Traditional England

Prices From: $976
Days: 8 days

Explore all that is quintessentially English on this 8 day rail tour taking you through England's oldest towns, cities and countryside. Enjoy Oxford, Bath, York, Chester, anmd London not to mention the charming Cotswold countryside and the Yorkshire Dales.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Salisbury and Stonehenge

Glide in to London on the Heathrow Express to Paddington station and join the mainline heading out onto the Salisbury plain to the historic town of Salisbury. Explore 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 2 - Regency Bath

Today travel to the city of Bath. This Spa town is regarded as the best-preserved Georgian city, a UNESCO world heritage site, Bath is home to endless rows and terraces of grand Georgian architecture such as the Royal Crescent overlooking open garden squares. The impressive thirteenth century Abbey lies at the heart of the city's cobbled streets and fashionable shops and arcades whilst Baths crowning glory is the must-see, marvellously preserved Roman Temple, Baths and Pump Room .

Overnight Bath.

Day 3 - Shakespeare's Stratford

Today you travel north seeing some of England's famous Cotswold Countryside before arriving in Stratford Upon Avon . Arguably one of England's most picturesque towns with timber-fronted buildings, Stratford is famed for England's greatest Bard. Visit the museum and exhibition at Shakespeare's Birth Place and Anne Hathaway's Cottage, home of Shakespeare's wife. A short rail-ride north you will find the medieval Warwick Castle.

Overnight Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Day 4 - Roman Chester and Liverpool

Take the train north arriving in Chester to explore the glorious Roman walls, timber facaded, mock Tudor buildings, grand cathedral and excavated Roman Amphitheatre not to mention quaint boutiques and excellent shopping. A short train ride north is the European Capital of Culture of 2008. Liverpool, inspiration for many of the Beatles hit songs, has a wealth of sites including the Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields, the Beatles Story Exhibition as well as 2 cathedrals, the stylish Albert Docks, and the Tate Modern Art Gallery.

Overnight Chester or Liverpool.

Day 5 - Roman York

Continue through the north country over the Yorkshire Dales of to a city which once stood as the capital of the Roman Empire, York. The city maintains its grandeur with the medieval city walls, watch towers and gates still intact around large parts of the city. Discover the Viking influence at the Jorvik Centre and simply wander the famous Shambles, Britain's oldest street of rickety, timber facaded shops or enjoy more recent history at Britain's railway museum. The "must-see" of York however is the stunning York Minster which truly dominates the city.

Overnight York.

Day 6 - Historic Oxford

Returning South make a visit to historic Oxford, where the internationally renowned university has been home to literary greats such as Tolkein, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Immerse yourself in the laid-back, academic ambiance and be inspired by the sites of the lawned quads of Magdalen or Christchurch college as well as The Bodleian Library and New College Hall which you may recognize from the film adaptations of JK Rowling's modern classic Harry Potter. A short bus ride away lies the quaint hamlet of Woodstock and Blenheim Palace a fabulous baroque mansion which is home and birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Overnight Oxford.

Day 7 - Explore London

After a short train ride from Oxford take day 7 to 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 somoe shopping on Oxford Street, Covent Garden or the famous Harrod's department store.

Overnight London