Step into a journey rich with history, charm, and culture as you explore some of Britain’s most captivating destinations. Enjoy a punt along the River Cam soaking in Cambridge’s academic elegance. Wander through York’s medieval streets and marvel at the grandeur of York Minster. Feel the rhythm of music history in Liverpool, birthplace of The Beatles, before crossing into the scenic landscapes of North Wales, where ancient castles stand guard over rugged coastlines. Relive the world of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, admire the scholarly beauty of Oxford, and conclude in the vibrant heart of London, where centuries of heritage meet cutting-edge style. This is England and Wales at their storybook best.
Meet your Tour Manager at the airport to begin this memorable journey through England and North Wales. Today, we travel to Cambridge – our first of 4 Heritage Cities, to learn about the history, culture and the world-changing discoveries that makes Cambridge home to more Nobel Prize winners than any other city. Enjoy a ‘Punt’ along the River Cam, a long, wooden boat which glides through water, steered by a metal pole. Punting dates back as far as medieval times – these days they’re just for fun in Cambridge. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.
We head north to York, our second Heritage City, where we meet our local guide for a walking tour, taking in the city’s medieval splendour and Georgian elegance. After that you will have free time and you may want to stroll the ancient city walls, lose yourself in the winding lanes of the Shambles or explore the majestic York Minster.
Today we enjoy a drive through the stunning landscape of the North York Moors, designated as a National Park in 1952, this is an area of great beauty and tranquility, We stop in the coastal harbour Whitby, where we enjoy our included lunch at one of the ‘must’ have fish and chip spots in the North of England. You will have some time in Whitby before we coach back to York. Tonight is a free evening to explore the bars & restaurants of the city.
This morning, we depart for Liverpool – the UNESCO City of Music. We meet our local guide for a tour who will show us iconic areas such as Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Cavern Club and both city’s stunning 20th century cathedrals. Showcasing the fabulous history and architecture of Liverpool along the way. We visit Strawberry Field, the iconic site immortalized by John Lennon, we immerse ourselves in the authentic visitor experience and enjoy an included ‘scouse’ lunch.
This morning we cross the border into beautiful North Wales. We make our way to the picturesque Llangollen Wharf, where we board our canal boat, the Thomas Telford. Enjoy peaceful cruising through the stunning Dee Valley, which has rightfully been awarded World Heritage Status, whilst live commentary from your skipper gives you the history, local knowledge and up to date gossip along the way. During our cruise we are served a delicious Afternoon Tea. After we experience the charm of one of Wales train rides, Llangollen Railway, the journey is a relaxing 10 miles travelling through some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales. The line, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), remains close to the waters of the river for most of its length as it gently meanders through the Dee Valley.
Later we arrive in Llandudno where we spend the next 2 nights.
Snowdonia is home to breathtaking peaks, spectacular lakes, rich history, and a vibrant and unique culture. We have a leisurely day meandering through the scenic area and small villages that make this part of Wales a must see for all visitors. Tonight, we attend a very special evening of Welsh singing – this will be a most memorable evening.
This morning, we travel south to Warwickshire, and the historic city of Stratford-upon-Avon. We start with a walking tour which introduces us to more than 800 years of history, seeing many buildings that have stood the test of time and would have been familiar to Shakespeare himself. We visit Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall, where we are immersed into 16th century Stratford and sit in the very room that he sat as a pupil in the 1570’s. Then we enjoy an informative session at Judith’s Gin, where we learn about and sample the award-winning Shakespeare Distillery spirits. Tonight, we enjoy a unique Feasting Dinner tonight at our hotel.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight
Hotel Indigo, Stratford-upon-Avon View All
Our day is spent meandering through the Cotswolds, we will stop in one of the quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone to enjoy an included pub lunch before returning to Stratford- upon-Avon where you will have free time to enjoy and explore on your own.
Included Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight
Hotel Indigo, Stratford-upon-Avon View All
Making our way to London, we stop in Oxford, the city of dreaming spires. Here we enjoy a guided tour of Christ Church, with its compelling combination of majestic architecture, literary heritage and double identity as (parts of) Harry Potter’s Hogwarts. We then head to the nation’s capital, London, where we will spend our final 2 nights. Tonight is at leisure.
The full day is yours to explore all London has to offer using your Hop On/Hop Off pass. Check out the famous streets, squares, magnificent buildings, beautiful parks & great shopping. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Be the First to Know About New Tours & Exclusive Savings
Join the RIT Vacations newsletter for early access to special offers, travel inspiration, and the newest tours across Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales.