Itinerary for: England and Scotland Heritage 2012 (BEAI)

Day 1 : LONDON - STONEHENGE - SALISBURY - BATH - BRISTOL

This morning view Stonehenge, site of the mysterious ancient monoliths. See Salisbury Cathedral, featuring Britain’s tallest spire. In the city of Bath - famous for hot springs first discovered by the Romans over 2,000 years ago - with time to maybe visit the Roman Baths. Marvel at elegant Georgian architecture in the city’s squares where two of Jane Austen’s novels were set. Arrive later at your hotel in Bristol.

Accommodation : Ibis Bristol Temple Meads Quay (First Class)

Day 2 : BRISTOL - CHESTER - LAKE DISTRICT

Cross the River Severn to Wales and follow the Wye Valley. View the ruins of Tintern Abbey, a Cistercian abbey which has inspired both painters and poets. Continue north to Chester to view the Roman Walls, the cathedral and the black and white timbered buildings, known as the ‘Rows’.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Accommodation : Holiday Inn Lancaster (First Class)

Day 3 : LAKE DISTRICT - GLASOW

Visit the village of Grasmere where the poet, William Wordsworth, lived and wrote his most acclaimed poem, 'The Daffodils'. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Windermere as you head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where eloping couples married against their parents' wishes. Cross the Southern Uplands to Glasgow, one of Europe’s liveliest cities.(Full Breakfast)

Accommodation : Ibis Glasgow (Moderate First Class)

Day 4 : GLASGOW - SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

See Glasgow’s sights during your orientation tour. Drive north through incredible scenery into the Scottish Highlands and follow the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Continue via pretty Oban - famous for its distillery - and Fort William, which lies in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, whose summit stands at 4,409 feet above sea-level. Dine tonight at your Highland hotel in Aviemore, a well-known Scottish ski resort in the Cairngorms National Park, which is also renowned as a centre for hill walking.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Accommodation : Academy/Aviemore Inn (First Class)

Day 5 : SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS - ST. ANDREWS - EDINBURGH (FALKIRK) (2 NIGHTS)

Drive through Pitlochry, famous for salmon fishing, where a 'fish ladder' on the dammed river helps the salmon swim upstream to spawn. In St. Andrews, where Prince William went to university, stop to take a picture of the 18th hole at the home of golf, where the game has been played for over 600 years!(Full Breakfast)

Accommodation : Airth Castle (First Class)

Day 6 : EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

Your expert Local Guide shows you the city’s sights, including the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the famous castle, where the Edinburgh Tattoo takes place annually. Spend free time exploring on your own and don’t forget to shop for souvenirs. Tonight, you might like to attend a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipe music!(Full Breakfast)

Day 7 : EDINBURGH - YORK - LEEDS

From Edinburgh, cross the Border country back into England and drive through Northumberland National Park, and see part of Hadrian's Wall, which was built in of Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 122 AD. Continue south, crossing the River Tyne at Newcastle, and arrive in York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth. Your Travel Director takes you on a walk through the web of quaint, narrow streets known as the Shambles and shows you York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. Finish the day in Leeds, where you dine tonight at your hotel.(Full Breakfast / Dinner)

Accommodation : Jurys Inn Leeds (First Class)

Day 8 : LEEDS - COVENTRY - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - LONDON

In Coventry, view the old and new cathedrals, which stand side by side. The old cathedral was all but destroyed during the Blitz in 1940. Following a competition in 1950 for a suitable replacement, Sir Basil Spence’s controversial design was chosen and the new cathedral was consecrated in 1962. Afterwards, visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, where you have time to see the sights and shop for souvenirs. Journey through pretty Cotswold countryside to London and say goodbye to your newfound friends and Travel Director at the end of an exciting and memorable holiday.(Full Breakfast)