Amazing Britain
10 Day Tour of Britain to York, Edinburgh | Operated by Trafalgar
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10 Days
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2 Countries
England, Scotland -
17 Cities
London, Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Leeds, Durham, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands, Glasgow, Gretna Green, Lake District, Liverpool, Ludlow, Bristol, Bath, Stonehenge -
13 Meals
9 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, 1 Lunch -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Embrace the pomp and pageantry of a global capital with multi-cultural verve. Today is yours to explore the vibrant mix of old and new around every turn. Spend the day delving into 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 city.
Join your Travel Director this morning and indulge your love of theater and poetry. 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. Continue to 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 Dinner and delicious local pub fare.
We venture north to the medieval riverside town of Durham, whose exquisite 11th century cathedral sits imposingly alongside Durham Castle watching over the streets below. We cross what was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall, before enjoying a scenic drive through the soul-stirring 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 Edinburgh.
Fall in love with the enchanting city of Edinburgh as you join a Local Specialist to discover what lies behind its medieval façades. Ramble up the Royal Mile and enjoy astounding views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend some free time this afternoon strolling through Edinburgh and admiring ancient relics. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Cross the Firth of Forth to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews. This famous golf course is renowned for its 18th hole and 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge.
We continue our journey into the dramatic Scottish Highlands, where we’ll Dive Into Culture at a Distillery and sample a wee dram of whisky. Visit picture-perfect Pitlochry, on the edge of the Ben Vrackie and Cairngorms National Park, before arriving at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands where you'll dine tonight.
The arresting 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 afternoon 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.
Today's first stop is in the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green, where eloping couples would exchange their vows over the Marriage Anvil.
Returning to England, we Connect With Locals, joining Christine for lunch at a Be My Guest experience in the company of Highland cows. See beautiful Lake District landscapes and skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, arriving in edgy Liverpool of 'Fab Four' fame, for an evening at leisure.
This morning, we traverse the pretty Welsh countryside before we visit the Shropshire market town of Ludlow with some time to explore on your own. Later, arrive in Bristol for an orientation drive. Join us for an Optional Experience that will take us out to the SS Great Britain as well as the Clifton Suspension Bridge along with all the other highlights of Bristol. As the curtain comes down on a memorable journey through England and Scotland, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant with our Travel Director and newfound friends.
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.
We bid 'Old Blighty' a fond farewell as we prepare to return home after a memorable holiday.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel
- - Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 9 Breakfasts (B)
- - 3 Dinners (D)
- - 1 Lunch (L)
- Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
- Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- See Durham's Romanesque cathedral and admire the innovative audacity of its architecture.
- See the impressive 12th-century Jedburgh Abbey that dominates the center of town.
- Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.
- Visit Pitlochry, famous for its salmon leap.
- See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square.
- Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.
- Enjoy an excellent view of Ben Nevis from the World War II Commando Memorial.
- Visit the famous spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Drive through the hauntingly beautiful Lakes District, immortalized by literary greats of the Romantic Movement.
- See some of Bristol's highlights on an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
- Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- Admire UNESCO-listed Bath, with its elegant Georgian façades and the bimillenial Roman Baths from which the city takes its name.
- Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Meet Christine and enjoy a few hours of Cumbria farm-life with a traditional Be My Guest lunch and some farm animals company thrown in for good measure.
- Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. The Roman Baths experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.
Optional Experiences
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.
Johnnie Walker’s ‘Journey of Flavor’ Tour & Dinner on the Royal Mile (Available on Day 2)Take part in a 90-minute immersive tour, led by Johnnie Walker Experts. This sensory experience includes live performances, light shows, and delicious whiskey cocktails (& mocktails)! After discovering your flavor profile, enjoy a meal on the Royal Mile.
Children over the age of 8 are welcome if accompanied by an adult 18 years+ at all times. Non-alcoholic options will be provided. Children under 8 are not permitted due to health and safety reasons.
We’ll drive out of Edinburgh to the tiny village of Rosslyn, where we’ll hear the inside story of the famous Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist. 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'.
Adult Price: £29 Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen (Available on Day 3)Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen, associated with Scottish kings and Knights Templar. At the Torphichen Inn, your arrival will be toasted by our gracious host before enjoying an excellent dinner of local specialties and entertainment.
Adult Price: £70 Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu (Available on Day 3)Experience the best of Scottish tradition at Ghillie Dhu, where we'll be welcomed by a Scottish piper and enjoy a welcome drink before settling in for a delicious three-course meal and live Ceilidh music. And you can't miss the iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony, a true highlight of the Scottish experience.
Adult Price: £85 Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle (Available on Day 4)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.
Adult Price: £30 Highland Farm Experience (Available on Day 4)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 feeding the lambs and discover his training techniques. Weather permitting.
Adult Price: £24 Loch Lomond Boat Trip (Available on Day 5)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 savor the stunning scenery.
Adult Price: £22 A Stirling Evening (Available on Day 5)See Stirling Castle and the Wallace Memorial by night. A truly wonderful experience, you'll be piped in to your evening meal in the historic Scottish city and enjoy an evening of Scottish delights.
Adult Price: £61 Famous Sights and the Fab Four (Available on Day 6)Come along with our Local Specialist for a guided tour of Liverpool. From its glorious maritime past to its famous cultural present, you’ll discover the two magnificently different cathedrals, see Mathew Street, birthplace of The Beatles, and enjoy the Mersey beat.
Adult Price: £25 Guided Tour of Bristol (Available on Day 7)The center 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.
Adult Price: £24