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

1. Lacock Abbey
2. Roman Baths, Bath
3. Tintern Abbey
4. Ironbridge Gorge Museums
5. Conwy Castle, Wales
6. Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
7. Edinburgh Castle

Enjoy an entirely unique sightseeing experience, on a 7 day journey for those who want to fully experience the true British culture and history.  And as a mini-tour you also get to enjoy some of the best-kept secrets of this idyllic land from shimmering lakes, towering mountains, thatched cottage villages, quaint harbours and medieval towns and cities. On leisurely days and fun evenings you'll discover the people, the history, the landscape and our culture.

Tour Itinerary

  

Day 1 -Oxford, Bath and the Cotswolds

Departing London we journey to the ‘dreaming spires' of medieval Oxford where we meander through the streets of this academic city, visiting C.S Lewis's college, Christ Church College (also used as a film set in Harry Potter). Passing gently through the quintessentially English landscape of the beautiful Cotswolds country towards our comfortable accommodation in the magnificent city of Bath . This evening we enjoy a traditional British evening meal in a local restaurant, a great opportunity to discuss the exciting days ahead with the group

Overnight Bath (Dinner Included).

Day 2 - Gloucester Cathedral, Ludlow and Ironbridge

After a brief look at the magnificent Georgian and Roman splendour of Bath and its Roman Baths , we take the scenic route following the river Severn towards Gloucester and its most remarkable Gothic cathedral and coisters.  Continuing north we visit the historic border market town of Ludlow, yo explore the medieval castle, its unique shops and taste the local produce. As we continue we visit the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ironbridge . We step back to times gone by as we stroll along the stunning gorge and visit the local Victorian museums, which bring the everyday life of this era back to life.

Overnight Ludlow/Shrewsbury. (Dinner Included).

Day 3 - Snowdonia, Conwy Castle and Chester

This morning we pass through the charming and historic town of Shrewsbury birthplace of Charles Darwin and often referred to as the ‘Town of Flowers.'  Bustling with timber-framed black & white buildings, steep winding narrow streets and alleys and over 600 listed buildings. Then we cross the border into Wales to explore awe-inspiring Snowdonia National Park , a protected area of natural outstanding beauty. Snowdonia boasts dominating peaks, narrow mountain passes, sparkiling streams & waterfalls, sheep-covered uplands and verdant, hidden valleys. It has been claimed that these secluded valleys were home to the real King Arthur and certainly, an ancient Welsh culture and language still thrives here today. Returning through gentle pastures we visit the spectacular Conwy Castle , before continuing to the beautifully preserved walled city of Chester . Here we can delve into this city's Roman and medieval heritage from the amphitheatre to the historic cathedral and delightful boutique shopping in its famous unique timber buildings along the Chester Rows.

Overnight Chester.

Day 4 - Lancashire Dales and Windermere

After a hearty breakfast we travel north passing through the beautiful Lancashire Dales, to the land of Beatrix Potter and the Lakeland poets. Although we have a long drive this morning, the sights that await us in the Lake District are well worth it as we travel towards Windermere , the largest and most famous of the Lakes, and our base for the next two nights. We arrive at Windermere where those who want to find out more about Beatrix Potter's life and works have the opportunity to visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction nearby.

Overnight Windermere.

Day 5 - Wordsworth's Grasmere and the Lake District

Today we take a scenic route throught the lanes of the Lake District providing a true feast of photographic opportunities as we spot sparkling waterfalls, quaint market villages, and travel through dramatic landscapes and breathtaking panoramas. We stop at Grasmere , where we pay homage to the life and work of William Wordsworth at Dove Cottage , the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery. We also visit the mystical Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of Britain's earliest stone circles dating back to the Neolithic period 4000 to 5000 years ago. Immersing ourselves in the stunning natural beauty of the region we finally return to Lake Windermere. Enjoy a glass of wine or local ale in a country pub before we reconvene for tonight's evening meal.

Overnight Windermere (Dinner Included)

Day 6 - Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh Castle

From the Lakes we travel north through the sweeping Scottish lowlands and borders region where the wild landscape offers ample opportunity to explore local villages and ancient chapels, including the decorative Rosslyn chapel , featured in the Da Vinci Code. Arriving in Edinburgh, once home to kings and queens we explore this magnificent Scottish city.  There are countless highlights in Edinburgh including a drive up the Royal Mile to the imposing Edinburgh Castle high above the city before free-time in the evening to wander enjoy a traditional Scottish meal an perhaps a ‘dram' of whisky.

Overnight Edinburgh

Day 7 - Edinburgh Walking Tour and Free Time

This morning, we explore the Scottish Capital on foot with an orientation tour of the main areas and Edinburgh old town towards the Castle. As you leave your guide the rest of your day is free to explore this city and its host of sights from Arthur's Seat, the Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Yacht Brittannia, the Whisky Experience and shopping on Princes Street to name just a few.

No Accommodation.

Optional Extras

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

Dates and Rates

Departs London every other Monday throughout  the 2010 season.

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room.  Single supplements apply.  For other currencies please ask.