Real Britain

Visit England

Day 1

Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff

Experience first-hand what's 'great' about Great Britain.

Embark on a mesmerising sojourn past rolling hills and farmlands of England.  Head west to Stonehenge’s megaliths, whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes centre stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Here, you'll see the Abbey and visit the Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city to see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure over dinner.

Day 2

Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool

Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city.

Journey to Ludlow to see its half-timbered Tudor houses, medieval walls and historic castle. Continue north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to Liverpool, hometown of the Fab Four, for an opportunity to visit The Cavern Club, where The Beatles once played.

Day 3

Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh

The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our drive north to Scotland.

Skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy views that inspired literary greats like William Wordsworth. We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where 'Blacksmith Priests' would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh – our home for the next two nights. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.

Day 4

Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures

Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerising medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour.

See the Old Town and view Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, for centuries the seat of the kings and queens of the Scots. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auld Reekie's medieval relics and elegant Georgian and Gothic façades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel.

Day 5

Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York Connect with Locals

Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to York.

Walk along The Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening join a family at their stately home in York for a Be My Guest experience and some hearty British home-cooked hospitality.

Day 6

Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London

Learn about Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage.

We return to London this evening where our memorable encounter with Britain's icons comes to an end.

Dining Summary

2 Dinner (D)

5 Breakfast (B)

Be My Guest

York: Enjoy a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of their historical country home overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.

Iconic Experience

Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.

Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.

Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Tudor architecture.

Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.

Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Edinburgh

Discover Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool and York

Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster in York, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon

See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

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