Description
Step into the enchanting world of Britain's rich history and culture with our meticulously crafted tour, "Highlights of Britain," a breathtaking 11-day adventure meticulously designed to immerse you in the essence of this storied land.
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Join us as we embark on a journey that will transport you through time, tracing the footsteps of literary giants and exploring the picturesque landscapes that have inspired generations of artists.
Our expedition begins in England, where we unravel the tapestry of the past by following in the footsteps of renowned writers and poets. From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged coastline of Cornwall, every stop on our itinerary is a portal to a bygone era. Wander through charming villages frozen in time, where thatched cottages and ancient churches whisper tales of yesteryear. Marvel at the majestic estates that provided the backdrop for Jane Austen's timeless novels, and stroll through the idyllic gardens that once stirred the imaginations of Wordsworth and Keats.
But our journey doesn't end there. Venturing further into the heart of Britain, we find ourselves amidst the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales and Scotland. Here, rugged mountains give way to sweeping glens, and ancient castles stand sentinel over mist-shrouded lochs. Lose yourself in the mystical allure of Snowdonia National Park, where cascading waterfalls and verdant valleys beckon the adventurous spirit. Explore the haunting ruins of medieval fortresses, their weathered stones bearing witness to centuries of turbulent history.
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Yet, our tour is not merely a journey through landscapes—it is an immersion into the very soul of Britain. Along the way, we'll have the opportunity to partake in age-old traditions, from sampling traditional Welsh cuisine to joining in a spirited ceilidh dance in the heart of Scotland. Engage with local artisans and craftsmen, whose skills have been passed down through generations, and gain insight into the enduring customs that shape the fabric of British society.
Each day of our expedition promises new discoveries and unforgettable experiences, as we delve deeper into the essence of Britain's past and present. Whether you're captivated by the allure of ancient history, entranced by the beauty of the natural world, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the charm of British culture, our "Highlights of Britain" tour offers something for every discerning traveler.
Join us on this unforgettable journey—a voyage of discovery that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11
London (England)
An epicentre of rich history and innovation, London is where we’ll meet for the start of our incredible journey. Tonight, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid (or similar)
London Oxford Cotswolds
After breakfast, we’ll leave the capital behind us and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where we'll discover the highlights of this medieval university city on an orientation walk with our expert Tour Leader. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
Cotswolds Stratford-Upon-Avon Cotswolds
This morning, we’ll board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before we return to the Cotswolds where there’ll be time to explore more of its rolling hills, charming villages and panoramic views.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Three Ways House Hotel (or similar)
Cotswolds Worcester Denbighshire
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
Denbighshire Snowdonia National Park Denbighshire
Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is our next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. We’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: The Mulberry Inn (or similar)
Denbighshire Liverpool York
Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Toes still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
York
We’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways – and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is ours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: The Churchill Hotel (or similar)
York Castle Howard Lake District
Today we’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Our path will then take us through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, we’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
Lake District
What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s highlights? Our first stop will be charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. With its flower-filled gardens and glorious views of Lake Windermere, it’s easy to see why Wordsworth was inspired by this tranquil spot. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. We’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to our accommodation for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa (or similar)
Lake District Scottish Borders (Scotland)
We’ll commence our day of culture this morning with a visit to The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and antiques, there’s something for everyone in this treasure trove! Next, we’ll turn our attention to Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here we’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening we have a local treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Woodland House Hotel (or similar)
Scottish Borders Abbotsford House and Rosslyn Chapel Edinburgh
Before we say our goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Our tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 10 nights in hand-picked accommodation
- Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
- Premium mini-coach transportation
- 10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Guaranteed Departures: Not all tour dates listed have met minimum numbers to operate. Please contact Traveldream to check if your preffered departure is guranteed.
Insurance: You will need to take out full travel insurance before travelling with Back-Roads Touring. Please ensure that you have adequate medical, personal effects and cancellation cover.
Group Size: Maximum of 18 passengers.
Exclusions
- Visas (where required)
- International flights
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals & drinks not mentioned
- Transfers where not mentioned
- Any additional requests
- Tipping
Single Supplement - Please enquire for pricing.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Looking to arrive early or stay late post-tour? Call on 1300 350 263 or email us at [email protected] to enquire.
Travelling on your own? Why not join the Traveldream Solo Travellers Facebook group where you can interact with other travellers.