Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM to see the splendors of Windsor Castle, a residence of the King, and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Then take a walking tour around the medieval town of Windsor. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group, then dine and explore as you wish this evening.
Marvel at the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths of Stonehenge and learn about the primitive builders who created these enduring monuments. Stop in Salisbury, a charming old city where the cathedral boasts the tallest spire in England. Arrive in Tavistock, a market town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon. Dine at your hotel this evening.
Travel to scenic Cornwall through the unspoiled beauty of Bodmin Moor; stop for photos at Jamaica Inn, built in 1750 and immortalized in Daphne du Maurier’s tale of daring smugglers. Visit the coastal village of Marazion to see the romantic outline of St Michael’s Mount, an island topped by a spectacular castle. In the old fishing town of St Ives, take a walking tour to see its cobbled streets, quaint cottages, art galleries, and surrounding sandy beaches. Enjoy time to explore before returning to a free evening in Tavistock.
Explore Bath, a city of elegant Georgian buildings in a distinctive golden stone, beloved by visitors for centuries. Tour the wonderfully preserved Roman Baths, and then spend some time exploring this quintessentially English city. Cross the Severn Bridge into Wales, then on to your manor house hotel where you’ll dine this evening.
Travel through the Brecon Beacons National Park to Hay-on-Wye, a town famous for its bookshops. Continue to Shrewsbury, a picturesque town near the English/Welsh border. Take a walking tour with the town crier to see black-and-white buildings that line the narrow streets. Travel through Cheshire for dinner at your hotel in Chester.
Drive through the countryside of north Wales as you journey to Conwy, a medieval town dominated by a stunning medieval fortress, Conwy Castle. Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Edward I in the 13th century, viewing its well-preserved walls, towers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In the ancient city of Chester, explore the Roman and medieval heritage on a walking tour. Your evening is free to explore this fascinating place as you wish.
Travel through the glorious Lake District, which inspired Beatrix Potter’s children’s books. Visit the village of Grasmere, where Wordsworth lived and is buried. Pass through the village of Gretna Green as you cross the border into Scotland. Arrive at your hotel near Edinburgh, for dinner with your group.
Explore central Edinburgh starting in the 200-year-old “New Town” with planned streets and elegant Georgian houses where many famous writers and inventors lived. See the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses, then tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland. The rest of the day is free to explore the city as you wish. Departures from August 2 – 16 will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with reserved seats on the castle esplanade.
Visit Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, the internationally famed 19th-century novelist; he was one of Scotland’s greatest historic characters and played a large role in the modern popularity of tartan. In York, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore this medieval city of narrow cobbled streets, charming tearooms, quaint pubs, and beautiful churches.
Visit the enchanting fishing town of Whitby, seeing its postcard-perfect harbor, picturesque beaches, winding cobbled streets, and quaint shops. Depart for Castle Howard, a stately 300-year-old home that has been the setting for film and TV productions including the hit show Bridgerton. Dine at your hotel this evening.
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Discover the world that shaped the man as you look through an exhibition about his life and work, and take in a short performance to see his words come to life. Drive through the scenic Cotswolds region, renowned for picturesque villages built of honey-colored stone with charming gardens. Arrive in London and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Discover London’s iconic highlights on a panoramic tour, taking in magnificent landmarks and the city’s vibrant energy. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses, Beefeaters in their elaborate uniforms, and the dazzling Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities.
Your tour ends after breakfast.
