Enjoy the company of a small group as you avoid the motorways and travel the back roads.
This tour delves deep into Britain’s fascinating history and culture. In England you'll trace the footsteps of famous writers and poets, uncovering the scenic countryside that inspired their greatest works. While in North Wales and Scotland, your journey will take in evocative scenery and dramatic castles – immersing ourselves in age-old traditions as we go. Experience it all on this unforgettable 11-day journey.
With no more than 18 people, you can expect a more personalised touring experience – and with like-minded travellers at your side, you’ll find that a journey shared is a journey best enjoyed.
Have we sparked your imagination? Call our team on 1300 414 198 to secure your place today!
Tour Highlights
Day 1 - London
An epicenter of rich history and innovation, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2 - Oxford - Cotswolds
After breakfast, we’ll leave the capital behind us and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where an orientation tour of this medieval university town awaits. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages.
Day 3 - Cotswolds-Stratford-Upon-Avon
There will be plenty of time to enjoy this morning at your leisure before we board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll have some time to follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before pressing on to the rolling hills and panoramic views of the Cotswolds.
Day 4 - Worcester - Denbighshire
We’ll discover more about the crusades of saints and kings on a visit of Worcester Cathedral before our road turns towards the rugged ancient landscapes of Wales this afternoon. This evening, we’ll dine together in Denbighshire.
Day 5 - Snowdonia National Park
Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is our next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. We’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner.
Day 6 - Denbighshire - Liverpool
Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Toes still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Day 7 - York
We’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways – and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is ours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel.
Day 8 - Castle Howard - Lake Distract
Today we’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Our path will then take us through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, we’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel.
Day 9 - Lake District
What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s historic highlights? Our first stop on the shores of Lake Windermere will be Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm – the place where she wrote many of her beloved children’s stories. This afternoon, we’ll visit the charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. We’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to our accommodation for the evening.
Day 10 - Lake District - Scottish Borders
Today we’ll visit Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here we’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening we have a cultural treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night.
Day 11 - Scottish - Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel - Edinburgh
Before we say our goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Our tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh.
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Various departures available from March to October 2024
Below Pricing is based on 29 September 2024 departure
Please call our friendly travel team on 1300 414 198 to enquire about alternative dates and secure your place today.
Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
On your tour you will spend 10 nights in boutique style accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.
How much luggage can I bring?
As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.
What clothes should I bring?
A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.
Top 10 items to bring:
What level of mobility do I need?:
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.