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ITINERARY INSIGHT VACATIONS Best of Britain
Day 1 - LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK
After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, leave the metropolis of London behind and head for the thatched rooved cottages of the Cotswolds. Stroll through the charming village of Woodstock to the gatehouse of Blenheim Palace for fine views of the grounds. Continue to Stratford, home of William Shakespeare - the king of English literature. Visit the Bard's birthplace and the picturesque city centre beside the quiet waters of the river Avon. Nearby lies Coventry, whose cathedral was bombed during the Blitz and re-built after the war; the unusual combination of ancient and modern architecture has become a universal symbol of hope and inspiration. Your destination tonight is the ancient walled city of York. Join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink and dinner.
Hotel: Marriott (D)
Day 2 - YORK - EDINBURGH
This morning there's ample time to admire the medieval stained glass of magnificent York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. You also walk with your Tour Director through the maze of narrow medieval streets to the quaint Tudor 'Shambles'. Later, stop briefly at a section of Roman Wall built by the Emperor Hadrian and then it's on through Northumberland National Park to the Scottish Border. Continue past the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and cross the salmon rich river Tweed, to reach the lively Scottish capital of Edinburgh.
Hotel: Roxburghe (B)
Day 3 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Drive from the New Town's splendid squares and elegant streets to visit Edinburgh castle, perched high on its rocky crag, home of Scotland's glittering crown jewels. Then travel down the Royal Mile, past St Giles Cathedral to Holyrood Palace, and on to Princes Street to see the Sir Walter Scott monument. The afternoon is yours to discover more of this fine city and its shops, or to visit one of its many museums and galleries. Tonight selected departures return to Edinburgh Castle for the Edinburgh Tattoo - a colourful mixture of military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums. (B)
Day 4 - EDINBURGH - STIRLING - GLASGOW
Follow in the footsteps of Scotland's national heroes today! First drive via Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, then pass Bannockburn, site of the great battle of 1314, where Robert the Bruce routed the English forces of King Edward II. Continue to historic Stirling for a visit to one of Scotland's grandest historic castles. Visit the amazing Great Hall of James IV and the Great Kitchens to see how the banquets were brought to life! From the battlements, see the National Wallace Monument, erected on the hilltop where William Wallace rallied the Scots into battle in 1297 at Stirling Bridge. Now into the Trossachs for some real Highland scenery of forested lochs and heather clad mountains. Drive past Doune Castle, where 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' was filmed, and on to Callander, haunt of the Highland rogue Rob Roy MacGregor. After a spectacular drive along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, continue to Glasgow. Your orientation drive shows you the city's grand public buildings including George Square and St Mungo's cathedral.This evening enjoy a Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (B,HD)
Day 5 - GLASGOW - GRETNA - LAKE DISTRICT
Begin your day with a drive through the Southern Uplands and across the English border at Gretna - for years the destination of eloping English couples. Continue to the Lake District - a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters, inspiration to a host of poets. A chance to follow the advice of Wordsworth: 'I sit upon this old grey stone, and dream my time away'! Visit the poet's grave in the village of Grasmere and see his final resting place in the churchyard. Admire the vast expanse of Windermere, largest of the lakes, before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Windermere Hydro (B,D)
Day 6 - LAKE DISTRICT - LUDLOW - CARDIFF
Take the smooth motorway south and stop around lunchtime in Ludlow, one of England's most attractive towns. After some time to explore, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital city of Cardiff.
Hotel: Radisson Blu. (B)
Day 7 - CARDIFF - PLYMOUTH
Cross back into England via the soaring Severn Bridge and drive to the delightful Georgian city of Bath, its curative waters famous since Roman times. Visit the 18th century Pump Room and the ancient Baths, where parts of the Roman plumbing are still in use. See the 15th century Abbey before continuing to mysterious Glastonbury, a town steeped in legend (some say that King Arthur is buried in the ruined abbey). Pass through the cider orchards of Somerset to your hotel in Plymouth.
Hotel: Copthorne (B,D)
Day 8 - PLYMOUTH SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a cruise up Plymouth Sound to the harbour and the Mayflower Steps, from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail on the Mayflower. Back on dry land, see the Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake played bowls, the Citadel, and explore the historic Barbican area. Now it's out over the rugged, wild, heather-clad Dartmoor, with its sinister memories of the remote prison and 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. (B)
Day 9 - PLYMOUTH - STONEHENGE - LONDON
Cross Salisbury Plain to visit the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, made up of strange and awe inspiring monoliths reputed to be over 4,000 years old. The tour ends upon returning to London and bidding farewell to your Tour Director. (B)
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