Castles Highlands and Heritage

A journey perfect for all members of the family, this tour stops at a variety of sites from Stonehenge , the Roman Baths and Cardiff Castle to Ben Nevis and Loch Ness . Hear the tales of England 's Roman and Viking past, and enjoy lake cruises and train rides in spectacular natural beauty.

Day 1 - London - Salisbury Exeter (2 nights)

Our day begins with a drive via the mysterious monoliths of Stonehenge to Salisbury where we view the cathedral with the tallest spire in Britain. Then we drive on into Devon and to the county town, Exeter, where we stay tonight. (Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 2 - Cornwall Excursion

A full day excursion begins as we skirt Dartmoor to reach Plymouth where you will have the chance to take a boat trip around the harbour. Then we continue to Marazion where we see St. Michael's Mount before heading north to the Atlantic coast of Cornwall and the artists' colony of St. Ives. Finally, after an amazing scenic day, we return to our hotel in Exeter. (Full Breakfast)

Day 3 - Exeter Bath Cardiff

This morning we make our way to the city of Bath, which is famous for the hot springs which bubble out of the ground and were first discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago! We will have the chance to visit the Roman Baths and see that they had saunas and underfloor heating systems not unlike those we have today. Later we will cross the great Severn Bridge to arrive in Wales and the capital, Cardiff. Here we will see Cardiff Castle, which was originally a roman fort, then nearly 1,000 years later was rebuilt as a Norman stronghold from where knights in armour would ride out for battles with the English! We have the option to visit the castle and relive the past before travelling on to our. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Quality

Day 4 - Cardiff Stratford Chester area (Runcorn)

This morning we leave Wales and return to England to visit the home of their most well-known playwright, William Shakespeare. We see the Tudor-timbered house where he was born more than 500 years ago, and have time to walk down to the River Avon to see the theatre where his plays are still performed today! Then we drive on to Chester where we see similar black and white buildings known as the Rows and the ancient fortified Roman walls. Then on to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn Runcorn

Day 5 - Chester area (Runcorn) Glasgow

Today we enjoy a scenic drive into the Lake District, where we take a cruise across Lake Windermere and then board a steam train to Haverthwaite! Later we cross the border into Scotland and on to Glasgow. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Campanile Glasgow

Day 6 - Glasgow Scottish Highlands (2 nights)

After an orientation of this vibrant city this morning we drive into the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands. First 'along the bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, past Inverary Castle, home to the Dukes of Argyll, and then via pretty Oban and Fort William in the shadow of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Then on to our hotel in Aviemore, the Scottish ski resort, for our two-night stay. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Macdonald Highland Resort

Day 7 - Scottish Highlands Isle of Skye Excursion

Today we drive first to Culloden to see the famous battlefield and then continue our drive along the shores of Loch Ness look out for the monster! A scenic route takes us via Invermorriston through marvellous heather clad hills and mountains to the Kyle of Lochalsh, where we cross 'over the sea to Skye'. We'll have time to explore the isle and we will hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora McDonald from our Tour Director before returning to our hotel in the Scottish Highlands for dinner tonight. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Day 8 - Scottish Highlands Edinburgh (Falkirk) (2 nights)

We drive through Pitlochry, famous for salmon fishing, and on to St. Andrews, where Prince William went to university, but perhaps more famous as the place where golf was born! So we will stop to take a picture of the 18th hole before driving on to our hotel near Edinburgh which is called Airth Castle! (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Airth Castle

Day 9 - Edinburgh sightseeing

We drive to Edinburgh where our sightseeing tour shows us the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the famous castle. Later free time to shop for Scottish souvenirs and buy some freshly baked shortbread biscuits. Tonight, maybe enjoy a lively Scottish banquet with haggis and bagpipe music? (Full breakfast)

Day 10 - Edinburgh (Falkirk) Leeds

This morning we cross the Border country to England and see some of the ruins of Hadrian's Wall which was built to keep out the Scots! Then we drive on to York which is believed to be the most haunted city in England! Our Tour Director takes us on a walk through the quaint streets known as the Shambles, and we will hear about how the Vikings invaded this part of England and captured the city, ruling over it for nearly 100 years before they were driven away. Then we head for our hotel in Leeds. (Full breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 11 - Leeds - Cambridge - London

Today we enjoy a scenic drive through rolling countryside to the famous university city of Cambridge where we will see the magnificent architecture of the colleges and chapels set along the banks of the River Cam. You may wish to take a trip on a punt before returning to London, where our tour comes to an end and we must bid farewell to our Tour Director and touring friends. (Full breakfast)

Tour Itinerary

 

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs London. Dates coming soon.

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.

Please ask for flight quotes from your preferred airport of departure.

Guests arriving from other destinations can join the tour in Britain on day two. Please ask your Britain Vacation Specialist for a quotation in your currency.

What's Included

• 10 nights accommodation in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling and hotel tips are included.
• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats.
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director.
• Specialised local guide in Edinburgh .
• A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.
• 16 meals in total. See day-by-day itinerary. (10 full English breakfasts, 6 three-course dinners).

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