Essential Britain

Essential Britain

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8 Days From

$3791

$1896

Essential Britain

8 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: London, Edinburgh

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

UK1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-70

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, UK tours by Coach

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3791 $1896 Operator discount: -$1896 -50%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Essential Britain" tour and experience the best of British culture and history. Begin your journey in London, exploring iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and the Roman Baths in Bath. Discover the medieval charm of Cardiff, Ludlow, and Chester, and immerse yourself in Liverpool's vibrant music scene. Marvel at the serene beauty of the Lake District and the historic allure of Gretna Green. Traverse the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands, and delve into the rich heritage of Edinburgh. Visit the historic sites of Jedburgh, Hadrian's Wall, and Durham, and conclude your adventure in the literary town of Stratford-upon-Avon before returning to London. Enjoy luxurious accommodations, guided tours, and a taste of traditional British cuisine throughout this unforgettable journey.

Highlights

  • Stonehenge visit

  • Bath city tour

  • Cardiff city tour

  • Lake District visit

  • Glasgow city tour

  • Loch Ness visit

  • Edinburgh city tour

  • Stratford-upon-Avon tour

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London, Stonehenge, Bath, Cardiff

Location: London

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Cardiff City - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.













As the day comes to an end, we drive into Cardiff, the lively capital of Wales.

Expect a mix of medieval charm and modern vibes during our orientation walk, with the city's castle and vibrant nightlife ready to welcome you for an evening of exploration! We will spend the night in our hotel in Cardiff.









Accommodation

Holiday Inn Cardiff City - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Stonehenge Visit

Bath City Tour

Cardiff City Tour









 

Day 2: Cardiff, Ludlow, Chester, Liverpool

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.





Next, we make our way to Chester, known for its Roman walls and stunning Chester Cathedral.

Take a walk along 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.

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 City Tour

Chester City Tour

Liverpool City Tour

Day 3: Liverpool, Lake District, Gretna Green, Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Hotel Glasgow - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.





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 City Tour

Day 4: Glasgow, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands

Accommodation Name: Highlands Arrochar Bespoke Hotel - or similar - 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 5: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Whiskey Distillery, Inverness, Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Edinburgh - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Radisson Blu Edinburgh - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Loch Ness Visit

Whiskey Destillery Visit

Inverness City Tour

Day 6: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Edinburgh - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Immerse yourself in the charm of Edinburgh as you spend the day on a guided 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

Radisson Blu Edinburgh - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Edinburgh City Tour

Day 7: Edinburgh, Jedburgh, Hadrian'S Wall, Durham, Leeds

Accommodation Name: Novotel Leeds Centre - or similar - 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 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 a guided city tour 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 City Tour

Hadrian's Wall Visit

Durham City Tour

Leeds City Tour

Day 8: Leeds, Stratford-Upon-Avon, London

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, 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

Stratford-upon-Avon Tour

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    8 Nights in 4 & 5 Star Hotels. 3 Nights in Traditional Turkish Gulet.

  • Meals

    10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners.

  • Transportation

    Modern Air-conditioned Coaches with Wi-Fi, Traditional Turkish Gulet.

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival Airport transfer on first day of the tour.

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Included Activities

    Stonehenge Visit, Bath City Tour, Cardiff City Tour, Ludlow City Tour, Chester City Tour, Liverpool City Tour, Lake District Visit, Gretna Green Visit, Glasgow City Tour, Glencoe Visit, Cairngorms National Park Visit, Loch Ness Visit, Whiskey Distillery Visit, Inverness City Tour, Edinburgh City Tour, Jedburgh City Tour, Hadrian's Wall Visit, Durham City Tour, Leeds City Tour, Stratford-upon-Avon Tour.

What's Not Included

Local Payment: £

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with modern air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, and experience the charm of a traditional Turkish Gulet for part of your journey.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, complemented by 3 nights aboard a traditional Turkish Gulet, ensuring a comfortable and unique stay throughout your journey.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in 4 and 5-star hotels and 3 nights in a traditional Turkish Gulet.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses modern air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi and a traditional Turkish Gulet for transportation.

  • Is airport transfer included in the tour package?

    Yes, an arrival airport transfer on the first day of the tour is included.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

    Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in hotels and coaches where available.

  • What activities are included on the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, you will visit Stonehenge, take a city tour of Bath, and have an orientation walk in Cardiff.

  • What can I expect to see in Liverpool?

    In Liverpool, you can explore the Albert Dock, visit The Beatles Story museum, and enjoy the city's nightlife.

  • What highlights are included in the visit to the Scottish Highlands?

    In the Scottish Highlands, you will visit Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, and Loch Ness, including a scenic boat ride or exploration of Urquhart Castle.

  • What are the key attractions in Edinburgh?

    In Edinburgh, you will visit the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Castle, and explore both the New Town and Old Town.

  • What historical sites are visited on the way to Leeds?

    On the way to Leeds, you will visit Jedburgh Abbey, Hadrian's Wall, Durham Cathedral, and Durham Castle.

  • What can I expect to see in Stratford-upon-Avon?

    In Stratford-upon-Avon, you will visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$3791 $1896

Operator discount: -$1896

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$3871 $1936

Operator discount: -$1936

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$4005 $2003

Operator discount: -$2003

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$4005 $2003

Operator discount: -$2003

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$4099 $2050

Operator discount: -$2050

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$4166 $2083

Operator discount: -$2083

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$4166 $2083

Operator discount: -$2083

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$4099 $2050

Operator discount: -$2050

Prices last published on 04-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

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