Itinerary for: Elegance of Great Britain (2012/13) (B917)

Day 1 : LONDON – HAMPSHIRE

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, make your way into the Kent countryside. At the pretty village of Westerham, Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green and you visit his nearby residence of Chartwell next. Continue through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll in the delightful gardens. Move on to your country style hotel for a Welcome Reception and light informal meal.(Welcome Reception)

Accommodation : Botley Park Golf & Country Club

Day 2 : NEW FOREST EXCURSION

A scenic drive through the woods and glades of the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu Abbey, once a Cistercian Abbey, now the stately home of Lord Montagu. Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and visit his lordship’s collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Travel on to Salisbury to see the tallest spire in the land atop the 13th century cathedral. Return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure(Full Breakfast)

Day 3 : HAMPSHIRE – AVEBURY – STRATFORD

Visit the cathedral town of Winchester this morning, where King Alfred stands guard in the High Street. The country roads lead you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Next visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine Parr. Continue on to pretty Stratford nestled on the River Avon. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life.(Full Breakfast)

Accommodation : Swans Nest

Day 4 : COTSWOLDS EXCURSION

An enchanting day takes you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque. After touring the house and gardens, return to Stratford where you are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure tonight.(Full Breakfast / Dine Around)

Day 5 : STRATFORD – LUDLOW – LAKE DISTRICT

Travel through the orchards of Worcestershire to elegant Ludlow, where 18C mansions rub shoulders with half-timbered Tudor buildings. The town is dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Explore the lanes and hidden courtyards, before continuing through the remote Shropshire hills. Pass by Wenlock Edge, as celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman, to reach Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. From the eponymous 200-year-old bridge the smooth motorway carries you north to the English Lake District.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Accommodation : Hydro

Day 6 : LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION

A whole day is devoted to this scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters - an inspiration to a host of English poets. Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, largest of the lakes. Perhaps even consider a cruise on its peaceful waters?(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7 : LAKE DISTRICT – EDINBURGH

Cross the Scottish border at Gretna – for years the destination of eloping English lovers, before continuing through the Southern Uplands to Edinburgh. Discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens, a remarkable haven of tranquillity in the south of the city, as well as a world-renowned centre for botanical science.(Full Breakfast)

Accommodation : Hilton Grosvenor

Day 8 : EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

A local expert guides you through Edinburgh Castle containing the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Royal regalia in the British Isles. Follow the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace where Mary Queen of Scots lived. Drive along Princes Street, past the ornate Scott Memorial, to the 18th century ‘New Town’ with its classical Adam facades. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, selected departures attend the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo.(Full Breakfast)

Day 9 : EDINBURGH – BRONTË COUNTRY

Head south past ruined Jedburgh Abbey and over the border to visit Hadrian’s Wall, boundary of the civilised world in Roman times! Now discover the fascinating history of the Brontës, the world’s most famous literary family as you visit their Parsonage home in the village of Haworth. It is preserved as near as possible as it was in the day when ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Wuthering Heights’ were written. Stay for the next two nights in a grand Victorian hotel, set amidst a landscape that fuelled the imagination of the Brontë sisters in writing their classic novels.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Accommodation : Marriott Hollins Hall

Day 10 : YORKSHIRE EXCURSION

After breakfast, arrive in the walled city of York, one of the most historic cities in Britain. See the huge Minster, Britain’s largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets, including the Shambles. Head out now through rich farmland to visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, one of Britain’s grandest historic houses with its fine furniture, paintings, tapestries and extensive gardens. Later this evening, enjoy traditional Yorkshire hospitality at your finalé Celebration Dinner.(Full Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Day 11 : BRONTË COUNTRY – STAMFORD – LONDON

Hear legendary tales as you journey towards ‘Robin Hood Country’ even though little remains of his beloved Sherwood Forest. Visit the quintessential English town of Stamford, an attractive mix of narrow passageways and cobbled streets, medieval churches and Georgian buildings. Your tour concludes on return to London.(Full Breakfast)