Best of Britain (Small Groups, 11 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
11 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the heart of England and Wales, exploring their rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, the medieval charm of York, and the ancient mysteries of Stonehenge. Along the way, you'll visit iconic landmarks, discover the birthplace of Shakespeare, and explore the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique adventure, this tour promises a wealth of experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.

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Included

10 Breakfast (B)

3 Dinner with Wine (DW)

York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.

Cornwall: John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savor 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. Heskyn Mill Farm advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.

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Choice of hotels:

Hotel Romanico Palace

Hotel Anthenaeum Florence

Bellini Venezia

Hotel Giotto Assisi

Hotel Regina

Grand Hotel Cesare Augusto

Kolbe Hotel Rome

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

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

Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbor, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.

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 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN 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 center 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: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.

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 monoliths 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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Map

Attractions

Paignton Zoo Environmental ParkPaignton Zoo
Muchelney Abbey, Muchelney, South Somerset, Somerset, South West England, England, United KingdomMuchelney Abbey
Summer sun over the River Taff and Millennium sports stadium in Cardiff.Millennium Stadium
Plymouth Naval Memorial, Plymouth, South West England, England, United KingdomPlymouth Naval Memorial

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in London

  • London - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of London! After settling into your hotel, you have the afternoon free to explore. You might choose to take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, window shop in the upscale boutiques of Knightsbridge, or wander along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Stratford-upon-Avon and York

  • London
  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • York
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Begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, a town rich in history and the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Discover the profound impact of Shakespeare's works on society as you explore his birthplace. Continue to the historic city of York, where you'll stroll through narrow lanes and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner with your Travel Director.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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Today, you'll get a glimpse of Hadrian's Wall, a remarkable Roman construction that once marked the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Continue past the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey on your way to Edinburgh, the stunning capital of Scotland, where you'll spend the next two nights. In the evening, you might choose to enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at Ghillie Dhu.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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Join a Local Expert in the morning to explore the Royal Mile, where you'll see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th-century New Town with its neoclassical facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the Honours of Scotland, and view the Stone of Destiny. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo, a vibrant display of pipes, drums, and dance set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Loch Lomond and Glasgow

  • Glasgow
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Drive through the historic sites of Bannockburn and Stirling, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the beautiful 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 including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: The English Lake District

Day 6: The English Lake District

Travel through Gretna Green to the English Lake District, a region so picturesque it inspired many writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the charming, stone-built village of Grasmere.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Ludlow and Cardiff

  • Cardiff
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  • Millennium Stadium
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Stop in the ancient town of Ludlow, dominated by its castle rich in tragic royal history. Explore the traditional open-air market and sample local crafts and produce. Cross into southern Wales and head for Cardiff, the capital city. During an orientation of the port city, see Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Bath, Glastonbury, and Plymouth

  • Bath
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  • Muchelney Abbey
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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 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. View the ruined monastery before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Dartmoor and Plymouth

Day 9: Dartmoor and Plymouth

  • Paignton Zoo
  • Plymouth Naval Memorial
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Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park, spending 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. In the evening, savor an unforgettable Celebration Dinner at Heskyn Mill. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Stonehenge and Return to London

  • London
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Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the awe-inspiring monoliths are believed 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.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Farewell

Day 11: Farewell

Bid farewell to England and Wales as your unforgettable journey comes to an end this morning.

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