Highlights:
London * Salisbury * Stonehenge * Plymouth * St Ives * Bath * Cotswolds * Chester * Edinburgh * Leeds * Cambridge
Day 1 - London – Salisbury – Stonehenge – Plymouth (2 night)
Greetings from our Tour Director this morning as we drive out of London and make our way to Salisbury Plain where we have time to visit the Cathedral with the tallest spire in Britain. Then on to Stonehenge to see the ancient Stone Circle. We continue past Dartmoor to the port of Plymouth, where we see the area known as the Hoe. This was where Sir Francis Drake played bowls before going on to defeat the Spanish Armada. (Dinner)
Hotel: Quality (2 nights)
Day 2 - Plymouth – Cornish Excursion
Today we enjoy stunning scenery as we drive first into Cornwall and on the Marazion to see St. Michael's Mount. Then we continue our journey through Penzance to the quaint village of St. Ives. Finally we return to Plymouth via the Moors. (Full Breakfas)
|
 |
Day 3 - Plymouth – Bath – Cotswolds
Skirting Dartmoor this morning we drive via Bideford and Barnstaple Bay to the charming resort of Lynton in the Exmoor National Park. Then via Glastonbury where we see the Tor and learn of the legend of King Arthur. We continue via Cheddar Gorge to Bristol where we see the Clifton suspension Bridge built by the great engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Finally we arrive in the Roman spa-town of Bath, where we admire the fine Georgian buildings along the famous Royal Crescent. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Hatton Court
Day 4 - Cotswolds – Chester (Runcorn)
We head north into the Malvern hills, and continue into the area known as the potteries where we will stop to visit the Wedgwood factory near Stoke-on-Trent. Finally we arrive in Chester to visit its ancient Roman Walls, its quaint streets known as the 'Rows' and you'll also have time to visit the Cathedral. (Full Breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn
|
 |
Day 5 - Chester (Runcorn) – Edinburgh (Bo'ness) (2 nights)
Today after breakfast we will enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Lake District to Grasmere, much loved by William Wordsworth. Then we cross the Scottish border at Gretna Green, wedding venue for runaway lovers. From here we continue our journey to Edinburgh for our two-night stay. (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Richmond Park
Day 6 - Edinburgh sightseeing and at leisure
Today we will enjoy a morning sightseeing tour which shows us the imposing Castle and 'New Town'. Later, with time on your own you may wish to stroll down the Royal Mile and perhaps shop for tartans in Princes Street. Tonight, why not take pleasure in a lively Scottish cabaret and dinner? (Full Breakfast)
Day 7- Edinburgh (Bo'ness) – Leeds
Today's drive takes us past Jedburgh Abbey before we cross back into England to see Hadrian's Wall. Next the scenery of Northumberland National Park contrasts with the great Norman Cathedral in Durham. From here, we continue to Viking York where an orientation shows us the Minster and the famous 'Shambles'. Finally, we arrive at our hotel in nearby Leeds for the night. (Full Breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn
Day 8 - Leeds – London
This morning we travel past Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest to Cambridge. Here we stop to admire Kings Colleges and the beautiful chapels before our short drive back to London. (Full Breakfast)
England & Scotland Optional Excursions:
Plymouth Harbour Cruise
A boat trip around the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. View the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America, and ships sailed for Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland. See panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe, site of Drake’s legendary game of bowls. Into the Royal Navy Dockyard and a chance to see some of the modern vessels of the Royal Navy. A descriptive commentary is given by the skipper. 10 (£)
North Wales Excursion
Out of England and into Wales! Our excursion to Wales takes us to Llangollen the home of the International Music Eisteddfod. All around us are wonderful sights and sounds - the River Dee, steam trains at the Victorian railway station, a myriad of flowers on the river bank. Listen out for the local people speaking the sing-song Welsh language. We then travel through the magnificent Valley of the Cross, past the slate mines and up to the Horseshoe Pass to enjoy views of the Welsh hills, no wonder the Welsh sing for joy.
8.5 (£)
Trossachs Tour
Known as the gateway to the Highlands - lochs, glens and mountains combine in one of Britain’s most scenic landscapes. We enjoy views of Stirling and Doune Castles as around each bend of the twisting Highland road the legends of Scotland come to life. Stories of William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor and Walter Scott’s ‘Lady of the Lake’. In case you were wondering ‘Trossachs’ means ‘the bristly country’.
10 (£)
Lake Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the lake district as we cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
13 (£)
Edinburgh Night Out
Join us for a relaxed evening with a leisurely drive followed by dinner in a traditional Scottish pub. 24 (£)
Edinburgh Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate anevening in Edinburgh. 39.50 (£)
Burns Night in Braveheart Country
Join with the Scots to celebrate and commemorate their hero and national poet Robert Burns. With the bagpipes, the ceremony of the haggis and a delicious traditional meal, this is altogether an unforgettable evening. 31 (£)
Warwick Castle
This excursion allows you to explore the “jewel in the crown” of England’s great medieval castles. You’ll visit the Armoury, the grim Dungeon, the magnificent State Apartments and the haunted tower. The really adventurous can climb Guy’s and Caesar’s Towers for panoramic views out over the Warwickshire countryside and the River Avon far below. 13.5 (£)
Dartmoor Excursion and Dinner
A scenic drive across the wild countryside of mysterious Dartmoor to a welcoming pub. Dinner and a drink are included and a chance to hear stories about the ghosts and legends of the moor. 24 (£)
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House, close to the spectacular Forth Bridges is one of Scotland’s most splendid great mansions. Originally built in 1700 and much added to by 1754. The visit includes a guided tour of the State rooms ... the gardens and deer park are not to be missed on this rare visit back in time when the Earls of Hopetoun lived a grand and opulent lifestyle. 9.5 (£)
Departs On |
Returns On |
Land Price |
Guaranteed Departure |
Sun, 9 Sep 2007 |
Sun, 16 Sep 2007 |
£565 |
Pls enquire |
Sun, 7 Oct 2007 |
Sun, 14 Oct 2007 |
£565 |
Yes |
Wed, 19 Dec 2007 |
Wed, 26 Dec 2007 |
£565 |
Pls enquire |
Sat, 29 Dec 2007 |
Sat, 5 Jan 2008 |
£585 |
pls enquire |
Fri, 4 Jan 2008 |
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 |
£565 |
Pls enquire |
Tour Cancellation: The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements, provided that such cancellation is advised not less than 35 days prior to scheduled tour departure. If material alterations become necessary to tours or travel arrangements for which bookings have already been made, the tour operator will inform passengers without delay and will give passengers the choice either of accepting the alteration, which will be of comparable standard, if available, or of receiving a prompt and full refund of all money paid
|