Elegance of Great Britain (Small Groups, Summer, Start Edinburgh, 11 Days)

1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Choose between two carefully selected activities

York: Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.

York: Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster on a visit to York's masterpiece. Explore the cathedral’s rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires that threatened to destroy the cathedral.

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.

Blenheim Palace: Witness a masterpiece of the English Baroque, brimming with priceless art and tapestries, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian.

Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive.  The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.

Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh Castle with your Local Expert to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Mons Meg up close.

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married.

Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.

Bowness-on-Windermere: The best way to enjoy the Lake District is by cruise. Relax as you admire the magnificent views.

Windermere: Board a steam train and journey along the banks of the beautiful River Leven.

Haworth: A visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Brontë family and the inspiration behind their marvellous works of literature.

York: Walk with your Local Expert to York Minster, then trace the narrow, timber-framed streets known as the Shambles.

Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.

Cardiff: Enjoy a guided visit through Cardiff Castle, including the stunning apartment rooms showcasing its Victorian Gothic splendour.

Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.

Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.

Stonehenge: Walk around the strange, awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

5 Dinner (D)

10 Breakfast (B)

Edinburgh: Get to know your fellow travellers over dinner of modern European cuisine, at a quirky bistro tucked away in Leith.

York: Join your hosts for dinner at the historic Thirsk Hall. The building was extended in 1770 by famous English architect John Carr.

Bath: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at Brasserie Blanc, while enjoying a delicious French-inspired meal.

Salisbury: During your free time for lunch, take a moment to explore this historical city. See the tallest spire in England, atop the Medieval cathedral and walk the streets to observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas.

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

Edinburgh: Macdonald Holyrood Hotel is situated in Edinburgh’s beautiful old town, within walking distance of the Scottish Parliament building.

Bowness-on-Windermere: The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa is contained in a 17th century building and rests on the shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake.

York: The Hilton York is situated within the city walls, close to the York Minster and the best this city has to offer.

Stratford-upon-Avon: The Stratford is an award-winning boutique hotel in the centre of this historic town.

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

Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.

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.

If your arrival flights are as per the itinerary start date, then arrival 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. You may purchase transfers to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on departure day, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.

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.