8 day tour
British Escape with Return to London
From
£1439.00
Tour Summary
This great-value tour starts with an overnight stay in London, allowing you plenty of time for independent sightseeing of good old London town. Head into the country to visit pre-historic Stonehenge, followed by a drive across Salisbury Plain to see the elegant city of Bath. Head to Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon the next day and explore Liverpool, forever linked to the Fab Four (The Beatles). A real highlight is the beauty of the Lake District, then cross the border into Scotland for a two-night stay in Edinburgh. During your time in the Scottish Capital, visit its mighty castle and take a stroll along the famous Royal Mile. Return to London by express train along the route of the Flying Scotsman. If time is short, this is the perfect way to sample the very best of Britain.
Stonehenge - get up close to the mysterious circle of standing stones
Stratford-upon-Avon - visit the picturesque hometown of William Shakespeare
Chester - walk within the city walls to discover Tudor buildings and Roman treasures
Lake District - enjoy the spectacular lake views and lush green scenery that have inspired authors and poets for centuries
Edinburgh - explore Scotland's Capital City and visit mighty Edinburgh Castle
Movie locations - Outlaw, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Kind Hearts and Coronets
Hotel accommodation included
Full Tour Itinerary
Select Day:
Day 1 - Arrival in London
Welcome to Britain!
Join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel.
Overnight: Park Plaza Waterloo/Millennium Gloucesteer Hotel, London (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 2 - Discovering London
This morning, join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of London's main sights, including The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Downing Street, the residence and office of the British Prime Minister. Enjoy a visit to Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece St Paul's Cathedral.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore more of London at your leisure.
Day 3 - London - Stonehenge - Bath
Leaving London behind, we travel through Wiltshire and across Salisbury Plain to visit Stonehenge, one of the most famous pre-historic sites in the World. During your visit, ponder the significance of these megalithic pillars and stone lintels, all arranged in a circular setting. The fascinating visitor centre contains innovative exhibits that tell the story of this 5,000-year-old enigma.
We travel onwards to visit Bath, famed for its Roman connections. During our time here, look out for the elegant Georgian architecture of its grand crescents or discover the hot spring waters that have turned this city into a fashionable spa since Roman times.
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton, Bath (or similar)
Day 4 - Bath - Stratford-upon-Avon - Liverpool
Today, we tour through the pastoral scenery of the Cotswolds to explore the delightful honey-coloured villages. Later arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, famed as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. During our stop, see the many Tudor and Elizabethan buildings, including Shakespeare's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. If you prefer, take a stroll along the banks of the River Avon to see the elegant swans.
The City of Liverpool sits on the banks of the River Mersey. See the iconic Royal Liver Building, discover the city's footballing credentials and hear stories of the "Fab Four" who started their amazing journey on the stage of The Cavern Club.
Overnight: Leonardo Liverpool Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 - Liverpool - Lake District - Edinburgh
We journey through north-west England to reach the beautiful Lake District National Park. Discover a natural landscape peppered with lakes, tarns and mountains that has inspired famous poets and authors like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Later cross into Scotland and make a stop at Gretna Green to see the famous Blacksmiths Shop, where runaway couples came to get married in secret. A scenic drive through the picturesque Scottish Borders will bring us to Edinburgh, Scotland's historic Capital.
The dining arrangements tonight are free, but as a suggestion why not attend a Scottish show to experience Highland dancing, the sound of the bagpipes and even a wee taste of haggis.
Overnight: Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket, Edinburgh (or similar) (2 nights)
Day 6 - Edinburgh City Tour
After breakfast, join a local expert to explore Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital City. First, see the grand squares, magnificent architecture and glorious gardens of the Georgian New Town. Next, head into the medieval Old Town to visit mighty Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the splendid Royal apartments.
Later, tour along part of the famous Royal Mile to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, HM The Queen's official residence in Scotland. Nearby, we will also see the Scottish Parliament Building and extensive Holyrood Park.
This afternoon is free so that you can explore more of "Auld Reekie" on your own.
Join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 - Edinburgh to London by Train
After breakfast, transfer to Edinburgh's Waverley Station, where a sleek Azuma high-speed train awaits to whisk you back to London.
Following the route of the famous Flying Scotsman, the train journey will stop at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Durham, and York.
On arrival in London transfer to your central London hotel. The remainder of today is at leisure.
Overnight: Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London (or similar)
Day 8 - Homeward bound
Your tour ends after breakfast this morning
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 type of room should I choose?
This tour includes guest house accommodation.
There are different bedroom 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.
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 Esplanade.
One of the most memorable moments is the stirring performances of the Massed Pipes and Drums and Military Bands that emerge from beneath the portcullis gate, playing the rousing battle tunes of Scotland's famed regiments.
As the show unfolds, there are spectacular displays from the many overseas performers who bring a flavour of their national culture through music and dance.
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.
A mass chorus of Auld Lang Syne and the dazzling march out brings the curtain down on a truly memorable night's entertainment.
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.
Can I bring a wheelchair or walking aid with me?
Yes, it is possible to bring a folding wheelchair or walking aid with you. It will be stored in the luggage compartment of the coach whilst travelling.
We’re sorry that powered scooters cannot be carried.
Please note that this facility is only available if you are travelling with someone who can provide you with any personal assistance you may require while on tour.
The coaches used on extended tours are not adapted with wheelchair lifts, so you will need to negotiate several steps to gain access and egress to/from the coach.
For more information, please contact us at info@scottishtours.co.uk.
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