Elegance of Great Britain (Small Groups, Start London, 12 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
London
Duration
12 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on a 12-day journey through the United Kingdom's most iconic cities and attractions. This multi-day tour will take you from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of the English Lake District, the historic charm of Edinburgh, and the architectural marvels of Bath. Discover the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the UK, with visits to famous landmarks such as Stonehenge, York Minster, and Blenheim Palace. Enjoy traditional Scottish tea at Ardgowan, cruise through the tranquil waters of the Lake District, and explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford. This tour offers a unique blend of guided activities and leisure time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the UK's diverse offerings at your own pace.

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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 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.

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10 night hotel accommodation

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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.

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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 Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickhire, England, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.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
Woodstock
York
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh

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, spend the afternoon exploring the city's renowned attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, admire the elegant boutiques in Knightsbridge, or walk along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Edinburgh

  • London
  • Edinburgh
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In the morning, embark on a scenic train journey through the lush English countryside to Edinburgh, the land of legends and romance. Upon arrival, relax at your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
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Discover the highlights of Edinburgh with a Local Expert. Drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial, explore the 18th-century New Town, and visit the historic Old Town. Marvel at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the National Gallery.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: From Edinburgh to the English Lake District

Day 4: From Edinburgh to the English Lake District

Leave the Scottish capital behind and journey to Ardgowan, a stunning coastal estate. Enjoy a traditional Scottish tea and learn about the area's history. Continue to Gretna Green, famous for its blacksmith's shop where runaway lovers were married. End the day in the picturesque English Lake District.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering the English Lake District

Day 5: Discovering the English Lake District

Spend the day exploring the scenic English Lake District, a haven for nature lovers and poets alike. Visit Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere, appreciate the region's natural beauty on a relaxing cruise, and embark on a nostalgic steam train ride along the banks of the River Leven.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: From the Lake District to York

  • Bowness-on-Windermere
  • York
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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, and enjoy a home-hosted meal at the historic Thirsk Hall.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Exploring York

  • York
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Explore the historic city of York, once controlled by the Vikings. Walk within the city walls with a Local Expert to see the York Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets and see the Shambles. In the afternoon, choose between a visit to the National Railway Museum or the magnificent York Minster.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: From York to Stratford

Day 8: From York to Stratford

Visit Lincoln Castle, one of England's finest Norman castles, and see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Continue to the beautiful town of Stratford, situated on the River Avon.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Discovering Stratford

  • Stratford-upon-Avon
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Explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare, filled with fascinating memorabilia and artefacts related to his life. Later, join your Travel Director for a delightful dinner.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: From Stratford to Bath

  • Woodstock
  • Bath
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Travel through the picturesque 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 Georgian city of Bath, where your Travel Director will introduce you to the Pulteney Bridge.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Bath

  • Bath
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath, built above Britain's thermal mineral springs. Explore the well-preserved Roman Baths, and consider a visit to the Thermae Spa to relax and soak. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: From Bath to London via Stonehenge

  • London - Departure day
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Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric Stonehenge, a mysterious monument dating back up to 5,000 years. Continue to Salisbury, where you can explore the city and see England's tallest spire atop the medieval cathedral. Your journey concludes upon arrival at your London hotel.

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