British Classic

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 6 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.

Dinner/ Overnight – Clayton Hotel, Cambridge (or similar)

Leaving Cambridge we head north to another Heritage city, York. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful & historic walled city. Look up and be awestruck by the ‘Heart of Yorkshire’, York Minster Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture. Meander through the cobbled streets and overhanging buildings that frame York Shambles, one of England's most iconic shopping destinations. You will then have free time to discover all the city has to offer, including dungeons, Viking museums and artisan shops & markets. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Dinner/ Overnight – Middletons Hotel, York (or similar)

The North York Moors is a special place, forged by nature, shaped over generations – where peace and beauty rub shoulders with a rich history and a warm welcome. We travel to the coastal town of Whitby where we enjoy lunch today at one of the 'must' have fish & chip spots in the North of England.  Afterwards, we board the infamous North York Moor Rail and experience the age of steam as we sit back and enjoy beautiful vistas of hte North York Moors National Park.  Tonight is a free evening to explore the bars & restaurants in the city.

Overnight – Middletons Hotel, York (or similar)

This morning, we head west to Liverpool, a UNESCO City of Music. We meet our local guide, who will show us the origins of the greatest band in the world and the legacy the Beatles left behind in Liverpool. See iconic locations from the band’s story including their childhood homes, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. Next we visit the historic Royal Albert Dock, where we have an included entrance to The Beatles Story. We then make our way to Chester, where we spend the next 3 nights.

Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Chester* (or similar)

Today we cross the border into beautiful North Wales. Our day starts at the Victorian seaside town, Llandudno, renowned for its sweeping bay and Victorian era architecture. Here you will have free time to enjoy the quirky shops or perhaps stroll along the seafront promenade. Next, 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. This evening is at leisure. 

Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Chester* (or similar)

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. We will travel through Snowdonia National Park, seeing Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, and visiting quaint villages along the way. After dinner we will travel by coach to a very special Male Choir Rehearsal – this will be a most memorable evening.

Dinner / Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Chester* (or similar)

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 dine at our hotel.

Dinner/ Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar)

Our day is spent in the county of Somerset, with a visit to the beautiful city of Bath. Here we have a panoramic tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the Roman Baths dating back to 43AD, the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge. Afterwards, enjoy a tour of Bath Abbey, with magnificent stained-glass windows, columns of honey-gold stone and some of the finest fan vaulting in the world. This all creates an extraordinary experience of light and space. Tonight, Stratford is yours to explore at leisure.

Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Stratford Upon Avon (or similar)

Making our way through the Cotswolds, we will stop in one of the quintessentially English villages of honey-coloured stone, before reaching the lovely city of Oxford. The City of Dreaming Spires, here you will have free time to explore the city on your own. You may want to visit the University and the Bodleian Library or look for that perfect keepsake in one of the many independent shops. Later we arrive in the nation’s capital, London. Here we spend our final 2 nights. Tonight is at leisure.

Overnight – Baileys Hotel, London (or similar)
 

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 at a local London Pub.

Dinner/Overnight – Baileys Hotel, London (or similar)

Today we bid farewell to your guide, driver and travelling companions in England and fly to Glasgow for the Scotland portion of your journey. Upon arrival in Glasgow, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will be on your own to explore Glasgow City with the provided hop on-hop off ticket. This evening you will meet your new tour guide and some new travelling companions.


Dinner/Overnight — Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)

Depart for Rabbie Burns Country, where the first stop of the day is Burns National Heritage Park. The museum is the focal point of this beautifully landscaped park where visitors can cross the Brig o’Doon and visit the poet’s birthplace. Later, continue to Culzean Castle in Ayrshire. Culzean is surrounded by surging seas, lush forests, and secret gardens.

Overnight — Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)

Departing Glasgow for Inverness, embark on a scenic journey along Scotland’s West Coast and Loch Ness. It will be a day filled with captivating highlights, featuring Loch Lomond, the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, a visit to Urquhart Castle and a cruise on Loch Ness in search of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.

Dinner/Overnight — Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (or similar)

Today will be an extensive day trip to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands. Our first destination is Portree, the island's capital, where you will have time to explore the vibrant multi-coloured harbour. On our return to Inverness, we will make a stop to visit the historic Eilean Donan Castle.

Dinner/Overnight — Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness (or similar)

Today we head to Perthshire via Culloden Moor, site of the 1746 Battle of Culloden. Our next stop is at Kincraig for an impressive display from the Working Sheepdogs. Tonight, we have a Whisky Experience with tasting and chocolate pairing.
 
Dinner/Overnight—Dunkeld House Hotel, Dunkeld (or similar)

Depart Perthshire for Edinburgh via the Kingdom of Fife. You will stop at St. Andrews, home of Scotland’s oldest university and capital of golf. Leaving St. Andrews, we head to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Our hotel is the perfect location for getting to know the city, taking in spectacular views, cultural curiosities and a plethora of restaurants, pubs and cafes.

Overnight — InterContinental Edinburgh The George, Edinburgh (or similar)

After an early breakfast in the hotel, you will enjoy an exclusive, pre-opening tour of Edinburgh Castle. You will then enjoy a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh which features the “New” and the “Old” towns. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city further. Tonight, you will attend the Spirit of Scotland Show, an evening of traditional entertainment and dinner.

Dinner/Entertainment/Overnight — InterContinental Edinburgh The George, Edinburgh (or similar)

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast.  Please inquire about our group transfer on offer.