Classic Britain

Itinerary

Day 1 – Panoramic tour of London: Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral …

Arrive at the airport and meet your Destinations representative for a panoramic tour of London, including the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and Piccadilly Circus. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel to celebrate the start of your classic tour of Britain Overnight at the hotel (London)

Day 2 – London’s Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and a West-End show

First stop: Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece of the 13th to 16th centuries. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions, including the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.
Your next stop is the Tower of London. Here, you will meet the famous “Beefeaters,” marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the execution site of three English queens, and hear the myths and legends that make a visit to the Tower “a must” for any visitor to London. In the evening, relax over dinner and a West-End show Overnight at the hotel (London)

Day 3 – A day of leisure in London, including breakfast at Harrods

This morning, visit the famous Harrods of London and enjoy a full English breakfast in the sumptuous Georgian Restaurant. After breakfast, spend the rest of the day at leisure — consider shopping in Knightsbridge or sightseeing on you own Overnight at the hotel (London)

Day 4 – En route to Bath, visit Stonehenge and the town of Salisbury

After leaving London, stop at the mystical and monumental site of Stonehenge; 5,000-year-old Stonehenge is Europe’s most famous prehistoric site. Continue to the beautiful town of Salisbury, where you can have lunch, shop, and perhaps visit Salisbury Cathedral, one of the finest and tallest medieval cathedrals in Britain. Started in 1220 it was completed by 1258 to reflect the glory of God in stone and glass, and it has always been a setting for great occasions. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Bath area)

Day 5 – Explore Bath, including the Royal Crescent and the Roman Baths

Bath is Jane Austen country and this ancient city retains so much of its Georgian charm that Austen fans will recognize many streets and squares from her novels. View the magnificent Royal Crescent, perhaps the most attractive street in the country, and visit the fascinating Roman Baths. In the afternoon, enjoy free time for your own exploration of this beautiful city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Bath area)

Day 6 – En route to Stratford Upon Avon, tour the Cotswolds

Enjoy a relaxed tour through the Cotswolds – an area of tiny stone houses and lovely countryside. Stop in such villages as Lower Slaughter, Stow-on-the-Wold and Chipping Campden, all of which are known for their antique shops. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Stratford-upon-Avon area)

Day 7 – Explore Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare

Stratford-upon-Avon has been beautifully maintained and features some spectacular timber-framed houses. Your morning sightseeing will include a visit to the thatched cottage and beautiful garden that belonged to Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. Then along to the town itself to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, which has an adjoining museum with momentos belonging to the bard. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Stratford-upon-Avon area)

Day 8 – En route to North Wales, visit Ironbridge and Blists Hill Victorian Town

After leaving Stratford, stop in Ironbridge and visit its historic museums. Ironbridge Gorge was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and is now a World Heritage Site. After seeing the Iron Bridge itself, visit Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of the largest open air museums in Britain. Enjoy 30 acres of woodland walks on the banks of the Shropshire Canal. The Victorian recreation features many authentic buildings, including a bank, grocer’s shop, chemist, print shop, bakers, and sweetshop. Continue on to your hotel in North Wales. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (North Wales area)

Day 9 – Snowdonia National Park & Ffestiniog Railway

This national park is dominated by Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. It is known for its rugged scenery and breathtaking views. Your tour will include a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway, which takes a scenic 14-mile route from Porthmadog Harbour to the mountains and slate town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. At Blaenau Ffestiniog, visit Llechwedd Slate Caverns, including a tour of the original caverns and a private talk with a local expert. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (North Wales area)

Day 10 – Drive through England en route to Edinburgh

“Edinburgh,” said the writer Robert Louis Stevenson, “is what Paris ought to be.” Its magnificent architecture shifts from the lofty tenements of its medieval Old Town to the grace and geometric precision of the Georgian New Town. Above it all, in its towering splendor, stands the Castle. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Edinburgh)

Day 11 – Edinburgh Castle & the Palace of Holyrood House

Your first full day in Edinburgh will start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland, and it is unequalled in the whole of the British Isles. After your visit to the castle, visit the Palace of Holyrood House. Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between 1561 and 1567. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (Edinburgh)

Day 12 – Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre

Visit the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, which brings 300 years of Scotch whisky history to life. See a model distillery, learn about Scotland’s whisky regions, and perhaps meet the Blender’s Ghost! Dinner and overnight at the hotel (Edinburgh)

Day 13 – Town of St. Andrews & Glamis Castle

This morning leave Edinburgh and head north to the coastal town of St Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university town and a pilgrimage centre for golfers from all over the world. The town, founded in the fourth century, is best explored on foot. Afterward, travel north toward Coylumbridge but not before stopping to visit Glamis Castle. The castle is the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and a royal residence since 1372. It is also the childhood home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Overnight at the hotel (Coylumbridge area)

Day 14 – Cruise on Loch Ness, Urqurhart Castle

This morning, visit Loch Ness, home of the famous monster. Enjoy a one-hour cruise on the Loch and see if you can spot the legendary Nessie! After the cruise, visit Urqurhart Castle, a romantic ruin. There may be larger and more complete castles in Scotland, but few with such a turbulent history and even fewer located in such beautiful surroundings. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel. Overnight at the hotel (Coylumbridge area)

Day 15 – Board a flight for home

This morning, transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your flight home.