Best of Britain - Classic Group, Winter
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type: IV Europe Summer 2024 v1
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales, and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to miles and miles of lakes, scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields; sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel; and indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: IV Europe Summer 2024 v1
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales, and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to miles and miles of lakes, scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields; sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel; and indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Dartmoor National Park: 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 harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
- We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
- "One experience that is not to be missed on this trip is a visit to the Roman Baths, because it's an incredible relic of Roman times from 2000 years ago."
- "Towering mountains, glittering lochs, beautiful forests, crumbling toothy ancient castles, rushing rivers, grand vistas, clear air... there's nowhere else like the Highlands, in how it looks but also how it feels: strong, bright, impressive and light."
- "One food I really love introducing my guests to is haggis because it's surprisingly really nice and they love hearing about how it's made. "
- Stratford-upon-Avon: 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.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
- Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the centre 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.
- Edinburgh: Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg.
- Edinburgh: 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.
- Edinburgh: 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.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Stirling: Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.
- Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Glastonbury: 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.
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbour, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- York: In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
- Dining Summary: 10 Breakfast (B), and 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- Bath: 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 programme 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.
- Cornwall: John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savour 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.
- Dartmoor National Park: 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 harbour, where 400 years ago the Mayflower set sail for America.
- Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- You may purchase transfers from/to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on arrival and departure days, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.
Call 1 -866-934-6292 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17541916
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | London and Medieval York | London and Medieval York: 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. Hilton York. |
| Day 2 | Edinburgh | Hadrian's Wall to Edinburgh: See a part of Hadrian's Wall, once spanning 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. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh. |
| Day 3 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh Sightseeing: 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 colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh. |
| Day 4 | Glasgow | Loch Lomond to Glasgow: 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. Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. |
| Day 5 | The Glorious Lake District | The Glorious Lake District: 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. Castle Green Hotel, Kendal. |
| Day 6 | The Welsh Marches and Cardiff | The Welsh Marches and Cardiff: 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. Clayton Hotel, Cardiff. |
| Day 7 | Georgian Bath and Devon | Georgian Bath and Devon: Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the 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. Continue on to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth. Jurys Inn Plymouth. |
| Day 8 | Dartmoor National Park | Dartmoor National Park Relaxed Start: 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 Harbour and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe.Later this evening, savour 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. Jurys Inn Plymouth. |
| Day 9 | Stonehenge and London | Stonehenge and London: 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. Return to London for a final evening at leisure. Thistle Marble Arch, London. |
| Day 10 | Homeward Bound | Homeward Bound: Your journey ends this morning. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
