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ITINERARY Insight Vacations Gems of Britain
This fabulous four day tour is suitable for those passengers with limited time who would like to see the very best of what Britain has to offer. It includes all the major gems that you would expect: Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, the Lake District, Chester & Stratford-upon-Avon.
Day 1 - LONDON - CAMBRIDGE - YORK - DARLINGTON
Meet your Tour Director early this morning and head northwards to the gracious city of Cambridge, home of Britain's second university. A glimpse here of the age-old tradition of learning as you stroll by some of the colleges, including the magnificent King's College. Continue through the heart of 'Robin Hood Country' (though sadly little now remains of the leafy glades of Sherwood Forest) to historic York. Inside the ancient city walls, you approach the magnificent York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Then walk through the narrow cobbled streets to the Tudor 'Shambles', where the houses lean so far they almost touch! Free time to shop before continuing to your hotel.
Hotel: Blackwell Grange (D)
Day 2 - DARLINGTON - EDINBURGH
Cross the wild Northumberland Moors and go past the romantic ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, cross the Borders and head on to Scotland's elegant capital, Edinburgh. On a guided city tour, drive down the stately Royal Mile, past St Giles' Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace - the Queen's residence in Edinburgh - and on to the 18th century New Town. Visit Edinburgh Castle, housing the Honours of Scotland, the nation's crown jewels. Why not spend the evening eating haggis and listening to the sound of bagpipes?
Hotel: Jury's Inn (B)
Day 3 - EDINBURGH - LIVERPOOL
Drive through the Southern Uplands to Gretna Green, where many an eloping English couple have been married, then cross the border back into England. Enjoy a drive through the Lake District, a region so beautiful it inspired a host of English poets. Wander in Wordsworth's footsteps before continuing to lively Liverpool, home of the Beatles! Your hotel is adjacent to the iconic Liver Building and overlooking the Dock Front World Heritage Site.
Hotel: Atlantic Tower by Thistle (B,D)
Day 4 - LIVERPOOL - CHESTER - STRATFORD - LONDON
First stop today is at the former Roman fortress town of Chester. Walk with your Tour Director along part of the well preserved city walls. See the Eastgate Clock, Cathedral, the unique black and white 'Rows' (shopping arcades) and the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the famous Wedgwood China Visitor Centre, where there is much to tempt those seeking fine British souvenirs. Now to Stratford-upon-Avon where you visit Shakespeare's birthplace. Return to London through the flower-trimmed villages of the Cotswolds, one of the most beautiful parts of England. (B)
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