Best of Britain (Classic, Summer, 9 Days) (21 destinations)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
9 days
Languages
English
Minimum age
5 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of England, Scotland, and Wales. This journey offers a perfect blend of historical exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty. From the birthplace of Shakespeare to the vibrant streets of Edinburgh, the serene landscapes of the Lake District, and the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge, each day promises new adventures and discoveries. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delightful meals, and the expertise of your Travel Director, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

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Included

3 Dinner (D)

8 Breakfast (B)

York: Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Saltash: John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savour a delightful meal, with all ingredients responsibly sourced from local producers or carefully foraged from the local area to reduce waste. The farms ethos is to support local and reduce food waste. All food is sourced locally, even though this proves more expensive. A staff member grows seasonal vegetables and they have their own egg laying hens. They have relationships with the local farmers where they make sure to get the food that would otherwise struggle to be sold in order to reduce waste. Vegetables are chosen seasonally and are often picked in the morning for their guests to enjoy later the same day. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

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

Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.

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.

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.

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.

Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.

Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the centre of town. Even though it is now in ruins it is still a magnificent structure and you can climb a spiral staircase to view the spectacular architecture from a balcony. Built by King David I of Scotland for Augustinian monks, Jedburgh is one of four major Abbeys of the Borders between England and Scotland, and was damaged and rebuilt several times during the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

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.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Stirling: Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.

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

Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.

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

Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.

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

York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.

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

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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.

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

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

Glasgow: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow features award-winning architecture, boasting a stunning atrium and rooms with wall-to-ceiling windows.

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.

Cardiff: Clayton Hotel Cardiff is located in the heart of the city on St. Mary Street, just a short walk from Cardiff's premium sporting facility, Millennium Stadium.

Cornish Countryside: Enjoy the best of Cornish hospitality at the plush St. Mellion International Resort, featuring a unique blend of contemporary style and unique facilities sprawled across 450 acres of peaceful countryside.

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Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: London to York via Stratford-upon-Avon

Day 1: London to York via Stratford-upon-Avon

Begin your adventure in London, meeting your Travel Director before heading north to the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Here, explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare, delving into the life and works of the legendary playwright. Continue your journey to the historic city of York, where you will wander through the narrow lanes of The Shambles and admire the grandeur of York Minster. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, mingling with fellow travelers.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: York to Edinburgh

Day 2: York to Edinburgh

Depart from York and travel north, passing by the remnants of Hadrian's Wall, a testament to Roman engineering. Continue your journey past the historic Jedburgh Abbey before arriving in the vibrant Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Settle into your accommodation for a two-night stay and consider joining an optional traditional dinner at Ghillie Dhu.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh

Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh

Join a Local Expert to explore Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile, visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse and passing by the Sir Walter Scott Monument. Discover the neoclassical architecture of the 18th-century New Town before visiting the historic Edinburgh Castle, home to the Honours of Scotland. The afternoon is free for leisure activities, and select departures will have the chance to witness the spectacular Military Tattoo in the evening.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Edinburgh to Glasgow via Loch Lomond

Day 4: Edinburgh to Glasgow via Loch Lomond

Travel through the historic sites of Bannockburn and Stirling, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Trossachs. Continue along the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow. Here, your Travel Director will guide you through an orientation of the city, showcasing grand public buildings, George Square, and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Glasgow to Lake District

Day 5: Glasgow to Lake District

Journey south from Glasgow to the enchanting Lake District, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes that have inspired countless writers. Visit the charming village of Grasmere, where you will learn about the life of poet William Wordsworth and visit his final resting place.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lake District to Cardiff via Ludlow

Day 6: Lake District to Cardiff via Ludlow

Travel to the ancient town of Ludlow, known for its stunning castle and rich royal history. Spend time exploring the traditional open-air market and local crafts before crossing into southern Wales. Arrive in Cardiff, the capital city, for an orientation tour that includes Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Cardiff to Plymouth via Bath and Glastonbury

Day 7: Cardiff to Plymouth via Bath and Glastonbury

Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and head to the golden Georgian city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a hub of culture and education. 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 arriving at your hotel in Plymouth.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Dartmoor and Plymouth

Day 8: Exploring Dartmoor and Plymouth

Choose between a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park, reconnecting with nature amidst stunning landscapes, or a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbour, taking in sights such as the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel, and Plymouth Hoe. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable Farm-to-Table dining experience at Heskyn Mill, savoring a meal prepared from organic seasonal produce.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Plymouth to London via Stonehenge

Day 9: Plymouth to London via Stonehenge

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Conclude your journey upon arrival at your hotel in London.

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