Travel from the rugged coastlines and rolling mountains of Wales to the charming villages and pastoral scenery of rural England, before heading north into the untamed beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where dramatic glens and ancient castles tell stories of the past. This immersive adventure weaves together history, culture, and stunning landscapes for an unforgettable British experience.
This morning, make your way to Cardiff, the Welsh Capital (just 2hrs from London by direct rail). After checking in to your hotel the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your own pace. Wander the sheltered Edwardian shopping arcades and perhaps enjoy a spot of street-food in the Victorian Market hall before heading to Cardiff Castle. With you included tickets, discover the grounds of this magnificent site in the heart of the city, whose grounds bear the hallmarks of its intriguing history from Roman times right through to the opulence of the industrial revolution. By evening meet your tour leader and the rest of the group where we’ll enjoy a hearty Welsh dinner together.
Overnight: Cardiff
Meals: Dinner included.
Today we board the mini-coach for a short ride from central Cardiff to visit the Museum of Welsh Life; set in the expansive parklands of an Elizabethan manor house, this open-air heritage site is home to over fifty original buildings of historic significance from across Wales, painstakingly re-erected on-site to chronicle Welsh life through the ages. We’ll then head for the cosmopolitan Cardiff Bay area to see the vibrant Mermaid Quay which is now a modern hub of Welsh heritage and politics, home to a host of waterfront cafes, bars and eateries. Your afternoon is free to explore “the Bay” or return to central Cardiff to see more of the historic city.
Overnight: Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today we leave the bright lights of Cardiff for Wales’ for the dramatic coastlines of Pembrokeshire. First-stop will be the magnificent National Botanic Garden of Wales, set in a nature reserve spanning 500 acres, the site is one of the nation’s most important horticultural and conservation sites. We’ll then pause in the charming seaside village of Laugharne, the picturesque home-town of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, before continuing to the fishing town of Tenby. A true Welsh gem, there’ll be time to wander the within the 13th century town walls, take in views of the town’s sweeping golden bays or climb the rocky headland overlooking the picture-postcard harbour.
Overnight: Tenby
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
This morning we continue to explore the natural scenery of the protected Pembrokeshire Coast. We’ll head for St Davids, namesake of Wales’ patron saint. This tiny village enjoys city status owing to its beautiful cathedral and Bishop’s Palace. From here we’ll turn North and follow Wales’ scenic west coast past the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay and in to rural mid-Wales. We’ll pause in one or more of the bustling harbour towns before arriving in Aberystwyth, our overnight destination. In the evening we enjoy our dinner together.
Overnight: Aberystwyth
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
After a hearty Welsh breakfast we’ll enjoy a scenic drive North to the intriguing town of Portmeirion. Nestling in a micro-climate on a sheltered estuary, Wales meets the Mediterranean in this uniquely designed village whose collection of quirky architectural styles and colourful houses have been setting for various television productions. By afternoon, we’ll pass in to the breath-taking panoramas of the Snowdonia National Park – a region of barren hilltops, thick forests, steep river gorges and lush valleys, not to mention the highest peak in England and Wales, Mount Snowdon herself. Later we continue to our overnight base on the North Coast where we dine together.
Overnight: Llandudno
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today is a free day to enjoy at leisure; equipped with your complimentary open-top bus tour tickets you can explore the contrasting towns of Llandudno and nearby Conwy at your own pace. Llandudno is an elegant Victorian seaside resort with a sweeping sandy bay and long promenade whilst Conwy is a cobbled medieval market town nestled on the shores of the Conwy estuary. Between the two there are a host of leisure and visitor attractions to enjoy including a Victorian cable tramway ride to the top of the Great Orme headland or a walk along the medieval town walls to the ramparts of the imposing 13th century fortress at Conwy Castle.
Overnight: Llandudno
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today we make our way south along the course of the Conwy Valley to the charming Welsh town of Llangollen home of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a stunning waterway which carries boats more than 100 feet above the valley floor and enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. By afternoon we’ll continue south to visit the beautiful National Trust Powis Castle where we’ll admire the interior collections of the Herbert family and explore the elegant manicured and wild gardens. Later we continue over the barren uplands of the Brecon Beacons National Park to our overnight hotel where we will enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Overnight: Brecon Beacons
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we transfer to Newport Train Station in South Wales where you bid farewell to your Wales driver. Using your included rail passes you’ll make your way to Oxford. Your afternoon is then free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. A picturesque university city nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Oxford is home to cobbled squares and parades and elegant medieval architecture, particularly present in the chapels, spires, lawns and ivy-clad cloisters of the college quadrangles. Tonight convene with your driver guide and the rest of the group for an evening dinner together.
Overnight: Oxford
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
This morning we’ll take an orientation walk around Oxford with our driver to see some of the historic colleges and soak up the whimsical academic ambience of the city which once inspired the likes of Tolkien, CS Lewis and Oscar Wilde. Then it’s all aboard the mini-coach for a journey to nearby Blenheim Palace; this opulent English stately home was the childhood home of Winston Churchill and today hosts interesting exhibitions which showcase the wartime legacy of England’s best-known prime minister. Later we continue in to the heart of the Cotswolds for our overnight stay and dinner together with the group.
Overnight: The Cotswolds
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today we enjoy a day dedicated to exploring the beautiful English Cotswolds region; we’ll meander winding country lanes between patchwork fields and take time to pause in several of the eccentrically named, honey-coloured villages each characterized by cobbled market squares, lofty church spires and chocolate-box thatch cottages. By afternoon we head for a renowned local brewery where we enjoy a tour of the farm-based brewing facility to learn the secrets of the production process and, of course, to sample some of the innovative English beer and cider. Later, we return to our base in the central Cotswolds for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: The Cotswolds
Meals: Breakfast included.
A short drive to the Northern edge of the Cotswolds and we find ourselves in the bustling medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. The renowned home of William Shakespeare, we’ll enjoy a riverside stroll before heading to Shakespeare’s Birthplace itself to learn about the life and times of the great bard. Then onwards through the heart of England for this afternoon it’s all aboard an historic steam train for a scenic rail journey along the Severn Valley to the historic town of Bridgnorth. By evening we continue to the charming city of Chester where your evening is free to dine independently.
Overnight: Chester
Meals: Breakfast included.
This morning we enjoy a brief stroll around Chester taking in some of the highlights of this charming city such as the medieval town walls, imposing cathedral and the unique Tudor Facaded shopping arcades. Then we board the bus for a journey in to the Cheshire countryside to visit Quarry Bank Mill; set within a 400 acre woodland estate, amidst picturesque gardens the 18th century cotton mill is now managed by the National Trust and offers an insight in to the region’s intriguing industrial heritage. Later we continue North in to the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District where we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Overnight: The Lake District
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Our day today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting natural beauty of the English Lake District. We’ll head off the beaten track to the lesser known corners of England’s favourite National Park; our journey will take us through winding country lanes, over mountain passes and past sheep scattered fells to charming villages, ancient stone-circles and look-out points where we can drink in the views. It will be easy to see how this region has inspired poets, authors and artists alike. Your evening is free to dine at leisure at your hotel or in the local Lakeland village.
Overnight: The Lake District
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today we’re treated to more glorious scenery as we traverse Herriot country and the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales characterized by sweeping valleys and weather-beaten moors. Along the way we’ll discover a host of hidden gems such as quintessential Yorkshire villages, tumbling water falls, secret garden grottos and producers of local delicacies. Later we visit the peaceful monastic ruins of Fountains Abbey and Water Gardens, A UNSECO world heritage site. Finally, there’s time to take a traditional afternoon tea before we continue to the magnificent city of York, our base for the next two nights. Your evening is free to dine independently.
Overnight: York
Meals: Breakfast & Afternoon Tea included.
This morning, we’ll take a short drive to one of the North of England’s finest country estates, Castle Howard. Dating back to the 17th century we’ll have the opportunity to roam the magnificent house and gardens which have featured in various television productions also including the Netflix series ”Bridgerton”. Then it’s back to York for a stroll around the highlights before an afternoon at leisure to explore this magnificent historic city independently. Climb the steps to walk atop the medieval city walls, visit one of the many local museums and exhibitions or simply gaze in awe at the magnificent York Minster – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. Tonight we reconvene for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: York
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in York before bidding farewell to your England driver guide. Check out from your hotel before using your inclusive rail pass to take the train North to Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. After checking-in at your hotel, your day is free to explore this historic city at your leisure. You’ll have complimentary tickets for admission to Edinburgh Castle which is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and St Margaret’s Chapel. By evening meet your Scotland tour leader and the rest of the group where we’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll get together to enjoy a brief drive through Edinburgh spotting the city’s many highlights from the elegant avenues of the Georgian New Town to the rambling alleys and stacked town houses of the medieval old town. Then we head for Edinburgh’s oldest quarter to meet an Edinburgh local who will walk us up the Royal Mile for an insight into Scotland’s turbulent history, and a quick drink at a traditional pub! The balance of your day is then free to explore Edinburgh further – perhaps visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith Docks or the Queen’s residence at Holyrood Palace. Your evening is free to dine independently in the city.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast included.
This morning we board the mini-coach and head into the Scottish countryside. We’ll pass through the rolling hills of Fife on route to St Andrews, a charming seaside town that is the renowned spiritual home of golf and where Prince William and Kate Middleton first met at the historic university. Later, we’ll head for Glamis Castle; this elegant country house has an intriguing history with connections to Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and more recently as the childhood home of the Queen Mother. We round off our day passing north in to Aberdeenshire and to our hotel on the banks of the River Dee, where we’ll enjoy an included dinner.
Overnight: Aberdeenshire
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today we leave the coast and head in to the heart of Scotland; meandering along the course of the River Dee we’ll pass through Royal Deeside, a scenic region of rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and unique baronial castles – home to Balmoral Castle, the area has close connections with the Royal family and the late Queen Elizabeth and we’ll pause at various points of notoriety, interest or natural beauty. Later we turn north in to the dramatic landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park. Reaching the renowned Speyside Whisky region, we’ll visit one of the many Scotch distilleries to tour the facilities, learn about the Scottish “Water of Life” and of course sample a dram or two. Later we continue to Inverness and our overnight base for the next two nights, where we dine together.
Overnight: Inverness
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today is completely free for you to spend at your leisure in Inverness, “Capital of the Highlands”. Equipped with your complimentary open-top-bus tour tickets, you can discover each corner of this Highland town at your own pace. Take in the historic cathedral, wander up to the hill-top castle or simply indulge in some souvenir shopping in the many gift shops and boutiques of the town. Using public transport you may choose to visit the nearby Culloden Moor Visitor Centre, site of the infamous battle which played a crucial role in Scottish history. Your evening is free to dine in one of Inverness’ many restaurants.
Overnight: Inverness
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today we board the mini-bus for an epic journey over the Scottish Highlands. Departing Inverness we’ll follow the scenic shores of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle whose weather beaten ruins hide an intriguing history and whose ramparts offer a perfect lookout for legendary Nessie. We then continue across the barren landscapes of the Highlands pausing at Eilean Donan Castle for a photo-stop and stretching our legs in a traditional highland village. The final leg of our journey today takes us over the bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye, our destination and base for the next two nights. In the evening enjoy dinner together as a group.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
Today is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Isle of Skye. We’ll head through the heart of the island past the imposing Cuillin Mountains to the northern territories. Passing along the picturesque Trotternish Peninsula we’ll take in dramatic landscapes and seascapes as we keep an eye out for the area’s abundant wildlife and birdlife and spot the region’s unique geological features such as Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr. There’ll be time to visit Portree, the island’s principle town, where pastel fishermen cottages bustle around the harbour. A day on Skye is one to remember.
Overnight: Isle of Skye
Meals: Breakfast included.
Today we head for the south of the island to board the ferry for a journey over the water back to the mainland at Mallaig. We’ll enjoy scenic Highland landscapes on our journey to Glenfinnan, where we’ll climb to a viewpoint for stunning vistas overlooking the Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct which featured in the “Harry Potter” movies. There’ll be time for lunch in the Highland town of Fort William before passing glassy lochs and woodlands on route to the beguiling landscapes of Glencoe valley, home to a significant clan history. Later we overnight base where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Overnight: Western Highlands
Meals: Breakfast & dinner included.
The final leg of our journey takes us through more dramatic landscapes as we pass South over the desolate Rannoch Moor and through the wilds of the Trossachs National Park; we’ll pause at various view points for some final stunning photo opportunities. After lunch we’ll visit the imposing Doune Castle which you may recognize as Winterfell from “Game of Thrones” or from the “Outlander” series. Finally, we’ll take a short drive South back to Edinburgh where our tour ends by early evening.
Meals: Breakfast included.
All hotels and accommodations included in your trip are carefully selected to meet a 4-star standard or higher. While we occasionally book 3-star hotels or B&B properties, they must meet our high standards of quality and comfort. To ensure consistency, we strive to have a team member visit each property regularly or conduct a thorough site inspection.
Round trip flights to the tours destination are not included, but we are happy to provide you with a flight quote for your trip along with travel protection for the duration.
While booking flights may seem simple, hidden fees and service classes that exclude seats, meals, or bags are common. Since 1985, our expertise and exclusive contracts allow us to secure better routes and often better prices than what’s available online.
We would be happy to help create a custom itinerary for you before or after your time in Britain, if you’d like to extend your trip.
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