Scenic Britain - 11 day tour

Day 2 - Windsor - Stonehenge - Tavistock

Wonder at the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge and discover more about the primitive builders who succeeded in creating such an enduring monument. Visit Salisbury, a delightful historic city whose cathedral boasts the tallest spire in England and is home to a copy of the 1215 Magna Carta. Later travel to Tavistock, a market town on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park.

Overnight: The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 3 - Dartmoor National Park Excursion

Tour across Bodmin Moor, an area of outstanding natural beauty, stopping for photos at Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne du Maurier's tale of audacious smugglers. Explore Lanhydrock House, a late-Victorian manor house with impressive rooms and servants’ quarters. In Plymouth visit the Mayflower Steps where the pilgrims are believed to have boarded their ship in 1620 bound for America. End the day with a cruise from the Barbican before enjoy a free evening to dine as you wish.

Day 4 - Cornwall & Land’s End Excursion

Discover the seaside village of Marazion to see the imposing form of St Michael’s Mount, an important place of pilgrimage. In St. Ives enjoy a walking tour of the key attractions and learn more about the town’s nautical heritage. Stop to savour the view of the beautiful sandy beaches that surround the town. Explore this delightful town on your own before returning to your hotel in Tavistock.

Day 5 - Tavistock - Roman Baths - Cardiff

Arrive in Bath and visit the amazingly preserved Roman Baths famous for its mineral-rich hot springs that have attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. Head into Wales and make for Cardiff, the Capital City, for a sightseeing tour of the city centre. Explore Cardiff Castle before enjoying a Welsh banquet with dinner and traditional entertainment.

Overnight: Mercure Cardiff Hoilland House Hotel, Cardiff (or similar)

Day 6 - Cardiff - Hay-on-Wye - Chester

Journey through the attractive Brecon Beacons National Park to reach Hay-on-Wye, a town famous for its literary connections. Next is Shrewsbury, a pleasant town near the border of England and Wales. Join the town crier for a walking tour to see the famous black-and-white buildings that are typical of this area. Later make the journey to your hotel in Chester.

Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Spa, Chester (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 7 - North Wales & Chester Excursion

Tour through the Horseshoe Pass for spectacular views then visit a local farm to see a fascinating demonstration of sheep herding. Marvel at the teamwork between shepherd and their highly-trained sheepdogs. Later travel to Conwy, a medieval town that is dwarfed by imposing Conwy Castle. Take a walking tour around the attractive streets and see the smallest house in Britain. In Chester, another walking tour will introduce you to the medieval buildings and Roman walls.

Day 8 - Chester - Lake District - Edinburgh

Journey through the beautiful Lake District National Park, which was the inspiration for many of Beatrix Potter’s famous children’s books. Visit the village of Grasmere, home to Wordsworth and the location of his grave. Make a fun visit to the Famous Blacksmith’s Shop in Gretna Green where eloping couples would get married in days gone by. Tour through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders to reach your hotel on the outskirts of Edinburgh. On arrival enjoy a drink with your fellow travellers before enjoying a lively Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment.

Overnight: Norton House Hotel and Spa. Edinburgh (or similar) (3 nights)

Day 9 - Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

Today we discover Edinburgh, commencing with the 200-year-old “New Town” with grand squares, imposing crescents and elegant Georgian architecture where many famous writers and inventors lived. Later travel over to the ancient “Old Town” and discover the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses, and tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. The remainder of the day is at leisure. The 29 July to 12 August departures attend a performance of the magical Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.

Day 10 - Glamis Castle and St Andrews Excursion

Leave Edinburgh Behind and visit Glamis Castle, the fabled setting of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and childhood residence of HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Travel over the silvery River Tay to the reach the medieval town of St Andrews, universally known as ”the home of golf.” On arrival there is an orientation tour so you can see the famous Old Course and then spend independent time for sightseeing or shopping. Return to Edinburgh and enjoy a traditional pub dinner with your new found friends.

Day 11 - Homeward bound

Sadly the tour ends after breakfast. Airport transfers are available.