Elegance of Great Britain (Classic, Start London, 12 Days) (9 destinations)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the heart of Britain, exploring its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling city of London to the tranquil English countryside, the romantic landscapes of Scotland, and the historic cities of York and Bath. Discover iconic landmarks, visit world-renowned museums, and immerse yourself in local traditions. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and the company of like-minded travelers. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
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.
London: Take your comfortable, standard-class seats and relax as your cross-country train journey takes you through the green English countryside to Scotland - land of legends and romance.
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.
11 Breakfast (B)
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
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.
11 nights accommodation included
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
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, spend the afternoon exploring the city at your leisure. You might choose to take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park or browse the upscale boutiques of Knightsbridge. Alternatively, you could walk along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Edinburgh
- London
- Edinburgh
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In the morning, transfer to the train station for a scenic journey through the lush English countryside to Scotland. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, the rest of the day is yours to relax and get acquainted with this charming city. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
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Join a local expert for a tour of Edinburgh's highlights. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, then explore the 18th-century New Town with its neoclassical facades. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the National Gallery's art treasures.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Edinburgh to the English Lake District
- Edinburgh
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Leave Edinburgh behind and travel to Ardgowan, a stunning coastal estate. Learn about the area's history and conservation efforts, then enjoy a traditional Scottish tea. Continue to Gretna Green, famous for its blacksmith's shop where runaway lovers were married. Your journey then takes you to the picturesque English Lake District.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring the English Lake District
Day 5: Exploring the English Lake District
Spend the day exploring the English Lake District, a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters. Visit Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere, then enjoy a relaxing cruise with stunning views of mountains, bays, and wooded islands. End the day with a nostalgic steam train ride along the beautiful River Leven.
Day 6 – Day 6: From the Lake District to York
- Bowness-on-Windermere
- 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.
Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring York
- York
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Explore the historic city of York, known for its exquisite architecture. Walk within the city walls with a local expert to see the York Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral, and the Shambles. In the afternoon, choose between visiting the National Railway Museum or the magnificent York Minster.
Day 8 – Day 8: From York to Stratford
Day 8: From York to Stratford
Visit Lincoln Castle, one of England's finest Norman castles, where you'll have the chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Continue to the beautiful city of Stratford, situated on the River Avon.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Stratford
- Stratford-upon-Avon
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Discover how William Shakespeare and his works continue to captivate audiences today when you visit his birthplace, filled with fascinating memorabilia and artifacts. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful dinner.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Stratford to Bath
- Bath
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Travel through the beautiful Cotswold hills to the magnificent Blenheim Palace, a masterpiece of the English Baroque. Learn about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian. Continue to the elegant city of Bath, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the Pulteney Bridge.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Bath
- Bath
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath, built above one of Britain's thermal, mineral springs. Explore the well-preserved Roman Baths, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. You might choose to relax at the Thermae Spa. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Bath to London via Stonehenge and Salisbury
- London - Departure day
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- Southampton City Art Gallery
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Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge. Continue to the city of Salisbury, where you'll have time to explore and see the tallest spire in England atop the medieval cathedral. Your journey concludes upon arrival at your London hotel.
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