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Amazing Britain

11 Days from $2,043 per person

Style: First Class | Pace: Active

Rugged landscapes and ancient kingdoms – the heritage of Scotland and England revealed on this jaunt past medieval cities, shimmering lochs and rugged Highland cliffs. Travel north from London to Edinburgh, a city with medieval charm and modern verve. Rub shoulders with the golfing greats at St. Andrews and enjoy a wee dram toasting to the warmth of the Scots.

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Overview

Rugged landscapes and ancient kingdoms – the heritage of Scotland and England revealed on this jaunt past medieval cities, shimmering lochs and rugged Highland cliffs. Travel north from London to Edinburgh, a city with medieval charm and modern verve. Rub shoulders with the golfing greats at St. Andrews and enjoy a wee dram toasting to the warmth of the Scots.

  1. Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

  2. Embrace the pomp and pageantry of a global capital with multicultural verve. Today is yours to explore the vibrant mix of old and new around every turn. Spend the day exploring the royal heritage of London, stroll along the tree-lined Thames or admire treasures from across the globe before enjoying the night-time buzz of this fascinating city.
    hotel:Hilton Kensington

  3. Join your Travel Director this morning and indulge your love of theater and poetry as we travel to romantic Stratford-upon-Avon, made famous by its favorite son, William Shakespeare, whose extraordinary works have been admired by audiences for over 500 years. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center for insights into the life of the 'Bard of Avon', before exploring the charming cobblestone streets of his hometown. Our next stop is the ancient cathedral city of York where we will enjoy an orientation walk to view its ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and magnificent 800-year-old Minster. Join your Travel Director and fellow travel companions this evening for a memorable Welcome Reception and delicious local pub fare.
    meal(s):FB, WR
    hotel:Hotel 53

  4. We venture north to the medieval riverside town of Durham, whose exquisite 11th century Durham Cathedral sits imposingly alongside Durham Castle watching over the charming medieval streets below. We cross what was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall, before enjoying a scenic drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Northumberland National Park. Admire spectacular views of the windswept Cheviot Hills as you cross the Scottish border, stopping to admire the 12th century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey en route to alluring Edinburgh.
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Leonardo Royal

  5. Fall in love with the enchanting city of Edinburgh today as we join a Local Specialist for a fascinating discovery of its medieval streets. Ramble up the Royal Mile and enjoy astounding views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Your choice of sightseeing will see you visit Edinburgh's Camera Obscura or Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend some time at leisure this afternoon ambling through Edinburgh's charming cobblestone streets and admiring medieval relics, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to Rosslyn Chapel and delve into legends of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail. During the Edinburgh Festival, your visit includes tickets to see the rousing performances at the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo on the castle grounds.
    meal(s):FB

  6. Cross the Firth of Forth to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and the famous golf course at St. Andrews – its 18th hole renowned in the golfing world for the 800-year-old Swilcan Bridge. We meander into the dramatic Scottish Highlands, enjoying an included Cultural Insight at a whisky distillery to sample a wee dram. Visit picture-perfect Pitlochry, on the edge of the Ben-Y-Vrackie and Cairngorms National Park, before continuing through the picturesque landscapes to your hotel where you'll dine tonight.
    meal(s):FB, D
    hotel:Highlander

  7. The pristine natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands provides a stunning backdrop for today's leisurely drive to Glasgow. View the World War II Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and admire views of Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. See Glencoe, the site of a bloody massacre in 1692 following the Jacobite Uprising and travel to the bonnie banks of Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. We arrive in Glasgow this evening where our orientation will take us past St. Mungo's Cathedral and George Square lined with statues and monuments dedicated to famous British subjects, including Robert Burns and Sir Robert Peel.
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:MacDonald Crutherland House

  8. Today's first stop is in the runaway wedding capital of Gretna Green where eloping couples would make their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Returning to England, we meet Farmer John and his wife Christine for a Be My Guest Cumbrian lunch in the company of Highland cows. See the beautiful Lake District landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. Skirting the romantic shores of Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, we arrive in edgy Liverpool of 'Fab Four' fame for an evening at leisure.
    meal(s):FB, BG
    hotel:Mercure Atlantic Tower

  9. Traverse the pretty Welsh countryside this morning and stop in an area of outstanding natural beauty – the Wye Valley, with its characteristic limestone gorge scenery and dense woodlands. View the spectacular ruins of the world-famous Cistercian abbey in Tintern before arriving in Bristol to see the Clifton Suspension Bridge and SS Great Britain, the world's first ocean-going luxury liner. As the curtain comes down on a memorable journey through England and Scotland, we enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant with our Travel Director and newfound friends.
    meal(s):FB, FD
    hotel:Mercure Holland House

  10. Journeying back to London, we visit the UNESCO-listed city of Bath to admire its elegant Georgian façades and the Roman baths from which the city takes its name. Emerging from the Salisbury Plain, the imposing monoliths of Stonehenge are our final stop before continuing through the lush Wiltshire and Hampshire landscapes to London for a final night at leisure.
    meal(s):FB
    hotel:Hilton Kensington

  11. We bid 'Old Blighty' a fond farewell as we prepare to return home after a memorable vacation.
    meal(s):FB
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  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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  • Definite Departure
  • Edinburgh Tattoo
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
17 May 18 27 May 18 checkmark $2,275pp Request Quote Book Now
21 Jun 18 1 Jul 18 checkmark $2,295pp Request Quote Book Now
26 Jul 18 5 Aug 18 checkmark $2,350pp Request Quote Book Now
Edinburgh Tattoo
 16 Aug 18 26 Aug 18 checkmark $2,595pp Request Quote Book Now
23 Aug 18 2 Sep 18 checkmark $2,450$2,328pp Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 Request Quote Book Now
30 Aug 18 9 Sep 18 checkmark $2,295$2,180pp Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 Request Quote Book Now
20 Sep 18 30 Sep 18 checkmark $2,295pp Request Quote Book Now
27 Sep 18 7 Oct 18 checkmark $2,250$2,138pp Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 Request Quote Book Now
4 Oct 18 14 Oct 18 checkmark $2,195pp Request Quote Book Now
18 Oct 18 28 Oct 18 checkmark $2,150$2,043pp Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 Request Quote Book Now
  • Edinburgh Tattoo: This departure includes the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo event.

Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.

Single Room Supplement: from $530 p.p.

Triple Discount: $10 p.p.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $76 per person.

AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift!  Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.

Frequent Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the price of the vacation.

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  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • VIP Access VIP Access
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options
  • Most Meals Most Meals
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Cultural Enrichment Cultural Enrichment

Meal Summary

13 meals: 9 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners, all with tea and coffee. 

Included Highlights

Be My Guest

  • Meet Farmer John and his wife Christine and enjoy a few hours of Cumbria farm-life with a traditional cream tea and some Highland cow company thrown in for good measure

Cultural Insight

  • Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands

Local Specialist

  • For included sightseeing in Edinburgh

Hidden Treasure

  • Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure

Sightseeing Highlights

  • City tour in Edinburgh
  • Orientation of York, Durham, Glasgow, Bristol, Bath
  • Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh Castle, Whisky Distillery, Gretna Green, Wye Valley, the Roman Baths in Bath, the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge
  • View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, York Minster, Hadrians' Wall, Jedburgh Abbey, Tintern Abbey
  • See the 18th green on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Blair Castle, the Lake District
 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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Reviews

Sunday, October 29, 2017
Amazing Britain
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : hassle free tour covering 1600 miles of England, Scotland and Wales
Vacation : we just didn't buy very much
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Amazing Britain
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The “Amazing Britain” tour presents an excellent itinerary to get acquainted with the U.K. We covered 2300 miles in 8 days. Stops are frequent and short, so do not expect in depth exploration in any one location. We arrived too late to our locations to be able to sufficiently explore the towns. And you’ll see only “a wee bit” of Wales. Four of the seven hotels would be rated as one or two star hotels. The Hilton Kensington in London is in poor repair. The Jury’s Inn in Edinburgh is in a good location, but was dirty with very poor temperature control, and the water pipes hummed loudly like the bagpipes that we heard at the Tattoo. Our room overlooked a brightly lit alley of trash, dumpsters and dirty laundry. The Highlander Hotel in Netwonmore also lacked temperature control and the midges prohibited open windows, but it was acceptable in its own modest way. The Mercure Atlantic Tower in Liverpool has the tiniest room and baths – impossible for two people with luggage. The York 53 Hotel, Radisson Blue in Glasgow and Mercure Holland House in Bristol were all better quality hotels. The seats for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo were excellent, located 30 rows up the stands. It was quite a hike to the top, but the show made it worthwhile. And it is quite nice to bypass ticket lines at Bath and Stonehenge to get into the sights. The Welcome Reception in York was quite nice. The Be My Guest lunch was enjoyable. The optional Stirling Evening was outstanding and the Loch Lomond boat tour is a nice diversion from the bus. Don’t select the tour based on the optional trips because the tour director can cancel these at will. Ours cancelled three of them and it was highly disappointing. Tour directors can make or break the trip. Unfortunately, this tour director is the reason for the average service rating. He was quite rude and grumpy, and scores very low in the customer service delivery areas. Our coach driver, Brian, was excellent. The bus was comfortable and clean and Brian always made us feel safe and he always had a smile and friendly greeting for each one of us. Confusion abounds when you arrive at your hotel in London. I had to call the London Reception Center and found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. My airline tickets were problematic. Twice I called GET when I was unable to check in online. Two separate representatives told me everything was fine and that I had to check in at Virgin Atlantic (even though Virgin Atlantic told me to check into Delta). There was no Virgin Atlantic counter at my airport, so I did go to the Delta counter. The agent there told me that my ticket wasn’t paid for … nothing like a little adrenalin rush to start your vacation. She then further checked and found that the Virgin Atlantic and Delta records were not pointing to each other. So, if you have issues with online check-in, push your travel agent to investigate the problem with more than just a cursory look. It would be nice to have more photo stops, once we got off the highway. Most of your photos will be through the bus windows. And one final suggestion, TTC needs to find better nametags. They are useless and difficult to attach to clothing. Give us a lanyard instead – much more functional. So even though this trip was far from perfect, I am glad I did this excursion. I saw many sights of historical significance; I experienced new cultures and food and drink; and I learned a lot … and that’s why I travel.
Vacation : See comments in Customer Experience.
Sunday, May 14, 2017
Amazing Britain
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Everything was very well organized and planned accordingly to the itinerary we had been provided. The guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The chauffeur was excellent and the group mingled perfectly well. The hotels provided were good and the visits were very timely arranged.
Vacation : The trip was great from beginning to end, and we both came back with everlasting memories of the good time we shared with other tourists in the group, our tour leader and the chauffeur as a family.
Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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  • U.S. citizens traveling to UK must have a current passport that is valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering the UK.

  • The currency in the UK is the Pound (£).  While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive in the UK, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate when you arrive in your destination.  The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling.  It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.

  • English specialties include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, Stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast.  In larger cities like London you’ll also find restaurants serving a variety of international cuisine.

    Food and drink in Scotland goes far beyond haggis, porridge, and whiskey.  Other specialties to try include kippers, fish and chips, Scotch broth, smoked salmon, sausages, shortbread, and Dundee cake.  For a meal that’s inexpensive and authentic, try a pub meal with a pint of Scottish ale.

  • The climate in the UK is temperate, with regular rainfall throughout the year. We suggest packing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress.  A few important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

  • Tipping is less common in the UK than in the U.S. When dining out, some restaurants will add a service charge of 12.5 percent to your bill, especially for groups.  If a service hasn’t been added, it’s appropriate to leave 10 – 15 percent gratuity.

    At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

  • Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

  • You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

    If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.

 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Edinburgh

Local Dinner Evening

Adult Price: £37.00

Join us and your travelling companions for a delicious traditional dinner and drink at a local restaurant.

Edinburgh by Night and Dinner

Adult Price: £42.00

We'll drive into the old city of Edinburgh to see the city at night with photo opportunities of the Castle and the Grassmarket, famous for historic executions and when possible visit one of the most haunted graveyards and see the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous Skye Terrier. Then, we'll make our way to a local restaurant for a delicious dinner and drink.

Scottish Show With Dinner

Adult Price: £60.00

Tonight is your chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing at an internationally famous venue. You’ll enjoy delicious food and wine, join in the singing and watch a Highland dance or two. There's even a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish – haggis.

Rosslyn Chapel

Adult Price: £18.00

We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where you’ll hear the inside story on the famous Rosslyn Chapel. One of Scotland's most unusual 15th-century buildings, Rossyln is famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and now 'The Da Vinci Code'.

Scottish Highlands

Pitlochry. Visit Of Blair Castle

Adult Price: £20.00

Set in its own grounds against a backdrop of glorious scenery, we'll discover the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, home to Europe's last remaining private army. Unique amongst Scottish castles, Blair has hosted royalty from Mary Queen of Scots to Queen Victoria.

Highland Farm Experience

Adult Price: £14.00

Visit a real Highland sheep farm and meet Neil the Shepherd and his border collies. He’ll show you how he uses different whistles to command each dog to carry out different tasks. You’ll also have the opportunity to try your hand at sheep shearing, feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond Boat Trip

Adult Price: £15.00

Discover the wild beauty of the 'Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond'. As we cruise across the loch, the skipper will share stories of the area and point out Rob Roy's cave as you relax and savour the stunning scenery.

Glasgow

A Stirling Evening

Adult Price: £44.00

See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly local experience, you'll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights.

Liverpool

Liverpool by Night

Adult Price: £20.00

Meet your Local Beatles/Liverpool Specialist who will take you around by coach to some of the sites of this great port city. You'll enjoy the buzz of Mathew Street and see the Cavern Club, where the Beatles played and the Bunch of Grapes pub where the lads enjoyed a pint between sessions. Enjoy a drink yourself in one of the pubs before enjoying free time for dinner in this exciting city.

Bristol

Guided Tour of Bristol

Adult Price: £15.00

The centre of the British aeronautics industry since WWII, Bristol was also a great seafaring port and England's second city until not long ago. There's a wealth of history to be discovered and John Cabot, Brunel, the Plimsoll Line, John and Charles Wesley, Wills Tobacco, Archibald Leach (who's he?), Banksy, and Robinson Crusoe are all names that have unique links with Bristol. Find out how they all fit together on a rip-roaring tour of the town with Bristol's number-one local specialist.

 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

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The Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place every year in August.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, often referred to as "the most spectacular show on earth," is an exciting celebration showcasing the best of Scottish music, dance, and military pageantry.  In 2018 it will take place in Edinburgh from August 3rd to August 25th, and is sure to draw entertainers and spectators from around the world. 

Tickets and arrangements have been included on these select departures. Book early as they will sell out quickly!

 Request a Quote

  • 30 Day Refund Guarantee

    We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.

  • Add air to your reservation

    Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.

Similar Trips

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