Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter

Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter

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Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter

11 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: London, England, York, England, Hadrians Wall Path, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lake District, Ludlow, Bath, England, Dartmoor National Park, England, Stonehenge

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

B903WZN19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter" tour, a captivating journey through England and the United Kingdom. Discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of this region, starting in London and venturing north to Stratford-upon-Avon, York, and the ancient Hadrian's Wall. Experience the vibrant culture of Edinburgh, with visits to the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Explore the scenic beauty of Loch Lomond and the Lake District, and delve into the medieval charm of Ludlow. In Cardiff, witness the grandeur of Cardiff Castle, and in Bath, explore the Roman Baths. Enjoy a choice of activities in Dartmoor National Park and a farm-to-table dining experience at Heskyn Mill. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the mysterious Stonehenge before returning to London. This tour offers a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, all guided by expert Travel Directors and enhanced with authentic dining experiences.

Highlights

  • Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

  • Visit Dartmoor National Park to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions.

  • Explore Stratford-upon-Avon and learn about the life of William Shakespeare.

  • Discover York Minster, the city walls, and the medieval Shambles in York.

  • Stop to see part of Hadrian's Wall, the ancient border of the Roman Empire.

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels and other artifacts.

  • Explore the city of Edinburgh, including the Scott Memorial and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

  • Walk around the awe-inspiring megaliths of Stonehenge, reputedly standing for 5,000 years.

Places You'll See

Palace Of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh Castle

Palace Of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh Castle

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To London

Location: London, England

Accommodation: Hilton York.

Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

Day 2: London And Medieval York

Location: York, England

Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

Accommodation Name: Hilton, York

Meals Included: Breakfast

Meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.

Day 3: Hadrian's Wall To Edinburgh

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Location: Hadrians Wall Path, Jedburgh, Edinburgh

Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

Accommodation Name: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood

Meals Included: Breakfast

See a part of Hadrian's Wall, an impressive Roman construction that once spanned 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city. This evening, perhaps partake in a traditional optional dinner at Ghillie Dhu.

Day 4: Edinburgh Sightseeing

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Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Hotel, Radisson Blu Glasgow.

Accommodation Name: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning join a Local Expert to explore the Royal Mile. You will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Day 5: Loch Lomond To Glasgow

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Location: Glasgow

Accommodation: Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Glasgow

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Day 6: The Glorious Lake District

Location: Lake District

Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.

Accommodation Name: The Ro, Windermere

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.

Day 7: The Welsh Marches And Cardiff

Location: Ludlow

Accommodation: Jurys Inn Plymouth.

Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff

Meals Included: Breakfast

Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.

Day 8: Georgian Bath And Devon

Location: Bath, England

Accommodation: Jurys Inn Plymouth.

Accommodation Name: Leonardo, Plymouth

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the golden Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. View the ruined monastery before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.

Day 9: Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start

Location: Dartmoor National Park, England

Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London.

Accommodation Name: Leonardo, Plymouth

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later this evening, savor an unforgettable dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.

Day 10: Stonehenge And London

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Location: Stonehenge

Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.

Day 11: Homeward Bound

Location: London, England

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.

What's Included

  • Travel Director

    Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • Luggage Handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • All Tips Included

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Optional Airport Transfers

    You may purchase transfers from/to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on arrival and departure days, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare not included.

  • Meals

    Some meals are not included, providing the opportunity to explore local cuisines.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Activities

    Costs for optional activities not included in the tour itinerary.

  • Personal Expenses

    Expenses for shopping, personal activities, snacks, and drinks not included in the tour.

Dining Summary

  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner (D)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury aboard Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey across the UK.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and style with stays at The Cumberland in London, Hilton in York, Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood, Radisson Blu in Glasgow, The Ro in Windermere, Clayton in Cardiff, and Leonardo in Plymouth, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Roman Baths in Bath, which supports local education and cultural heritage. In Saltash, you will enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Heskyn Mill, where all ingredients are responsibly sourced from local producers.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Edinburgh visit?

    In Edinburgh, you will explore the Royal Mile with a Local Expert, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and see the Sir Walter Scott Monument. You will also visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Honours of Scotland and, on select departures, attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

  • What activities are available in Dartmoor National Park?

    In Dartmoor National Park, you can choose between a scenic exploration to learn about stone circles and indigenous traditions or enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor.

  • What is the significance of the visit to Stonehenge?

    The visit to Stonehenge allows you to explore the pre-historic site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations. The megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old.

  • What dining experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a traditional Yorkshire dinner in York and a farm-to-table dinner at Heskyn Mill in Saltash, where you will enjoy a meal prepared from organic seasonal produce.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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Patrick Ong  

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12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.