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 – The Milner, 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.  Tonight is a free evening to explore the bars & restaurants in the city.

Lunch/Overnight – The Milner, York (or similar)

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.

Lunch/Overnight – Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool
 

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.


Dinner/Overnight – Dunoon Hotel, Llandudno (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. Tonight, we attend a very special evening of Welsh singing – this will be a most memorable evening.

Dinner/Overnight - Dunoon Hotel, Llandudno (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 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.


Lunch/Overnight – Hotel Indigo, Stratford-upon-Avon (or similar)
 

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.

Overnight – The 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.

Dinner/Overnight – The 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)
 

We journey along a scenic stretch of the North Coast 500, beginning with a visit to the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle, perched above the sea with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens. From there, we stop in the charming town of Dornoch, known for its historic cathedral and coastal charm. The day concludes with a tour and tasting at a Highland distillery, where we explore the art of whisky-making and sample a few drams of Scotland’s finest.

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. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh, exploring both the historic charm of the Old Town and the elegant architecture of the New Town before arriving at our hotel. Ideally situated in the heart of the city, our hotel offers the perfect base for discovering Edinburgh’s rich history, breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and an abundance of restaurants, pubs, and cafés.

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. 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 at The Royal College of Surgeons.

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.