2015 Leisurely Britain 14 Days / 13 Nights
Day 1:
Your vacation starts at your Windsor hotel at 2:30 pm when you meet your tour director. Close to your hotel, visit Windsor Castle, residence of The Queen and the largest inhabited castle in the world. See the lavishly decorated State Apartments and courtyards. In the evening meet your tour director and trip participants over a welcome drink to discuss your itinerary before dining in your hotel. After dinner take a brief walk around this compact and historic town with a local guide.
(D)
Day 2:
Drive to Salisbury Plain to marvel at the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths of Stonehenge and learn about the primitive builders who managed to create such an enduring monument. The Visitor Centre will give you plenty of history about their building. Stop in Salisbury, a charming old city that is dominated by the cathedral with the tallest spire in England. Arrive in Plymouth, where Pilgrim Fathers sailed from in 1620. This vibrant waterfront city is set amidst some of England's most glorious countryside and offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Check in to your hotel, close to the harbor.
(B, D)
Day 3:
Take a panoramic tour around Plymouth including Sutton Harbour Marina in the heart of the historic Barbican. Visit the Mayflower Museum to explore tales of merchant families, the fishing industry, the military harbor and emigration to the New World, including Sir Francis Drake and the Pilgrim Fathers. Then take a short scenic steam train ride before driving through Dartmoor National Park, the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England and renowned for its wonderful scenery. Take a look around one of the charming villages before returning to Plymouth in time for dinner.
(B, D)
Day 4:
Drive across Bodmin Moor, which was first farmed over 4,000 years ago by bronze age settlers. See the landscape of dramatic granite tors, open moorland where ponies graze freely. Tour Lanhydrock House, a magnificent late- Victorian country house and explore the grand family rooms as well as the downstairs world. Continue to the bustling town of Padstow, famous for its fishing harbor and excellent food including fish and chips. Head in the direction of St Austell to your hotel that is located on the outskirts of the town.
(B, D)
Day 5:
Visit the Minack Theatre, an open-air arena for staging plays that was first opened in the 1930's. Enjoy the lovely views and gardens with their stunning blend of exotic and native plants. Drive to Land's End, the most westerly point of Britain. A little further east, view the majestic outline of St Michael's Mount, an important pilgrimage destination throughout the ages and return to your hotel in time for dinner.
(B, D)
Day 6:
Drive just a few miles for a browse around the typical Cornish village of Mevagissey. This small, unspoilt fishing village has a colorful history of boat-building and smuggling. Return to St Austell to take a mainline train ride to London's Paddington Station. Your hotel is right beside the station and relax before dinner.
(B, D)
Day 7:
This morning take a panoramic tour of central London to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see Beefeaters, ravens and priceless Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free.
(B)
Day 8:
Visit Leeds Castle, over 900 years old and renovated many times throughout the centuries. The Castle was used by Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Tour Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian churches in England. Originally founded in 597 AD by St. Augustine and a major pilgrimage destination after the martyrdom of St. Thomas Becket in 1170.
(B)
Day 9:
Take a walking tour around Cambridge to see some of the famous colleges, including King's College. Head north by motorway to the ancient city of York and check in to your hotel. To give you a feel for this lovely old city, dine in a historic pub and explore the many narrow medieval streets on a fun ghost walking tour.
(B, D)
Day 10:
Discover York on a walking tour to view narrow streets, especially the Shambles. Enjoy a short scenic river cruise. Tour the stately Gothic York Minster, which dates back to the 12th century and is noted for its magnificent medieval stained glass windows. Spend some free time in the afternoon to explore further on your own.
(B, D)
Day 11:
Head north to visit Alnwick Castle, the second largest inhabited castle in England. View the lavish State Rooms with a stunning array of art, portraits and furniture. Travel through the Northumberland National Park and make a brief stop in Melrose. Drive to your hotel in Edinburgh and dine at a Scottish Evening with bagpipes and lively music.
(B, D)
Day 12:
This morning tour the principal sights of Edinburgh with a local guide. Drive through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town”. Walk along part of the Royal Mile and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official Scottish residence of The Queen.
(B)
Day 13:
Tour the magnificent and massive Stirling Castle, associated with “Braveheart” William Wallace and Mary, Queen of Scots. Travel to St Andrews, famous for golfing and Scotland's oldest university, for a panoramic drive around the town. Return to Edinburgh for an evening at leisure. On July 26 to August 16 departures, seats are reserved for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
(B)
Day 14:
Your tour ends after breakfast in your Edinburgh hotel.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner