Best of the United Kingdom

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
27 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a thrilling 27-day journey across England and Scotland, exploring the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures of these iconic destinations. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of city exploration and countryside adventure, taking you from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil beauty of the Lake District, the enchanting Isle of Skye, and the historic city of Edinburgh. Along the way, you'll visit iconic landmarks, delve into local myths and legends, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a city explorer, this tour offers something for everyone.

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Included

25 breakfasts, 3 lunches

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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.

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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 (24 nights), Guesthouse (2 night)

hotel: 24 night(s), guesthouse: 2 night(s);

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Salisbury - Leader led walk

Stonehenge visit

Dartmoor Princetown Walk guided walk & picnic lunch

Land’s End visit

Porthcurno guided hike

Minack Open Air Theatre visit

Tintagel - Port Isaac Leader led walk

Tintagel - St Michael's Rock visit

Tintagel -Tintagel Castle visit

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 - Chester boat tour

Liverpool - Liverpool guided walking 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

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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

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Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Salisbury cathedral in the spring morning, England.Salisbury
Tintagel
Highland - region in United KingdomInverness
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
Glenfinnan
Photo of aerial view of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom.Glasgow
Oxford - city in United KingdomOxford
Photo of Cardiff, United Kingdom by Margaret DeckerCardiff
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh
Photo of aerial view of Liverpool ,England.Liverpool

Map

Attractions

Paignton Zoo Environmental ParkPaignton Zoo
Reading MuseumReading Museum
Maiwand LionMaiwand Lion
Caversham Court, Reading, South East England, England, United KingdomCaversham Court
Hidden Valley, St. Thomas the Apostle Rural, Cornwall, South West England, England, United KingdomHidden Valley
Photo of beautiful Southampton City Art Gallery, United Kingdom.Southampton City Art Gallery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to London

  • London - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of London, England's capital. Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After the meeting, feel free to explore the city's bustling nightlife, perhaps catching a West End show or enjoying a fancy dinner with a view.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: London to Salisbury

  • Salisbury
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  • Southampton City Art Gallery
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After breakfast, we'll leave London behind and travel by train to Salisbury, a charming city in England's southern heartland. Upon arrival, join your trip leader for an orientation walk before exploring the city at your leisure. Don't miss the Salisbury Cathedral, a stunning example of Early English Gothic architecture.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Salisbury to Dartmoor via Stonehenge

Day 3: Salisbury to Dartmoor via Stonehenge

Today, we'll delve into the mysteries of Stonehenge, one of Britain's most iconic archaeological sites. After immersing ourselves in its rich history, we'll continue to Dartmoor. Spend the rest of the day exploring the town's museums and galleries, or relax in a cosy pub.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Dartmoor to Penzance

Day 4: Dartmoor to Penzance

  • Paignton Zoo
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Today, we'll explore Dartmoor's stunning landscapes on the Dartmoor Princetown walk. Keep an eye out for the famed Dartmoor ponies and enjoy sweeping views across the rugged moors. Afterward, we'll travel to the seaside town of Penzance, where you can spend the afternoon exploring its picturesque streets and charming boutiques.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Penzance

Day 5: Exploring Penzance

Today, we'll head out to admire Land's End, a landmark known for its impressive natural beauty. Enjoy a hike to Porthcurno and marvel at the stunning coastal landscapes. We'll also visit The Minack Theatre, a spectacular open-air venue overlooking the water. The rest of the day is yours to explore Penzance at your own pace.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Penzance to Tintagel via Port Isaac

  • Tintagel
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Today, we'll visit St Michaels Mount, a fascinating tidal island in Mount's Bay. After exploring the island, we'll travel to the historic fishing village of Port Isaac. A guided walk will showcase the history and highlights of this cosy hub before we continue on to Tintagel, a destination with historic ties to King Arthur.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring Tintagel

  • Tintagel
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  • Hidden Valley
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Today, we'll step back in time with a visit to Tintagel Castle, a historic site set along the clifftops of North Cornwall. Uncover the history, myth, and tales of King Arthur and enjoy the dramatic views. The rest of the day is yours to explore Tintagel at your leisure.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Tintagel to London via Newquay

  • London
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Today, we'll bid farewell to the panoramic coastline and vast landscapes of Tintagel and make our way to Newquay before catching the train back to London. Upon arrival, the evening is yours to spend at your own pace. Perhaps celebrate the final evening of this leg of your journey with a group dinner at one of London's many exciting pubs or restaurants.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Free Day in London

  • London
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After breakfast, you're free to explore London as you wish. Be sure to return to your hotel at 6 pm for a meeting with your new group and potentially a new trip leader. After the meeting, why not grab a pub dinner, go on a self-paced walk around town, or treat yourself to some cocktails at a fancy restaurant.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: London to Oxford

  • Oxford
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  • Caversham Court
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After breakfast, we'll take a train to Oxford, a city renowned for its prestigious university. Upon arrival, enjoy a spot of punting, a timeless Oxford tradition, and admire the city from the water. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit the famed college campuses or the Botanic Gardens.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Oxford

  • Oxford
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  • Reading Museum
  • Maiwand Lion
  • Caversham Court
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After breakfast, you have the day free to explore Oxford. It's highly recommended that you take a tour of the University of Oxford, explore Oxford Castle and Prison, or visit the Ashmolean Museum. Don't miss the chance to check out Blenheim Palace, a 300-year-old country house in Woodstock. Reconnect with your group in the evening for dinner.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh via Cotswolds

Day 12: Oxford to Moreton-in-Marsh via Cotswolds

Today, we'll take a day trip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its distinctive local yellow limestone buildings. Explore the English countryside and the peaceful beauty of the local villages. If the weather is right, enjoy a picnic lunch in the park with your group. We'll spend the night in Moreton-in-Marsh.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Moreton-in-Marsh to Cardiff

  • Cardiff
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After breakfast, we'll take a train to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy a walking tour with a local guide, exploring various filming locations related to Dr Who. After the tour, you'll have the afternoon free to explore, perhaps visiting Cardiff Castle. Spend the evening at your leisure.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Cardiff to Bangor via Beddgelert

Day 14: Cardiff to Bangor via Beddgelert

Today, we'll travel to Beddgelert, a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales. Upon arrival, take a scenic hike on the Lon Gwyrfai path to Rhyd Ddu, winding through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands, and viewpoints spanning across the valley. Afterward, we'll continue to Bangor, the oldest city in Wales.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: Bangor to Liverpool via Chester

  • Liverpool
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After breakfast, we'll travel to Chester, a city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Enjoy a boat cruise along the River Dee and sightsee this ancient city from the water. Afterward, we'll continue to Liverpool, where you can spend the evening exploring the city's vibrant nightlife.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Exploring Liverpool

  • Liverpool
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Today, we'll explore Liverpool, the hometown of The Beatles. Join a Beatles-themed walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the Georgian Quarter, and local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey. After the tour, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Liverpool to Windermere

Day 17: Liverpool to Windermere

After breakfast, we'll take a train to Windermere, in the famous Lake District of England. Upon arrival, explore the town of Windermere and then take a guided walk with your trip leader along the shore of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in the country. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Free Day in Windermere

Day 18: Free Day in Windermere

Today, you have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park. Your trip leader will have many suggestions for hikes, short walks, and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour on Windermere Lake, visit Beatrix Potter's home in Near Sawrey, or explore the Castlerigg Stone Circle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Day 19

Day 19 – Day 19: Windermere to Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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After breakfast, we'll take a train to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital. Upon arrival, take a walking tour with your trip leader, exploring the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. After the tour, you have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit Edinburgh Castle or head to Arthur's Seat, an imposing peak with sweeping views over the city.

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Day 20

Day 20 – Day 20: Edinburgh to Glasgow

  • Glasgow
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This morning, we'll travel to Glasgow, a city full of character, history, and flair. Upon arrival, attend the welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the travellers joining you on this leg of the trip and your new trip leader. After the meeting, you're free to explore Glasgow at your own pace.

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Day 21

Day 21 – Day 21: Glasgow to Fort William

Day 21: Glasgow to Fort William

After a short walk to the train station, we'll catch the early morning train to Fort William, a journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Upon arrival, you'll have time to explore this famous town, known for its variety of outdoor activities and the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.

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Day 22

Day 22 – Day 22: Fort William to Isle of Skye via Mallaig

  • Glenfinnan
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Today, we'll complete our train journey on the West Highland Line, passing through enchanting landscapes and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. Upon arrival in Mallaig, we'll hop on a ferry to the Isle of Skye, known for its captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, and undulating moorland.

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Day 23

Day 23 – Day 23: Exploring Isle of Skye

Day 23: Exploring Isle of Skye

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery of the Isle of Skye. After the hike, we'll take a private bus tour to explore the Trotternish Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic landscapes. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.

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Day 24

Day 24 – Day 24: Isle of Skye to Inverness via Fort Augustus

  • Inverness
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Today, we'll leave the enchanting Isle of Skye and travel back to the mainland. Our journey continues to Fort Augustus, where we'll enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the legendary Loch Ness. Afterward, we'll head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands.

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Day 25

Day 25 – Day 25: Exploring Inverness

  • Inverness
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Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. The rest of the day is free to explore. Perhaps visit the castle or a local whisky store, or do some souvenir shopping.

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Day 26

Day 26 – Day 26: Inverness to Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Upon arrival, you'll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

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Day 27

Day 27 – Day 27: Farewell Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
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With no activities planned for today, you're free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don't blame you. With a history of over 10,000 years, there's so much to see and do.

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