Itinerary for: Amazing Britain 2012 (BHIL)
Day 1 : LONDON - STRATFORD - COVENTRY - YORK
This morning your drive north through the rolling Cotswolds Hills to Stratford-upon-Avon is charming. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitors Centre and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Stop to view the two Cathedrals in Coventry – one was bombed to ruins during the Second World War and the other has risen alongside it. View the statue of Lady Godiva who was said to have ridden naked through the streets of the city. See the ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and magnificent York Minster during your orientation walk through the Roman town of York. This evening, get to know your companions and Travel Director at a Welcome Pub Reception, which includes a typical British pub meal and drinks.(Welcome Reception)
Accommodation : Holiday Inn (First Class)
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, the castle overlooking Palace Green and a host of other fine period buildings. 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 elegant capital.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Holiday Inn (First Class)
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. Your expert Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing tour which includes the Royal Mile, views of Holyrood House, Arthur’s Seat, Princes Street, the Scottish Parliament plus a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This afternoon in your free time you might consider an optional excursion to Rosslyn Chapel. This splendid example of 15th century church architecture features a number of references to the Knights Templar. During the Edinburgh Festival, your visit includes tickets to the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo.(Full Breakfast)
Day 4 : EDINBURGH - ST. ANDREWS - PITLOCHRY - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Cross the spectacular Forth Bridge to the famous golf course at St. Andrews on the Fife coast, and stop to take photographs at the 18th hole! Drive over the River Tay into the Scottish Highlands to visit Pitlochry, a charming village on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. See the famous salmon ladder at the dammed river, where thousands of salmon make their way upstream every year to spawn. Enjoy an included visit to a whisky distillery to sample a 'wee dram'. Tonight, experience a traditional Highland Highlight Dinner including the unique Scottish tradition of ‘piping in the haggis’.(Full Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Accommodation : Four Seasons/Aviemore Highland (First Class)
Day 5 : SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - CULLODEN - LOCH NESS - FORT WILLIAM - LOCH LOMOND - GLASGOW
Visit the famous battlefield at Culloden Moor where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated by the redcoats. Keep your eyes open for the Loch Ness monster when you stop to take pictures from the shores! At Fort William, see Ben Nevis – Britain’s highest mountain – before driving on to Glencoe. Travelling through picturesque landscapes via Loch Lomond you arrive in Glasgow, a prominent port once renowned for shipbuilding.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Radisson Blu (Superior First Class)
Day 6 : GLASGOW - GRASMERE - MANCHESTER
See the sights of Glasgow including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral. Visit Gretna Green, where eloping couples used to marry without their parent’s consent. Return to England where the great English poet William Wordsworth lived in the Lake District. Visit Grasmere where he wrote his most famous poem ‘The Daffodils’. See his final resting place in the churchyard of St. Oswald’s Church. View Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, enroute to your hotel in Manchester.(Full Breakfast)
Accommodation : Park Inn Victoria (First Class)
Day 7 : MANCHESTER - CHESTER - TINTERN - BRISTOL
See the Roman Walls, the Cathedral and the black and white Tudor arcaded buildings known as the ‘Rows’ during your orientation walk of Chester. Cross the Welsh border to visit the 12th century Tintern Abbey on the banks of the River Wye. One of the most spectacular ruins in the country, Tintern Abbey inspired Wordsworth, Tennyson and the great British painter, Turner. Experience a very special Be My Guest farewell supper with your travelling companions in Tintern before heading to Bristol, a city associated with Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Spend time this evening relaxing or exploring this vibrant city on your own.(Full Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)
Accommodation : Radisson Blu/Mercure Holland House (Superior First Class)
Day 8 : BRISTOL - BATH - STONEHENGE - SALISBURY - 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. View Salisbury Cathedral, featuring the tallest spire in the UK and the oldest working clock in the world, dating from 1386. A scenic drive through Wiltshire and Hampshire brings you to back to London where your amazing holiday ends.(Full Breakfast)