Essential Britain

Welcome travellers, your British adventure kicks off in the vibrant city of London! We are heading straight out to the legendary Stonehenge. Brace yourself for a morning of awe as you stand before one of the world’s most iconic ancient sites. At this world prehistoric site that was once ceremonial grounds for Neolithic people, you’ll have time to explore the stone circle and unravel its ancient mysteries. Snap some photos and let the mystery of Stonehenge sink in.

Next, we’re off to the elegant city of Bath. Explore its stunning Georgian architecture and take a stroll around the famous Roman Baths—a must-see for history lovers. Enjoy the charming streets, grab a coffee, or simply bask in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

The day kicks off with a morning in Cardiff with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. We then head north to the charming market town of Ludlow, nestled in the English countryside. Famous for its medieval streets and half-timbered houses, you’ll have the chance to wander through the quaint Ludlow Castle, enjoy a bite to eat, or explore local shops offering artisanal treats and crafts after our orientation walk.

Next, we make our way to Chester, known for its Roman walls and stunning Chester Cathedral. Join us for an engaging orientation walk that takes you through the city’s highlights. Explore the ancient city walls, visit the impressive cathedral, or simply wander the unique Rows—medieval two-tiered galleries filled with quirky shops and cafés.

The day ends in Liverpool, a city best known for its music, football, and maritime history. After the orientation walk, you’ll have the evening free to explore the legendary Albert Dock, check out The Beatles Story museum, or soak up the city’s energetic nightlife scene!

• Accommodation
  Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre – or similar – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Ludlow Orientation Walk
  Chester Orientation Walk
  Liverpool Orientation Walk

After breakfast in Liverpool, we head straight to the picturesque Lake District, where you’ll be captivated by the serene beauty around Lake Windermere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake, take in the stunning views, or explore the charming nearby villages. Our next stop is Gretna Green, famous for its historic marriage ceremonies. Discover the fascinating story behind this romantic destination and learn about its role in Scottish marriage history on our guided stroll.

In the afternoon, we travel to Glasgow, Scotland’s bustling cultural capital. Start with an orientation walk of the city to get a feel for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic architecture. Take in key sights like the impressive Glasgow Cathedral, the grand George Square, and the scenic Clyde River. You’ll have the evening free to explore further, whether it’s visiting one of its renowned museums, enjoying the local dining scene, or discovering Glasgow’s night scenes.

• Accommodation
  Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow – or similar – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Lake District Visit
  Gretna Green Visit
  Glasgow Orientation Walk

We start the day by leaving Glasgow behind and heading towards the majestic Glencoe. This stunning valley is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich history. As you take in the breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and serene lochs, you’ll learn about the area’s infamous history, including the Glencoe Massacre of 1692. The natural beauty and dramatic scenery make Glencoe a highlight of the Scottish Highlands.

From Glencoe, we continue our journey through the spectacular Scottish Highlands, with a final destination in the enchanting Cairngorms National Park. This vast and varied landscape is home to Scotland’s highest peaks, including the Cairngorm Mountains. Explore the park’s diverse scenery, from ancient forests to sparkling lochs. You might also spot some of the local wildlife, such as red deer or golden eagles.

As we arrive in the Cairngorms, you’ll have the evening to relax and absorb the serene beauty of this expansive natural wonderland. Whether you take a leisurely walk or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the area, the Cairngorms National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.

• Accommodation
  Highlands Arrochar Bespoke Hotel – or similar – 3 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Glencoe Visit
  Cairngorms National Park Visit

We kick off the day with a scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands, soaking up the stunning landscapes before arriving at the legendary Loch Ness. Famous for its deep, dark waters and the elusive Loch Ness Monster, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a scenic boat ride or explore the nearby Urquhart Castle, which offers panoramic views of the loch and a glimpse into Scotland’s medieval past.

Next, we visit a traditional whisky distillery. Here, you’ll learn about the time-honoured process of whisky-making, from the careful selection of ingredients to the art of maturation. Enjoy a guided tour, discover the nuances of different whisky flavours, and perhaps even sample a dram or two. Continuing on, we head to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands. Enjoy a guided orientation walk through the city’s charming streets, where you’ll visit the historic Inverness Castle and stroll along the picturesque River Ness. This guided tour will give you a comprehensive introduction to Inverness’s key landmarks and vibrant atmosphere.

In the late afternoon, we make our way to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Arrive in this historic city and enjoy your evening free to start exploring its iconic landmarks, or relax at the hotel to recharge for the exciting adventures ahead.

• Accommodation
  Holiday Inn Edinburgh – or similar – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Loch Ness Visit
  Whiskey Destillery Visit
  Inverness Orientation Walk

Immerse yourself in the charm of Edinburgh as you spend the day on a guided city tour through one of Britain’s most captivating cities. Start with a ramble down the historic Royal Mile, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and iconic landmarks that line this famous street. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, nestled beneath the dramatic peak of Arthur’s Seat. Discover the rich history and opulent rooms of the palace before heading to the Scottish Parliament, a striking modern building with a unique design.

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without exploring Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock and offering panoramic views of the city. Wander through its historic halls and learn about Scotland’s royal past.

In the afternoon, take in the graceful Georgian architecture of the New Town and uncover the hidden alleys and historic charm of the Old Town. After a day of exploration, you’ll have the evening free to relax or continue discovering the city at your own pace, whether it’s dining in one of Edinburgh’s renowned restaurants or enjoying a leisurely stroll through its enchanting streets.

• Accommodation
  Holiday Inn Edinburgh – or similar – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Edinburgh Castle & City Tour

Begin your day with a departure from Edinburgh as we head to the historic town of Jedburgh. Here, you’ll visit the impressive Jedburgh Abbey, a stunning example of medieval architecture and a key site in Scotland’s history. Explore the abbey’s ruins and learn about its significance during Scotland’s turbulent past. Next, journey to the iconic Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once marked the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. Walk along parts of this ancient fortification and take in the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside while learning about its strategic importance and Roman history.

Continue south to Durham, renowned for its stunning Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both perched on a dramatic hill overlooking the River Wear. Take a guided walking tour of these historic sites and marvel at their remarkable architecture and medieval heritage.

Next up is Leeds, a vibrant city known for its lively atmosphere and rich industrial heritage. Embark on our orientation walk to uncover its fascinating history and dynamic culture. Highlights will include the impressive Leeds Town Hall, the bustling Kirkgate Market, and other key landmarks that showcase the city’s unique character.

• Accommodation
  Novotel Leeds Centre – or similar – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Jedburgh Orientation Walk
  Hadrian’s Wall Visit
  Durham Orientation Walk
  Leeds Orientation Walk

After breakfast, we head to the historic city of York, renowned for its medieval architecture and charming cobbled streets. Here, you’ll embark on an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city’s key landmarks, including the stunning York Minster, one of Northern Europe’s largest cathedrals, and the ancient city walls offering panoramic views. Don’t miss The Shambles, a narrow street filled with delightful shops and cafes, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Next, we set off for the enchanting town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Discover the rich literary history of this charming town with a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where you can explore the house where the Bard was born and gain insight into his early life. You’ll also have the chance to visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the picturesque home of Shakespeare’s wife, and stroll through the beautiful gardens.

In the afternoon, we journey back to London. Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day free to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Whether you choose to revisit favourite spots, explore new corners of the capital, or simply unwind and reflect on your journey, London awaits with endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

As your tour comes to a close, take with you many stories of the remarkable land of Britain. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers until next time!

• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Leeds Orientation Walk
  Stratford-upon-Avon Visit