Best of Britain

Day 1: Arrive London & Windsor

Welcome to London. Your tour begins at Heathrow Airport where we will transfer you to your hotel in Windsor.
In the afternoon you will get to visit the residence of The Queen and the largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle. View the beautifully decorated State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel. Enjoy a relaxing welcome drink with your travel companions and tour guide before sitting down to your meal. (D)

Day 2: Oxford & York Walks

On day 2 you will drive to Oxford where a walking tour will commence. This is undoubtedly the best way to get around the town and take in the sights. You may be surprised to know that Oxford University is fact the oldest English speaking in the world. It has 38 colleges and is the setting for many movies and TV programs, including the incredibly successful Harry Potter films and the Inspector Morse Mystery series. You will pass the Bodleian Library which is the largest university library in the UK and holds over nine million printed items.
You will then journey north to York for a walking tour through narrow medieval streets famous for black and white half-timbered houses with overhanging upper floors. As you walk along the Shambles make sure to take in the oldest streets and other wonderful scenery. View the exterior of the stately York Minster, which towers over the old city. Later in the evening, check in to your hotel and relax before your wonderful dinner. (B, D)

Day 3: Alnwick Castle

On day 3 travel north to visit Alnwick Castle which is the second largest inhabited castle in England, and is known as “The Windsor of the North.” the Castle has been home to the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland, since 1309 but dates back to1096. A guided tour will showcase the elegant State Rooms packed with an impressive array of art and furniture collected over the years by generations of owners. Recently the Alnwick Garden has been developed to show beautifully landscaped gardens and magnificent architecture, brought to life with water. Drive through the Borders to Edinburgh and your hotel on the Royal Mile. In the evening dine at the Edinburgh Nights cabaret show where you can enjoy traditional Scottish entertainment including bagpipes, dancing, song and storytelling. (B, D)

Day 4: Edinburgh Castle & Guided City Tour

On day 4 explore central Edinburgh which begins in the 200-year-old “New Town”. Its planned streets and elegant Georgian houses where many famous writers and inventors lived are still visible today and popular amongst tourists. The Royal Mile is a must see where the medieval houses are clustered closely together and some are as high as 11 floors. Tour the impressive Edinburgh Castle today and explore the sights within the grounds.  The Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny can also be found here as well as it being a prime location for panoramic views of the city. The afternoon is at your leisure and you are free for independent activities. Please note that the August 04 to 18 departures watch the spectacular Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 5: Lake District & Beatles’ Liverpool

Day 5 will begin with a stop in Gretna Green which is a popular wedding place. It is the first village across the border from England and since 1754 it has been famous as young couples have crossed the border to legally marry here.

You will then drive through the Lake District which is a region associated with Beatrix Potter. See stunning views of lakes, gentle hills and valleys. Stop in Grasmere where William Wordsworth penned some of his famous works. You will be given the chance to view his graveside in the village churchyard if you so wish.

Beatle mania may ensue as we continue to Liverpool where a Beatles-themed tour will be arranged for you. You will be shown Penny Lane and the world famous Cavern Club as you learn all about the “Fab Four”. Check in to your centrally located hotel before settling down to dinner. (B, D)

Day 6: Tintern Abbey & Cardiff Castle

Day 6 will include a drive south through Shropshire, one of the most unspoiled parts of rural England and close to the Welsh border. You will stop off in Ludlow which is a town that can trace its origins back 900 years. View the large castle and old black-and-white houses. Continue south through the lovely Welsh countryside to visit the tranquil scenery around the ruins of Tintern Abbey. The abbey was founded in 1131 in the River Wye Valley. It was an affluent Cistercian abbey which grew and thrived until it was dissolved following orders from King Henry VIII in 1536. During the 18th century it became a favourite place for the poet, William Wordsworth.

The tour will continue to Cardiff which is the youngest and fastest growing capital city in Europe. In the heart of the city you will find Cardiff Castle. You will be given time to explore the impressive castle which dates back nearly 2,000 years.  Marvel at the 19th century elegant apartments with its impressive decorations. Following your exploration of the castle, you can enjoy a grand Welsh banquet in the Castle. (B, D)

Day 7: Roman Baths & Stonehenge

On day 7 you will enjoy a tour around the highlights of Cardiff including the older Victorian buildings as well as the iconic Millennium Centre. Only a short drive away will you find the city of Bath which is known as the ‘spa city thanks to its popularity in the Roman times for its natural hot springs. You iwll be able to view the stately mansions of Queen’s Square, the Poulteney Bridge and many other grand Regency buildings. A visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Room is a must as it has been preserved after two millennia. At Salisbury Plain explore the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths at Stonehenge. Here you will also be able to learn all about the primitive builders who managed to create the monument. Next you will travel onwards to London where you will settle in to your hotel. (B)

Day 8: Tour Ends Heathrow Airport or add a day in London

If you are part of the 8 day tour it is time to wave goodbye to you. A transfer to Heathrow Airport we be arranged for you.  (B)

If you part of the 9 day program you are free to tour explore London independently. Why not use one of your vouchers for an open-top sightseeing bus tour? This also includes a walking tour and a River Thames cruise. Your second voucher is for a visit to the Tower of London. We recommend you visit the Tower of London if you have the time as it is a spectacular attraction.

Day 9: Homeward bound

This is the final day of the tour and an airport transfer will be arranged. (B)

2012 Best of Britain 9 Days/8 night Tour

What's Included

Group transfers at start and end of tour
•    Sightseeing by luxury coach
•    Professional tour director
•    7 or 8 nights in hotels listed below
•    Full breakfast daily except on day 1 (B)
•    5 dinners (D) including:
-    Welcome dinner in Windsor
-    Scottish Cabaret in Edinburgh
-    Welsh Banquet at Cardiff Castle
-    2 table d’ hote dinners
•    Welcome get-together drink
•    Walking tours of Oxford and York
•    Tours of Edinburgh and Cardiff
•    Beatles-themed tour of Liverpool with a local guide
•    London open-top bus tour (9-day tour only)
•    Edinburgh Military Tattoo on August 4 to 18 departures
•    Visits and admissions to Windsor Castle, Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, Tintern Abbey, Cardiff Castle, Roman Baths & Pump Room, Stonehenge and Tower of London (9-day tour only)
•    Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
•    All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

YOUR HOTELS

Stay at the following (or similar):

• Harte & Garter Hotel, Windsor (1 night)
• Marriott Hotel, York (1 night)
• Barcelo Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights)
• Marriott City Centre Hotel, Liverpool (1 night)
• Maldron Hotel, Cardiff (1 night)
• Copthorne Tara or Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London (1 or 2 nights)

Images

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