Best of England, Wales and Scotland
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 19-day journey through the heart of the United Kingdom, exploring its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling streets of London to the academic charm of Oxford, the picturesque Cotswolds, and the cultural vibrancy of Cardiff. Discover the musical heritage of Liverpool, the natural beauty of the Lake District, and the enchanting landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Immerse yourself in the historic allure of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and experience the breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands. With a perfect blend of guided tours, free time, and unique experiences, this tour offers an in-depth exploration of the UK's most iconic destinations. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the company of fellow travelers as you create memories to last a lifetime.
Included
17 breakfasts, 2 lunches
All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION:
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS:
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION:
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES:
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Hotel (16 nights), Guesthouse (2 night)
hotel: 16 night(s), guesthouse: 2 night(s);
Oxford - Punting Activity
Moreton-in-Marsh - Cotswolds day trip & picnic lunch
Cardiff - Cardiff guided city tour (Dr Who theme)
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) - Included guided hike: Lôn Gwyrfai trail from Beddgelert to Rhyd Ddu
Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking tour
Chester - boat tour
Windermere - West Shore Lakeside Walk
Edinburgh - Leader led walking tour
Fort William - West Highland Railway Line train journey
Isle of Skye - Leader-led Whisky Tasting
Glenfinnan - Railway Viaduct Crossing
Isle of Skye - Guided hike
Isle of Skye - Guided private bus tour of Trotternish Peninsula
Fort Augustus - Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Inverness - Culloden Battlefield visit
Inverness - River Ness walk
Edinburgh - Invisible Cities guided walking tour
The main mode of transport on this trip is trains. These are modern and equipped with air conditioning and charging points. Train travel in UK is comfortable and takes you directly into the city centre of your destination. Most of the train station facilities will include lifts, but please note, you will be responsible for carrying your luggage on the platform and on and off the train.
Train , Private vehicle
Destinations
Inverness
London
Glasgow
Oxford
Cardiff
Edinburgh
LiverpoolMap
Attractions
Chester Zoo
Reading Museum
Maiwand Lion
Caversham Court
The Grosvenor MuseumDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: London
- London - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of London, where your adventure begins. Arrive early to explore this historic metropolis, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Afterward, the night is yours to enjoy a West End show or dine at a restaurant with a stunning view of the city.
Day 2 – Day 2: Oxford
- Oxford
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- South Street Arts Centre
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After a hearty breakfast, embark on a train journey to Oxford, a city steeped in academic prestige and medieval charm. Upon arrival, partake in the quintessential Oxford experience of punting along the serene waterways. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's iconic college campuses or enjoying a leisurely picnic at the Botanic Gardens.
Day 3 – Day 3: Oxford
- Oxford
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- Reading Museum
- Maiwand Lion
- Caversham Court
- Albert Park
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Today is yours to delve deeper into Oxford's rich history. Consider a guided tour of the University of Oxford's historic buildings and libraries. Explore the intriguing Oxford Castle and Prison or visit the Ashmolean Museum. For a grand finale, venture to Blenheim Palace, a magnificent 300-year-old estate.
Day 4 – Day 4: Cotswolds
Day 4: Cotswolds
Embark on a day trip to the picturesque Cotswolds, a region renowned for its rolling hills and charming villages. Explore the idyllic countryside, characterized by its distinctive yellow limestone architecture. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty before heading to Moreton-in-Marsh for an overnight stay.
Day 5 – Day 5: Cardiff
- Cardiff
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Travel to Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales. After lunch, embark on a guided walking tour exploring the city's connections to the iconic Dr Who series. Visit filming locations and city hotspots, and later, explore Cardiff Castle, a historical landmark with nearly 2000 years of history.
Day 6 – Day 6: Beddgelert and Bangor
Day 6: Beddgelert and Bangor
- Treborth Botanic Garden
- Llyn Padarn and Llanberis View Point
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Journey to the quaint village of Beddgelert, nestled in the heart of Snowdonia. Embark on a scenic hike along the Lon Gwyrfai path, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. After a group lunch, travel to Bangor, the oldest city in Wales, where you can relax or explore local cathedrals.
Day 7 – Day 7: Liverpool
- Liverpool
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- Chester Zoo
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Arrive in Liverpool, the birthplace of The Beatles. Join a Beatles-themed walking tour, exploring iconic sites such as the Georgian Quarter and local pubs where the band began their journey. Discover music shops and record stores, and learn about Liverpool's rich musical history. Enjoy a group dinner at a local pub.
Day 8 – Day 8: Chester and Liverpool
- Liverpool
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- The Grosvenor Museum
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Take a short train ride to Chester, a city with Roman roots. Enjoy a boat cruise along the River Dee, taking in the city's ancient Roman walls. After some free time for lunch, return to Liverpool for a relaxed evening, perhaps visiting a local pub to mingle with the locals.
Day 9 – Day 9: Windermere
Day 9: Windermere
Travel to Windermere in the Lake District, a region renowned for its stunning landscapes and literary heritage. After lunch, enjoy a guided walk along the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England. Spend the evening exploring the town or relaxing at your hotel.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lake District National Park
Day 10: Lake District National Park
Spend a day exploring the Lake District National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Choose from a variety of hikes and activities, or take a boat tour on Lake Windermere. Visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or explore Beatrix Potter's home in Near Sawrey.
Day 11 – Day 11: Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
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Arrive in Edinburgh, a city of literary and historical significance. Join a walking tour to explore the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Visit Edinburgh Castle or hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.
Day 12 – Day 12: Glasgow
- Glasgow
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Travel to Glasgow, a city renowned for its vibrant music scene and rich history. Visit the Riverside Museum to learn about Glasgow's transport heritage, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Clyde. In the evening, meet your new group for a welcome meeting and dinner in Merchant City.
Day 13 – Day 13: Fort William
Day 13: Fort William
Embark on the West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William, a journey through Scotland's stunning landscapes. Arrive in Fort William, known for its outdoor activities and proximity to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or take a short countryside walk.
Day 14 – Day 14: Mallaig and Isle of Skye
- Glenfinnan
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Continue your journey on the West Highland Line, passing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Arrive in Mallaig and take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, known for its dramatic landscapes and natural wonders. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy some free time to relax and explore.
Day 15 – Day 15: Isle of Skye
Day 15: Isle of Skye
Join a morning hike to experience Skye's breathtaking scenery and wildlife. Afterward, embark on a bus tour around the Trotternish Peninsula, visiting iconic sites like the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Explore local galleries or museums, and if time permits, visit Dunvegan Castle.
Day 16 – Day 16: Fort Augustus and Inverness
- Inverness
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Depart Skye and travel to Fort Augustus, located at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the legendary loch, keeping an eye out for the elusive Nessie. Continue to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 17 – Day 17: Culloden Battlefield and Inverness
- Inverness
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Visit the historic Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite uprising. Explore the somber grounds and learn about its significance. Back in Inverness, take a walk along the River Ness and visit Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore the city's attractions and shops.
Day 18 – Day 18: Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
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Return to Edinburgh, a city celebrated for its literary heritage and stunning architecture. Join a unique tour led by someone who has experienced homelessness, offering a different perspective on the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Edinburgh's attractions, shops, and vibrant nightlife.
Day 19 – Day 19: Departure from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh - Departure day
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Conclude your journey in Edinburgh, with the day free for any last-minute exploration or shopping. If you wish to extend your stay or explore more of Scotland, consider additional adventures on the Orkney or Shetland Islands. Safe travels!
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