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Best of Britain |
11 day
tour from US$1825
Tour Type: Regional Europe |
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Highlight |
Itinerary |
What's
Included |
Optionals |
Dates
& Rates |
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HIGHLIGHT |
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Highlights:
- London
- Stonehenge
- Salisbury
- Looe
- Plymouth
- Glastonbury
- Wells
- Bath
- Cardiff
- Tintern
- Ludlow
- Chester
- Yorkshire Dales
- Lake District
- Glasgow
- Glencoe
- Fort William
- Culloden Moore
- Scottish Highlands
- Balmoral
- Crathie Church
- St. Andrews
- Edinburgh
- Jedburgh
- York
- Coventry
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Woodstock
- Bladon
- Oxford
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ITINERARY |
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| Best
of Britain |
Day
1 - London - Stonehenge - Salisbury - Looe - Plymouth
Greetings this morning from our Tour Director as we travel to
Salisbury Plain and ancient Stonehenge. Next we'll view Salisbury
Cathedral before travelling past Exeter and Dartmoor to cross the
River Tamar into Cornwall and the 12th century smugglers village of
Looe. This evening, we're off to Plymouth where we enjoy a welcome
drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions before
dinner at the hotel. (Continental breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Quality
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Day
2 - Plymouth - Bath - Cardiff
Today we make our way to Glastonbury to visit the Abbey ruins. Then
on through Wells with its majestic Cathedral to Bath where
orientation includes a visit to the Roman Baths. Next we cross the
Severn Bridge into Walles and its capital, Cardiff. Tonight, why not
join in at a medieval banquet at Cardiff's splendid castle? (Full
English breakfast)
Hotel: Jurys
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Day
3 - Cardiff - Tintern - Chester
We enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful Wye Valley, stopping to
view the ruins of Tintern Abbey. Then through Hereford to the Norman
town of Ludlow with its imposing castle. Next off to Chester for the
night. Here an orientation highlights its Cathedral, city walls,
Tudor architecture and galleried shops known as the 'Rows'. (Full
English breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn South
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Day
4 - Chester - Lake District - Glasgow
A day of glorious scenery as we travel through the Lancashire, home
to many of Lord Kitchener's troops in World War I. From here we head
into the beauty of the Lake District, travelling alongside Lake
Windermere and through the countryside which inspired Wordsworth's
poetry. We continue north into Scotland and through the Borders to
its largest city, Glasgow for the night.
(Full English breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn / Holiday Inn City West
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Day
5 - Glasgow - Glencoe - Scottish Highlands (Aviemore) (2 nights)
We enjoy a morning orientation tour before driving through
Scotland's rugged landscape. First we'll travel past the banks of
Loch Lomond on our way deep into the Highlands and on to Glencoe,
where we see the site of the famous massacre. Next past Britain's
highest peak, Ben Nevis, to Fort William to see the Commando
Memorial. Finally, our journey takes us through the glens to our
hotel for the next two nights. (Full English breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: MacDonald Highland Resort (2 nights)
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Day
6 - Highlands & Skye Excursion
A remarkable scenic day begins with a stop at Culloden Moor to see
the site of the battle which defeated the hopes of a Stuart
Monarchy. We drive along the shores of Loch Ness, then 'over the sea
to Skye'. We spend a short time on this beautiful Isle before more
stunning scenery, on our return journey to our hotel. (Full English
breakfast/ Dinner)
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Day
7 - Scottish Highlands - Balmoral - St. Andrews - Edinburgh (2
nights)
Today our first stop is a visit to the Ballroom of Balmoral Castle
(when open), the Royal Family's Scottish retreat. From here we're
off to Crathie Church, where Princess Anne was married. We continue
our journey through Braemar, host of the Royal Highland Games, to
St. Andrews and its world famous Golf Links. Finally, across the
splendid Forth Bridge, we arrive in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh
for two nights. During the Festival, we include tickets to the
spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (Full English breakfast)
Hotel: Novotel Centre / Holiday Inn (2 nights)
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Day
8 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Castle and
views Holyrood House, once the home of Mary Queen of Scots. The rest
of your day is at leisure perhaps to shop along Princes Street.
Tonight, why not enjoy an optional night out with bagpipes, Highland
dancing and haggis? (Full English breakfast)
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Day
9 - Edinburgh - York
This morning after breakfast we travel past ruined Jedburgh Abbey
into England. From here we continue through the Northumberland
National Park to Viking York. Here we admire the city walls and the
Minster with time to stroll through the 'Shambles'. Tonight we enjoy
dinner at our hotel in York. (Full English breakfast/ Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn
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Day
10 - York – Coventry – Shakespeare Country (Kenilworth)
Our day begins with a scenic drive through the Midlands to Coventry,
home of Lady Godiva, to see its old and new Cathedrals. From here
our journey takes us past Anne Hathaway's cottage to
Stratford-upon-Avon where we will visit Shakespeare's birthplace.
Later, we make our way to Kenilworth for dinner and our overnight
stay.
(Full english breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: De Montfort
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Day
11 - Kenilworth – Woodstock – Oxford – London
After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a scenic drive through the
Cotswold Hills. On our journey via Blenheim, we will stop in the
village of Woodstock perhaps for a cup of tea in one of the charming
cafes and then on to Bladon where we stop to view Sir Winston
Churchill's grave en route to Oxford. Here we visit one of the
famous Colleges (or the Sheldonian theatre when the Colleges are
closed). Later, we continue our drive back to London. (Full English
breakfast)
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Note:
Day 7
When Balmoral Castle is closed, we will visit Glamis Castle, the
childhood home of the late Queen Mother.
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WHAT'S
INCLUDED
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Best of Britain What's
Included
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Sightseeing
Highlights
- London:
Sightseeing tour.
- Stonehenge: Visit the
stone circle.
- Salisbury: View the
Cathedral.
- Looe: See the
picturesque smugglers' village.
- Plymouth: Sightseeing
including the Mayflower Steps.
- Glastonbury: Visit
the Abbey ruins.
- Wells: See the
Cathedral.
- Bath: Orientation
including a visit to the Roman Baths.
- Cardiff: View the
Castle.
- Tintern: See the
Abbey.
- Ludlow: Visit this
Norman town.
- Chester: Orientation
includes the Cathedral, city walls and a stroll along the
'Rows'.
- Yorkshire Dales:
Scenic drive through the heart of the Pennines.
- Lake District: See
the stunning area which inspired Wordsworth.
- Glasgow: Orientation
tour.
- Glencoe: See the
battle site and Clan Memorial.
- Fort William: See the
Commando Memorial.
- Culloden Moor: See
the famous 1746 battle site.
- Scottish Highlands:
Isle of Skye excursion.
- Balmoral: Visit the
Castle Ballroom (when open).
- Crathie Church: Visit
the church where Princess Anne was re- married.
- St. Andrews: See the
famous golf course.
- Edinburgh:
Sightseeing includes a visit to the Castle and views of
Holyrood House.
- Jedburgh: View the
Abbey ruins.
- York: Orientation
including the Minster and the 'Shambles'.
- Coventry: See the two
Cathedrals.
- Stratford-upon-Avon:
Visit Shakespeare's birthplace.
- Blenheim Palace:
Visit the magnificent grounds.
- Bladon: See Sir
Winston Churchill's grave.
- Oxford: Visit one of
the University's Colleges.
- Scenic drives across
Salisbury Plain, the Wye Valley, Yorkshire Dales, English
Lake District, the Scottish Borderlands, along the banks
of Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, the Highlands of Scotland,
through Northumberland National Park and the Cotswold
Hills.
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Dining
Highlights
- A welcome drink with your Tour
Director
- 10 full English breakfasts on tour
- 6 three-course dinners in hotels
- 1 local pub restaurant dinner in
Yorkshire
17 meals in total (see day-by-day
itinerary)
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First
Class Travel Highlights
- The services of one of Trafalgar's
top professional Tour Directors on tour.
- A qualified local city guide in
Edinburgh.
- The services of a qualified
Representative at your Trafalgar London hotel.
- Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's
luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats and
washroom.
- London Airport Transfers
- Complimentary pick-up and drop off
at your Trafalgar London Hotel on the day of departure and
return of the coach tour.
- You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms
with private facilities.
- All hotel service charges and
tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
- A stylish travel bag and wallet
containing tour documents and helpful information.
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Airport
Transfers
- London Gateways:
Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and
central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your
transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that
simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your
airport and Central London.
- Important – Please Note: Passengers
will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports
providing the following conditions are met
- You are staying at a London hotel,
booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night
prior to the date of your departure.
- Flights are either booked by
Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your
Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
- Only one included transfer both
inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar.
Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
- Heathrow Express operates between
05.10-23.30. Gatwick Express operates inbound services between
05.20-23.45 and outbound services from 04.30-23.45. Transfers
outside of these times are at the passengers own expense.
- In the event of unforeseen events
(road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not
be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
- No refund is available for
passengers not utilising this service.
- Why not upgrade to a Hotelink
transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London
hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the
additional upgrade price per person when booking)
- European Gateways: With
Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and
departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day
of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your
Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the
transfer times shown.
- Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who
book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart
outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and
departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
- Passengers arriving before or
leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a
transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar
providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post
tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of
transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
- Land only passengers arriving or
departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but
whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times
below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details
must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the
flight departure.
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Edinburgh
Tattoo: 4-26 August 2006
Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the
Festival. Applicable to departures July 27th through to August
17th.
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OPTIONALS |
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Best of Britain Optional Excursions
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Note:
All optional excursions listed are for
2004/2005 please use the information as a guide only.
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GB1
- Plymouth Harbour Cruise
A boat trip around the harbour of one of England’s most famous
seaports. View the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set
sail for America, and ships sailed for Australia, New Zealand and
Newfoundland. See panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe, site of
Drake’s legendary game of bowls. Into the Royal Navy Dockyard and
a chance to see some of the modern vessels of the Royal Navy. A
descriptive commentary is given by the skipper.
10.00 (£)
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GB2
- Lake Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride
A chance to view the glorious scenery of the lake district as we
cruise across England’s largest lake. Then step back in time as we
board the steam train for a short journey from Lakeside to
Haverthwaite.
11.00 (£)
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GB5
- Warwick Castle
This excursion allows you to explore the “jewel in the crown” of
England’s great medieval castles. You’ll visit the Armoury, the
grim Dungeon, the magnificent State Apartments and the haunted
tower. The really adventurous can climb Guy’s and Caesar’s
Towers for panoramic views out over the Warwickshire countryside and
the River Avon far below.
14.00 (£)
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GB14
- Welsh Banquet
Go back in time to experience a medieval musical event. Hear stories
of Wales in days of old and enjoy the beautiful Welsh voices of the
Ladies of the Court. There’s also a chance to tour the castle
before the banquet.
35.00 (£)
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GB17
- Nevis Cable Car
A spectacular ride to the heart of the Nevis Mountain Range.
Here’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to stand almost on the
'roof of Britain' and enjoy views of Scotland’s most breathtaking
scenery.
8.50 (£)
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GB21
- Edinburgh Night Out
Join us for a relaxed evening with a leisurely drive followed by
dinner in a traditional Scottish pub.
24.00 (£)
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GB22
- Edinburgh Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening
of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a
great atmosphere. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a
Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s
national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to
celebrate anevening in Edinburgh.
36.50 (£)
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GB23
- Loch Lomond Boat Trip
Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we
cruise across the loch the skipper will tell you stories and point
out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery. It
really is a photographer's paradise! NB. The boats are covered
launches and will operate subject to suitable weather conditions.
9.00 (£)
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GB36
- Cardiff Castle Tour
Visit this unique castle given to the city of Cardiff by the Marquis
of Bute. The ornate decor within the castle will surprise and
delight you.
10.00 (£)
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GB91
- Highlands Sheepdog Demonstration
Visit a working sheep farm where the farmer gives a demonstration of
the work and training of border Collies.
9.00 (£)
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GB104
- Welsh Evening
A Welsh country dinner in a 14th century thatched pub. A drink is
included.
24.00 (£)
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DATES
& RATES |
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*These prices are correct at
the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at
the time of booking.
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