Insight Vacations Gems of Britain Tour Features Are Included

Included Premium Highlights

    * Visit Edinburgh Castle to see the Honours of Scotland - the oldestroyal regalia in Britain
    * Visit Shakespeare's birthplace in the pretty market town of Stratford-upon-Avon

Included Personal Insights

    * Learn about the techniques of ceramic manufacture at the world famous Wedgwood Visitor Centre

Included Additional Excursions & Sights

    * See King's College, Cambridge
    * See York Minster and the medieval 'Shambles'
    * See Jedburgh Abbey
    * Drive down Edinburgh's Royal Mile past St Giles' Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace
    * Walk by Chester's 'Rows' and see the Cathedral and Roman Amphitheatre
    * Scenic drives in the Cotswolds, Lake District, Northumberland Moors

Included First Class Services

    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Luxury 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
    * Free London Airport shuttle service, conditions apply.

Included Quality Dining

    * 3 full Breakfasts (B), 2 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

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)

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.

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, we'll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland's national dish - haggis. It is a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate an evening in Edinburgh. GBP 47

LV02 - LIVERPOOL & THE BEATLES
Discover the home of the Beatles. Join a local Blue Badge guide and enjoy the sights and sounds of this famous foursome, hear tales of emigrants and the Titanic and see the two Cathedrals of this celebrated city. GBP 12

LV01 - WELSH COUNTRYSIDE
After checking into our hotel in Liverpool, why not complete your tour of Britain by visiting the magical country of Wales? Take a scenic drive over the Welsh Mountains to the picturesque town of Llangollen, home to the international Eisteddfod and enjoy a drink in a local hostelry. GBP 11.50