Real Britain
Pure poetry awaits as you journey north to the land of the bonny and brave. Meandering through the lush green landscapes of Britain, you'll see the mythical Stonehenge and journey to Wales and its capital, Cardiff. Admire the beautiful Lake District and consider eloping at Gretna Green, before rambling up the Royal Mile en route back to London via Shakespeare's birthplace.
- 8 full breakfasts
- 2 dinners
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- Airfare
- $40 credit voucher toward an optional excursion
- Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
- City tour in Edinburgh
- View Bath Abbey, Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage
Brightly coloured Union Jacks pave your way to an unforgettable journey through Britain, which kicks off in London. Visit 'The City' and admire the imposing dome of Christopher Wren's St. Pauls and the Tower of London, or admire the pageantry of royal palaces, cathedrals and parks exploring the city on your own terms.
Brightly coloured Union Jacks pave your way to an unforgettable journey through Britain, which kicks off in London. Visit 'The City' and admire the imposing dome of Christopher Wren's St. Pauls and the Tower of London, or admire the pageantry of royal palaces, cathedrals and parks exploring the city on your own terms.
This morning meet your Travel Director before embarking on a journey to discover what's "great" about Great Britain. We kickstart our adventure in the cosmopolitan capital of London, heading west to the stone monoliths at Stonehenge whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes centre stage during our visit to this famous spa town where we'll see the Abbey and visit the Roman baths before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff, capital of Wales. Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city to see the Millennium Stadium and the medieval Cardiff Castle in the heart of the city. Tonight, we celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Britain at a Welcome Reception with top pub nosh.
The charming half-timbered Tudor houses of Ludlow feature today on our exploration of this market town with its medieval walls and historic castle. We meander north through the Shropshire Hills and lush green Cheshire landscapes to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy Scouse streets and perhaps visit The Cavern Club where The Beatles once played on your evening at leisure.
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our leisurely drive north to Scotland - views that inspired the centuries-old writings of such literary greats as William Wordsworth, who declared the village of Grasmere "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found". We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where "Blacksmith Priests" would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh - our home for the next two nights. If your visit coincides with the Edinburgh Festival, enjoy rousing performances at the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo in the city's striking castle grounds.
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our leisurely drive north to Scotland - views that inspired the centuries-old writings of such literary greats as William Wordsworth, who declared the village of Grasmere "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found". We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where "Blacksmith Priests" would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh - our home for the next two nights. If your visit coincides with the Edinburgh Festival, enjoy rousing performances at the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo in the city's striking castle grounds.
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to the ancient cathedral city of York, whose origins hark back to Roman times. Saunter along the famous Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening join a local family for hearty British hospitality and a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner in their country home.
Delve into the fascinating story of Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. We return to London this afternoon.
Say farewell to London today as you return home with magical memories.