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Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group
Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Military Tattoo Celebrations
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Gretna Green Village, UK
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
Lincoln Cathedral and ancient building, Lincolnshire, UK
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Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group
11 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Edinburgh, Ardgowan, Gretna Green, Lake District National Park, York, Lincoln, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, Bath, Stonehenge, Salisbury, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B917AM26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Great Britain with the "Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group" tour. Begin your adventure in the historic city of Edinburgh, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Travel through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District, visit the romantic Gretna Green, and delve into the literary world of the Brontë family in Haworth. Discover the medieval charm of York, the grandeur of Lincoln Castle, and the birthplace of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. Experience the stunning Cotswolds, the opulence of Blenheim Palace, and the ancient mystery of Stonehenge. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of London, enriched by authentic dining experiences and insightful local expertise throughout. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical insights, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring an unforgettable British adventure.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- York: Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.
- York: Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster on a visit to York's masterpiece. Explore the cathedral’s rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires that threatened to destroy the cathedral.
Top Rated Highlights
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Bowness-on-Windermere: The best way to enjoy the Lake District is by cruise, relax as you admire the magnificent views.
- Windermere: Board a steam train and journey along the banks of the beautiful River Leven.
- Haworth: A visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Brontë family and the inspiration behind their marvellous works of literature.
- York: Walk with your Local Expert to see the majestic York Minster and wander the maze of cobbled streets to see the Shambles.
- Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Salisbury: During your free time for lunch, take a moment to explore this historical city. See the tallest spire in England, atop the Medieval cathedral and walk the streets to observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas.
Make Travel Matter
Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savour a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
Authentic Dining
Edinburgh: Get to know your fellow travellers over dinner of modern European cuisine, at a quirky bistro tucked away in Leith.
York: Join your hosts for dinner at the historic Thirsk Hall. The building was extended in 1770 by famous English architect John Carr.
Bath: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at Brasserie Blanc, while enjoying a delicious French-inspired meal.
Insight Choice
York: Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivalled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.
York: Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster on a visit to York's masterpiece. Explore the cathedral’s rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires that threatened to destroy the cathedral.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. After a transfer to your Edinburgh hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. Enjoy a drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial and see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, Scotland's glittering Crown Jewels. With the afternoon at leisure, why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? On select departures, you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 3: Ardgowan and Gretna Green
Location: Ardgowan, Gretna Green
Accommodation Name: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart the majestic Scottish capital and journey to Ardgowan, set on a stunning 10,000-acre coastal estate. Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle. Learn the history of the area, the Shaw Stewart family and the conservation efforts to protect the land on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, followed by a degustation of traditional Scottish tea and scones. Continue to Gretna Green to see the famous spot where runaway lovers were married at the blacksmith's shop. Your travels continue to the picturesque English Lake District.
Day 4: English Poets and the Lake District Experience Relaxed Start
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation Name: The Ro, Windermere
Meals Included: Breakfast
Devote the day to a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters - inspiration to a host of English poets.Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere.Appreciate the scenic beauty of the English Lake District on a relaxing cruise admiring the magnificent views of rugged mountains, secluded bays and wooded islands. Then, embark on a nostalgic steam train ride along the banks of the beautiful River Leven.
Day 5: Windermere to York Relaxed Start
Location: York
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a morning at leisure before travelling through the Yorkshire Dales to arrive at the charming village of Haworth. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, created within the home of the Brontë family. Learn about the family's literary legacy and what inspired them from the surroundings of their own home. Your journey continues to York, one of the oldest cities in England. In the evening join a family for a Dine-at-Home Experience at the historic Thirsk Hall. This grade II* listed three-storey town house was built in 1720 and extended in 1770 by York architect John Carr.
Day 6: The Viking City of York Relaxed Start
Location: York
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy an exploration of one of Britain’s most historic cities, controlled by the Vikings during the 9th and 10th centuries and now renowned for its exquisite architecture. Walk within the town walls with a Local Expert to see the York Minster, Britain’s largest medieval cathedral. Explore the tangle of narrow, cobbled streets and see the Shambles. Spend the afternoon with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the National Railway Museum housing over 300 years of history, or the magnificent York Minster, one of the largest in Northern Europe.
Day 7: Lincoln’s Magna Carta
Location: Lincoln, Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Lincoln Castle, one of the finest Norman castles in England. Your tour will include a chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Continue to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon.
Day 8: Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon Relaxed Start
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover how William Shakespeare’s legacy still resonates today as you explore his birthplace, filled with fascinating memorabilia and stories from his life. Later, gather with your Travel Director and fellow travellers to enjoy a relaxed Sunday meal featuring classic British comfort food, perfect for unwinding after a day of cultural exploration.
Day 9: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace and Bath
Location: Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, Bath
Accommodation Name: Lansdown Grove, Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast
An enchanting day awaits in the morning. Cross the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses around the doors. Visit the magnificent stately home and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian. Continue to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, built in amphitheatre style on the surrounding hills. Your Travel Director introduces you to the Pulteney Bridge, built in mellow local stone.
Day 10: Bath Relaxed Start
Location: Bath
Accommodation Name: Lansdown Grove, Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above one of Britain's thermal, mineral springs. Enjoy a visit to its incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. With the rest of the day at leisure, why not soak and relax with a visit to Thermae Spa? In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers as you raise a glass over your Celebration Dinner to commend your wonderful journey.
Day 11: Ancient Stonehenge to London
Location: Stonehenge, Salisbury, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Continue into the heart of Wiltshire to reach the city of Salisbury where you have time at leisure to enjoy lunch and explore the city. See the tallest spire in England, atop the medieval cathedral and walk the streets to observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas. Your journey concludes upon arrival at the London trip hotel.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in York: Visit the National Railway Museum or explore York Minster.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit Edinburgh Castle, explore the city with a Local Expert, and witness the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.
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Make Travel Matter
Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of Ardgowan Estate and support sustainability initiatives.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through the scenic landscapes of Great Britain.Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Apex Waterloo Place in Edinburgh, Castle Green in Kendal, The Ro in Windermere, DoubleTree by Hilton in York and Stratford-upon-Avon, and Lansdown Grove in Bath, offering a blend of modern amenities and historic charm.Dining Summary
Additional Included Highlights
Insight Experiences
Well-being
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experience does the tour offer at Ardgowan House?
At Ardgowan House, you will join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home and enjoy a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. This experience supports the estate's sustainability initiatives and helps keep Scottish history alive.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Edinburgh Castle?
During the visit to Edinburgh Castle, you will view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg, and other artefacts with a Local Expert.
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What activities are available in York during the tour?
In York, you have the choice to visit the National Railway Museum, which houses over 300 years of history, or explore the historic York Minster and learn about its rich history.
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How does the tour support sustainable travel?
The tour supports sustainable travel through experiences like the visit to Ardgowan House, which educates visitors about sustainability initiatives and supports local economies. Additionally, the visit to the Roman Baths in Bath supports educational programs for local schools.
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What is the significance of the visit to Lincoln Castle?
The visit to Lincoln Castle includes a chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.
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What is included in the Authentic Dining experiences on the tour?
The Authentic Dining experiences include a dinner of modern European cuisine in Edinburgh, a dinner at the historic Thirsk Hall in York, and a French-inspired meal at Brasserie Blanc in Bath.
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What historical insights are offered at the Brontë Parsonage Museum?
At the Brontë Parsonage Museum, you will gain insights into the life of the Brontë family and the inspiration behind their literary works.
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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
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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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