Great Britain New Year
7 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: Cambridge, Yorkshire, Hadrian's Wall, Gretna Green, Scottish Highlands, Glen Coe, Loch Ness, Edinburgh, Scotland, Lake District, Liverpool, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Wales, Bath, Stonehenge, London
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBNY
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1435
$1314
Operator discount: -$121
NB: Prices correct on 02-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
New Year’s Eve tours don't get any better than this! Spend 7 days exploring Great Britain during the New Years Eve festivities. Travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, visit must-see attractions and learn all about the intriguing history of the area. Tick off Hadrian's Wall and Glen Coe from your travel bucket list with the added opportunity of visiting the mysterious Stonehenge! Explore the Scottish Highlands, Lake District and Loch Ness. Plus, visit the historic cities of Cambridge and York! Enjoy proper pub fare and taste whisky with the locals. Then, ring in the New Year at Hogmanay in Edinburgh - a massive street festival and loads of fun!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cambridge - York
Location: Cambridge, Yorkshire
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to this incredible 7- day tour of Great Britain! Today, head to the English countryside for fresh air and scenic landscapes. Arrive in Cambridge and embark on a punting trip along the river in a traditional riverboat, taking in the stunning scenery and historic buildings in the most relaxing way. The final stop for the day is York. This city is a mecca for history buffs, and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Enjoy an orientation walking tour with your tour leader and gain a fascinating insight into the stories and history of the city. Tonight, enjoy a delicious group dinner at a local restaurant in York and celebrate the first night of this week-long tour of Great Britain!
Cambridge punting trip: Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition of punting down the river on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat). Cruise down the River Cam and take in the sights and surroundings along the way.
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.
Dinner in York: Tuck into a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in York. Toast to the first night of this tour of Great Britain and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner this evening.
Day 2: Angel Of The North - Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Glasgow - Scottish Highlands
Location: Hadrian's Wall, Gretna Green, Scottish Highlands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning the tour continues heading north to the spectacular Scottish Highlands. The first stop along the way is the iconic Angel of the North statue. Next is Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification constructed by emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia. Afterwards, travel on to Gretna Green, a beautiful historic village in southern Scotland that is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations. Then, visit the famous Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up some festive cheer at the Christmas markets! Later this evening, arrive at the hotel in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy an included dinner.
Photo stop at the Angel of the North: Enjoy a stopover at this famous contemporary sculpture in the north of England. Be sure to snap some photos!
Photo stop at Hadrian's Wall: Visit the Roman fortification on the border between England and Scotland, constructed under the orders of Emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia.
Visit Gretna Green: Found on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland, Gretna Green is a beautiful historic village that is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations! This town is where lovers used to get married without their parent’s permission, many years ago, giving it a lasting legacy as a great spot to tie the knot.
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets: Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit with a spot of shopping at the enchanting Christmas markets.
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands: Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!
Day 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh (New Year’S Eve)
Location: Glen Coe, Loch Ness, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Look out for Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, on the way to Glen Coe today. Travel through Glen Coe and find out more about this spectacular valley which played host to a tragic massacre that happened hundreds of years ago. Next, make a photo stop in Loch Ness. Say “yes” to the optional cruise and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Arrive in Edinburgh later today and check into the hotel. Tonight, it’s time to get festive and celebrate Hogmanay (what Scots call the last day of the year) to ring in the New Year!
Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands: Take in the spectacular scenery while driving through the majestic Scottish Highlands. Stop in quaint villages and, if the weather is clear, catch a glimpse of the grand Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
See Glen Coe: Admire this spectacular glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands). This is where the Massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet tragic stories in Scotland’s history.
Visit Loch Ness: Try to spot the legendary Loch Ness monster with a visit to the place said to be her home! Enjoy free time to explore or take an optional cruise along the water.
Visit Edinburgh: Spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Scotland’s vibrant and historic capital city! Tomorrow offers a full free day to explore or to join the Conquer the Capital optional excursion which provides a unique insight into what makes this city so special.
Experience Hogmanay: Ring in the New Year with an included ticket to Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations! Be entertained by street performers, DJs, artists, bands and many other forms of entertainment. The celebrations conclude with an epic firework show over Edinburgh Castle!
Day 4: Edinburgh: Free Day (New Year’S Day)
Location: Scotland, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend New Year’s Day experiencing the delights of Edinburgh! Welcome the first day of the year with free time to explore the city this morning. See the Old Town and New Town, wander down the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and explore the Grassmarket. Admire the art galleries, statues and memorials as well as the impressive Gothic architecture and take in the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy an included lunch before free time this afternoon. Why not choose to see Edinburgh’s highlights on today’s optional? This evening, do things the Scottish way and enjoy a pint or dram of whisky with the locals. You can also explore the city at night on a guided ghost tour; see secret underground passages and local graveyards!
Day 5: Edinburgh - Carlisle - Lake District - Liverpool
Location: Lake District, Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the border back into England today as the tour travels to Liverpool. Enroute, visit Carlisle, a historic cathedral city, and the beautiful town of Bowness-on-Windermere in the picturesque Lake District. Here, why not join the Winter at Windermere optional excursion for a local lunch and a cruise along the stunning Lake Windermere? Arrive in Liverpool in the late afternoon and enjoy a driving tour before checking into the hotel. This city is famous for being the home of The Beatles and two legendary football clubs! This evening is free to experience the local life. Why not pay a visit to the Cavern Club where the Beatles played hundreds of shows?
Visit Carlisle: Enjoy a comfort stop and some free time in Carlisle, a cathedral city in Cumbria which holds great historical significance. Why not pay a visit to its castle, which was first built in 1092, or soak up some art, science and history at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery?
Visit the English Lake District: This is truly your chance to experience lunch with a view - enjoy the scenery of this beautiful part of England, and find a spot to enjoy lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere while surrounded by a scenic landscape. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired many renowned poets and writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Driving tour of Liverpool: Enjoy seeing some of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour of the city. Highlights include Anfield football stadium, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Albert Docks.
Day 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
Location: Liverpool, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Wales
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool this morning and see the city’s most famous sites associated with The Beatles! Next we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon - the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the world’s most famous playwrights. Learn more about this historic village on an orientation tour before using some free time to explore on your own. Afterwards, we make our way to Wales! We have a brief photo stop at a medieval castle on the way. Then we head onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff which is our overnight stop. Orientate yourself with the city on a driving tour before we check into our hotel for the night.
Liverpool Beatles driving tour: Hop aboard the coach to see and learn about a variety of locations connected to The Beatles on an early morning Beatles Magical Mystery Tour!
Visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon: Make a stop in this quaint town, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander the city during your free time, and view many of the Shakespearean attractions, including the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.
Castle photo stop: On the road to Cardiff, enjoy the chance for a short stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some photos.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you all the best highlights before you head back to the hotel.
Day 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London
Location: Bath, Stonehenge, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is the last day of our tour of Great Britain, and it's a day filled with excitement! Today’s first stop is Bath. This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to sites such as the Roman Baths which can be explored on the optional excursion, as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe! Learn about the town on an orientation tour before travelling to the next stop; Stonehenge. This famous landmark is shrouded in myth and legend. Explore it on the optional Stonehenge excursion. Arrive back in London in the early evening. After a week of exploring amazing destinations across Great Britain, it’s the end of a memorable tour!
Bath Orientation tour: Learn all about Bath’s fascinating history and its top attractions, including the famous Roman Baths, with your tour leader.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Go punting down the River Cam in Cambridge
Stroll through the historic streets of York
Enjoy a group dinner in York
Visit the Angel of the North statue
Take a photo at Hadrian’s Wall
Visit world famous wedding destination Gretna Green
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets
Spend a night in the Scottish Highlands
Drive through the Highlands and spot Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak
Marvel at the beauty of the Highlands in Glen Coe
Glimpse the beauty of Loch Ness
Experience Hogmanay in Edinburgh
Visit Carlisle, an important historic city
Experience the beauty of the English Lake District
Embark on a Liverpool driving tour with your tour leader
See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles
Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon; home of Shakespeare
Enjoy a photo stop at a medieval Welsh Castle
Experience Cardiff on a driving tour
Discover Bath on an orientation walking tour
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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1 Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.