2025 Gems of Northern England - 9 Days/8 Nights

Day 1: Independent Exploration in London & Welcome Drink
Your day is free to enjoy the many delights of London as you wish. Your tour begins at 6pm, when you meet your group for a welcome drink at your hotel, followed by an evening free to dine independently.
 

 

Day 2: Kensington Palace & London Exploring
Visit Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the home of young royals for 300 years – including the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate. Walk in the footsteps of royalty, exploring the lavish rooms of the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments. Savor a light lunch with your group before spending the rest of the day exploring London as you please.
(B, L)

 

Day 3: Cambridge American Cemetery & Punting in Cambridge
Depart London for the Roman city of St Albans or 17th-century Hatfield House, depending on your departure date. Next, visit the Cambridge American Cemetery, honoring the thousands of American soldiers who gave their lives in World War II. Continue on to Cambridge for a sightseeing trip on the River Cam, as you go punting on a traditional flat-bottomed boat. Your evening is free to explore as you wish.
(B)

 

Day 4: Lincoln & York
Head to Lincoln, with its towering cathedral and castle overlooking the city. Stop in a pub for a traditional Sunday roast lunch. Arrive in York, an ancient city of narrow cobbled streets, charming tearooms, quaint old pubs, and intriguing medieval churches. Take a guided walking tour, then explore on your own for the rest of the day.
(B, L)

 

Day 5: Whitby & Castle Howard
Visit the enchanting fishing town of Whitby, seeing its postcard-perfect harbor, picturesque beaches, winding cobbled streets, and quaint shops. Depart for Castle Howard, a stately 300-year-old home that has been the setting for film and TV productions including the hit show “Bridgerton”. Return to York for dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)

 

Day 6: Yorkshire Drive & Lake District
Take a scenic drive through the lush green splendor of the Yorkshire Dales, pausing in the romantic market town of Richmond. In the famously beautiful Lake District, you’ll have free time for lunch and sightseeing in the charming market town of Keswick. Have dinner with your group at your hotel, located near the banks of Lake Windermere.
(B, D)

 

Day 7: Cruise on Lake Windermere & Liverpool
Take a scenic cruise on England’s largest lake, Windermere, seeing mountain vistas, wooded isles, and lakeside villages. Continue to Liverpool, birthplace of the Beatles. After a walking tour of this fun, friendly city, explore the attractions around Albert Dock on your own, including the Beatles Story, the Tate Liverpool, and the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
(B)

 

Day 8: Stratford-upon-Avon, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Oxford
In Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare’s hometown, explore Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the 500-year-old thatched house and gardens where The Bard’s wife was born. Drive to Oxford to discover this storied university city on a walking tour. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group.
(B, D)

 

Day 9: Tour Ends in Oxford
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner