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Best of Britain 2010 - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

Duration (with arrival/departure): 15
Tour Style: Regional
Destinations: London, Stonehenge, Salisbury, Plymouth, Glastonbury, Wells, Bath, Cardiff, Tintern, Ludlow, Chester, Lake District, Glasgow, Glencoe, Fort William, Culloden Moor, Scottish Highlands, Balmoral, Crathie Church, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Jedburgh, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Woodstock, Cornish Excursion, Oxford, Liverpool

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to London.

Day 2 - Arrive London (2 nights) After checking into your Trafalgar hotel the rest of your day is at leisure.

Hotel: Millennium & Copthorne Chelsea

Day 3 - London sightseeing and at leisure This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes many major sights then the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4 - London – Stonehenge – Salisbury – Plymouth (2 nights) Greetings this morning from our Tour Director as we travel to Salisbury Plain to visit the ancient monoliths at Stonehenge. We stop in Salisbury to see the cathedral, with the tallest spire in Britain, before driving through Thomas Hardy country and past Dartmoor to Plymouth. After check-in this evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. (Continental breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 5 - Cornish excursion First our orientation of the city shows us the Mayflower steps, the place where the Pilgrim Fathers set off for the New World and the citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Maybe take a cruise around the historica harbor before we make our way across the River Tamar and down the Cornish peninsula to the famous artists’ colony of St. Ives, filled with galleries and charming houses. There’s also the chance to photograph St. Michael’s Mount near Penzance. Later, we stop for a delicious cream tea, consisting of fresh scones with jam and cream, and of course, a cup of English tea, before returning to the hotel. (Full breakfast)

Day 6 - Plymouth – Glastonbury – Wells – Bath – Cardiff Today we make our way to Glastonbury where we will visit the abbey ruins to see the legendary site of King Arthur’s tomb. Then on through Wells with its majestic cathedral to Bath, where orientation includes a visit to the Roman Baths as well as a drive through the city to admire its Georgian architecture. Next we cross the Severn Bridge into Wales and our hotel in the capital, Cardiff. (Full breakfast)

Hotel: Radisson Blu Cardiff

Day 7 - Cardiff – Tintern – Liverpool We enjoy a scenic drive along the beautiful Wye Valley, stopping to view the ruins of Tintern Abbey. Then on through Hereford and the unsung beauty of the Welsh Marches to the Tudor market town of Ludlow in Shropshire. Next to Chester where our Tour Director takes us on a walking tour which includes the Roman Walls, the cathedral, the ‘Rows’ and a fascinating Hidden Treasure! Then we drive on to our hotel in Liverpool, home to the Beatles, and port of embarkation for emigrants seeking a better life in the New World. We will see Liverpool’s famous skyline, including the fourth largest
cathedral in the world before dinner in our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 8 - Liverpool – Lake District – Glasgow A day of glorious scenery as we travel through Lancashire and to the beauty of the Lake District. We drive along the shores of England’s largest lake, Windermere, and through countryside that inspired Wordsworth, to Grasmere where he is buried. We continue north to Scotland and Gretna Green where eloping couples married in secret against their parents’ wishes. Then through the Borders to the great city of Glasgow. Before checking into our hotel we enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Scottish
fare in a typical local restaurant. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 9 - Glasgow – Glencoe – Scottish Highlands (Aviemore) (2 nights) First we will enjoy an orientation tour of the city taking in the cathedral, George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry, before we head into the Highlands. We will travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalised in the well known Scottish song, on our way to Glencoe where we will be able to take pictures of the site of the famous 1692 massacre. Afterwards we stop at the Commando Memorial for breathtaking views of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, before continuing to our hotel where we dine tonight. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Highlander

Day 10 - Highlands and Skye excursion Our day begins with a stop at Culloden Moor where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by Butcher Cumberland so ending the hopes of a Stuart monarchy. We drive along the shores of Loch Ness where we stop for pictures and to see if we can spot ‘Nessie’! Then ‘over the sea to Skye’ where we have time for lunch and a short drive on the most well known island of the Inner Hebrides before we return to our hotel. (Full breakfast / Dinner)

Day 11 - Scottish Highlands – Balmoral – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (2 nights) We start our day with a drive close by the grouse moor where the Royal Family shoot, to visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s highland home. We also visit nearby Crathie Church where Princess Anne was remarried. We continue our journey through Braemar, host of the Royal Highland Games, to the historic town of St. Andrews, home of golf and the oldest University where we will stop to photograph the 18th hole of the old course. Finally across the splendid Forth Bridge and to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, for two nights. During the Edinburgh Festival, we include tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo in the castle grounds. (Full breakfast)

Hotel: Marriott / Holiday Inn

Day 12 - Edinburgh sightseeing and at leisure Our guided tour includes a visit of Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city on the Crag and Tail, which is the Royal Mile. Further on we will see elegant Holyrood House in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. We will drive the streets of the New Town with its elegant Georgian architecture. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional night out including haggis, whisky and bagpipes? (Full breakfast)

Day 13 - Edinburgh – York This morning we see the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and cross the border at Carter Bar. We continue through the magnificent scenery of the Northumberland National Park and see part of Hadrian’s Wall - built to keep the Picts out of the Empire! Then on to Viking York where we will enjoy a guided walking tour, and will see the Mansion House, the old walls, the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)

Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 14 - York – Sherwood Forest – Stratford – Oxford – London First we pass by Sherwood Forest associated with the legendary Robin Hood. Then on to Stratford-upon-Avon where we visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and see Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage. We drive through the rolling Cotswold Hills, via Blenheim to Oxford, city of dreaming spires. We enjoy a walking tour through the city which includes a guided visit to one of the Oxford colleges. (Full breakfast)

Hotel: Millennium Copthorne Chelsea

Day 15 - London – USA Time to bid farewell to London and our new found friends as our memorable tour comes to an end. (Buffet breakfast)

Note: Day 11 When Balmoral Castle is closed, we will visit Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late Queen Mother.

Whats Included

Sightseeing Highlights

London: Sightseeing tour.
Stonehenge: Visit the stone circle.
Salisbury: View the Cathedral.
Plymouth: Sightseeing including the Mayflower Steps.
Cornish Excursion: View St. Michaels Mount and visit pretty St. Ives.
Glastonbury: Visit the Abbey ruins.
Wells: See the Cathedral.
Bath: Orientation including a visit to the Roman Baths.
Cardiff: View the Castle.
Tintern: View the Abbey.
Ludlow: Visit this Norman town.
Chester: Orientation includes the Cathedral and a stroll along the 'Rows'.
Lake District: See the stunning area which inspired Wordsworth.
Glasgow: Orientation tour.
Glencoe: See the site of the famous massacre.
Fort William: See the Commando Memorial.
Culloden Moor: See the famous 1746 battle site.
Scottish Highlands: Isle of Skye excursion.
Balmoral: Visit the Castle Ballroom (when open).
Crathie Church: Visit the church where Princess Anne was re- married.
St. Andrews: View the famous golf course.
Edinburgh: Sightseeing includes a visit to the Castle and views of Holyrood House.
Jedburgh: View the Abbey ruins.
Glencoe: See the valley of the famous massacre.
Oxford: Visit one of the University's Colleges (when open)

Dining Highlights

2 buffet breakfasts and 1 continental breakfast in London
10 full English breakfasts on tour
Cream tea in Devon
4 three-course dinners.
Local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Glasgow
Farewell Dinner with wine in York

20 meals in total

First Class Travel Highlights

First Class hotel accommodation includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, all hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
The services of one of Trafalgar's top professional Tour Directors.
The services of a Trafalgar Representative at your London hotel.
A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh.
Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and a Welcome on Tour book.
Free London airport shuttle, conditions apply.

Edinburgh Tattoo: 6-28 August 2010

Airport Transfers

London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar tour and take advantage of our land and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s airports and your Trafalgar London hotel. For passengers who have their own flight arrangements we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to and from London’s Heathrow – Trafalgar has negotiated special rates for the Dot2Dot transfer from London’s Heathr
Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met:
For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound transfer.
In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not using this service.
In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
Heathrow Airport: National Express Dot2Dot will pick up and drop off in time to meet all flights to/from London’s Heathrow Airport. For guests arriving at the Dot2Dot desk after 22.00 hrs please make use of the courtesy phone to arrange your transfer to your Trafalgar hotel
Gatwick Airport: Passengers who have booked Trafalgar’s Land and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
European Gateways: With Trafalgar all passengers will receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers on the scheduled arrival and departure day of their tour at the times specified below. Please ensure your Travel Agent reserves your flight to co-ordinate with the transfer times shown.
Trafalgar Bonus - Passengers who book Trafalgar's Land+Air package and who arrive or depart outside of these specified times on the scheduled arrival and departure day of the tour will also be provided with a transfer.
Passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled tour days are not entitled to a transfer but may book and purchase one through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and/or post tour hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. Please ask for prices of transfers at the time of booking your extra night accommodation.
Land only passengers arriving or departing on the scheduled tour arrival or departure days but whose flights don't coincide with the listed transfer times below may also book and purchase these transfers. Flight details must be provided to Trafalgar not less than 21 days before the flight departure.
Click here to see scheduled transfer times.

Options

Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.