England, Scotland & Wales
England, Scotland & Wales
England, Scotland & Wales
14 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in London, England
Visiting: Edinburgh, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Lake District, River Kent, Conwy, Oxford, Blenheim Palace, Bath, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GB2022
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Medium, Activity 3 / Pace 3
Age range:
0-99
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Luxury, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$9076 (USD)Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In
Tour Overview
Pageantry and poetry are forever intertwined in all that is Great Britain... timeless traditions have been a hallmark of the cultural landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales for millennia – and on this journey, you become part of the story. Explore the best that the British Isles have to offer: Scottish castles; tastings of whisky, ale and Welsh farm-to-table cuisine; Stratford-upon-Avon & Oxford; lunch at The Pump Room in Bath’s Roman-era baths complex; 3 nights at London’s stylish The Savoy and a choice of live theatre performances... just a few of the fabulous experiences you'll enjoy when you explore the British Isles with Tauck. Discover royal history & architectural treasures in Edinburgh, Stirling, Caernarfon, Blenheim & Hampton Court... ancient roots at Hadrian’s Wall, Wales’ walled city, Stonehenge & Bath’s Roman Baths... literary history and learned traditions in Shottery, Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon... tasting discoveries such as Scottish whisky and a showcase of traditional Welsh foods... and multiple-night stays in each destination. And on select small group departures, specially priced, you'll enjoy an exclusive farewell evening presentation in London by Carolyn Robb, co-founder of The Royal Touch and former Executive Chef to the royal household of TRH Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Grand & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner
Tour begins: 1:00 PM, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. A transfer from Edinburgh Airport or Edinburgh Waverley train station to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, is included. Your journey starts with a guided visit to Stirling Castle, where memories of the historic struggle between the Scots and the English for control of the kingdom live on. Inside, you’ll find elaborately restored color and craftsmanship, reflecting the importance of the arts to its Renaissance-era royal occupants. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight.
Day 2 : A Private Visit To Holyroodhouse
Location: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Grand & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
A sightseeing tour of historic Edinburgh with a local guide is the perfect place to begin any Scotland and England travel; enjoy an introductory tour to this city of cobbled streets, Georgian architecture and trendy lifestyles. Your tour includes a private visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland (if Her Majesty is not visiting), and a tour of famed Edinburgh Castle, built into rugged rock above the city skyline. Following a free afternoon in Edinburgh and lunch as you please, join us this evening for a journey through the aromas and flavors that lead to the perfect Single Malt Whisky. At the “Scottish Whisky Experience,” you’ll learn the history of Scotland’s most famous export, hear the stories behind the craft, and enjoy a tasting and dinner. Journeys departing August 7 – 28 will attend an outdoor evening performance of the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Day 3 : On To England’S Lake District
Location: Lake District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Langdale & Country Club
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Departing Edinburgh, you’ll travel south through landscapes of forest, rivers, castles and country houses to Cumbria, England’s northwestern-most county, stopping at Birdoswald Roman Fort, the ruins of a fort along Hadrian's Wall, built by Roman emperor Hadrian to guard the border of the province of Britannia, representing the wild northwestern frontier of the Roman Empire. Here, you can see the longest remaining portion of the wall, which stretched 73 miles from coast to coast. In contrast to the long-ago scenes of skirmishes between the Scottish and British that once took place here, Cumbria today is a place of peaceful natural beauty. Sparsely populated, it is best known as the home of England’s Lake District and many a charming town and village; enjoy lunch in a grand manor house surrounded by gracious gardens. Traveling on through landscapes of woods, hills and tranquil fields, you’ll have time for a brief stop in the village of Grasmere. As you please, enjoy the sights of this pretty village of pubs, cafes and the churchyard where England’s poet laureate, William Wordsworth, was laid to rest. Or visit tiny Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poems before continuing on to your Lake District resort, where you'll enjoy dinner tonight.
Day 4 : A Topiary Garden & A Night At The Pub
Location: River Kent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Langdale & Country Club
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Living sculpture inspires the imagination today at Levens Hall, a manor house on the banks of the River Kent. Fine furnishings and paintings adorn this stately home, a family residence throughout its history and one of the best preserved Elizabethan interiors in the UK. Best known for its gardens, Levens Hall is surrounded by an orchard, hedges, a pond, a willow maze, rose and herb gardens, and thousands of flowers – plus the most extensive topiary garden in the world. Over 100 sculpted pieces, some several hundred years old, date back to their original planting in the 1690s, when this Dutch-style garden was all the rage (closed on Saturdays; alternate property is visited). Spend the afternoon at leisure at your country club hotel before going to a local pub to learn the finer points of pairing your favorite ale with pub fare and enjoy dinner.
Day 5 : Walled City Of Yore & Modern Wales
Location: Conwy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Quay & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Huge, strong and first built by the Romans, discover the power of walls built to keep ancient invaders out on a visit to the small city of Chester, England. Strategically close to Wales and the Irish Sea, Chester is one of England’s best preserved walled cities. The town is nearly completely encircled by broad walls which still offer grand views from atop. Head to Colwyn Bay, a seaside resort town on the north coast of Wales where you’ll have time to get settled in at your hotel and take in the idyllic views. Evening brings an outing to Furnace Farm, part of the Bodnant Estate in the Conwy Valley – a place of tranquil mountains, lakes and moorlands. The farm’s 18th-century buildings have been lovingly restored as a home for the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, whose artisan chefs are devoted to sharing the best of Welsh cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a Tauck-only cooking demonstration, followed by dinner (and stories) with the chef.
Day 6 : Mighty Caernarfon & Medieval Conwy
Location: Conwy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Quay & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Mighty Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969, sets a remarkable scale this morning. Constructed to endure, the palace was begun circa 1283 by Edward I as a symbol of English power over the Welsh. Enjoy a privately guided tour of the castle and then time for lunch on your own in the adjacent town. En route back to your hotel, you may choose to stop to explore the walled city of Conwy, an earlier stronghold of Edward I, on your own. Or return to the hotel for relaxation and spectacular views. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening, where optional outdoor dining includes a view of Conwy Castle and the beauty of the bay.
Day 7 : Shakespeare’S Stratford & Oxford
Location: Oxford
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Randolph
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
In the village of Shottery, you’ll visit the restored, timber-framed farmhouse and childhood home of Anne Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare. Back in the Bard’s day, it was known as Newlands Farm and had more than 90 acres of attached land; today it’s a museum surrounded by gardens. From here, it’s a short distance to Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and raised. You’ll visit his birthplace and have time to browse exhibits that tell the story of how his name came to be known around the world, as well as check out the surrounding town at leisure; Stratford-upon-Avon's favorite son is buried in the town's Holy Trinity Church. Late afternoon, it’s off to the bookish world of Oxford, one of the world’s most famous university towns. A guided orientation walk introduces its cobbled streets, guarded quadrangles, celebrated libraries and archaic traditions of learning. Dine tonight at Oxford University before returning to your elegant hotel – the bar was frequently used as the film setting for television's famed detective Inspector Morse’s pondering crime conversations.
Day 8 : Blenheim Palace And The Cotswolds
Location: Blenheim Palace, Oxford
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Randolph
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch,
A first stop at St. Martin’s Church in Bladon offers an opportunity to visit the gravesite of Sir Winston Churchill. He explicitly chose to be quietly buried here, near his parents’ graves. Then discover a world of Baroque contrast at Churchill’s birthplace, Blenheim Palace and Park. The 18th-century palace was built as a celebration of the English victory over Louis XIV’s French troops at the Battle of Blenheim. Since the early 1700s, it’s been a home to 11 Dukes of Marlborough (Churchill was the grandson of the seventh). Your private guide will share the history and beauty of the palace and its extensive grounds. After lunch, choose between spending time here to explore further on your own, or depart for nearby Woodstock Village. There you’ll find the charm of the Cotswolds: dove-grey cottages, a church, a village green and a park said to have once been Henry II’s royal hunting grounds – and a place of seclusion for his mistress. Back at the hotel, enjoy the evening as you please.
Day 9 : Ancient Wisdom At Stonehenge & Bath
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Francis Bath – MGallery Collection
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
At Stonehenge, this morning’s self-guided walk around the famous ring of stone (bluestones from Wales and sarsens thought to be from the Avon River, some weighing as much as 50 tons) shares the mystery of its origins. Purposefully put into place some 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge was a massive undertaking requiring the labor of thousands. Bath, one of Britain’s most beautiful cities, is your next destination. Arrive in time for lunch (and live music) at the stylish Pump Room Restaurant, set within the city’s ancient Roman Baths complex. Founded upon natural hot springs, the baths were built for bathing and socializing around 70 AD; they are among the world’s best preserved – as you’ll see on your included tour. Afterward, check in to your tastefully restored Regency-period townhouse hotel located on historic Queen Square, and enjoy dinner.
Day 10 : Georgian Bath: Early Urban Elegance
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Francis Bath – MGallery Collection
Meals Included: Breakfast
Founded by the Romans as a thermal spa and developed more than a thousand years later into a lavish resort by the 18th-century British aristocracy, Bath today reigns as a magnificent Georgian townscape crafted from native limestone. Architecturally, it ranks among Britain’s finest cities and enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. You’ll learn why on a city tour with a local guide that takes in the 18th-century terraced houses known as the Royal Crescent and the Circus, distinctive elements of British urban planning that were later incorporated in the city of London. View the elegant Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey, where the first king of England was crowned. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy this inviting city as you choose.
Day 11 : Hampton Court & London Bound
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Savoy
Meals Included: Breakfast
On a morning’s drive toward London, stop for a visit to Hampton Court Palace, set in London's borough of Richmond upon Thames. Grand in every way, during the 16th century Hampton Court Palace first caught the eye of King Henry VIII... and a legacy of monarchs in ensuing centuries contributed to the palace's rich history – and amazing artworks. Arrive in London mid-afternoon for an introductory sightseeing tour featuring some of the British capital's most iconic sights, including Big Ben, the famed clock face and bell atop Parliament’s Elizabeth Tower; Buckingham Palace, housing the offices of those who manage the Queen’s affairs; Hyde Park, one of the city’s Royal Parks and home to the Memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales; and historic St. Paul’s Cathedral, the masterpiece of the great British architect Sir Christopher Wren. Check in for a three-night stay at your iconic hotel, The Savoy. The remainder of the day and evening are free to spend in London as you please.
Day 12 : London & West End Delights
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Savoy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
London is a city filled to the brim with history, culture and diversity... and the entire day is yours to enjoy it exactly as you please, pursuing what interests you most in the British capital. And this evening, you'll enjoy the dual pleasures of dining at a West End restaurant followed by an evening at the theatre – your choice from selections of restaurants and shows.
Day 13 : A Day In London
Location: London
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Savoy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner,
Experience more of monumental London today on a guided visit to Westminster Abbey, site of England’s coronations since 1066, 16 royal weddings, and the final resting place of 17 kings and queens. The church houses not only remarkable tombs and memorials to statesmen, poets, scientists, musicians and others, but is a treasure trove of paintings, stained glass and artifacts. Following the tour, your afternoon is free to pursue what interests you most in London. There are abundant opportunities to pursue art, history, architecture, Shakespeare, Bobbies or simply people-watching. But please save some energy and room for our farewell dinner at The Savoy, where you’ll definitely want to share your thoughts about this amazing journey to England, Scotland and Wales.
Day 14 : Journey Home
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tour ends: The Savoy. A transfer is included to London’s Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport. Fly home anytime; please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
13 Days Hotels
-
Royal history & architectural treasures on guided visits in Edinburgh, Stirling, Caernarfon, Blenheim & Hampton Court
-
Exploration of ancient roots in Wales’ walled cities, Stonehenge & Bath’s Roman Baths
-
In-depth insights about literary history and learned traditions at landmark sites in Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon & Oxford
-
Tasting discoveries: Scottish whisky and a showcase of traditional Welsh foods
-
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
-
27 meals; service charges, gratuities to local guides, admission fees, taxes and porterage
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Activity 3 / Pace 3
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
-
Are flights included in this tour?
No
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Wednesday - Tuesday
May 08, 2024 - May 21, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
May 22, 2024 - Jun 04, 2024Friday - Thursday
Jun 14, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jun 23, 2024 - Jul 06, 2024Friday - Thursday
Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Jul 21, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Friday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 22, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Friday - Thursday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Friday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Tauck requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tauck charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust 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..."