Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group

Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group

Edinburgh city skyline from Calton Hill, Scotland
Edinburgh

Edinburgh city skyline from Calton Hill, Scotland

Day 1
View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh

View of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Day 2
Gretna Green Village, UK
Gretna Green

Gretna Green Village, UK

Day 3
Lake District National Park

Aerial view of Lake Windemere, Lake District, UK

Day 4
Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK
York

Sign post with landmarks in the city of York, with view of York Minster in the background, UK

Day 5
The city of York, its medieval wall and York Minster, UK
York

The city of York, its medieval wall and York Minster, UK

Day 6
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
Stratford-upon-Avon

William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK

Day 7
Lincoln Cathedral and ancient building, Lincolnshire, UK
Lincoln

Lincoln Cathedral and ancient building, Lincolnshire, UK

Day 7
William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK
Stratford-upon-Avon

William Shakespeare's birthplace, Henley street in Stratford upon Avon, UK

Day 8
Bath

Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK

Day 9
Bath

Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon in Bath, UK

Day 10
Stonehenge

Stonehenge at sunset, UK

Day 11
London

London's Millennium Bridge with a view to St Paul's Cathedral, UK

Day 11

Map
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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:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

B917AM26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

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.

Highlights

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels and other artefacts.

  • Explore the historic city of York, including the majestic York Minster and the Shambles.

  • Experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

  • Cruise through the scenic beauty of the Lake District and enjoy a steam train ride along the River Leven.

  • Discover the literary legacy of the Brontë family at the Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth.

  • Visit Lincoln Castle to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta.

  • Explore the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain.

  • Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath.

Places You'll See

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh City Skyline From Calton Hill, Scotland

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Celebrations

Victoria Street In Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland

View Of Edinburgh And Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Palace Of Holyroodhouse

Lake Buttermere, Lake District, Uk

Ulswater, Lake District, Uk

Sign Post With Landmarks In The City Of York, With View Of York Minster In The Background, Uk

Aerial View Of Lincoln Cathedral And City Centre, Lincolnshire, Uk

Sunrise View Of A Narrowboat In Stratford Upon Avon, Uk

Beautiful 15Th Century Almshouses In The Historic Town Of Stratford Upon Avon, Uk

The Circus, The Historic Street Of Large Townhouses In The City Of Bath, Uk

Stonehenge At Sunset, Uk

London's Millennium Bridge With A View To St Paul's Cathedral, Uk

London's City Skyline Along The River Thames, Uk

Victoria Embankment With Big Ben And The Houses Of Parliament, London, Uk

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Choice Highlights

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in York: Visit the National Railway Museum or explore York Minster.

  • Top Rated Highlights

    Visit Edinburgh Castle, explore the city with a Local Expert, and witness the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August.

  • Make Travel Matter

    Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of Ardgowan Estate and support sustainability initiatives.

  • Additional Included Highlights

    Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.

  • Insight Experiences

    Visit Blenheim Palace and learn about Churchill's life during a talk by a historian.

  • Well-being

    Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • 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

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • 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 an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
  • If your arrival flights are as per the itinerary start date, then arrival transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. You may purchase transfers to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on departure day, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Blenheim Palace: Witness a masterpiece of the English Baroque, brimming with priceless art and tapestries, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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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