Taking in the very best of England plus the two main Scottish cities, ripe with history and lush scenery, this tour has something for everyone; walled towns, palaces and castles, a variety of landscapes and ancient monuments. Premium Escorted, Departs from & returns to London

Included Premium Highlights

    * Visit the most famous literary landmark in Britain, Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford
    * Visit Edinburgh Castle to see the "Honours of Scotland"
    * Experience the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo (selected departures only)
    * Visit King James IV's Great Hall and the Great Kitchens in Stirling Castle
    * Visit the Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Rooms in Bath
    * Cruise up Plymouth Sound to the harbour and the Mayflower Steps
    * Visit the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge

Included Personal Insights

    * Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth.
    * Included Additional Excursions & Sights
    * Stop in the charming village of Woodstock, gateway to Blenheim Palace
    * See Coventry's two cathedrals
    * See York Minster, the city walls and the medieval "Shambles"
    * Stop at a part of Hadrian's Wall
    * See the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey
    * Drive down Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace and tour the elegant New Town
    * See Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots
    * Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view the Wallace Monument
    * Orientation drive of Glasgow seeing the grand civic buildings and St Mungo's Cathedral
    * Visit the charming border town of Ludlow to see the ruined castle
    * Cross the Severn Bridge
    * Visit the Georgian city of Bath
    * Visit mysterious Glastonbury
    * See Plymouth Hoe and Citadel
    * Scenic drives - the Trossachs, Loch Lomond, Lake District, Dartmoor

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
    * Insight hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal and information pack
    * Free London Airport shuttle service, conditions apply.

Included Quality Dining

    * Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant in Glasgow
    * 8 full breakfasts (B) and 3 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee
 

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)

Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately GBP £35 per person per day for optional excursions.

EDI02 - DINNER IN EDINBURGH
Join your tour companions this evening for a night out in this splendid city as we visit a well established restaurant for a three course dinner with a drink included. GBP £26

EDI04 - ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. For four royal couples, Britannia was to provide a honeymoon sanctuary before the onset of married life in the world's most photographed family. Now berthed in Leith, you are welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. GBP £14

EDI01 - SCOTTISH DINNER & CABARET
Join us for a memorable evening of traditional singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere to enjoy. Join in with the singing, weíll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotlandís national dish - haggis. Itís a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate an evening in Edinburgh. GBP £47

LKD01 - LAKE WINDERMERE CRUISE & STEAM TRAIN RIDE
Windermere is England's largest lake. What better way to enjoy the beautiful scenery than a relaxing cruise followed by a short ride aboard a steam train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite. GBP £14

LHL01 - LAKE CRUISE
Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the largest stretch of inland water to be found in the British Isles - the famous and picturesque Loch Lomond. The cruise includes tea or coffee. GBP £11

CWL03 - DINNER AT THE BLUE ANCHOR
Join your friends for a superb meal at the "Blue Anchor". This ancient inn, where hospitality has been enjoyed since 1380, is a maze of little passages and features a lovely thatched roof. GBP £30

CWL02 - CARDIFF CASTLE TOUR
Visit this unique Castle given to the city by the Marquis of Bute who designed some of the most unusual and beautiful rooms to be found in any castle in Britain. GBP £11

CWL01 - WELSH CASTLE BANQUET
Go back in time and experience a medieval music event in the sumptuous surroundings of Cardiff Castle. Hear stories of Wales in days of old and enjoy the beautiful Welsh voices including Welsh Choral Singing. A three course meal of Welsh specialities is included. The show is presented by performers in traditional Welsh Costume. GBP £43

GLA02 - GLASGOW DINNER
Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre in a local restaurant. After your three course dinner we take a drive around the city. GBP £28