FOCUS ON BRITAIN

Your itinerary

9 Days ~ England ~ Scotland

Tour Pace
Covering the length of Britain in just over a week, this tour may seem a bit brisk at times. However, the itinerary is interspersed with frequent stops for sightseeing, free time in the towns and cities and even a leisurely cruise!

DAY 1 – SAT – LONDON – STRATFORD

After meeting your Tour Director at the Thistle Marble Arch, settle into your coach seat for the short drive to Hampton Court Palace, built in 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey. Visit the grounds, home to the beautiful Palace Gardens, the oldest tennis courts in England and the great vine. Continue along the Thames Valley, passing Runnymede, site of the signing of the Magna Carta, before reaching the green Chiltern Hills and Oxford, the 'City of Dreaming Spires' which is home to England's oldest university. A scenic drive through Cotswolds villages brings you to Shakespeare's birthplace of Stratford, beautifully located beside the peaceful river Avon. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director before dinner. Hotel: Thistle. (B,D)

DAY 2 – SUN – STRATFORD – YORK

Tour Stratford and see Harvard House, New Place, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Parish Church, where Shakespeare was both baptised and buried. Visit the half-timbered house where the bard was born, now a museum full of memorabilia relating to his life, before seeing Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Shottery. Continue north to Roman York, renowned for its ancient enclosing walls, its quaint Tudor 'Shambles' and its superb Cathedral, whose 13th century Minster is one of the finest ever built. Hotel: Marriott. (B,D)

DAY 3 – MON – YORK – LAKE DISTRICT

Experience the wild and beautiful Yorkshire countryside, made famous in literature by the Bronte family, before arriving in the breathtaking Lake District, whose tranquil waters and sleepy villages inspired some of the greatest writers in English literature. Enjoy a Highlight Cruise on the largest of the lakes, Lake Windermere, and visit the grave of the poet William Wordsworth in the village of Grasmere. Hotel: Castle Green. (BB)

DAY 4 – TUE – LAKE DISTRICT – GLASGOW

Cross the Scottish Border at Gretna, the favourite destination for eloping English lovers, and make your way to cliff top Culzean Castle. One of Robert Adam's most notable creations, the castle has long been a Kennedy stronghold, and is notable for the Oval Staircase and saloon. Afterwards, venture into Robbie Burns Country to visit the village of Alloway, where Scotland's most famous poet was born. See his birthplace and monument, as well as his 'Brig o'Doon' before continuing to the dynamic city of Glasgow. Hotel: Jurys Inn. (B,D)

DAY 5 – WED – GLASGOW – HIGHLANDS

Not far from Glasgow, in the heart of rural Scotland, lies fabled Loch Lomond. After driving along the 'bonnie bonnie banks' head north, with distant views of the Trossachs giving way to the rugged peaks of the Western Highlands. Absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the 'valley of the weeping', where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. Continue on to Fort William on Loch Linnhe and in the shadow of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, its summit often shrouded in cloud. Stop briefly at the WWII Commando Memorial before continuing to your Highland hotel, where you will experience an evening of haggis, bagpipes and traditional entertainment. Hotel: Highlander. (B,HD)

DAY 6 – THU – ISLE OF SKYE & LOCH NESS EXCURSION

Spend an exciting day travelling along the 'Road to the Isles' past remote Eilean Donan Castle and 'over the sea to Skye', and hear tales of Flora MacDonald and her daring rescue of the Bonnie Prince. Upon returning to the mainland, follow the shores of Loch Ness - watch all the while for its infamous monster. Continue through the stately city of Inverness and across the tragic Culloden Moor, where the pride of the Highland clans was finally crushed. Continue along the sparkling Spey Valley and return to your hotel for the evening. (B,D)

DAY 7 – FRI – HIGHLANDS – EDINBURGH

Cross the Grampian Mountains and stop in the shadow of the royal family's summer residence of Balmoral Castle. Visit the charming Crathie Parish Church, where the Princess Royal was married, and where John Brown, Queen Victoria's 'loyal servant' lies buried. Continue through Braemar, known for its annual Highland Gathering, on your way to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St Andrews, the home of golf. Then, continue southwards across the River Forth to the striking Scottish capital of Edinburgh. Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor. (B)

DAY 8 – SAT – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

Tour beautiful Edinburgh, visiting the castle, high on its rocky crag, before travelling down the Royal Mile past St Giles Cathedral to Holyrood Palace, and onto elegant Princes Street to see the Sir Walter Scott monument. The afternoon is yours to discover more of this fine city and its shops, or to visit one of its many museums and galleries. Tonight selected departures return to Edinburgh Castle for the Edinburgh Tattoo – a colourful mixture of military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums. (B)

DAY 9 – SUN – EDINBURGH

Your tour ends at the hotel this morning. There is the option of taking the train back to London (see price page). (B)

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