Inside Edinburgh Castle, you’ll see the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat beneath generations of Scottish monarchs at their coronations. In the Lake District, you gaze out at mountains rising above long stretches of water and green valleys, the same landscape that stirred William Wordsworth to put pen to paper. At Stonehenge, you wander among great prehistoric stones that have stood for thousands of years, close enough to notice their rough, weathered surfaces. In Plymouth, you’ll sail across its historic harbor with the Royal Citadel above the shoreline. And deep in the English countryside, you’ll dine at a historic mill on organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields.
Length
11 days
Starts and ends
London
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Style
Regional
Group size
40
Watch this price
Highlights
Air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi where available
Business class coach with extended leg room
Top-rated dining, from farm-to-table to local restaurants
Premium regional accommodation
Itinerary
LondonDay 1
YorkDay 2
EdinburghDays 3–4
GlasgowDay 5
WindermereDay 6
CardiffDay 7
PlymouthDay 8
Dartmoor National ParkDay 9
LondonDays 10–11
Day 1Welcome to LondonLondon
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Stay: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Day 2London and Medieval YorkLondon · Stratford · York
Meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes, including the Shambles, and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Join your traveling companions for the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
York Orientation
York Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Hilton York, York
Day 3Hadrian's Wall to EdinburghYork · Hadrians Wall Path · Jedburgh · Edinburgh
See a part of Hadrian's Wall, an impressive Roman construction that once spanned 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city. Round off the day with an Optional Experience at a Scottish cultural evening with traditional dinner, live music and a ceilidh.
See Hadrians Wall
See Jedburgh Abbey
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Malmaison Edinburgh, Leith, Edinburgh
Day 4Edinburgh SightseeingEdinburgh
In the morning join a Local Specialist to explore the Royal Mile. You will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th-century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. After a drive through the city, you'll visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh Castle Visit
Edinburgh City Tour
Witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Malmaison Edinburgh, Leith, Edinburgh
Day 5Loch Lomond to GlasgowEdinburgh · Loch Lomond · Glasgow
Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Glasgow Orientation
See Stirling Castle
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
Day 6The Glorious Lake DistrictGlasgow · Gretna Green · Windermere
Stop in Gretna Green en route to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the stone-built village of Grasmere.
Visit William Wordsworth's Grave in Grasmere
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Castle Green Hotel
Day 7The Welsh Marches and CardiffWindermere · Ludlow · Cardiff
Pause in the historic market town of Ludlow, where medieval streets and a striking hilltop castle speak to centuries of royal intrigue. Enjoy time to explore at your leisure. Perhaps browse the traditional market stalls, admire the timber-framed buildings or sample some of the region’s renowned local produce. Continue across the border into southern Wales and journey to the capital of Cardiff, set along the banks of the River Taff. On arrival, join your Travel Director for a city orientation. See the distinguished buildings of the University of Wales, pass the impressive Principality Stadium, and admire the civic grandeur of City Hall and the National Museum.
Ludlow Orientation
Cardiff Orientation
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Clayton, Cardiff, Cardiff
Day 8Georgian Bath and DevonCardiff · Bath · Plymouth
Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the golden Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.
Visit the Roman Baths
Bath Orientation
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Leonardo Hotel, Plymouth
Day 9Dartmoor National ParkPlymouth · Dartmoor National Park
Explore Dartmoor with your choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later this evening, savor an unforgettable dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine
Locally Sourced Farm-to-Table Meal at Heskyn Mill Farm in Saltash
Plymouth Harbor Scenic Cruise
Dartmoor National Park Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Leonardo Hotel, Plymouth
Day 10Stonehenge and LondonPlymouth · Stonehenge · London
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.
Visit Stonehenge
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Day 11Homeward BoundLondon
Bid farewell to England, Scotland and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotels
London, England
2 nights
Thistle Marble Arch
TripAdvisor 4.5Traditional
Located at the west end of Oxford Street and just 2 minutes from Hyde Park, Thistle Marble Arch is less than a mile from London's famed West End.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, 24-hour Front Desk, Foreign Currency Exchange, Room Service, Concierge, Business Centre, Gym
Room Air Conditioning, Bathrobes and Slippers, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
York, England
1 night
Hilton York
TripAdvisor 3.5Traditional
The Hilton York is situated within the city walls, close to the York Minster and the best this city has to offer.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Concierge, Laundry, Room Service, Gym, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Edinburgh, Scotland
2 nights
Malmaison Edinburgh, Leith
TripAdvisor 4.0Contemporary
The boutique Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh resides within a former Seaman's Mission in the heart of Edinburgh's trendy Shore area. The hotel describes its rooms as "super-slinky," featuring plush, funky décor and furnishings. Located just 15 minutes from the heart of Edinburgh you'll be able to make the most of your free time in the happening capital of Scotland.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Gym, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk
Room TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Glasgow, Scotland
1 night
Radisson Blu Hotel
TripAdvisor 4.0Contemporary
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow features award-winning architecture, boasting a stunning atrium and rooms with wall-to-ceiling windows.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Business Centre, Room Service, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Bathrobes and Slippers, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
1 night
Castle Green Hotel
TripAdvisor 4.0Traditional
Set in the spectacular English Lake District, Castle Green Hotel offers elegant guest bedrooms surrounded by 14 acres of wooded gardens.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Concierge, Room Service, Gym, Pool, Spa, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Cardiff, Wales
1 night
Clayton, Cardiff
TripAdvisor 4.5Contemporary
Nestled among some of Cardiff’s most iconic sights, the Clayton Hotel ensures you don’t miss any action, be it shopping or exploration. Unwind in its restaurant and bar, where you can choose from a sophisticated selection of wine, premium beers and spirits.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, Room Service, Gym, Business Centre, Concierge, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Plymouth, England
2 nights
Leonardo Hotel
4-starTripAdvisor 4.0Contemporary
Spacious, contemporary rooms feature Leonardo DREAM beds, air conditioning and generous windows that bring in plenty of natural light. Set in the heart of Plymouth, the hotel offers an easy base for exploring the city, with a relaxed bar and restaurant on hand when you return after a day out.
Hotel and room features
Hotel Bar, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Wi-Fi
What’s included
Optional experiences
Scottish Feast and Fling
3 hours · Dinner, Stop for the perfect photo opportunity, Live entertainment
Paid on tour
Royal Edinburgh
Paid on tour
Dinner In Edinburgh
Paid on tour
Edinburgh - The Untold Story
Paid on tour
Loch Lomond Boat Trip
1 hour · Local Guide, Boat cruise
Paid on tour
Visit To Medieval Doune Castle
Paid on tour
Glasgow Dinner
Paid on tour
Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow
Paid on tour
Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise
1 hour · Boat cruise, Transportation by train, Entrance and reservation fees
Paid on tour
Cardiff Castle Tour
75 minutes · Local Guide, Entrance and reservation fees