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Essential Britain 2027
12 Day Tour from London to London
Tour Description:
Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Alnwick so you can plan your day your way.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Friday 30 Apr 27 — Wednesday 12 May 27 | Starting at $4,479 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 14 May 27 — Wednesday 26 May 27 | Starting at $4,479 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 21 May 27 — Wednesday 02 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,479 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 28 May 27 — Wednesday 09 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,579 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 04 Jun 27 — Wednesday 16 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,579 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 11 Jun 27 — Wednesday 23 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,579 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 18 Jun 27 — Wednesday 30 Jun 27 | Starting at $4,579 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 25 Jun 27 — Wednesday 07 Jul 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,059 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 02 Jul 27 — Wednesday 14 Jul 27 | Starting at $4,579 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 09 Jul 27 — Wednesday 21 Jul 27 | Starting at $3,929 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 16 Jul 27 — Wednesday 28 Jul 27 | Starting at $4,499 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 23 Jul 27 — Wednesday 04 Aug 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,099 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 30 Jul 27 — Wednesday 11 Aug 27 | Starting at $4,749 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 06 Aug 27 — Wednesday 18 Aug 27 | Starting at $4,749 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 13 Aug 27 — Wednesday 25 Aug 27 | Starting at $4,749 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 20 Aug 27 — Wednesday 01 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,749 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 27 Aug 27 — Wednesday 08 Sep 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $5,099 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 03 Sep 27 — Wednesday 15 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,499 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 10 Sep 27 — Wednesday 22 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,559 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 17 Sep 27 — Wednesday 29 Sep 27 | Starting at $4,559 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 24 Sep 27 — Wednesday 06 Oct 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $4,989 | Get a Quote | |
| Friday 01 Oct 27 — Wednesday 13 Oct 27 | Starting at $4,369 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial Features Included in this Tour:• Visit to Stonehenge• Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths• Visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool• Grasmere Gingerbead tasting• Join in a wedding re-enactment in Gretna Green• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (July 31, August 7, 14 and 21 departures)• Globus Choice excursions in Alnwick – included in your tour with your choice of an inside visit to Alnwick Castle or a visit to Alnwick Garden• Lunch in a local pub in Ilminster• Scenic cruise on the Plymouth Sound• Visit to Glastonbury• Guided walking tour of medieval York, including The Shambles• Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Orientation drive in Glasgow• Visit to Llangollen
Notes:
Due to the Solstice closure of Stonehenge on 21st June, departure June 20 will visit Salisbury rather than Stonehenge.This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Headsets available on tour except for London.
Due to the Solstice closure of Stonehenge on 21st June, departure June 20 will visit Salisbury rather than Stonehenge.This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability. Headsets available on tour except for London.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon
Day 2 LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTH
Secrets of the Stones Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take time to view the monument up close. Head to the quaint market town of Ilminster for a [LF] welcome lunch at a local pub.
219 mi / 352 km (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 3 PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALL
Legends of Land & Sea Start the day with a [LF] scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, before enjoying a drive through the West Country into Poldark’s Cornwall. Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port of Looe. Head back to Plymouth and enjoy some free time.
42 mi / 70 km (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4 PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES
Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs At Glastonbury, hear about the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and then head to the Georgian city of Bath, visit the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths, and take time to explore this fascinating city on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital.
184 mi / 295 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 5 CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND
Moor than Meets the Eye Your journey through Wales takes you on a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and via the ancient market town of Builth Wells. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, host to one of the world’s most colorful annual music festivals. On arrival in Liverpool, there’s some free time to enjoy this vibrant city.
190 mi / 306 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 6 LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW
Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows Start the day with a visit to The Beatles Story, for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere and try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for runaway young couples, and join in a fun wedding re-enactment. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city.
236 mi / 380 km (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 7 GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS
Landmarks, Lochs & Legends An orientation drive shows you Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and Georgian squares before heading on a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. View Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak from Fort William before following the length of the legendary Loch Ness, en route to Inverness, the Highland capital.
178 mi / 286 km (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 8 INVERNESS–CULLODEN–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH
Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes View the battlefield of Culloden Moor, scene of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans, before a walk through the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town before a drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge takes you to Edinburgh.
202 mi / 326 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures July 31, August 7, 14 and 21.
ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 9 EDINBURGH
Crown Jewels & Castle Views Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace.
(B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, see the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 10 EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK
Spend your day your way in Alnwick This morning, head to Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and more recently featured in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Explore more of Alnwick with your choice of Globus Choice excursions.
Next, make your way to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Admire the great structure of the Minster and follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles.
214 mi / 344 km (B, D)
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 11 YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON
Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare Head back to London via historic Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. You will return to London at about 3.30 pm.
255 mi / 410 km (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard’s wife-to-be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 12 LONDON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Accommodations| London | London | Plymouth | Cardiff | Liverpool | Glasgow | Inverness | Edinburgh | York |
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
200 Westminster Bridge London United Kingdom
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
200 Westminster Bridge London United Kingdom
Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
