Elegance of Great Britain (Classic, Start Edinburgh, 11 Days) (12 destinations)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Edinburgh
Duration
11 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland and England on this 11-day tour. Experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty of these lands as you explore iconic cities, quaint villages, and majestic castles. From the romantic highlands of Scotland to the serene English Lake District, the charming Yorkshire Dales to the historic city of Bath, this tour offers a diverse and immersive travel experience. Enjoy the company of local experts, indulge in traditional cuisine, and marvel at the awe-inspiring attractions that make this tour a truly unique adventure.

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Included

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 onthe 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.

Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational programme actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.

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 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 see the majestic York Minster and wander the maze of cobbled streets to see the Shambles.

Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.

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.

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

Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and 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.

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4 Dinner with Wine (DW)

10 Breakfast (B)

1 Dinner (D)

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.

Stratford: Enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast Dinner, with all the trimmings.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Salisbury cathedral in the spring morning, England.Salisbury
Bath - city in United KingdomBath
London, England - Panoramic skyline view of Bank and Canary Wharf, central London's leading financial districts with famous skyscrapers at golden hour sunset with blue sky and clouds.London
York
Photo of aerial view of the Lincoln Cathedral,  England.Lincoln
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh

Map

Attractions

Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, North East England, England, United KingdomStewart Park
Ponderosa Zoo, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, England, United KingdomPonderosa Zoo
Photo of beautiful Southampton City Art Gallery, United Kingdom.Southampton City Art Gallery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the captivating city of Edinburgh, Scotland's cultural heart. Upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city or simply relaxing before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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Discover the charm of Edinburgh with a Local Expert. Drive along Princes Street, admire the ornate Scott Memorial, and explore the 18th-century New Town. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Spend the afternoon at the National Gallery, housing a collection of art treasures. On select departures, attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a vibrant display of music and dance.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Edinburgh to English Lake District

Day 3: Edinburgh to English Lake District

Depart Edinburgh and head to Ardgowan, a stunning coastal estate. Enjoy a traditional Scottish tea and scones after learning about the estate's history. Continue to Gretna Green, a famous spot for eloping lovers. Your journey then takes you to the picturesque English Lake District.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring the English Lake District

Day 4: Exploring the English Lake District

Spend the day in the scenic English Lake District, a haven for poets. Visit Grasmere, the final resting place of Wordsworth. Enjoy a tranquil cruise, taking in views of rugged mountains and secluded bays. Later, experience a nostalgic steam train ride along the beautiful River Leven.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: English Lake District to York via Haworth

  • York
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  • Stewart Park
  • Ponderosa Zoo
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Travel through the Yorkshire Dales to the charming village of Haworth. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, the family home of the famous literary sisters. Continue to York, one of England's oldest cities. In the evening, enjoy a home-hosted meal at the historic Thirsk Hall.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring York

  • York
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Explore the historic city of York, once controlled by the Vikings. Walk within the city walls with a Local Expert to see the York Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets and see the Shambles. In the afternoon, choose between a visit to the National Railway Museum or the magnificent York Minster.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: York to Stratford via Lincoln

  • Lincoln
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Visit Lincoln Castle, one of England's finest Norman castles. The tour includes a chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Continue to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Stratford

Day 8: Exploring Stratford

Discover the life and works of William Shakespeare as you visit his birthplace, filled with fascinating memorabilia and artefacts. Later, join your Travel Director for a delightful dinner.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Stratford to Bath via Cotswold and Blenheim Palace

  • Bath
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Travel through the beautiful Cotswold hills, dotted with golden stone villages. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, and learn about Churchill's life. Continue to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the Pulteney Bridge.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Bath

  • Bath
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath, built above Britain's thermal, mineral springs. Explore the well-preserved Roman Baths. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps visiting the Thermae Spa. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Bath to London via Stonehenge and Salisbury

  • Salisbury
  • London - Departure day
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  • Southampton City Art Gallery
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Travel to the prehistoric site of Stonehenge, a mysterious monument dating back 5,000 years. Continue to Salisbury, where you can explore the city and see England's tallest spire atop the medieval cathedral. Your journey concludes upon arrival at your London hotel.

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