Best of Britain - Classic Group

12 days
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4.6/5Ā Excellent
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Group Tour
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to expansive lakes and scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of W...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Plymouth: Set sail on a scenic cruise from Plymouthharbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
    • Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park.Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.
    • 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.
    • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
    • Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
    • Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the centre of town. Even though it is now in ruins it is still a magnificent structure and you can climb a spiral staircase to view the spectacular architecture from a balcony. Built by King David I of Scotland for Augustinian monks, Jedburgh is one of four major Abbeys of the Borders between England and Scotland, and was damaged and rebuilt several times during the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
    • Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.
    • 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 Queen, 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.

What's this trip about?

    See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to expansive lakes and scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields and sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel. Finally, indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLondon
End CityLondon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • England

Attractions

  • Cardiff
  • Dartmoor National Park
  • Edinburgh
  • Lake District
  • London
  • Stonehenge
  • York

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.

Day 2: London and Medieval York

At 07:30, meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, f...

Day 3: Hadrian's Wall to Edinburgh

See a part of Hadrian's Wall, once spanning 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

Breakfast

Day 4: Edinburgh Sightseeing

In the morning, join a Local Expert to see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty the Queen, at the end of the Royal Mile. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades....

Day 5: Loch Lomond to Glasgow

Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.

Breakfast

Day 6: The Glorious Lake District

Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.

Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: The Welsh Marches and Cardiff

Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of Englandā€™s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into sout...

Day 8: Georgian Bath and Devon

Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to ...

Day 9: Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, en...

Day 10: Stonehenge and London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Return to London for a final evening at leisure.

Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London.

Breakfast

Day 11: Homeward Bound

Your journey ends this morning.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,525
Price per day$294
Last Updated: 10/16/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5Ā Ā Excellent
Excellent
13,267
Great
2,886
Average
919
Disappointing
250
Terrible
214
L

Lyndon Lamb

Oct 2022

Written on

Best of Britain

I would have liked to see more of the sites in Edi...

J

Janet Giles

Oct 2022

Written on

Best of Britain

Frequent stops were good but while stopping at Gas Station Comfort stops is ef...

J

Judy Laessig

Sep 2022

Written on

Best of Britain

The itinerary was aggressive. I would have preferred to stay in some places more than one night. Remove other stops. The skylark restaurant needs to be removed. It...

M

Michael Ping Chung Lam

Sep 2022

Written on

Best of Britain

The itinerary was well balanced and relax. At the same time, it i...

S

Sheila Perrott

Sep 2022

Written on

Best of Britain

We had a good overview of the 3 countries

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Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights ofĀ destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brandā€™s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter ExperienceĀ®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What theyā€™re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Amba Hotel Marble Arch, London. Hilton York. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh. Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere. Clayton Hotel, Cardiff. Jurys Inn Plymouth.,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-B903N17

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