Amazing Britain - 8 day tour
Amazing Britain
8 day / 7 night
This comprehensive tour will introduce you to the highlights of England and Scotland. Experience Britain of a very different era as you visit Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Stately Edinburgh Castle, the Roman spa in Bath and the magical stone circle that is Stonehenge. Also, visit the beautiful cities of York, Durham, St. Andrews and Liverpool. On this tour, you'll discover the Britain you've always dreamed of seeing.
Stratford-upon-Avon - see Anne Hathaway’s cottage and visit William Shakespeare’s birthplace
Edinburgh - join a local expert to explore the city and visit its impressive castle
Scottish Highlands - spend a night in the heart of the scenic Cairngorms National Park
Lake District - discover the picturesque landscape that inspired poets and painters
Bath - admire this elegant city and visit the ancient Roman baths
Movie locations - The Duchess, Shirley Valentine and Rob Roy
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - London - Stratford upon Avon - York
This morning travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's birthplace and Visitor Centre. In your free time, explore the charming cobbled streets of the town or walk along the banks of the River Avon.
In York, view the ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and the magnificent York Minster during your orientation walk through the Roman town.
This evening join your fellow travelling companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drink.
Overnight: Holiday Inn, York (or similar)
Day 2 - York - Durham - Edinburgh
Set around the picturesque River Wear, Durham enjoys a long and varied history. View the 11th century Durham Cathedral and the castle overlooking Palace Green.
Photograph Hadrian's Wall before a scenic drive through Northumberland National Park.
Admire spectacular views of the Cheviot Hills as you cross the Scottish border.
Stop to admire the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland's bustling capital.
Overnight: Holiday Inn/Jurys Inn, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 3 - Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Castle
Set within a rugged landscape and containing a vast array of medieval and Georgian architecture, Edinburgh is a fascinating city.
This morning your local guide takes you on a sightseeing tour which includes the Royal Mile, views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur's Seat, Princes Street and the Scottish Parliament.
A real highlight is a visit to Edinburgh Castle to see the stunning Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland and to admire the panoramic views of the city from the battlements.
This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its association with the Knights Templar.
During the Edinburgh Festival, your visit includes tickets to the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 4 - Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Scottish Highlands
Enjoy up-close views of the Forth Bridges as we make our way into the ancient Kingdom of Fife.
On arrival in St Andrews, see the famous Old Course and stop to take photographs at the 18th green.
Drive over the River Tay to reach a local distillery, where you'll learn the time-honoured traditions of Scotch Whisky making followed by a sample of a 'wee dram'.
Arrive at Pitlochry, a charming town in the heart of Highland Perthshire, for some free time to explore.
Next, travel through the Grampian Mountains to enter the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. After a scenic drive arrive at our hotel.
There's time to relax in our Highland surroundings before dinner is served in our hotel.
Overnight: Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore (or similar)
Day 5 - Scottish Highlands - Glen Coe - Glasgow
Start the day with a scenic drive through the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.
View the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and admire the views of Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis.
Drive to Glen Coe, the site of a bloody and cruel massacre in 1692 of the MacDonald Clan.
Travel south across the vastness of Rannoch Moor to Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond.
Later you arrive in Glasgow, where your orientation includes George Square and Glasgow Cathedral.
Overnight: Novotel Glasgow City Centre, Glasgow (or similar)
Day 6 - Glasgow - Lake District - Liverpool
Visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil.
Return to England and enjoy a light lunch in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside.
Later tour through the Lake District where the great poet William Wordsworth once lived. Visit Grasmere, where he wrote his most famous poem ‘Daffodils’ and see his final resting place in the churchyard of St. Oswald’s Church.
View Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, before arriving in Liverpool, home to “The Beatles”, and The Mersey Sound of the 1960s.
Overnight: Mecure Atlantic Tower Hotel, Liverpool (or similar)
Day 7 - Liverpool - Wye Valley - Bristol
Travel through beautiful Welsh countryside this morning and stop in an area of outstanding natural beauty - the Wye Valley.
At the village of Tintern, view the spectacular ruins of the world-famous Cistercian Tintern Abbey.
Later arrive in Bristol and see the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain during your orientation.
This evening join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Mercure Holland House, Bristol (or similar)
Day 8 - Bath - Stonehenge - London
Visit the ancient city of Bath. See the splendid Georgian architecture and enjoy an included visit to the Roman Baths.
Visit the mysterious prehistoric monoliths at Stonehenge and ponder how these massive monoliths got here some 4,000 years ago.
A scenic drive through Wiltshire and Hampshire brings you back to London, where your unforgettable holiday ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Escorted Tour?
If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!
You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.
An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.
These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.
On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.
What are optional extras?
The extended tours we offer are the perfect blend of discovery and free time.
To enhance your tour and to add to your enjoyment a specially crafted programme of optional extras will be offered. These could include evening diversions such as a Scottish Banquet with music and entertainment or a speciality visit to a historic castle.
A list of the options available on your tour will be included in your tour documentation together with information on how you can purchase them.
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 I get laundry done?
Many hotels offer a laundry service, so where the tour itinerary includes a two-night stay in the same hotel it may be possible to get clothes washed.
Included in your tour documentation will be a confirmed hotel list. We would strongly advise you to contact the hotel directly to check what facilities are available and if there are any restrictions in place during the dates of your stay.
Who travels on an escorted tour?
These tours are immensely popular so expect to be travelling in the company of like-minded travellers from around the world. It’s a great way to make new friends!
Age-wise it’s really difficult for us to give an accurate figure for any given tour departure, but experience has taught us to expect the median age to be between 45 and 50.
Inclusions
Accommodation
- 7 nights hotel accommodation
- Location: York (1); Edinburgh (2); Scottish Highlands (1); Glasgow (1); Liverpool (1) and Bristol (1)
Meals
- Cooked/Continental breakfast (7)
- Welcome pub reception and dinner with your Tour Director
- Table d'hote dinner (1)
- Light lunch in Cumbria
- Farwell dinner in Bristol
Visits, Admissions and Experiences
- Admission to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Edinburgh Castle, Roman Baths (Bath) and Stonehenge
- Tour and tasting at a Malt Whisky Distillery
- City tour of Edinburgh
- Orientation tours of Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Bristol and Bath
- Walking tour in York
- Tickets are included for the World-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 3 to 17 August, 2024 departures
Tour Essentials
- Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with 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 documentation for the commencement time of the tour
From 79 York Road
London SE1 7NJ
Check-in: 06:30 hrs
Tour Departs: 07:00 hrs
Tour Returns: 19:00 hrs
Child details
Child discount applies to children aged 5 to 17 years inclusive on the basis that they share a room with an adult.
We’re sorry but children aged under 5 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.
FAQs
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TT 00186