Amazing Britain - 8 day tour

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 in 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 views of the city. 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 wonderful 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 into the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy an included Cultural Insight at a whisky distillery to sample a ‘wee dram'. Arrive at Pitlochry a charming village on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. A picturesque drive brings you to your hotel. Dine tonight in your 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 see views of Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. Drive to Glen Coe, the site of a bloody and cruel massacre in 1692. Travel south through picturesque landscapes to Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. Later you arrive in Glasgow where your orientation includes George Square and Glasgow Cathedral.

Overnight: MacDonald Crutherland House Hotel, Glasgow (East Kilbride) (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 visit 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.

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. A scenic drive through Wiltshire and Hampshire brings you back to London where your amazing holiday ends.