The Classic Tour of Britain, England, Scotland & Wales
15 Days / 14 Nights
We commence in London with a visit to Windsor Castle and overnight in this charming town of regal fame. A short drive brings leads us to Shakespeare country at Stratford Upon Avon. The Cotswold countryside has the most delightful bucolic landscapes and traditional cottages.
We head north to the ancient city of York visiting the ancient Shambles Walk en route to Edinburgh Scotland. The route passes an ancient Roman Way and dotted with picturesque abbeys and castles.
The Edinburgh Royal Mile is a must see and we then venture to the highlands. Golfing at St. Andrews or enjoy a whiskey at a local distillery. Overnight Pitlochry. Cruise Loch Lomond and the explore The Trossachs National Park. Southbound we see Glasgow and Liverpool (Beatles country!) and into Wales. The wilds of Snowdonia National Park beckons as we wind our way to the ancient Roman city of Bath. We conclude with a visit to the majestic Salisbury Cathedral before ending our breathtaking grand tour in London.
The Itinerary
DAY 1 – LONDON ARRIVAL
Arrive at your London airport. We drive to your hotel in the Windsor area and explore, the town the Queen called her home, see the Castle, the Guildhall where King Charles married Camilla and the many lanes and picturesque pubs in this historic town.
Overnight: Windsor area
DAY 2 – DRIVE FROM WINDSOR TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Explore the Cotswolds and stop in one of the villages with the many honey-coloured cottages with thatched roofs before continuing to Stratford-upon-Avon, to visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Alternatively, drive via Oxford to see the famous colleges used in some of the Harry Potter films.
Overnight: Stratford-upon-Avon area
DAY 3 –STRATFORD-UPON-AVON TO YORK
Depart to the beautiful city of York. The city is best explored on foot, make sure to walk down the Shambles, the most famous street. A visit to the York Chocolate Story or York Minster should not be missed!
Overnight: York area
DAY 4 –YORK TO EDINBURGH
Drive from York to Edinburgh along the coast. Stop at Hadrian’s Wall to explore the Roman wall that was constructed 1800 years ago. You may choose to visit Alnwick or Bamburgh Castle, or drive through the Scottish Borders, and visit Jedburgh or Melrose Abbey.
Overnight: Edinburgh area
DAY 5 – EDINBURGH CITY
Explore the capital city of Scotland on a tour or on foot, to see the mansions of the New Town, and the cobbled, medieval streets of the Old Town. Edinburgh Castle is situated high above the city and houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland. There are ample opportunities to shop for souvenirs in one of the shops on the Royal Mile, or try a local beer in a pub.
Overnight: Edinburgh area
DAY 6 – EDINBURGH TO SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Leave Edinburgh and venture north. Stop in St Andrews, famous for golf and its university. Continue via Perth where you can stop at Scone Palace, site of Scottish royal coronations. Finally reach Pitlochry in the highlands where you can sample a dram of whisky at the distillery or enjoy a woodland walk in the great outdoors.
Overnight: Pitlochry area
DAY 7 – SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS TO GLASGOW
Today you will have two driving routes to choose from. The first option is to go via Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park where you can take a cruise on Loch Lomond. The alternative is to drive via Stirling and visit the castle that dominates he city skyline. Whichever you choose, you will not be disappointed. Arrive in Glasgow and embark on a brewery tour or visit one of the many museums within the city.
Overnight: Glasgow area
DAY 8 – GLASGOW TO LIVERPOOL
Head south to Liverpool or Chester where you can choose to stop in Gretna Green for some Scottish shopping or make a detour to the Lake District which became a UNESCO world heritage site, due to its stunning scenery. If you are staying in Liverpool, visit the Beatles Story and in the evening enjoy live music at the Cavern Club. If you are staying in Chester, take a walk around the black-and-white town, the Cathedral and the amphitheatre.
Overnight: Liverpool or Chester area
DAY 9 – LIVERPOOL TO NORTH WALES
Cross the border into Wales, continue to your hotel in North Wales, where you will be based for the next two nights. Why not stop in Conwy on your way to explore this walled town. Stop to take a photo of Britain’s smallest house on the quayside.
Overnight: North Wales
DAY 10 – NORTH WALES
The area is known for its activities, such as Bounce Below or Zip World Caverns. You also have a 100mph zip wire over a quarry lake, the longest and fastest in Europe.
Overnight: North Wales
DAY 11 – NORTH WALES TO CARDIFF
Today you will travel south to Cardiff through the stunning Snowdonia National Park. Dating back to Roman times, you can explore the castle which was refurbished in the 19th century. Check into your accommodation in Cardiff.
Overnight: Cardiff area
DAY 12 – CARDIFF TO BRISTOL
Drive via Bath a designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a walk around the city centre to see Pulteney Bridge, a historic bridge, the Jane Austen Centre, and the Royal Crescent. You may also visit the Roman Baths, the remarkably well-preserved remains of a Roman spa.
Overnight: Bristol area
DAY 13 - BRISTOL TO SOUTHAMPTON
Today visit Stonehenge and learn the fascinating story of this iconic stone circle. A little further on you can visit Salisbury Cathedral before continuing your journey onto Southampton to check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Southampton area
DAY 14 – SOUTHAMPTON TO LONDON
For your last full day in the UK visit Portsmouth where you can attend the Royal Historic Dockyard and learn the history of British Marine. Continue towards London where you can choose to extend your trip.
Overnight: London area
DAY 15 – DEPARTURE
Your journey around Britain has come to an end, and it’s time to return home.