Best of Britain (Premium)
11 Day Tour of England, Scotland & Wales | Operated by InsightVacations
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11 Days
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3 Countries
England, Scotland, Wales -
17 Cities
London, Stratford, York, Hadrians Wall Path, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Gretna Green, Windermere, Ludlow, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge -
13 Meals
10 Breakfasts, 3 Dinner with Wines -
Pace: Leisurely
3 or more nights in 1 destination. Requires 1-2 miles of walking per day to participate in top sites primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Trip Itinerary
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.
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.
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 dinner at Ghillie Dhu.
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 colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 10 Breakfasts (B)
- - 3 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- 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.
- Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
- See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the center 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.
- Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.
- 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.
- 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.
- See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.
- Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
- During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- 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.
- Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
- 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.
- John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savor 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.
- 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 harbor, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.
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.
Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu (Available on Day 2)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 Royal Edinburgh (Available on Day 3)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: £44 Dinner In Edinburgh (Available on Day 3)
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: £59 Edinburgh - The Untold Story (Available on Day 3)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: £29 Lake Cruise (Available on Day 4)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: £22 Visit To Medieval Doune Castle (Available on Day 4)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: £21 Glasgow Dinner (Available on Day 4)In recent years, Glasgow has developed a fearsome culinary reputation. With its elegant and chic atmosphere, tonight's dining experience will feature one of the venues at the forefront of Glasgow's foodie scene. Enjoy an evening of Scottish fayre and experience the city's atmosphere at night.
Adult Price: £62 Guided Visit and Dinner at The Mackintosh at the Willow (Available on Day 4)Step inside the stunning surroundings of Mackintosh at the Willow after-hours and relax with a glass of prosecco. Explore the history of the tearoom and Glasgow in a private visit to our onsite interactive exhibition. Let our specialist guide tells you more about the building and immerse yourself in the magic of Mackintosh. Our guide will be on hand to answer any questions. Take a seat in the historic surroundings of the Original Willow Tea Rooms building and enjoy a delicious 3 course menu curated with the best Scottish produce and hand selected wine.
Adult Price: £73 Steam Train Ride and Windermere Cruise (Available on Day 5)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: £33 Cardiff Castle Tour (Available on Day 6)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 Andersen'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: £26 Welsh Evening (Available on Day 6)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: £83 Pub Dinner (Available on Day 6)Visit a traditional country pub with its stone floors, real ale, and a cozy 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: £63 Cornwall Dinner (Available on Day 7)There can be nothing better than a delightful meal in a quintessential English country pub. Enjoy a three-course dinner of superb local food with wine. Cheers!
Adult Price: £51