Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Classic Group, 2022 Classic Group
Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Classic Group, 2022 Classic Group
Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Classic Group, 2022 Classic Group
10 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Oxford, Bath, Brecon, Cardiff, Dartmoor, Plymouth, Looe, Cornwall, Dorchester
Tour Overview
Take the country roads across England and Wales on an exploration of Dorset’s quaint seaside vistas, Cardiff’s Welsh Rugby heritage and Bath’s ancient Roman history. After taking in the grandeur of Cornwall’s manor houses, indulge in the most quintessentially English experience—learning croquet on a country lawn, with tips from a professional instructor. From witnessing the millennia old Stonehenge to touring the stunning seventh century ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, this two week tour takes it all in. The rich honey color hues of the stone houses will delight in The Cotswolds, the literary legacy of Jane Austen will bring Pride and Prejudice to life in Bath and the luxury accommodations in Dartmoor’s Bovey Castle, will give you a rather regal taste of the high life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Oxford, The Cotswolds And Bath
Location: London, Oxford, Bath
Accommodation: Apex Hotel, Bath.
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Welcome to England. From lush green rolling hills to old-world villages, this pretty country surprises and delights at every corner. At 07:30 you’ll be picked up from the hotel in London before making your way along the scenic Great West Way road to Oxford. A city built to be discovered, Oxford is a wholesome image of leather-bound books, libraries, storybook buildings and picnics. Continue your journey on to the Cotswolds. Just as charming as Oxford, this breathtaking area is about as quintessentially British as it gets. Honey-coloured stone houses line the winding streets of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages, while rapeseed fields decorate this colourful part of the UK in splashes of gold. See Bourton-on-the-Water and the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, before heading to the historic city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture. Head on an orientation of the city before checking in to your accommodation for the night, the luxury Apex Hotel. End your day in the most British of manners with a traditional Sunday roast at your Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Bath Through The Years Relaxed Start
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Apex Hotel, Bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxed start to enjoy the amenities at your spa hotel, begin your exploration of Bath in a rejuvenated manner. Having attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987, this unique city is famous for its Georgian and Victorian architecture and of course its Roman-built baths. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths, also an important hub of culture and education for the area. During free time perhaps learn more about the life of the esteemed author Jane Austen, who made Bath her home?
Day 3: Brecon Beacons National Park
Location: Bath, Brecon, Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
After a relaxed start you’ll move cities, and countries, as you make your way to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Along the way you’ll visit the Brecon Beacons. A mountain range in South Wales, it is little surprise this striking location is a chosen destination for so many hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its old red sandstone cliffs hold a variety of plant life, including roseroot, green spleenwort and rue-leaved saxifrages, while its range of fauna includes otters, herons, kingfishers and the soaring red kite, which is the national bird of Wales. Visit the Brecon Beacons with Insight Choice. Choose to enjoy a nature walk with a photographer and snapshot Brecon Beacons National Park under its best light. Alternatively, visit a local kitchen garden for a peak into the freshest seasonal aromatics from the Brecon Beacons. After a morning in the great outdoors, rectify your lethargic bliss with a hearty Farm-to-Table pub lunch, where a delicious seasonal menu with local ingredients will be available. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Cardiff, Wales’ cultural hub.
Day 4: Cardiff Relaxed Start
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning. Join your Travel Director for an orientation of this vibrant city. See Principality Stadium, home of Welsh Rugby, and Cardiff Castle. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 5: Exploring The Southwest Relaxed Start
Location: Dartmoor, Plymouth, Looe
Accommodation: Bovey Castle, Dartmoor.
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, head to the port city of Plymouth in Devon. Famous for its cobbled streets, gin distilleries and of course the Mayflower, the English ship that transported the first English Puritans to the New World. Next, you’ll journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe. With its turquoise waters and sandy beach, on a sunny day you could easily pass this destination off as one in the south of France. A holiday hotspot in the Victorian era, explore Looe’s comely stores and winding streets at leisure before travelling back to Bovey Castle.
Day 6: Legends And Glitz In Cornwall
Location: Dartmoor, Cornwall
Accommodation: Penventon Park Hotel, Cornwall., St Michaels Resort, Falmouth.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day in Tintagel, mentioned in the legendary tale of King Arthur. See the ruins of its 13th century castle. Locals say Arthur was born at the castle, as its foundations have revealed a much older fortress once lay beneath it. Move on to Port Isaac, a pretty fishing village on the Atlantic coast. It is the filming location of British television show Doc Martin, and more recently, Poldark. Be sure to have your camera ready as you enjoy an orientation around the village. Continue on to Padstow and perhaps try traditional fish and chips for lunch? Though it has become more gentrified in the past few years, it has not lost its nautical ambiance. If anything, its gentrification has brought a glitzy gastronomic scene to this pretty port town. Tonight, you’ll reside at your hotel nestled in the Cornish countryside.
Day 7: Pirates Of Penzance
Location: Cornwall
Accommodation: The Bodmin Jail Hotel, Bodmin.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your full day exploring Cornwall with a trip to Penzance. Famous for the comic opera, “The Pirates of Penzance”, true to the story, its shores just 100 years previous, in the late 18th century, had met real-life pirates. Explore this beautiful destination with your group before moving on to St Ives. Perhaps England’s equivalent of St Tropez, it has long been popular with artists, with galleries and studios lining its fanciful streets. It is also the preferred retreat for British celebrities Gordon Ramsay and Kate Winslet, who both have holiday homes close by. Your final discovery for the day is Land’s End. A world-famous landmark, you’ll explore Britain’s most southwestern point. From its wild cliffs you can see the Isles of Scilly. Beyond that is the Atlantic Ocean and North America. In the evening, you have the option of heading out for a traditional Cornish meal enjoying the ambience of a local pub.
Day 8: Country Houses In Dorset Relaxed Start
Location: Cornwall, Dorchester
Accommodation: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Dinner with Wine
Visit a manor house, nestled in Devon countryside, and learn about the history of the property. Join the owner for a quintessential Devonshire high tea, with freshly baked scones garnished with seasonal fruits from the kitchen garden. Later, move on to your accommodation for the next two nights, the beautiful Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Restaurant. This five-star boutique venue is a Red Carnation hotel, owned by the same family as Insight itself. You can expect the same quality of service, elegance and luxury always front of mind. Set within Evershot, which Thomas Hardy used as the inspiration for the fictitious “Evershed,” in his novel “Wessex,” the hotel lives up to its picturesque, storybook setting. With a croquet pitch, falconry, horse riding and shooting just a few of the activities it offers, you will have lots to keep you pleasantly busy.
Day 9: Galleries And Gardens Of Dorset Relaxed Start
Location: Dorchester
Accommodation: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
After a relaxed start, meet with a professional instructor to learn the quintessentially English sport of croquet and try out your new skills in a game with your fellow travellers. This afternoon is at your leisure, perhaps visit nearby stately homes Montacute House or Mapperton House? In the evening, join your fellow companions for an elegant Celebration Dinner at your hotel's famed restaurant. Delight in a seasonal and local menu.
Day 10: Depart Dorchester
Location: Dorchester, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to Dorchester as you make your way to Stonehenge. A prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire, its ring of standing stones is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. It was made a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1882 and as one of Britain’s most iconic sites, it draws visitors in every year to find out more about its mystical formation. Later, head to Selborne to visit the Selbourne Pottery workshop famous for the pottery established by Robert Goldsmith in 1985. Meet Robert himself and learn more about how he makes these acclaimed ceramics over a demonstration. End your day back in London, where you’ll be transferred to the airport or to the hotel if you choose to extend your stay.
What's Included
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Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas
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Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
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Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary
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We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
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Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency
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We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available)
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From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination
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Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport
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You may purchase transfers from/to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on arrival and departure days, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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