Real Britain

Day 1
Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff
Experience first-hand what's 'great' about Great Britain. Embark on a mesmerising sojourn past rolling hills and farmlands of England.  Head west to Stonehenge’s megaliths, whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes centre stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Here, you'll see the Abbey and visit the Roman Baths, before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure over dinner.

Day 2
Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool
Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city. Journey to Ludlow to see its half-timbered Tudor houses, medieval walls and historic castle. Continue north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to Liverpool, hometown of the Fab Four, for an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to see the sights of the city with a Local Expert.

Day 3
Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our drive north to Scotland. Skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy views that inspired literary greats like William Wordsworth. We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where 'Blacksmith Priests' would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh – our home for the next two nights.

Day 4
Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerising medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. See the Old Town and view Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, for centuries the seat of the kings and queens of the Scots. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auld Reekie's medieval relics and elegant Georgian and Gothic facades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel.

Day 5
Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York Connect with Locals
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to York. Walk along The Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening join a family at their stately home in York for a Be My Guest experience and some hearty British home-cooked hospitality.

Day 6
Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London
Learn about Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. Return to London this evening where your memorable encounter with Britain's icons comes to an end.

Dining Summary
2 Dinner (D)
5 Breakfast (B)
Be My Guest
York: Enjoy a traditional British dinner hosted by a local family in the dining room of their historical country home overlooking picturesque scenery in the Vale of York.
Iconic Experience
Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Bath: Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillennial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
Bath: Explore one of Britain’s best-preserved Roman sites, a bathing and temple complex fed by natural hot springs that still flow today. Walk at your own pace through centuries of history in the heart of Bath. This was once the city’s social centre, where Romans gathered to bathe, worship and connect.
Cardiff: Learn more about Wales' capital and cultural hub, Cardiff, as you enjoy an orientation of this vibrant city with your Travel Director.
Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Tudor architecture.
Lake District: Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalised by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
Gretna Green: Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
Must-see Highlights
Explore Edinburgh
Discover Bath, Cardiff and York
Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
View Cardiff Castle, Liverpool's iconic Liver Building, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster in York, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon
See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates