|
11 Days ~ England
& Scotland
Tour Pace
This tour is leisurely
paced with two night stays in every place visited. In each city we include
an expertly planned day excursion, with fabulous visits, designed to
showcase each region in depth.
DAY 1 – THU –
LONDON – WINCHESTER
After a warm welcome from
your Tour Director, you will make your way to the Kent countryside and the
pretty village of Westerham. Here Winston Churchill watches over the neat
village green and you visit his nearby residence of Chartwell. Continue
through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the
tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the
fortified manor house and stroll the pretty gardens. Move on to your hotel
in the fine cathedral town of Winchester for the evening, where you can
enjoy a Welcome Drink. Hotel: The Winchester. (dinner)
DAY 2 – FRI – NEW
FOREST EXCURSION
Now back to our hotel. A
scenic drive through the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu where you will
visit the Palace House and Abbey ruins, and the collection of cars in the
National Motor Museum. Travel on to Salisbury to see the 13th century
cathedral, whose spire is the tallest in the land. After some free time,
visit nearby Wilton House, one of the finest homes in Britain, with state
rooms by Inigo Jones containing a remarkable collection of paintings. Back
in Winchester, be sure to take time to explore the High Street and
cathedral. (breakfast)
DAY 3 – SAT –
HAMPSHIRE – STRATFORD
The country roads lead
you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in
a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Continue on to
Stratford–upon–Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, full of
memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life. Hotel: Swans Nest. (breakfast)
DAY 4 – SUN –
COTSWOLDS EXCURSION
An enchanting day takes
you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden
stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the
greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of
Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After touring the house and
gardens, visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King
Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine Parr. (breakfast, dinner)
DAY 5 – MON –
STRATFORD – LAKE DISTRICT
Travel through the
orchards of Worcestershire to the border town of Ludlow with its impressive
castle ruins. As you drive through the remote Shropshire hills, you will
pass Wenlock Edge, which is celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman. Reach
historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and
marvel at the 200-year-old Iron Bridge before continuing north to the
stunning English Lake District. Hotel: Windermere Hydro. (breakfast, dinner)
DAY 6 – TUE –
LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION
A whole day is set aside
to relax and explore the Lake District – a scenic wonderland of rugged
mountains and tranquil waters and an inspiration to a host of English poets.
Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire
the vast expanse of Windermere, the largest of the lakes. Consider taking a
cruise on its peaceful waters before returning to the hotel. (breakfast, dinner)
DAY 7 – WED –
LAKE DISTRICT – EDINBURGH
Cross the Cumbrian
mountains and the Scottish border at Gretna – for years the destination of
eloping English lovers. Spend your spare time shopping before enjoying the
contrasting beauty of the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Here,
discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens which
form a remarkable haven of tranquility in the south of the city, as well as
being a world-renowned centre for botanical science. Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor.
(breakfast)
DAY 8 – THU –
SCOTTISH EXCURSION
See the highlights of
Edinburgh: Holyroodhouse, St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, the
Castle and New Town. Cross the Firth of Forth en route to St Andrews, the
home of golf. Visit the ruined cathedral, see Scotland’s oldest university
and the most famous golf course in the world. Tonight, selected departures
enjoy the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (breakfast)
DAY 9 – FRI –
EDINBURGH – HARROGATE
Travel through the
Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th century estate of Sir Walter
Scott which now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artifacts
collected throughout his lifetime. Head south past Jedburgh Abbey and over
the border to visit Hadrian’s Wall and on to Harrogate. A well-known spa
town since the 16th century, it is also famous for its gardens. Enjoy a
Highlight Dinner in a traditional local inn. Hotel: Kimberley. (breakfast,
Specialty Highlight Dinner)
DAY 10 – SAT –
YORKSHIRE EXCURSION
After breakfast, make the
short journey to the walled city of York. See the huge Minster, Britain’s
largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets,
including the Shambles. Visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard,
with its tapestries and scenic gardens, before returning to your hotel in
Harrogate. (breakfast, dinner)
DAY 11 – SUN –
HARROGATE – LONDON
Travel south to visit
Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts. The
chilling dungeon contrasts with the splendour of the State Rooms and
baronial Great Hall. Continue to London and bid farewell to your Tour
Director. (breakfast) |
