Best of Britain

Your orientation of Plymouth includes the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Consider taking an optional cruise around the famous coastline. Visit Polperro, a quaint fishing village nested around a picturesque harbour. Travel along rugged Dartmoor, famous for its dramatic and breathtaking scenery. Later enjoy a Cultural Insight at Buckfast Abbey where Abbotts have lived and prayed for nearly 1000 years.

Travel north through characteristically glorious scenery from Lancashire to the Lake District. Travelling along the shores of England's largest lake - Windermere, and through countryside that inspired the Romantic poets, you reach Grasmere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried at St. Oswald's Church. We cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would say their vows over the anvil. This afternoon your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of Glasgow Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. Celebrate your first night in Scotland with a Regional Meal in a local restaurant

This morning travel to the coast and take a ferry over the sea to Skye from Mallaig to Armadale. Drive up the Sleat Peninsula and admire the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Hills before stopping for time to have lunch. Cross over a road bridge to view scenic Eilean Donan Castle back on the mainland. Continue your journey through the majestic Scottish Highlands, winding past serene lochs and misty glens. Don’t forget your camera — you might just spot the elusive ‘Nessie’ along the way.

Heading south, stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before driving to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. See the University, Scotland's oldest; ancient St Andrews Cathedral and take a photograph on the 18th green of the Old Course, where the game was first played 600 years ago. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. During the Edinburgh Festival tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in the castle grounds are included

This morning your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, followed by your choice of sightseeing to Edinburgh Castle or Edinburgh's Camera Obscura. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. Tonight why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare?.

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See impressive Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as we travel through the Northumberland National Park. Cross the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where your walking orientation includes the medieval walls, the Shambles and the awe-inspiring York Minster. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers.