Best of Devon & Cornwall
9 Days from $1,750 per person
Discover smugglers' coves and quaint coastline villages as you trawl westwards towards the river valleys of romantic Devon and Cornwall, with its rich Celtic heritage. Visit the Georgian town of Bath, drive through the unique landscapes of Exmoor and rural Wiltshire, and see the ruined Tintagel Castle where, legend has it, King Arthur was born.
Overview
Discover smugglers' coves and quaint coastline villages as you trawl westwards towards the river valleys of romantic Devon and Cornwall, with its rich Celtic heritage. Visit the Georgian town of Bath, drive through the unique landscapes of Exmoor and rural Wiltshire, and see the ruined Tintagel Castle where, legend has it, King Arthur was born.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive London
Welcome to London, a vibrant mix of old and new that marches to its very own unforgettable multicultural tune. Spend your day exploring the city's iconic sights – its royal heritage, exquisite architecture and fascinating museums. Then take to the city's streets this evening, enjoying the buzz of Soho or perhaps attend a West End show. -
Day 3: London – Windsor – Bath – Bristol (2 Nights)
This morning meet your Travel Director. Leave the bright lights of the British capital behind and journey through lush landscapes to the historic market town of Windsor, enjoying free time to ramble through its quaint streets and visit the elegant 11th century castle. Journeying east, we arrive in the stately Georgian town of Bath whose beautiful Pulteney Bridge and 15th century Gothic Abbey, provide a picturesque backdrop for the Roman Baths from which the city takes its name. See the steamy thermal pool of the 'Great Bath' before traveling to easy-going Bristol where we'll enjoy an orientation of the city including views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world's first ocean-going luxury liner. -
Day 4: Longleat Stately Home and Lacock Excursion
Leaving trendy Bristol behind, we embark on a scenic drive through the English countryside arriving at Longleat Stately Home near Warminster for a fascinating Cultural Insight into English heritage. Delve into centuries of British tradition during a included guided tour of one of the country's finest stately homes, currently home to the 7th Marquess of Bath. Wander through its grand rooms featuring priceless collections of art, antiques and tapestries collected by 15 generations and admire the exquisite surrounding ‘Capability' Brown landscaped parkland. Later, we stop in the picturesque village of Lacock – its honey-coloured stone cottages and 15th century inns have served as a picturesque backdrop for such famous films as 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Harry Potter', among others. -
Day 5: Bristol – Dunster – Exmoor National Park – Lynmouth – Bideford
Take a step back in time to the medieval village of Dunster with its picturesque thatched cottages, 17th century yarn market and Working Watermill, built on the site of a mill mentioned in the Domesday Survey of c1086. Driving through the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor National Park, we stop in Lynmouth perched along the breathtakingly rugged Devon coast for some time at leisure and perhaps a ride on the famous funicular cliff elevator to nearby Lynton. Our home for this evening is the historic port town of Bideford with its imposing 15th century bridge that spans the Torridge River. -
Day 6: Bideford – Tintagel – Exeter (2 Nights)
Tales of knights and medieval myths and legends take center stage today as we enjoy views of the ruined Tintagel Castle, reputedly the birthplace of King Arthur. We join the Kempthorne family for a light Be My Guest Cornish lunch and tales of farming heritage at their homely Cornish farmstead which has been in their family since the early 18th century. As the day draws to its close, we sit in quiet contemplation with the sounds of Gregorian chants and choral music filling the historic St. Martin's Church as part of a Join Trafalgar initiative to support The Churches Conservation Trust. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the medieval center of Exeter on your terms. -
Day 7: Cornish Excursion including Plymouth, St. Ives and Dartmoor National Park
Meandering along the dramatic coastline of Cornwall today, past smugglers' coves and quaint coastal villages, we stop in the maritime city of Plymouth and view the Mayflower Steps from which brave pilgrims are said to have left English shores for an unknown new world. Discover lovely St. Ives, a popular retreat for artists, before enjoying views of St. Michael's Mount with its 17th century castle which sits dramatically atop the tidal island near the seaside town of Penzance. We travel through the brooding landscape of Dartmoor National Park, stopping at a traditional pub for a memorable Farewell Dinner with our travel companions. -
Day 8: Exeter – Stonehenge – Salisbury – London
See the ancient monoliths at Stonehenge rise up imposingly on Salisbury Plain this morning and imagine a time when pagans and druids would gather in their mysterious midst. We'll visit the town of Salisbury, home to Britain's tallest spire, before returning to London. -
Day 9: Depart London
Say a fond farewell to your traveling companions at the end of a wonderful vacation, as you prepare to return home with treasured memories.
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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.
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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
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Jul 18 | 12 Jul 18 |
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$1,825pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 11 Jul 18 | 19 Jul 18 |
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$1,895pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 25 Jul 18 | 2 Aug 18 |
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$1,825pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 15 Aug 18 | 23 Aug 18 |
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$1,825pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Sep 18 | 27 Sep 18 | $1,825pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 3 Oct 18 | 11 Oct 18 |
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$1,750pp | Request Quote Book Now |
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: $360 p.p.
Triple Discount: $10 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $57 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.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
Meal Summary
10 meals: 7 Full Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Join the Kempthorne family for lunch and tales of farming heritage at their homely Cornish farmstead which has been in their family since the early 18th century
Cultural Insight
- Enjoy a guided tour in Longleat House, the seat of the Marquesses of Bath and one of the finest stately homes open to the public
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- Orientation of Bristol, Bath, Dunster, Lynmouth, Plymouth, Exeter, Salisbury
- Visit Royal Windsor, the Roman Baths in Bath, stately Longleat House in Warminster, picturesque Lacock village, the ancient seaport of Bideford, the gorgeous artists' colony of St. Ives, the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, John Constables Salisbury
- View Windsor Castle, the ‘Capability' Brown landscaped parkland at Longleat, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth, St. Michael's Mount
Request a Quote
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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.
Reviews
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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Passports and Visas
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Currency
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.
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Cuisine
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.
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Packing
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.
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Tipping
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.
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Baggage
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.
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Health and Fitness
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.
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Insurance
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
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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.
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.
Plymouth
Plymouth Harbour Cruise
Adult Price: £15.00
Relax on a boat trip round the harbour of one of England’s most famous seaports. As your skipper commentates, you’ll see the Mayflower steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America, and ships sailed for Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland and enjoy panoramic vistas of Plymouth Hoe. We’ll also enter the Royal Navy Dockyard where you’ll see some of the modern vessels of the Royal Navy.
Bristol
Dinner By Bristol Harbour
Adult Price: £31.00
Tonight, why not join your travel director and fellow guests for some fine British dining in one of the most famous pubs in Bristol. It was here that sailors, smugglers and pirates drank and where press-gangs and custom officers came to catch them (don't worry, there's a spy hole to warn us). It was here that Daniel Defoe met the real-life Robinson Crusoe, and it's just around the corner from the finest Georgian square in Bristol housing the very first overseas American Consulate.
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.
