"Limited Quality English Small Group from June to October" 8-Day Panoramic Tour of England, Wales and Edinburgh (In London, Out Edinburgh)

Reasons for recommendation

Route Overview

Enjoy eight days of exploration and discovery on this complete journey from London to Edinburgh, savoring the finest sights and experiences offered by England, Scotland, and Wales. Combining the "Heart of England" and "York, Dales & Lakes" tours, explore the ancient Gothic grandeur of historic settlements in the north and the charming intimacy of valley villages. Relive scenes of fierce conflict in the past as you wander along the Roman watershed of Hadrian's Wall. These eight days… We offer you an unforgettable journey through the most scenic and historic locations in England, Wales, and Scotland.

Itinerary

Day 1: London ‣ Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's Town) ‣ Shrewsbury

Departing from London, journey to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace. Visit his beautiful gardens and the Tudor thatched cottage where he lived with his wife, Anne Hathaway. You'll also have time to explore the charming village of Stratford. Enjoy lunch at a quaint restaurant before travelling to the World Heritage Site, the Iron Bridge. The world's first bridge made entirely of cast iron, it sits in a unique wooded gorge on the River Severn. A stunning monument to the rise of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, the site offers many attractions to learn more about this fascinating period.

Next, you'll wind your way to the riverside town of Shrewsbury*. A beautiful county town situated on the banks of the mighty River Severn, it's the birthplace of Charles Darwin, and this bustling market town with its black and white timber-framed Tudor buildings will be your home for the next two nights.

Please note that sometimes this trip may stay in Chester instead of Shrewsbury.

Day 2: Conwy Castle ‣ Snowdonia National Park ‣ Shrewsbury

Today, you will journey to the heart of North Wales, beginning with an exploration of the beautiful Conwy Castle and its galleries. This estuary fortress, built by Edward I in the 13th century, offers spectacular views from its battlements.

Next, you'll delve into Snowdonia National Park, admiring the impressive mountains and valleys, and visiting the enormous Dinorwic slate quarry and the dramatic Llanberis Pass, nestled in the shadow of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Before returning to the English border, you can also learn about the history of the Welsh struggle for independence and the rebellious story of Owain Glyndŵr, the last native Prince of Wales.

Day 3: Peak District National Park ‣ Chatsworth House (Darcy's Estate) ‣ York

Starting from northeast Shrewsbury, you'll journey to the Peak District National Park, a rugged moorland of walled pastures and wooded valleys. You'll traverse this unique landscape, enjoying picturesque villages and unparalleled views.

After a scenic drive, you'll arrive at the elegant spa town of Buxton, which has attracted visitors to its natural springs since Roman times. Here, you can fill your own bottles with the famously clear spring water.

In the afternoon, you will visit Chatsworth House, the famous Derbyshire home of the Duke of Devonshire, and its gardens, which also served as the filming location for "Pemberley" in the renowned "Pride and Prejudice." This celebrated building houses a vast collection of furniture, priceless paintings, and neoclassical sculptures, and is frequently ranked as one of Britain's most beloved country houses.

Afterwards, you will travel north, passing through some of the old industrial heartlands of northern England, to arrive at the historic walled city of York, where you will spend the next two nights.

Day 4: York ‣ Towns around the Yorkshire Dales ‣ York

Today, you have two main options for your full-day activity. Firstly, you can choose to spend the day leisurely exploring York's medieval heart, an ancient city brimming with history dating back to the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. York Minster's towering Gothic spires dominate the city, casting its spiritual influence over magnificent museums, narrow alleyways, and distinctive stone walls.

Alternatively, you can take a half-day excursion with a guide through the Yorkshire Dales to the charming market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon. After admiring the beautiful architecture and spa town luxuries, spend some time exploring the more remote dales and Eastern Dale for breathtaking scenery, before enjoying a free afternoon in York, dining and relaxing in the city's many restaurants and shops.

Tomorrow you will depart from your London hotel for Edinburgh by tour bus. Your driver/guide will inform you of all the details regarding your pick-up time tomorrow.

D5: York ‣ North York Moors National Park ‣ Whitby (Coastal Town)

You will have a relaxed day with the opportunity to spend time in the medieval city of York, a city steeped in history, from its Roman settlement through Viking and Norman occupations, and the brutal divisions of the Wars of the Roses. You can spend time exploring the city's stunning architecture, most notably the magnificent York Minster.

Departing from York, you'll journey to the North Sea coast of Yorkshire, with your first stop being the magnificent and expansive North York Moors National Park. After enjoying the stunning natural scenery, you'll travel to Whitby for lunch. This bustling fishing port was one of the inspirations for Bram Stoker, the author of Dracula. You can visit the Royal Hotel, where Stoker recounted his chilling tale, before enjoying some free time. Next, you'll visit the preserved village of Robin Hood's Bay, a wonderfully preserved original fishing village with many winding alleys and narrow paths. Please note that due to local restrictions, minibuses cannot access the main village, and you will need to walk up a steep hill to reach the old village centre. After relaxing in this unique location, you will return to York in the evening.

Your journey will next depart from York. Tomorrow, a tour bus will pick you up in Edinburgh; your driver/guide will provide all the details regarding the next day's pick-up.

Day 6: Yorkshire Dales National Park ‣ Keswick (Lake District town)

You will travel to the west, arriving at the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a place of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In this natural paradise, you can enjoy a wide variety of leisure and relaxation activities, and admire the unparalleled natural beauty of the North.

Next, you will pass through the northern valley, which is both a scenic area and a bustling cattle trading center.

Finally, you will arrive at the charming town of Keswick*, where you will disembark and have free time to explore the area's attractions.

Day 7: Castlerigg Stone Circle ‣ Ullswater ‣ Windermere ‣ Hawkshead Conservation Area ‣ Grasmere ‣ Keswick (Lake District town)

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to witness the enigma of the Castlerigg Stone Circle, dating back five thousand years, and many mysterious ancient ritual sites. Continuing on, you will arrive at the shores of Lake Elterwater, one of the most beautiful lakes in England. You can stroll along the lakeshore, wander through the forests, and admire the spectacular Aira Force waterfall, a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Afterwards, you will travel south, passing through the winding Kirkstone Pass, and stop at Windermere for a hearty lunch while enjoying the surrounding mountains and lakes, or perhaps take a boat trip on the lake. Then you will visit the well-preserved Hawkshead conservation area and the grammar school where the famous poet William Wordsworth was educated.

After a brief stop in the village, you'll follow the original country lanes to Grasmere, described by Wordsworth as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found." You can visit the great man's Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquility of the poet's daffodil garden by the River Rothay. Finally, you will return to Keswick**, where your day's journey ends.

Day 8: Hadrian's Wall ‣ Jedburgh ‣ Edinburgh

Bidding farewell to the lakes, you'll ascend Hartside Pass, offering renowned views of the rolling hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District. Standing at over 1900 feet, it's an unparalleled experience.

Continue to Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to keep the Scottish tribes out of the Roman Empire. Walk in the footsteps of the Roman centurions who patrolled this desolate border. Follow the ancient Roman Dere Street, then cross the border into Scotland and visit the local town of Jedburgh and the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, where you can stop for refreshments.

At the final stop, you'll visit the incredible Scott's View, overlooking the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills, which roughly form the Scotland-England border. Then you'll travel on to the magnificent city of Edinburgh.

Fee Description

• 16 Mercedes-Benz tourist minibuses
  
• 7 nights accommodation, including 1 breakfast per night.
• Conwy Castle, Chatsworth House and Gardens, 45-minute cruise on Lake Windermere, Hadrian's Wall Roman Army Museum entrance ticket.
• English-speaking tour guide.

• Other Attractions Tickets
• Full course meal included.
• Tips for the tour guide (at your discretion)
• Please purchase travel insurance in advance on your own.

Booking Information

• Children and teenagers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when booking and cannot make reservations alone.
• If there are children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.35 meters, please inform us in advance, and we will prepare a safety seat.
• Children under 5 years old are not accepted for registration.

• For departures from London, it is recommended to arrive at the designated meeting point at least 30 minutes in advance. All tours will depart on time. If a passenger fails to arrive on time, the tour will be considered a "no-show," and no rescheduling or refunds will be provided.
• In the event of major local events, closure of attractions, or other force majeure circumstances that cause changes to the tour itinerary or prevent access to attractions, adjustments may be made, or the visit to the attraction may be changed to an exterior view only. The final arrangements for the day will prevail.
• The tour itinerary for the day is subject to the guide's arrangement.