8 Day Amazing Britain

Itinerary

Trafalgar Guided Tour starting in London and finishing in London

Sprawling cities and beautiful scenery - these are countries of contrasts. Lochs, lakes and bustling streets come under the spotlight in this comprehensive look at England and Scotland.

Day By Day

Day 1 London - Stratford-upon-avon - York

This morning travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's birthplace and Visitor Centre. In your free time explore the charming cobbled streets of the town or walk along the banks of the River Avon. In York view the ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and the magnificent Minster during your orientation walk through the Roman town. This evening get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drink. (WR) Stay: Hotel 53

Day 2 York - Durham - Edinburgh (2 Nights)

Set around the picturesque River Wear, Durham enjoys a long and varied history. View the 11th century Norman Cathedral and the castle overlooking Palace Green. Photograph Hadrian's Wall before a scenic drive through Northumberland National Park. Admire spectacular views of the Cheviot Hills as you cross the Scottish border. Stop to admire the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland's bustling capital. (FB) Stay: Jurys Inn

Day 3 Edinburgh Sightseeing And Free Time

Set in rugged landscape and containing a vast array of medieval and Georgian architecture, Edinburgh is a fascinating city. This morning your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing tour which includes the Royal Mile, views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur's Seat, Princes Street and the Scottish Parliament. Your choice of sightseeing includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle or Edinburgh's Camera Obscura. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its association with the Knights Templar. During the Edinburgh Festival your visit includes tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo on the castle grounds. (FB)

Day 4 Edinburgh - St. Andrews - Pitlochry - Scottish Highlands

Cross the Forth Bridge to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and onto the famous golf course at St. Andrews. Stop to take photographs at the 18th green. Drive over the River Tay into the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy an included Cultural Insight at a whisky distillery to sample a 'wee dram'. Arrive at Pitlochry a charming village on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. A picturesque drive brings you to your hotel. Dine tonight in your hotel. (FB/D) Stay: Highlander

Day 5 Scottish Highlands - Spean Bridge - Glencoe - Loch Lomond - Glasgow

View the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and see views of Britain's highest mountain - Ben Nevis. Drive to Glencoe, the site of a bloody and cruel massacre in 1692. Travel south through picturesque landscapes to Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. Later you arrive in Glasgow where your orientation includes George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. (FB) Stay: Radisson Blu/Westerwood

Day 6 Glasgow - Gretna Green - Lake District - Manchester

Visit Gretna Green where eloping couples would make their vows over the anvil. Return to England and enjoy a light Be My Guest lunch in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. Later visit the Lake District where the great poet William Wordsworth once lived. Visit Grasmere where he wrote his most famous poem 'Daffodils' and see his final resting place in the churchyard of St. Oswald's Church. View Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England before arriving in Manchester. (FB/BMGL) Stay: Park Inn City Centre

Day 7 Manchester - Cotswolds - Bristol

Travel through the beautiful Cotswold countryside. The area is known for its rolling hills and historic towns which are built in the local honey coloured stone. Visit Stow-on-the-Wold and see the vast Market Square which was once a trading centre for the sheep and wool trade. Later arrive in Bristol and see the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain during your orientation. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (FB/FD) Stay: Mercure Holland House

Day 8 Bristol - Bath - Stonehenge - London

Visit the ancient city of Bath. See the splendid Georgian architecture and enjoy an included visit to the Roman Baths. Visit the mysterious prehistoric monoliths at Stonehenge. A scenic drive through Wiltshire and Hampshire brings you back to London where your amazing holiday ends. (FB)