Best of Britain - Small Group
Best of Britain - Small Group
$4850
Best of Britain - Small Group
11 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, England, York, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lake District, Ludlow, Bath, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SB903ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Best of Britain - Small Group" tour, a captivating journey through England and Scotland's most iconic destinations. Begin in London, exploring its historic landmarks before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare. Discover the medieval charm of York and the ancient marvel of Hadrian's Wall. In Edinburgh, experience the grandeur of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Journey through the scenic landscapes of Loch Lomond and the Lake District, visiting Wordsworth's Grasmere. Explore the cultural heritage of Bath and the mystical allure of Glastonbury. Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience in Saltash and a relaxing cruise in Plymouth. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the enigmatic Stonehenge before returning to London. With luxurious coach travel, expert local guides, and immersive experiences, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London, England
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch 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: Hilton 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: Hadrian's Wall
Accommodation: Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood By Marriott
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: Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood By Marriott
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: Radisson Blu Hotel, 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
Accommodation: Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.
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: Ludlow
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, 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
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel
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
Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel
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: Thistle Marble Arch, London.
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, England
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 10 breakfasts and 3 dinners with wine.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities during the tour.
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Plymouth Cruise
Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor.
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Dartmoor National Park Visit
Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided for freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Luggage Handling
Bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
What's Not Included
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Optional Dinners
Optional dinners, such as the traditional dinner at Ghillie Dhu, are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have booked additional nights accommodation.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before each tour and equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and hand sanitizer for your convenience.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at renowned 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, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Best of Britain tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, a visit to Dartmoor National Park with a knowledgeable Local Expert, and a farm-to-table dinner at Heskyn Mill where all ingredients are responsibly sourced from local producers.
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Are there any special events or performances included in the tour?
Yes, for a limited time in August, the tour includes the opportunity to witness the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a spectacular event featuring a mix of pipes and drums, dance, and display set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a 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 high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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How does the tour support sustainable practices?
The tour supports sustainable practices through experiences like the visit to the Roman Baths in Bath, which supports local education, and the farm-to-table dinner at Heskyn Mill, which emphasizes responsible consumption and production by sourcing all food locally and reducing waste.
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What are some of the historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including Hadrian's Wall, Jedburgh Abbey, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and the prehistoric site of Stonehenge.
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Is there any flexibility in the activities offered during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers flexibility with options such as choosing between a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park or a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor.
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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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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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