Elegance of Great Britain (Classic, Start London, 12 Days) (9 destinations)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
12 days
Languages
English
Minimum age
5 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the heart of the United Kingdom, exploring its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of London to the serene beauty of the Lake District, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic exploration. Discover the historic charm of Edinburgh, the literary legacy of the Brontës, and the architectural wonders of York. Experience the timeless allure of Stratford-upon-Avon, the elegance of Bath, and the mystery of Stonehenge. With comfortable accommodations, expert guides, and unique experiences, this tour promises an enriching adventure through some of Britain's most iconic destinations.

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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 on the 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.

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11 Breakfast (B)

5 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.

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.

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11 nights accommodation included

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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.

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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.

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.

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Destinations

Photo of aerial view of the Church of the Holy Trinity, where Shakesphere is buried, River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England.Stratford-upon-Avon
Bath - city in United KingdomBath
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
Bowness-on-Windermere
York
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh

Map

Attractions

Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, North East England, England, United KingdomStewart Park
Ponderosa Zoo, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire and the Humber, England, United KingdomPonderosa Zoo
Photo of beautiful Southampton City Art Gallery, United Kingdom.Southampton City Art Gallery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: London

  • London - Arrival day
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Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of London. After settling into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to explore. Take a leisurely walk through Hyde Park, indulge in some window shopping in Knightsbridge, or wander along the Thames to marvel at the iconic Tower Bridge and the historic Tower of London.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: London to Edinburgh

  • London
  • Edinburgh
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Embark on a scenic train journey from London to Edinburgh, traversing the lush English countryside. Upon arrival in the Scottish capital, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a warm welcome.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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Discover the charm of Edinburgh with a local expert. Drive along Princes Street to admire the Scott Memorial, explore the neoclassical New Town, and visit the historic Palace of Holyroodhouse. At Edinburgh Castle, delve into Scotland's rich history. Spend your afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the National Gallery or attending the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on select departures.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Edinburgh to the Lake District

  • Edinburgh
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Leave Edinburgh behind and journey to the picturesque Ardgowan Estate. Here, you'll be welcomed by Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart and learn about the estate's history and conservation efforts. Continue to Gretna Green, famous for its romantic elopements, before heading to the stunning landscapes of the English Lake District.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering the Lake District

Day 5: Discovering the Lake District

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Lake District. Visit the quaint village of Grasmere, where you can pay your respects at Wordsworth's grave. Enjoy a serene cruise on the lakes, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and islands. Conclude your day with a nostalgic steam train ride along the River Leven.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lake District to York

  • Bowness-on-Windermere
  • York
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  • Stewart Park
  • Ponderosa Zoo
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Travel through the scenic Yorkshire Dales to the charming village of Haworth. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum to delve into the literary legacy of the Brontë family. Continue your journey to the historic city of York, where you'll enjoy a unique Dine-at-Home Experience at the elegant Thirsk Hall.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring York

  • York
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Delve into York's rich history with a guided walk along its ancient walls. Visit the magnificent York Minster and explore the narrow, cobbled streets of The Shambles. In the afternoon, choose between visiting the National Railway Museum or further exploring York Minster, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's past.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: York to Stratford-upon-Avon

Day 8: York to Stratford-upon-Avon

Visit the historic Lincoln Castle, where you'll have the opportunity to see one of the remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Continue your journey to the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, beautifully situated on the River Avon, and steeped in the legacy of William Shakespeare.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Stratford-upon-Avon

  • Stratford-upon-Avon
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Explore the life and legacy of William Shakespeare with a visit to his birthplace, filled with fascinating memorabilia. Later, join your Travel Director for a traditional Sunday roast dinner, complete with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of England.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath

  • Bath
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Cross the picturesque Cotswold hills to visit the magnificent Blenheim Palace, a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. Learn about Churchill's life at Blenheim before continuing to the elegant city of Bath. Here, your Travel Director will introduce you to the stunning Pulteney Bridge, a marvel of Georgian architecture.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Relaxing in Bath

  • Bath
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Experience the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, renowned for its well-preserved Roman Baths. Spend the day at leisure, perhaps indulging in a relaxing soak at the Thermae Spa. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a celebratory dinner, toasting to the unforgettable journey you've shared.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Bath to London

  • London - Departure day
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  • Southampton City Art Gallery
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Conclude your journey with a visit to the enigmatic Stonehenge, a prehistoric marvel shrouded in mystery. Continue to Salisbury, where you'll have time to explore the city and admire the tallest spire in England at Salisbury Cathedral. Your tour concludes as you return to London, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories made along the way.

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