Itinerary for: Scenic Britain (2012/13) (B901)

Day 1 : LONDON – STRATFORD – YORK – HARROGATE

Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Head north to York, to witness the ancient city walls, crooked houses of the ‘Shambles’ and York Minster. Finally to your hotel in the spa town of Harrogate. On arrival enjoy a Welcome Reception and light informal meal.(Welcome Reception)

Accommodation : Barcelo Majestic

Day 2 : HARROGATE – DURHAM – EDINBURGH

Your route winds across windswept fells and valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. Stop in Durham for free time to explore the cathedral. Continue to part of the wall built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Cross the Northumberland Moors and pass the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, en-route to Edinburgh(Full Breakfast)

Accommodation : Missoni

Day 3 : EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

On a guided city tour, visit Edinburgh Castle then drive down the Royal Mile, past St Giles’ Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace. Cross over to Princes Street past the Sir Walter Scott monument and on to the 18th century New Town. The afternoon is at leisure. Selected departures attend the Edinburgh Military Tattoo(Full Breakfast)

Day 4 : EDINBURGH – LAKE DISTRICT – LIVERPOOL

Drive via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, a region so beautiful it inspired a host of poets. Visit the grave of William Wordsworth before continuing to Liverpool. Choose from a selection of restaurants tonight.(Full Breakfast / Dine Around)

Accommodation : Radisson Blu

Day 5 : LIVERPOOL – SNOWDONIA – CAERNARFON

See Chester Cathedral and the unique black and white ‘Rows’. Drive along the coast to Conwy, a walled town, dominated by its dark stoned fortress. Continue into the dramatic Snowdonia mountains. Browse in the craft shops of pretty Betws-y-Coed before climbing to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Board your old world steam train before continuing to Caernarfon(Full Breakfast)

Accommodation : Celtic Royal/St George’s Llandundo

Day 6 : CAERNARFON – LUDLOW – BRISTOL

Travel through the pretty Welsh countryside to the border town of Ludlow, with its half-timbered Jacobean houses and ruined castle, rich in tragic royal history. Continue to Bristol where tonight you can raise your glasses at a Celebration dinner.(Full Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Accommodation : Marriott

Day 7 : BRISTOL – STONEHENGE – LONDON

Stop Bath with its Georgian streets and crescents, and visit the Roman Baths and Pump Room. Cross Salisbury Plain and stop to visit the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge. From here, travel to London, where your tour comes to an end.(Full Breakfast)