The Great British Railway Tour

Prices From: $1845
Days: 15 days

Make use of the extensive British Rail Network as you explore England, Scotland and Wales on this 15 day tour of Britain. Enjoy highlights including gems in Oxford, Stirling, York and Salisbury, 3 capital cities in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff not to mention the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and the Cotswolds.

Itinerary

Make use of the extensive British Rail Network as you explore England , Scotland and Wales on this 15 day tour of Britain. Enjoy highlights including gems in Oxford, Stirling, York and Salisbury, 3 capital cities in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff not to mention the spectacular scenery of the Lake District and the Cotswolds.

The Tour

Day 1 Historic Oxford

Landing in Heathrow or Gatwick, glide in to central London on the express rail link before joining the mainline and journeying north east to University city of Oxford Immerse yourself in the laid-back, academic ambiance and be inspired by the sites of the lawned quads of Magdalen or Christchurch college, the Bodleian Library and New College Hall.

Overnight Oxford

Day 2 Shakespeare's Stratford

Just a short rail ride north and you reach Stratford-Upon-Avon a charming, picturesque town with a myriad of Shakespeare related heritage sites including his birthplace Hall's Croft, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and his final resting place at Holy Trinity Church. Warwick Castle is a short train journey north.

Overnight Startford-Upon-Avon.

Day 3 York and the York Minster

Continue in to the north of England toYork which once stood as the capital of the Roman Empire. Visit the National Railway Museum, walk the medieval city walls, watch towers and gates discover the Viking influence at the Jorvik Centre and visit the famous "must-see" York Minster which truly dominates the city.

Overnight York.

Day 4 & 5 Historic Edinburgh

From York make the rail trip north to Edinburgh. Explore the old and new town districts amble up the royal mile to Edinburgh Castle and visit the "Spirit of the Tattoo" and "Water of Life - Whiskey Experience" exhibitions. Climb to Arthur's seat for unrivaled city views and don't miss out on a visit to the grand Holyrood House and modern Scottish Parliament buildings. On the outskirts of Edinburgh you find the stunning Craigmillar Castle and Rosslyn Chapel famed in the Da Vinci Code.

Overnight Edinburgh (2 nights)

Day 6 Braveheart's Stirling

Just 40mins from Edinburgh lies Stirling home to a cobbled old town, the stunning Stirling Castle, once home to Mary Queen of Scots, and the national Wallace Monument offering unrivaled views over town and country.

Overnight Stirling.

Day 7 City of Glasgow

Make the short rail trip to Glasgow to explore Scotland's largest city. Discover the glamorous West End, Kelvingrove Museum and Park, the famous Sauchiehall Street and the telfth century Glasgow Cathedral before a visit to George Square to see the Victorian Statues and Georgian facaded buildings.

Overnight Glasgow.

Day 8 The English Lake District

Two and a half hours south by train lies the English Lake District. Arrive in Windermere and explore the Lakes by local bus passing sweeping dales, deep valleys and the tranquil lakes making stops in traditional Cumbrian towns such as Ambleside and Grasmere.

Overnight Winderemere Lake District.

Day 9 Roman Chester and Liverpool

Continue south to Chester. Spend the day exploring the glorious Roman walls, timber facaded, mock Tudor buildings, grand cathedral and excavated Roman Amphitheatre. A short train ride north is the European Capital of Culture of 2008, Liverpool.

Overnight Chester or Liverpool

Day 10 The Welsh Capital Cardiff

Travel through welsh border towns on route to Cardiff, a vibrant city contrasting old and new. Enjoy the National Museum and Gallery of Wales, the spectacular Cardiff Castle, the fairytale Castell Coch, the Museum of Welsh Life and the contemporary Cardiff Bay.

Overnight Cardiff.

Day 11 Regency Bath and the Roman Baths

Just over one hour from Cardiff is the Spa town of Bath, a UNESCO world heritage site buslting with grand Georgian architecture such as the Royal Crescent a thriteenth century Abbey, cobbled streets and the must-see, marvellously preserved Roman Temple, Baths and Pump Room .

Overnight Cardiff

Day 12 Historic Salisbury and Stonehenge.

Travel to the historic and quintessentially English city of Salisbury, Wiltshire's only city, amble its cobbled streets and market square before a visit to Britain's tallest spire at Salisbury cathedral. A short bus ride away is the famous Stonehenge a truly magical experience.

Overnight Salisbury.

Day 13 & 14 Explore London

After a short train ride from Salisbury explore sights and sounds of London. Enjoy iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, St pauls Cathedral, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square not to mention visiting one or more of the capital's world-class art galleries or museums or simply indulging in some shopping on Oxford Street, Covent Garden or the famous Harrod's department store.

Overnight London (2 nights)