Best of Britain - Classic Group
Best of Britain - Classic Group
$4125
Best of Britain - Classic Group
11 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, York, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lake District, England, Ludlow, Bath, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B903ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
Top Rated Highlights
- 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 center 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: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- 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 King, 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.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Stirling: Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.
- Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Make Travel Matter
Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Saltash: John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savor a delightful meal, with all ingredients responsibly sourced from local producers or carefully foraged from the local area to reduce waste. The farms ethos is to support local and reduce food waste. All food is sourced locally, even though this proves more expensive. A staff member grows seasonal vegetables and they have their own egg laying hens. They have relationships with the local farmers where they make sure to get the food that would otherwise struggle to be sold in order to reduce waste. Vegetables are chosen seasonally and are often picked in the morning for their guests to enjoy later the same day. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Authentic Dining
York: Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
Insight Choice
Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London.
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, 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.
Day 2: London And Medieval York
Location: York
Accommodation: Hilton York.
Accommodation Name: Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.
Day 3: Hadrian's Wall To Edinburgh
Location: Hadrian's Wall
Accommodation: Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood By Marriott
Accommodation Name: Malmaison, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
See a part of Hadrian's Wall, an impressive Roman construction that once spanned 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. This evening, perhaps partake in a traditional optional dinner at Ghillie Dhu.
Day 4: Edinburgh Sightseeing
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood By Marriott
Accommodation Name: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning join a Local Expert to explore the Royal Mile. You will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 5: Loch Lomond To Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: The Glorious Lake District
Location: Lake District, England
Accommodation: Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.
Accommodation Name: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7: The Welsh Marches And Cardiff
Location: Ludlow
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’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 southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.
Day 8: Georgian Bath And Devon
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo, Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the golden Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. View the ruined monastery before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.
Day 9: Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Dartmoor National Park
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel
Accommodation Name: Leonardo, Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later this evening, savor an unforgettable dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.
Day 10: Stonehenge And London
Location: Stonehenge
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London.
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.
Day 11: Homeward Bound
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
10 Breakfasts (B) and 3 Dinners with Wine (DW) are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities.
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Plymouth Harbor Cruise
Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor.
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Dartmoor National Park
Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided for visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is included.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Dinners
Optional dinners, such as the traditional dinner at Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh, are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Dining Summary
10 Breakfast (B)3 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Well-being
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, which offers double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 10 breakfasts and 3 dinners with wine.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfort at various hotels including the Thistle Marble Arch in London, Hilton in York, Malmaison in Edinburgh, Radisson Blu in Glasgow, Castle Green in Kendal, Clayton in Cardiff, and Leonardo in Plymouth. These accommodations offer luxurious amenities and are located in prime locations throughout the journey.
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Is there any special event included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes witnessing the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular event featuring a mix of pipes and drums, dance, and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. This event is available for a limited time in August.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a Plymouth Harbor cruise, a visit to Dartmoor National Park, exploring Shakespeare's birthplace, visiting York Minster, seeing Hadrian's Wall, visiting Edinburgh Castle, and exploring the Roman Baths in Bath, among others.
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Are there any optional activities or meals not included in the tour?
Yes, optional dinners such as the traditional dinner at Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh are not included. Additionally, transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
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What is the Insight Flourish mentioned in the tour inclusions?
The Insight Flourish is a special touch provided by your Travel Director, which involves a local specialty representing the destination, adding a unique and memorable experience to your tour.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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