Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Small Group
Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Small Group
This tour is no longer available, here are some similar tours:
Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Small Group
11 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Edinburgh, Scotland, Edinburgh, Ardgowan, Lake District, York, Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB917ZM20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Elegance of Great Britain" tour, starting in the vibrant city of Edinburgh and journeying through the rich tapestry of British history and culture. This small group tour offers an intimate exploration of iconic landmarks, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the mysterious Stonehenge. Experience the charm of York's cobbled streets, the literary legacy of the Brontƫ family in Haworth, and the poetic beauty of the Lake District. Delight in authentic dining experiences, including a traditional Scottish tea at Ardgowan Estate and a French-inspired meal in Bath. With luxurious accommodations and expert local guides, this tour promises a seamless blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. Enjoy the comfort of a spacious coach, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey through the picturesque landscapes of Scotland and England, concluding in the bustling city of London.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Accommodation: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, Edinburgh.
Accommodation Name: Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh
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.Ā 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: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, 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 ā 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
Accommodation: The Ro Hotel Windermere
Accommodation Name: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 MATTERĀ® 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
Accommodation: The Ro Hotel Windermere
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 Wordsworthās 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: Hilton York.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning at leisure before travelling through the Yorkshire Dales to arrive at the charming village of Haworth. Visit the Brontƫ Parsonage Museum, created within the home of the Brontƫ 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: DoubleTree by Hilton York
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy an exploration of one of Britainās 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, Britainās 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: LincolnāS Magna Carta
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton 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: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton, Stratford-upon-Avon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover how William Shakespeareās 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: Bath
Accommodation: Lansdown Grove
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: Lansdown Grove
Accommodation Name: Lansdown Grove, Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London, Thistle Marble Arch, 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
-
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh, The Ro Hotel in Windermere, DoubleTree by Hilton in York and Stratford-upon-Avon, and Lansdown Grove in Bath. Enjoy luxurious amenities and prime locations throughout your journey.
-
Transport
Travel in style aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.
-
Personal Radio Headsets
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
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.
-
Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
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.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey.
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 experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Ardgowan House where you will join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home and enjoy a traditional Scottish tea. This experience supports sustainability initiatives and local education. Additionally, you will visit the Roman Baths in Bath, which supports local educational programs.
-
What are some of the cultural highlights of the tour?
Cultural highlights include visiting Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, exploring the historic York Minster, and learning about William Shakespeare's life in Stratford-upon-Avon. You will also visit the Brontƫ Parsonage Museum in Haworth and the National Railway Museum in York.
-
How does the tour support sustainable travel?
The tour supports sustainable travel through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTERĀ® Experience at Ardgowan Estate, which educates visitors about sustainability initiatives and supports local economic development. The estate invests in renewable energy projects, contributing to a greener future.
-
What dining experiences are offered during the tour?
The tour offers several authentic dining experiences, including a dinner of modern European cuisine in Edinburgh, a meal at the historic Thirsk Hall in York, and a French-inspired dinner at Brasserie Blanc in Bath.
-
What historical sites will be visited on the tour?
Historical sites visited on the tour include Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Gretna Green, the grave of William Wordsworth in Grasmere, Lincoln Castle with its Magna Carta, and the prehistoric site of Stonehenge.
-
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
Reviews of this operator
What are travellers saying about Tourhub
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.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.




100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."