Castles and Cathedrals

Enjoy a 7 tour on an epic journey from Scotland to England through some of Britain's most beautiful countryside and visiting a host of our famous castles and cathedrals. In true mini-tour style we will blend visitor must-sees such as Edinburgh Castle and York Minster and Hadrian's Wall along with lesser-known gems tucked away off the beaten tourist track.

Day 1 - Stirling Castle and Edinburgh

Departing from Edinburgh we journey to where the Highlands meet the Lowlands at the imposing Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's grandest castles with the National Wallace Monument towering in the distance. Following our fascinating visit to Stirling we return to Edinburgh for a driving orientation tour of the capital followed by some 'independent leisure time' to explore Edinburgh Castle and this marvellously historic and cultured city, where you can absorb the vibrant atmosphere and experience its fantastic shopping.

Overnight Edinburgh (Dinner Included)

Day 2 - Jedburgh Abbey, the Lowlands and Hadrian's Wall

Journeying south from Edinburgh we pass in to the Scottish Lowlands and the historically strategically significant Border Country. Stepping back in time we visit the commanding borderland ruins of the 12th century Augustine Jedburgh Abbey, which remains an impressive structure, despite the ravages of war and weather. We will spend time in the village of Jedburg itself where you may also choose to visit Queen Mary's 15th century fortified home. Crossing the border in to England we stop at the Roman Empire's northernmost frontier, famous Emperor Hadrian's Wall, which we discover in depth as we travel onwards towards the picturesque northumberland market town of Hexham.

Overnight Hexham

Day 3 - Barnard Castle, Richmond and The Yorkshire Dales

Passing through the dramatic landscape of England's north we pass alongside the Pennine Hills and through the Yorkshire Dales, stopping at the Norman Barnard Castle, its substantial remains still standing. Enjoying a drive through the wilderness we visit the lovely historic town of Richmond, one of Britain's 'nicest towns' and the site of a well-preserved castle and reputed to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur. We pass through more stunning landscapes as we travel to the medieval city of York, renowned for its exquisite architecture and tangle of quaint cobbled streets.

Overnight York (Dinner Included).

Day 4 -York City and York Minster

Today we explore deeper into this elegant city. York is home to one of the world's most impressive Gothic cathedral's at York Minster, a must see for anyone visiting this area. On a walking tour your guide will take you through the Old City and point out the numerous highlights of the city, including the medieval city walls, the Shambles, York Castle Museum, The National Rail Museum, the Yorvik (Viking) Centre, Clifford's Tower and the collection of restored Guild Halls and houses, which you may later explore at your leisure.

Overnight York.

Day 5 - Gainsborough Old Hall and Lincoln Cathedral

Today we continue our journey south passing through the wild pastures of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an area of outstanding beauty, as we explore this lesser known part of the country off the beaten tourist track. We visit Gainsborough Old Hall, one of Britain's best preserved medieval manorial homes, which has little altered since its completion in 1480. In the afternoon we arrive in beautiful Lincoln, characterised by its soaring Norman cathedral, Roman ruins, Viking artefacts, and cobbled Tudor streets.

Overnight Lincoln.

Day 6 - Cambridge amd King's College Chapel

This morning we pass in to Cambridgeshire, a charming region best known for its rolling countryside, quaint villages, cathedrals cities and myriad of waterways. Enveloped in a dreamy academic atmosphere, you can wander the streets of Cambridge, an attractive and fascinating city, where you may experience the buzz of student life as you take in the historic courts and gardens of its famous colleges such as King's College Chapel. Maybe, head to the river and try punting, one of the most quintessential of British pastimes.

Overnight Cambridge (Dinner Included)

Day 7 - Hatfield House and London

Continuing through the rolling countryside and quaint villages we make our way back to London on the back-roads and off the beaten tourist track. We have the opportunity to visit the childhood home of Elizabeth I at Hatfield House. Built by Robert Cecil in 1607-11 the beautiful house and garden are situated in a spectacular rural setting offering a final taste of country life before we return to London where you will be free to explore the myriad of sights that the English Capital holds in cluding perhaps Windsor Castle and St Pauls Cathedral.

Return to London in the Afternoon.

Optional Extras

• Pre or post tour accommodation in London or Edinburgh
• Rail tickets from London to Edinburgh or vice versa.
• Private or rail airport transfers.
• Make your mini-tour part of an extended London or Edinburgh city break.

Tour Itinerary

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs London every other Monday throughout 2010 season.

Prices are per person, land only based on 2 sharing a double/twin room. Single supplements apply. Please ask for other currencies.

What's Included

• 6 nights in unique & traditional accommodation.
• All transport (by minicoach) and fuel costs.
• Services of your Driver/Guide companion.
• Full English cooked breakfast daily.
• 3x three-course evening dinner.
• Entrance fees to visited attractions as follows:

1. Stirling & Edinburgh Castles
2. Jedburgh Abbey
3. Barnard Castle
4. York Castle Museum
5. Richmond Castle
6. Lincoln Castle & Cathedral
7. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

Images

Map