11 Day Best of Britain

Itinerary

Trafalgar Guided Tour starting in London and finishing in London

This British experience unveils the pomp, ceremony and unique soundtracks of England, Wales and Scotland through its cultural traditions and tastes.

Day By Day

Day 1 London - Stonehenge - Bath - Exeter (2 Nights)

This morning travel to rural Wiltshire and visit the mystical ancient monoliths at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. On arrival in Bath see the impressive Abbey and visit the Roman Baths from which the town derives its name. Later we arrive into the historic cathedral city of Exeter. This evening get to know your companions and Travel Director during your Welcome Reception at your hotel. (WR) Stay: Mercure Southgate

Day 2 Plymouth - Polperro - Dartmoor Excursion - Buckfast Abbey

Your orientation of Plymouth includes the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound. Consider taking an optional cruise around the famous coastline. Visit Polperro, a quaint fishing village nested around a picturesque harbour. Cross rugged Dartmoor, famous for its dramatic and breathtaking scenery. Later enjoy a Cultural Insight at Buckfast Abbey where Abbotts have lived and prayed for nearly 1000 years. (FB)

Day 3 Exeter - Glastonbury - Cardiff

Enjoy a picturesque drive through the South West countryside to Glastonbury. Visit the ruined Abbey, said to be the burial place of King Arthur. Later enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch in a 15th century Manor House on a working dairy farm in Somerset. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is your final destination. View the impressive Castle and the Millennium stadium during your orientation, before checking in at your hotel. (FB/BMGD) Stay: Maldron

Day 4 Cardiff - Ludlow - Chester - Liverpool

View the Malvern Hills on your way to visit the Tudor market town of Ludlow in Shropshire. Your Travel Director takes you on a walking orientation tour of Chester, which includes views of the medieval walls, the Cathedral and the famous Tudor Rows. Liverpool is the home of the Merseybeat. This evening hear tales of the 'Fab Four' as you drive through Liverpool with your Local Specialist on an included Beatles tour. (FB) Stay: Jurys Inn

Day 5 Liverpool - Lake District - Glasgow

Travel north through characteristically glorious scenery from Lancashire to the Lake District. Travelling along the shores of England's largest lake Windermere, and through countryside that inspired the Romantic poets, you reach Grasmere. View the grave of William Wordsworth, buried at St. Oswald's Church. We cross the Scottish border and visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples would say their vows over the anvil. This afternoon your orientation tour of Glasgow includes views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, former heart of the shipbuilding industry. Celebrate your first night in Scotland with a Regional Meal in a local restaurant. (FB/RM) Stay: Westerwood

Day 6 Glasgow - Glencoe - Fort William - Scottish Highlands (2 Nights)

Journey along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, immortalised in the well-known Scottish song, towards the site of the 1692 massacre Glencoe − 'Glen of the Weeping'. At the Commando Memorial near Fort William see breathtaking views of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis. Dine tonight at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands. (FB/D) Stay: Highlander/Morlich

Day 7 Isle Of Skye And Scenic Highland Excursion

Travel through Inverness, known as the capital of The Highlands and along the banks of the famous Loch Ness. View Eilean Donan Castle before crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye. Visit the Clan Donald Centre and the Museum of the Isles, where you can trace your genealogy or explore the wonderful gardens. Later take the ferry to Mallaig and continue your journey through the lochs and glens of the Scottish Highlands to your hotel. (FB/D)

Day 8 Scottish Highlands - Pitlochry - St. Andrews - Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Heading south, stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before heading to the historic town of St. Andrews, the home of golf. Take a photograph on the 18th green of the Old Course, where the game was first played 600 years ago. Cross the Firth of Forth to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights. During the Edinburgh Festival tickets to the Edinburgh Tattoo in the castle grounds are included. (FB) Stay: Marriott

Day 9 Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time

This morning your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, followed by your choice of sightseeing to Edinburgh Castle or Edinburgh's Camera Obscura. See the Royal Mile, the elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the new Scottish Parliament building. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town. Tonight why not enjoy an optional night out including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare? (FB)

Day 10 Edinburgh - Alnwick - York

Visit the medieval market town of Alnwick. See the impressive castle home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cross Northumberland. Cross the River Tyne at Newcastle en route to York where your walking orientation includes the medieval walls, the Shambles and the awe-inspiring Minster. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers. (FB/FD) Stay: Hotel 53

Day 11 York - Stratford-upon-avon - London

View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where the Bard was born and raised. Explore the cobbled streets or walk along the banks of the River Avon. Later, travel back to London where your amazing holiday comes to an end. (FB)