline of Loch Ness with views of this deep lake and impressive Urquhart Castle. Drive past Ben Nevis, Britain's highest peak, and through the towering mountains of Glen Coe, which is famous for the Massacre of Glen Coe in 1692. Enter the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park then take a scenic cruise to see the "bonnie, bonnie banks" of Britain's largest lake. Enjoy a brief drive around Glasgow before checking in to your hotel.
Overnight: Glasgow Marriott Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)
Day 8 - Depart Glasgow for Home
Your tour ends after breakfast.
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 kind of accommodation do you use?
The group will stay together in first class or superior tourist class hotels. Each has been carefully selected for comfort, quality and ambiance located in the best locations close to the shopping areas and the key sights. You will discover a pleasant balance of familiar brand hotels such as Hilton, Marriott and Accor together with locally owned family-run hotels. In rural locations your accommodation will be in the best available hotels. A full hotel list will be provided as part of your EDocumentation.
Tell me about the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
Staged every year as part of the world-famous Edinburgh Festival, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a unique and memorable celebration of music, dance and military pageantry. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit Edinburgh Castle, almost a thousand musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the cobbled Esplanade. Each year some of the most memorable highlights are the stirring performances of the Massed Pipes and Drums and the Massed Military Bands that emerge from the huge castle gates playing the stirring battle tunes of Scotland's famed regiments. Add to this the spectacular displays from the many overseas performers who bring music, action and colour to the event in Edinburgh and you have a winning blend that always keeps the Tattoo fresh, exciting and alive, even for the many faithful fans who return here every year. This unforgettable spectacle is brought to an emotional and poignant close each evening as a lone piper, spotlit high on the castle ramparts, plays a haunting lament. Fireworks, a mass chorus of Auld Lang Syne from the audience and the roar of jets from a military flypast bring the curtain down on a truly memorable night's entertainment.
How much travelling time will there be between stops?
On a Premium Escorted Tour you’ll not be travelling for much more than two hours without a stop. There are washrooms/toilets at each stop and most coaches are equipped with on-board toilets, however for safety reasons their use is restricted whilst the coach is in motion.
How much luggage can I bring?
You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: London (2); Liverpool (1); Edinburgh (2); Inverness (1) and Glasgow (1)
Meals
- Scottish/Continental breakfast (7)
- Welcome drink with your Tour Director
- Table d’hôte dinners (1)
- Lunches (2)
- Scottish Evening in Edinburgh
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Old Blacksmith’s Shop, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle and Scone Palace
- London open-top bus tour with a visit to the Tower of London or Kensington Palace
- Beatles themed tour of Liverpool
- Cruises on Lake Windermere and Loch Lomond
- City tour of London, Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Tour and tasting at Blasir Athol Whisky Distillery
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 02 to 19 August departures
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with extra-legroom, reclining seats, on board washroom and Wifi
- Ferry to the Isle of Bute
- 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 documentation for the commencement time of the tour.
From The Park Plaza Hotel Riverbank London Hotel
18 Albert Embankment
London SE1 7TJ
The tour will end in Glasgow after breakfast on day 8
Check-in: 13:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 14:00 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 00773
