Itinerary for: Taste of Britain 2010 (BTOB)
- Chester
- Liverpool
- Grasmere
- Gretna Green
- Edinburgh
- Jedburgh
- Hadrian's Wall
- York
- Coventry
- Stratford-upon-Avon
Day 1:
Greetings from your Tour Director as we travel northwards from London into Staffordshire, known as the Potteries, because it is a centre for ceramic pottery manufacture. Later we arrive in the medieval city of Chester where we will see the ancient city walls and the 13th century black and white galleried ‘Rows’, which are shopping arcades today. Then we continue to our hotel for a Welcome Drink and dinner. (Dinner)
Hotel: Jurys Inn
Day 2:
This morning we drive through the Lake District along the shores of Lake Windermere, through scenery reminiscent of William Wordsworth’s magical poetry, to Grasmere where the poet is buried in the village churchyard. Later we arrive at the Scottish border at Gretna Green, where traditionally young couples would elope against their parents’ wishes in order to marry in a ceremony performed across the blacksmith’s anvil. Soon we reach the capital, Edinburgh, and our hotel. (Full breakfast)
Hotel: Jurys Inn
Day 3:
Today our guided sightseeing tour shows us Princes Street with its elegant shops, dominated by the imposing castle, the Royal Mile, views of Holyrood House and Arthur’s Seat. Then we visit the New Town with its beautiful Georgian architecture, see the new Scottish Parliament buildings and enjoy a guided visit of the apartments inside Edinburgh Castle. Later we head south crossing the borderlands, and see the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Then we drive through the Northumberland National Park to see remnants of Hadrian’s Wall before we arrive in our hotel, where we enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight. (Full breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Blackwell Grange
Day 4:
First to York, where we enjoy a walking tour including the city walls, the ‘Shambles’ and a Hidden Treasure! We drive south to Coventry and see the ruins of the old cathedral, destroyed during World War II, and the new modern post war cathedral. Then we continue to picturesque Stratford–upon-Avon, the hometown of William Shakespeare. Finally we take a scenic drive through the Cotswolds countryside and the Chilterns back to London, where our tour comes to an end. (Full breakfast)
Taste of Britain 2010 Optional Excursions
EDIT01 - EDINBURGH. Scottish Show with Dinner
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate an evening in Edinburgh.
45 (£)
LVT02 - LIVERPOOL. Sightseeing with a local guide
A coach tour with a Regional Blue Badge Guide who will show you some of Liverpool's most famous buildings, including one of the two cathedrals. Learn about the maritime, commercial and artistic background of this celebrated city.
12 (£)
LKTD120 - WINDERMERE. Private Cruise on Lake Windermere
Enjoy a cruise on England's most beautiful lake taking in the northern coastline, many beautiful houses and gardens and Rae Castle. We also see deserted islands, boats, birdlife and have a chance to breath in the local air and appreciate the area so loved by Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. A photographers' paradise.
12.50 (£)
Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.