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Best of Britain - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

Duration (with arrival/departure): 15
Tour Style: Regional Europe
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, Bladon, Oxford

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to London.

Day 2 - Arrive London After checking into your Trafalgar hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure.

Hotel: Copthorne & Millennium at Chelsea

Day 3 - 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, the tallest in Britain, before driving through Thomas Hardy country to Dartmoor where we cross the river Tamar into Cornwall. Then we are off to Plymouth where we enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions. (Continental Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Jurys Inn (2 nights)

Day 4 - 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 historical harbour before making our way to Land’s End the most westerly point of the British mainland. Then we drive 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 before a drive across Bodmin Moor – made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s ‘Jamaica Inn’ – to return to our hotel. (Full Breakfast)

Day 5 - Plymouth – Glastonbury – Wells – Bath – Cardiff Today we make our way to Glastonbury, where we will visit the Abbey ruins to see 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 its capital Cardiff. Tonight we enjoy dinner at our hotel. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Copthorne

Day 6 - Cardiff – Tintern – Chester 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! (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Holiday Inn South

Day 7 - Chester – 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, which inspired Wordsworth, to Lake Grasmere, where he is buried. We continue north to Gretna Green where eloping couples married in secret against their parents’ wishes and into Scotland and the borders to the great city of Glasgow. Before checking into our hotel we will dine on Scottish fare in a typical local restaurant. (Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Jurys Inn

Day 8 - 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, heart of the ship-building industry, before we head into the Highlands. We will travel along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond on our way to Glencoe, where we will be able to take pictures of the site of the famous 1692 massacre. Next to Fort William to stop at the Commando Memorial for breathtaking views of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. We continue up the Laggan valley, Monarch of the Glen country, to our hotel in the well known Scottish ski resort of Aviemore. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Macdonalds Highland Resort (2 nights)

Day 9 - Highlands & Skye Excursion A remarkably scenic 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 at Urquhart Castle 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 toward the high and beautiful Cuillin mountains before we return to our hotel via more stunning scenery. (Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 10 - Scottish Highlands – Balmoral – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (2 nights) We start our day with a drive through magnificent countryside, and over the grouse moor where the Royal family shoot, to visit Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s highland home. We also visit nearby Craithie Church where Princess Anne was married. We continue our journey through Braemar, host of the Royal Highland Games, to St. Andrews. We also visit the town with its University – the oldest in Scotland – and the ecclesiastical ruins. Finally across the splendid Forth Bridge and to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, for two nights. During the Edinburgh Festival, we include tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo in the Castle grounds. (Full Breakfast)

Hotel: Holiday Inn (2 nights)

Day 11 - Edinburgh sightseeing & at leisure Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a visit of Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city on the Crag and Tail, which is the Royal Mile. At the other end of this picturesque cobbled thoroughfare we will see elegant Holyrood House in the shadow of Arthur’s seat. We will drive along Princes Street admiring views across the Princes Street gardens to the Castle and we will also see the new Scottish Parliament building. Later, a drive through the ironically named New Town with its perfect Georgian architecture. Tonight, why not enjoy an optional night our including haggis, whisky and bagpipes? (Full Breakfast)

Day 12 - Edinburgh – York This morning after breakfast, we travel to the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey and follow the old Roman road to Hadrian’s Wall – built by the Roman Emperor to keep the Scots out of England! We continue through the magnificent scenery of theorthumberland National Park to Viking York. Here we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this – the most haunted city in England – where we will see the Mansion House, the old walls, the picturesque ‘Shambles’ and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner together. (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Hotel: Holiday Inn

Day 13 - York – Sherwood Forest – Stratford – Oxford – London (2 nights) Our day begins with a scenic drive into the heart of England passing close 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, dotted with honey coloured stone built villages and thatched houses. On our journey we travel, via Blenheim to Oxford, city of dreaming spires. We enjoy a walking tour through the city where students such as J R R Tolkien, C S Lewis and Lewis Caroll once lived and worked and enjoy a guided visit of one of the Oxford Colleges to re-live the life of a typical Oxford student. (Occasionally a visit to a college may be replaced by a visit of the Sheldonian Theatre). Later, we return to London. (Full Breakfast)

Hotel: Copthorne & Millenium at Chelsea (2 nights)

Day 14 - London sightseeing & at leisure On our morning guided sightseeing tour we see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. The tour will finish in central London so the rest of the day is at leisure with time to do your last minute shopping. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 15 - London – USA Bid farewell to Britain and your new-found friends as we transfer to the airport for our return flight to America. (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: See Land’s End, St. Michaels Mount and 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: See 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: See the famous golf course.
Edinburgh: Sightseeing includes a visit to the Castle and views of Holyrood House.
Jedburgh: View the Abbey ruins.
York: Orientation including the Minster and the 'Shambles'.
Stratford-upon-Avon: Visit Shakespeare's birthplace.
Woodstock: Visit this pretty Cotswold village.
Bladon: See Sir Winston Churchill's grave.
Oxford: Visit one of the University's Colleges.
Scenic drives Salisbury Plain, Wye Valley, English Lake District, Scottish Borderlands, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Scottish Highlands, Northumberland National Park, Cotswold Hills.

Dining Highlights

1 Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Plymouth
2 Buffet breakfasts and 1 Continental breakfast in London
10 full English breakfasts on tour
5 three-course dinners in hotels
1 local pub restaurant dinner in Glasgow
Farewell Dinner with wine in York

20 meals in total

First Class Travel Highlights

Escorted by one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors whilst touring.
A qualified local city guide in Edinburgh.
Tickets are included for the world-famous Tattoo during the Edinburgh Festival.
The services of a Trafalgar Representative at your London hotel.
Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar’s luxury air-conditioned coaches with onboard washroom.
Stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

Edinburgh Tattoo: 1-23 August 2008

Airport Transfers

London Gateways: Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the Airport and central London. When you book your tour with Trafalgar your transfers to and from the airport are included. It's that simple. Trafalgar has included a Free transfer to and from your airport and Central London.
Important – Please Note: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from London Airports providing the following conditions are met
You are staying at a London hotel, booked by Trafalgar, on the night of your arrival and the night prior to the date of your departure.
Flights are either booked by Trafalgar or detailed information on flights is provided by your Travel Agent not less than 21 days prior to departure.
Only one included transfer both inbound and outbound per tour is included by Trafalgar. Transfers are by express train to a Central London Rail Station.
Heathrow Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-21.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by coach. Gatwick Airport: Inbound transfers operate between 06.00-12.30. Outbound transfers are timed to connect with scheduled flights departing between 08.00-23.00. Transfers will be by express train and coach. Transfers outside these times will be at the passengers own expense.
In the event of unforeseen events (road or rail works, demonstrations, strikes) Trafalgar will not be held responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
No refund is available for passengers not utilising this service.
Why not upgrade to a Hotelink transfer from the Airport to-the-door of your Trafalgar London hotel? (please ask Trafalgar or your travel agent of the additional upgrade price per person when booking)
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.