Best of Britain - Classic Group
Best of Britain - Classic Group
Best of Britain - Classic Group
11 Days Starting and ending in London, England
Visiting: London, York, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lake District, England, Cardiff, Bath, England, Dartmoor National Park, England, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B903N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Best of Britain - Classic Group" tour and experience the rich history and stunning landscapes of England and Scotland. Begin your journey in London, exploring iconic landmarks before heading north to Stratford-upon-Avon, York, and the ancient Hadrian's Wall. Discover the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and enjoy the serene beauty of the Lake District. Visit the historic towns of Ludlow and Cardiff, and marvel at the Roman Baths in Bath. Explore the mystical Dartmoor National Park and the legendary Stonehenge. With luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and unforgettable experiences, this tour offers a comprehensive and enriching exploration of Britain's finest.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Day 2: London And Medieval York
Location: York
Accommodation Name: Hilton, York
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.
Day 3: Hadrian's Wall To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Malmaison, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
See a part of Hadrian's Wall, an impressive Roman construction that once spanned 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city. This evening, perhaps partake in a traditional optional dinner at Ghillie Dhu.
Day 4: Edinburgh Sightseeing
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning join a Local Expert to explore the Royal Mile. You will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Day 5: Loch Lomond To Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Day 6: The Glorious Lake District
Location: Lake District, England
Accommodation Name: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.
Day 7: The Welsh Marches And Cardiff
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.
Day 8: Georgian Bath And Devon
Location: Bath, England
Accommodation Name: Leonardo, Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the golden Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. View the ruined monastery before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.
Day 9: Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start
Location: Dartmoor National Park, England
Accommodation Name: Leonardo, Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later this evening, savor an unforgettable dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.
Day 10: Stonehenge And London
Location: Stonehenge
Accommodation Name: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.
Day 11: Homeward Bound
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
10 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners with Wine are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities.
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Plymouth Cruise
Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor.
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Dartmoor National Park
Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert.
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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.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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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
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Optional Dinner at Ghillie Dhu
Optional traditional dinner at Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh is not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Coaches are sanitized before the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures and hand sanitizer available.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and well-appointed hotels such as Thistle Marble Arch in London, Hilton in York, Malmaison in Edinburgh, Radisson Blu in Glasgow, Castle Green in Kendal, Clayton in Cardiff, and Leonardo in Plymouth.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Dartmoor National Park?
In Dartmoor National Park, you can choose between a scenic exploration of the park, which includes reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of granite tors, open moorland, rivers, and wooded valleys, or you can enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor to see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel, and Plymouth Hoe.
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What is included in the farm-to-table dinner at Heskyn Mill?
The farm-to-table dinner at Heskyn Mill includes a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields. The meal is served with a glass of wine and all ingredients are responsibly sourced from local producers or carefully foraged from the local area to reduce waste.
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What can I expect during the visit to Edinburgh Castle?
During the visit to Edinburgh Castle, you will view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg, and other artifacts with your Local Expert. The castle is home to the Honours of Scotland and offers a rich historical experience.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour in York?
In York, you will stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles, view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral, and enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner with your fellow travelers.
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What historical sites will I visit in Stratford-upon-Avon?
In Stratford-upon-Avon, you will visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, where you can discover interesting memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life and learn about how his works continue to shape society today.
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What is special about the Roman Baths in Bath?
The Roman Baths in Bath are incredibly well-preserved and offer a glimpse into 2,000 years of history. The site is a hub of culture and education for the local population, and your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
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What can I see during the orientation of Cardiff?
During the orientation of Cardiff, you will see Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium. The orientation will give you a good overview of the port city upon the River Taff.
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What will I experience at Stonehenge?
At Stonehenge, you will explore the pre-historic and mysterious site where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. You will learn about its historic and modern interpretations.
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What is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event that takes place for a limited time in August. It features a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance, and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to very high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for use throughout the day.
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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 350 USD 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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Terms and Conditions