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Best of Britain (Premium)

Operated by: Insight Vacations

11 Days from $3,595 per person
APR - OCT 2024
Aerial view of Parliament Building at dawn, London, England

Countries Visited

England ...more England

Locations Visited

London, Stratford, York, Hadrians Wall Path, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Gretna Green, Windermere, Ludlow, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Saltash, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge ...more London, Stratford, York, Hadrians Wall Path, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Gretna Green, Windermere, Ludlow, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Saltash, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge
  1. Day 1 Welcome to 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.

    hotel Thistle Marble Arch, London.
  2. Day 2 London and Medieval York

    At 07:30, 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 Welcome Dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hilton York.
  3. Day 3 Hadrian's Wall to Edinburgh

    See a part of Hadrian's Wall, once spanning 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
  4. Day 4 Edinburgh Sightseeing

    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, and see the Stone of Destiny. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend the spectacular Military Tattoo - a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.
  5. Day 5 Loch Lomond to Glasgow

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
  6. Day 6 The Glorious Lake District

    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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.
  7. Day 7 The Welsh Marches and Cardiff

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
  8. Day 8 Georgian Bath and Devon

    Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the 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. Continue on to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Jurys Inn Plymouth.
  9. Day 9 Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start

    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 Harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe.Later this evening, savour an unforgettable Celebration 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Jurys Inn Plymouth.
  10. Day 10 Stonehenge and London

    Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Return to London for a final evening at leisure.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Thistle Marble Arch, London.
  11. Day 11 Homeward Bound

    Your journey ends this morning.

    meals Breakfast
Best of Britain Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
  • Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.

Additional Included Highlights

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.

Insight Experiences

  • Dartmoor National Park: Learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert and enjoy a scenic exploration across the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park. Alternatively, cruise the scenic Plymouth harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.

Make Travel Matter

  • Bath: 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 programme 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.
  • Cornwall: John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savour a delightful meal, with all ingredients responsibly sourced from local producers or carefully foraged from the local area to reduce waste. The farms ethos is to support local and reduce food waste. All food is sourced locally, even though this proves more expensive. A staff member grows seasonal vegetables and they have their own egg laying hens. They have relationships with the local farmers where they make sure to get the food that would otherwise struggle to be sold in order to reduce waste. Vegetables are chosen seasonally and are often picked in the morning for their guests to enjoy later the same day. Heskyn Mill Farm advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Stratford-upon-Avon: 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.
  • York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
  • Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
  • Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the centre of town. Even though it is now in ruins it is still a magnificent structure and you can climb a spiral staircase to view the spectacular architecture from a balcony. Built by King David I of Scotland for Augustinian monks, Jedburgh is one of four major Abbeys of the Borders between England and Scotland, and was damaged and rebuilt several times during the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
  • Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.
  • Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert 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.
  • Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
  • Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
  • Stirling: Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.
  • Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
  • Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
  • Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
  • Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
  • Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.
  • Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
  • Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Well-being

  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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April 2024
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$3,725
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Optional Add-Ons

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

Available on Day 2

Dinner In Edinburgh

Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Travel Director knows which ones shine and which ones to shun! Join your fellow companions for a fun evening out in this vibrant city. Visit a prized local restaurant for a delicious three course dinner with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included.
Adult Price: £ 45

Available on Day 2

Edinburgh - The Untold Story

Walk Edinburgh's heart with your Local Expert, to hear about the ultimate loyal dog, grave robbers, executions and other untold stories. Stroll through the Wynds and Closes of the real Edinburgh and enjoy a drink in one of this city's most famous pubs.
Adult Price: £ 25

Available on Day 2

Edinburgh's Most Haunted

Join our Ghouls and Ghosts to embark upon a scary and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh's old town as never seen before! We'll enjoy a drink afterwards to calm our nerves before returning to the land of the living.
Adult Price: £ 29

Available on Day 3

Royal Edinburgh

We’ll enjoy views of the Queen's Park and take in a spectacular panorama of Scotland’s Capital before arriving at Holyrood Palace - the King’s official home in Scotland.  Our Local Expert will bring its ancient stories to life before a leisurely visit through the official rooms of the palace.
Adult Price: £ 39

Available on Day 3

Scottish Dinner & Cabaret

Join us for a lively and memorable evening of traditional Scottish song, dance, tartan and bagpipes. In addition to wine and dinner, your kilted hosts will lead you through some of the best-loved Scottish music and songs. You'll learn a Highland dance or two and sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. An exceptional Scottish experience!
Adult Price: £ 72

Glasgow

Available on Day 4

Glasgow Dinner

In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, this restaurant is very much at the forefront. In the hub of Glasgow's vibrant cosmopolitan capital, enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the unique atmosphere of the city at night.
Adult Price: £ 45

Loch Lomond

Available on Day 4

Visit To Medieval Doune Castle

We enjoy a visit of Doune Castle, overlooking the beautiful village of Doune. Famous for its association with Monty Python and now used as a film location for Game of Thrones, Doune is also the main Castle in the hit show, Outlander.
Adult Price: £ 17

Available on Day 4

Lake Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise around picturesque Loch Lomond - the largest stretch of inland water to be found in the British Isles. Settle with a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the flawless natural beauty, while all the history and legend is brought to life by on-board commentary.
Adult Price: £ 17

Windermere

Available on Day 5

Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride

There is no better way to appreciate the scenic beauty of the English Lake District than a relaxing cruise and steam train ride. First take to the limpid waters of Windermere for a spectacular voyage, offering magnificent views of rugged mountains, secluded bays and wooded islands. At the southern end of the lake, your cruise connects with a steam locomotive for a nostalgic ride along the banks of the beautiful River Leven to Haverthwaite Station.
Adult Price: £ 27
Note: Occasionally this experience will operate in reverse.

Cardiff

Available on Day 6

Cardiff Castle Tour

Take an ‘insider’ look at this unique Castle started by the Romans 2,000 years ago where we have our own private tour. The refurbishments done in the 1800s have been described as outrageous to opulent, bogus to brilliant and some even say the architect, William Burgess, smoked his opium pipe too much!  His influences include Arab and Islamic art, Hans Christian Anderson's fairy tales and even Aesop's fables. In addition, we can walk on the battlements and climb the 1,000-year-old Norman keep for superb views over Cardiff.
Adult Price: £ 21

Available on Day 6

Pub Dinner

Visit a traditional country pub with its stone floors, real ale, and a cosy atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy a mouth-watering meal, featuring freshly-cooked traditional British food.  During your meal, you'll enjoy a performance from a Welsh harpist.
Adult Price: £ 45

Available on Day 6

Welsh Evening

Join us for a lively night celebrating Welsh food and culture at a stunningly-renovated deconsecrated church in the heart of Cardiff. Enjoy a traditional and locally-sourced three-course meal whilst being entertained by Welsh stories, enchanting music and renowned Welsh singers.
Adult Price: £ 69

Cornwall

Available on Day 7

Cornwall Dinner

There can be nothing better on a long summer's evening, then a delightful meal in a quintessential English country pub. Enjoy a three-course dinner of superb local food with wine. Cheers!
Adult Price: £ 42

Available on Day 7

Cornwall Dinner

There can be nothing better on a cold winter's evening, then a delightful meal in a quintessential English country pub. Enjoy a three-course dinner of superb local food with wine. Cheers!
Adult Price: £ 42

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, September 14, 2019
Service
Everything about the trip was fabulous. John Chappell is a huge asset to your company, so patient and kind and creative in his problem-solving. Because no matter how much good planning one does, problems do arise.
Vacation
Every single day was filled with delights. Beautiful and interesting countries, good food, history, architecture, and more.
Rita Williams
Review date: Friday, September 21, 2018
Service
The leader, John Jennings, and the two drivers were really good. The little treats, scones, scotch at the border, were delightful. The coach was always clean, but had several seats with limited leg room They were uncomfortable. John rotated us to minimize the problem. Limited overhead storage. GET did not send labels etc to my travel companions causing a problem at the beginning of the tour with luggage loading.
Vacation
I expected to be part of a smaller group, 25-30, but found our group merged with Insight tours. This became 40. All were wonderful fellow travelers, but I might not have purchased this had I known the size of the group. The coach was too full.
Thomas Ewing
Review date: Friday, September 21, 2018
Service
Arrangements were good, my disappointment may be more related to insight.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We do apologize for the unexpected change in itinerary, but hope you had some good times along the way.
Friday, September 21, 2018
Vacation
My first bus tour, lot of sitting. Our tour guide John was good
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, August 24, 2018
Service
well done
Vacation
Edinburgh Tattoo was reason this tour was selected
Alan Walters
Review date: Friday, August 17, 2018
Service
did not see many sites that came with the tour. too much time on the coach due to the road systems. rooms were average.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for taking the time to let us know. We will research the situation and our Guest Relations team will be in touch with you.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Vacation
average value for what you get.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, July 6, 2018
Service
Christina was a great guide. She was knowledgeable, helpful and had good taste. We also appreciated our driver Les. He did an amazing job of keeping us safe and the coach spotless.
Response from Grand European Travel:
So happy to hear you had a nice trip! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Friday, July 6, 2018
Vacation
We covered a lot of ground on this trip and say many important attractions. This trip is good value for the money spent.
William Morcom
Review date: Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Service
good hotel locations, roomy bus
Vacation
Enjoyed the trip, but would have liked less optionals on lake/harbor cruises and more on historical sites. More time in some locations and we missed some sites I would have liked to see. Also wine was only average and we should have had choices especially on the optional tours. Would have liked tour of London, Windsor Castle, Tintagel, Mount St Michael's. Doune castle.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your feedback and suggestions.  We will be sure to share them with  Insight Vacation's planning teams.  We are glad that you enjoyed the Best of Britain overall.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Service
Efficient handling of the booking & help in finding the right tour to suit our time schedule.
Vacation
The optional tours were good value for money!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, September 1, 2017
Service
It was delightful. Beautiful country!
Vacation
Could have bought a lot more.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Friday, August 18, 2017
Service
The Insight bus was very comfortable. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, especially the history and geography of the various regions traveled. The bus driver was very skilled. Travelling with people from other countries adds to the experience.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We appreciate you taking the time to write, and are glad to hear you enjoyed your Best of Britain trip.  
Friday, August 18, 2017
Vacation
Interesting places visited. fellow traveling companions were enjoyable. Tour guide was excellent. No glitches.
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