See more of the beauty of Britain. Go off the beaten path as you traverse the whole of Britain to see Devon and Cornwall in England’s Southwest, the medieval heritage of Wales, and Scotland’s delights.

2023 Highlights of Britain - 14 Days/13 Nights

Duration: 14 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: London Arrival | Windsor Castle
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Windsor hotel. Venture to see the splendors of Windsor Castle, a residence of the King, and the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Then take a walking tour around the medieval town of Windsor with a local guide. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group, and dine and explore as you wish this evening.


Day 2: Stonehenge | Salisbury
Marvel at the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths of Stonehenge and learn about the primitive builders who managed to create such an enduring monument. Stop in Salisbury, a charming old city where the cathedral boasts the tallest spire in England. Arrive in Tavistock, a market town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
(B, D)


Day 3: St Michael's Mount | St Ives
Travel through the unspoiled beauty of Bodmin Moor; stop for photos at Jamaica Inn, built in 1750 and immortalized in Daphne du Maurier's tale of daring smugglers. Visit the coastal village of Marazion to see the romantic outline of St Michael's Mount, an island topped by a spectacular castle. In the old fishing town of St Ives, take a walking tour to see its cobbled streets, quaint cottages, art galleries, and surrounding sandy beaches. Enjoy time to explore before returning to a free evening in Tavistock.
(B)


Day 4: Roman Baths | Cardiff Castle
Explore Bath, a city of elegant Georgian buildings in a distinctive golden stone. Tour the wonderfully preserved Roman Baths. Head to Cardiff, where you'll take a sightseeing tour of the city before touring Cardiff Castle, a medieval castle fabulously renovated in Victorian Gothic style. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 5: Hay-on-Wye | Shrewsbury
Travel through the Brecon Beacons National Park to Hay-on-Wye, a town famous for its bookshops. Continue to Shrewsbury, a picturesque town near the English/Welsh border. Take a walking tour with the town crier to see black-and-white buildings that line the narrow streets. Travel through Cheshire to your hotel in Chester.
(B, D)


Day 6: North Wales | Chester
Drive through the countryside of north Wales as you journey to Conwy, a medieval town dominated by a huge castle. Enjoy a walking tour around the picturesque streets and see the smallest house in Britain, followed by free time for lunch on your own. In Chester, take another walking tour to see medieval buildings and Roman walls.
(B, D)


Day 7: Lake District | Scottish Evening*
Travel through the glorious Lake District, which inspired many of Beatrix Potter's children's books. Visit the village of Grasmere, where Wordsworth lived and is buried. Pass through the village of Gretna Green as you cross the border into Scotland. At your hotel, enjoy a lively Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. (July 31 - August 14 departures will have a free evening instead).
(B, D*)


Day 8: Edinburgh Castle | City Tour
Explore central Edinburgh starting in the 200-year-old “New Town” with planned streets and elegant Georgian houses where many famous writers and inventors lived. See the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses, then tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. On July 31 - August 14 departures, attend the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B)


Day 9: Glamis Castle | St Andrews
Tour Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare's “Macbeth” and childhood home of the Queen Mother. Cross the modern Tay Bridge to the medieval town of St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” Take a panoramic tour of this scenic university town by the sea. Have lunch with your group and enjoy some time to explore.
(B,L)


Day 10: Abbotsford House | York
Visit Abbotsford House, the rambling and picturesque former home of Sir Walter Scott, the internationally famed 19th-century novelist; one of Scotland's greatest historic characters, he played a large role in the modern popularity of tartan. Head to York, an ancient city of narrow cobbled streets, charming tearooms and quaint old pubs, and fantastic medieval churches. Here you'll have the rest of the day free to explore and dine as you wish.
(B)


Day 11: Whitby | Castle Howard | York Minster
Visit the old fishing town of Whitby. Tour its pretty harbor and cobbled streets with your director before departing for Castle Howard, a 300-year-old Stately home that has been the setting for numerous film and TV productions, including the hit show "Bridgerton." Return to York to tour magnificent York Minster, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.
(B, D)


Day 12: Shakespeare's Birthplace | London
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare's Birthplace. Discover the world that shaped the man as you look through an exhibition about his life and work, and take in a short performance to see his words come to life. Drive through the scenic Cotswolds region, renowned for picturesque villages built of honey-colored stone with charming gardens. Arrive in London and enjoy dinner with your group.
(B, D)


Day 13: Tower of London | City Sightseeing
Take a panoramic London tour with a local guide to see some of the famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses, Beefeaters in their elaborate uniforms, and the dazzling Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities.
(B)


Day 14: Tour Ends in London
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
*Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Expect an unforgettable evening of music, ceremony, theater, and dance with reserved seats for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on July 31 – August 14 departures.
  • Discover the charm of Cornwall’s old port town of St Ives, a picturesque haven for art lovers.
  • See St Michael’s Mount – a little island crowned by a medieval church and a castle that looks straight out of a fairytale.

Trip Highlights:

  • Abbotsford House
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Castle Howard
  • Roman Baths
  • Scottish Evening*
  • Shakespeare’s Birthplace
  • Stonehenge
  • St Andrews
  • Tower of London
  • Cardiff Castle
  • Windsor Castle
  • York Minster

*August 1 – 15 departures

Dining Experiences:

  • 13 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 7 Dinners* (D)

*Meal counts vary on Tattoo departures, as the Scottish Evening is replaced with the Tattoo and an independent dinner.

Hotels:

  • MGallery Castle Hotel Windsor | Windsor (1)
  • The Bedford Hotel | Tavistock (2)
  • Mercure Cardiff Holland House | Cardiff (1)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester | Chester (2)
  • Leonardo Royal Edinburgh Haymarket | Edinburgh (3)
  • Marriott York | York (2)
  • Hilton London Kensington | London (2)

Highlights of Britain - 14 day/13 nights

Not included

Hotels

Highlights of Britain - 14 day/13 night land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Castle Hotel WindsorSupplierRating **** Castle Hotel is a characterful and harmonious building, with a unifying palette and design features. The concept of how history and people have made their mark permeates the entirety of the property's new creative interior design. Immerse yourself in history in a unique location. Castle Hotel Windsor is an elegant Georgian building with a rich past and an enviable address: directly opposite Windsor Castle. Walk through the doors and walk back in time, as you discover fascinating authentic features and lovingly restored décor, before you retire to your gloriously relaxing room. The town's cobbled streets offer much to explore, and you'll have the best view possible for the pomp and grandeur of the Changing of the Guard.
SupplierName The Bedford HotelSupplierRating *** The Bedford Hotel sits in the very heart of the award-winning Devon market town of Tavistock, with views over the historic market square, the parish church grounds, and the town’s rooftops. The hotel’s ancient walled garden is a quiet spot on a sunny day, and provides herbs for the hotel’s kitchens. Inside you’ll find 31 individually-designed bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant where local ingredients are at the heart of the menu, relaxing lounges and a bustling bar. This privately owned and managed hotel prides itself on a truly warm welcome, and professional yet friendly service. Popular with local residents and visitors alike, The Bedford Hotel is a true gem of a place, in a perfect location in the centre of this popular Devon market town, and with Dartmoor National Park on the doorstep.
SupplierName The Bedford HotelSupplierRating *** The Bedford Hotel sits in the very heart of the award-winning Devon market town of Tavistock, with views over the historic market square, the parish church grounds, and the town’s rooftops. The hotel’s ancient walled garden is a quiet spot on a sunny day, and provides herbs for the hotel’s kitchens. Inside you’ll find 31 individually-designed bedrooms, an award-winning restaurant where local ingredients are at the heart of the menu, relaxing lounges and a bustling bar. This privately owned and managed hotel prides itself on a truly warm welcome, and professional yet friendly service. Popular with local residents and visitors alike, The Bedford Hotel is a true gem of a place, in a perfect location in the centre of this popular Devon market town, and with Dartmoor National Park on the doorstep.
SupplierName Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & SpaSupplierRating **** This modern hotel's 165 bedrooms offer guests a range of rooms with facilities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The First Floor Restaurant has developed an enviable reputation for style, ambience and culinary excellence. The menu provides a varied and irresistible range of modern cuisine, all served with style. Located in the heart of Cardiff, all of the sights of Cardiff, such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, are within easy walking distance.
SupplierName DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa ChesterSupplierRating In an 18th-century manor house on 12 garden acres, this modern hotel is 2.3 miles from the Vicars Cross Golf Club and 12.9 miles from Beeston Castle and Woodland Park. The chic, minimalist rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, minifridges, and tea and coffee-making equipment. Suites are airy with lounge areas, and one has a kitchen and an Xbox.
SupplierName Leonardo Royal Edinburgh HaymarketSupplierRating ****
SupplierName Delta Hotels by Marriott YorkSupplierRating **** This modern, stylish hotel is an ideal base for exploring York. The Chase Bar & Grill is open for all meals with an international menu. 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms offer satellite TV, a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. Guests can enjoy one hour of free Wi-Fi access in public areas. The leisure club features a heated pool and spa facilities. York city center is within 2 miles of the hotel with York Minster being a 40-minute walk.
SupplierName Delta Hotels by Marriott YorkSupplierRating **** This modern, stylish hotel is an ideal base for exploring York. The Chase Bar & Grill is open for all meals with an international menu. 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms offer satellite TV, a hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities. Guests can enjoy one hour of free Wi-Fi access in public areas. The leisure club features a heated pool and spa facilities. York city center is within 2 miles of the hotel with York Minster being a 40-minute walk.
SupplierName 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by HiltonSupplierRating **** Boasting a prime location in the prestigious Kensington area, 100 Queen's Gate Hotel London, Curio Collection by Hilton sits on the doorstep of the iconic Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum. The hotel’s traditional regency-style façade compliments its contemporary interior, reflecting the elegant Kensington style. Enjoy easy access to Harrods, the designer boutiques of Knightsbridge and Portobello Market. Kensington Palace, Hyde Park and the Royal Albert Hall are just short stroll away.