Home/ Christmas & New Year Tours /Great Britain Christmas
victoria-street-edinburgh-old-town-winter-christmas-swiper-hero-gallerygingerbread-hearts-christmas-market-edinburgh-scotland-swiper-hero-gallerystonehenge-uk-winter-day.-swiper-hero-gallerybridge-of-sighs-cambridge-england-punting-winter-swiper-hero-galleryliverpool-england-aerial-royal-liver-building-swiper-hero-galleryGlen-Coe-scotland-cross-swiper-hero-gallerypulteney-bridge-river-avon-bath-england-swiper-hero-gallery
Home/ Christmas & New Year Tours /Great Britain Christmas

Great Britain Christmas

Celebrate a magical festive season as you experience the highlights of England, Scotland and Wales.

7 Days | 3 Countries
LondonLondon
From
$1,535
View Dates & Rates
Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee

Great Britain Christmas

7 Days | 3 Countries

Summary

Celebrating Christmas in England, Scotland and Wales is a magical thing! Visit York, Bath and Cardiff. See Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, and Liverpool, home of The Beatles! Explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands, England’s Lake District and the famous Loch Ness. Spend Christmas Day in Edinburgh and embrace the Scottish Yuletide festivities!

Europe tour map

Tour Overview

Start Point IconStart Point

Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel

End Point IconEnd Point

Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station

Accommodation IconAccommodation

6 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)

6 Nights

(3 & 4 star hotels)

Meals IconMeals

6 Breakfasts | 1 Lunch | 3 Dinners

6 Breakfasts

1 Lunch

3 Dinners

Transport IconTransport

Air-conditioned coach

Air-conditioned coach

Tour Type IconTour Type

Fully-guided tour

Fully-guided tour

Europe tour map

Itinerary

Start Point IconStart Point

Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel | 06:30 AM

End Point IconEnd Point

Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station | 06:00 PM (traffic dependant)

cambridge-england-christmas-new-year-tour-expat-explore

Welcome to your Christmas tour of Great Britain! Depart London for Cambridge. Embark on an unforgettable punting trip along the river. Travel towards York this afternoon. This city is a hotspot for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Head out on a walking tour before enjoying a traditional pub dinner in an authentic British pub!

mealsDinner
Experiences:
Included
Enjoy a punting trip in Cambridge

Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition! Cruise down the River Cam on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat), admiring the sights along the way.

Included
Enjoy a punting trip in Cambridge

Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition! Cruise down the River Cam on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat), admiring the sights along the way.

Included
Explore the historic streets of York

Stroll along York’s historic, cobbled streets and admire the impressive medieval gothic architecture as well as the City Walls which run along the River Ouse.

Included
Explore the historic streets of York

Stroll along York’s historic, cobbled streets and admire the impressive medieval gothic architecture as well as the City Walls which run along the River Ouse.

Included
Tuck into a roast dinner in York

Sit down for an authentic meal, delighting in traditional dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding! Dessert is included and vegetarian options are available.

Included
Tuck into a roast dinner in York

Sit down for an authentic meal, delighting in traditional dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding! Dessert is included and vegetarian options are available.

hotelibis York Centre (or similar)
Highland-cow-snowy-landscape-scottish-highlands-scotland

Travel to the Angel of the North for a photo stop at this iconic sculpture. Then, travel to Hadrian’s Wall; a defensive fortification constructed centuries ago! Next, visit the romantic village of Gretna Green. Later, travel to Glasgow and enjoy free time at the city’s charming Christmas markets! Later, arrive at tonight’s accommodation and enjoy an included dinner.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Visit the Angel of the North

Make some memories with a photo stop at the Angel of the North statue. This fascinating sculpture is one of North England’s top attractions!

Included
Visit the Angel of the North

Make some memories with a photo stop at the Angel of the North statue. This fascinating sculpture is one of North England’s top attractions!

Included
Experience Hadrian’s Wall

Marvel at this defensive wall, hand crafted in 122 AD, which acted as the north west frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years.

Included
Experience Hadrian’s Wall

Marvel at this defensive wall, hand crafted in 122 AD, which acted as the north west frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years.

Included
Stop at world-famous Gretna Green

Stop off at this parish where, years ago, young lovers would use this spot to get married without their parents’ permission!

Included
Stop at world-famous Gretna Green

Stop off at this parish where, years ago, young lovers would use this spot to get married without their parents’ permission!

Included
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets

Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit at the enchanting Christmas markets.

Included
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets

Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit at the enchanting Christmas markets.

Included
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands

Stay overnight in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!

Included
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands

Stay overnight in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!

hotelHotel Arrochar (or similar)
Scott-Monument-and-russian-wheel-in-the-background-Edinburgh-Scotland

Start today with a stop at Glencoe and admire spectacular views. Then, keep an eye out for Ben Nevis as you travel through the Highlands. Reach Loch Ness and consider an optional cruise to spot 'Nessie'. Continue through the scenic Highlands and along Cairngorms National Park before crossing Queensferry Bridge to Edinburgh. Celebrate Christmas Eve with an optional festive dinner!

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Included
Visit Glencoe

Capture exquisite views in Scotland’s most scenic valley. This was the site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, a tragic but important Scottish historic event.

Included
Visit Glencoe

Capture exquisite views in Scotland’s most scenic valley. This was the site of the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, a tragic but important Scottish historic event.

Included
Explore Loch Ness

Explore Scotland’s most famous loch. Enjoy views from the banks of the loch and keep an eye out for ‘Nessie’; the loch ness monster!

Included
Explore Loch Ness

Explore Scotland’s most famous loch. Enjoy views from the banks of the loch and keep an eye out for ‘Nessie’; the loch ness monster!

Included
Drive along Cairngorms National Park and over Queensferry Crossing

Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Scottish landscape.

Included
Drive along Cairngorms National Park and over Queensferry Crossing

Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Scottish landscape.

Optional
Loch Ness Cruise

Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!

Optional
Loch Ness Cruise

Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!

Optional
Christmas Eve in Edinburgh

Soak up Scotland’s festive atmosphere with an unforgettable, 3-course Christmas Eve dinner in Edinburgh!

Optional
Christmas Eve in Edinburgh

Soak up Scotland’s festive atmosphere with an unforgettable, 3-course Christmas Eve dinner in Edinburgh!

hotelNovotel Edinburgh Park (or similar)
Edinburgh-castle-dusted-with-snow-scotland-guided-tour

Merry Christmas! Start the day at the picturesque Dean Village. Then, choose to climb up Calton Hill for panoramic city views! Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile. Head back to the hotel for a festive Christmas lunch! The rest of the day is free. Why not wander around the Edinburgh Christmas market?

mealsBreakfast, Lunch
Experiences:
Included
Experience Edinburgh

Join your tour leader on a driving and walking tour through Scotland’s capital. Admire incredible Gothic architecture, an impressive hilltop castle and cobble-stoned streets!

Included
Experience Edinburgh

Join your tour leader on a driving and walking tour through Scotland’s capital. Admire incredible Gothic architecture, an impressive hilltop castle and cobble-stoned streets!

Included
Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch

Celebrate Christmas and enjoy great Scottish hospitality with a delicious festive lunch.

Included
Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch

Celebrate Christmas and enjoy great Scottish hospitality with a delicious festive lunch.

hotelNovotel Edinburgh Park (or similar)
Albert-Dock-Liverpool-night-ferris-wheel-lights-england-tour

Travel back across the border to England. Stop in Carlisle, a historic city known for its centuries-old castle. Next, head to Bowness-on-Windermere in the picturesque Lake District. Here, join the Winter at Windermere excursion to enjoy a scenic cruise and fish and chips lunch! Later, arrive in Liverpool and enjoy a driving tour followed by a free evening.

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Included
Visit Carlisle

Enjoy a comfort stop in this historic cathedral city in Cumbria. Choose to visit its castle, first built in 1092, or soak up some art, science and history at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

Included
Visit Carlisle

Enjoy a comfort stop in this historic cathedral city in Cumbria. Choose to visit its castle, first built in 1092, or soak up some art, science and history at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.

Included
Experience the English Lake District

Find a spot for lunch while surrounded by scenic landscapes. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Included
Experience the English Lake District

Find a spot for lunch while surrounded by scenic landscapes. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Included
Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool

Enjoy seeing some of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour of the city. Highlights include Anfield football stadium, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Albert Docks.

Included
Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool

Enjoy seeing some of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour of the city. Highlights include Anfield football stadium, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Albert Docks.

Optional
Winter at Windermere

Discover the stunning scenery around Windermere Lake at wintertime with a lakeside lunch and cruise.

Optional
Winter at Windermere

Discover the stunning scenery around Windermere Lake at wintertime with a lakeside lunch and cruise.

hotelibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock (or similar)
caerphilly-castle-wales-winter-scene-guided-great-britain-tour

Enjoy a “Magical Mystery” driving tour of Liverpool this morning. See top sights associated with The Beatles! Next, visit Stratford-Upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare. Join the optional excursion to see his childhood home and indulge in a delicious afternoon tea. Next, travel to Wales. See a medieval castle before heading to Cardiff, the capital. Enjoy a driving tour before tonight’s dinner.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles

Hop aboard the coach to see and learn about a variety of locations connected to The Beatles on an early morning Beatles Magical Mystery Tour!

Included
See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles

Hop aboard the coach to see and learn about a variety of locations connected to The Beatles on an early morning Beatles Magical Mystery Tour!

Included
Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon

Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. During free time, see Shakespearean attractions like the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.

Included
Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon

Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. During free time, see Shakespearean attractions like the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.

Included
Enjoy a photo stop at a Welsh Castle

On the road to Cardiff, enjoy a stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some memorable photos.

Included
Enjoy a photo stop at a Welsh Castle

On the road to Cardiff, enjoy a stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some memorable photos.

Included
Experience Cardiff on a driving tour

Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you the enchanting highlights.

Included
Experience Cardiff on a driving tour

Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you the enchanting highlights.

Optional
Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Afternoon Tea Experience

Visit the house where Shakespeare grew up and delight in a traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare theatre!

Optional
Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Afternoon Tea Experience

Visit the house where Shakespeare grew up and delight in a traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare theatre!

hotelMercure Cardiff North Hotel (or similar)
city-of-bath-great-britain-new-year-day-7

Today’s first stop is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Join the optional excursion to visit the famous Roman Baths. Next, opt to explore mysterious Stonehenge, the ancient structure that has puzzled scientists and historians for centuries. Return to London this evening, concluding your festive week exploring Great Britain!

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Included
Explore Bath

Discover this UNESCO-listed city, which features some of the finest architecture in Europe, with your tour leader. Marvel at Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.

Included
Explore Bath

Discover this UNESCO-listed city, which features some of the finest architecture in Europe, with your tour leader. Marvel at Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.

Optional
Roman Baths

Explore the remains of the great temple and bathing complex of the Roman Baths, once the finest religious spas in northern Europe!

Optional
Roman Baths

Explore the remains of the great temple and bathing complex of the Roman Baths, once the finest religious spas in northern Europe!

Optional
Stonehenge

Uncover the many mysteries of Stonehenge and get up close with this 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is definitely bucket list-worthy!

Optional
Stonehenge

Uncover the many mysteries of Stonehenge and get up close with this 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is definitely bucket list-worthy!

Tour Highlights

Included Experience
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets
Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets

Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit at the enchanting Christmas markets.

Optional Experience
Loch Ness Cruise
Loch Ness Cruise

Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!

Included Experience
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands

Stay overnight in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!

Included Experience
Experience Edinburgh
Experience Edinburgh

Join your tour leader on a driving and walking tour through Scotland’s capital. Admire incredible Gothic architecture, an impressive hilltop castle and cobble-stoned streets!

Included Experience
Experience the English Lake District
Experience the English Lake District

Find a spot for lunch while surrounded by scenic landscapes. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired writers like William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Highlights

You'll Love

21 Included Experiences!

  • Enjoy a punting trip in Cambridge
  • Explore the historic streets of York
  • Tuck into a roast dinner in York
  • Visit the Angel of the North
  • Experience Hadrian’s Wall
  • Stop at world-famous Gretna Green
  • Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets
  • Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands
  • Visit Glencoe
  • Explore Loch Ness
  • Drive along Cairngorms National Park and over Queensferry Crossing
  • Experience Edinburgh
  • Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch
  • Visit Carlisle
  • Experience the English Lake District
  • Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool
  • See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles
  • Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon
  • Enjoy a photo stop at a Welsh Castle
  • Experience Cardiff on a driving tour
  • Explore Bath

Optional Experiences

Enhance your tour with these carefully selected optional experiences. Each one is designed to add depth and excitement to your journey, allowing you to customize your adventure according to your interests.

Book On Tour
Loch Ness Cruise£25

Search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster as you cruise on the famous loch!

Book On Tour
Christmas Eve in Edinburgh£85

Soak up Scotland’s festive atmosphere with an unforgettable, 3-course Christmas Eve dinner in Edinburgh!

Book On Tour
Winter at Windermere£40

Discover the stunning scenery around Windermere Lake at wintertime with a lakeside lunch and cruise.

Book On Tour
Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Afternoon Tea Experience£45

Visit the house where Shakespeare grew up and delight in a traditional afternoon tea at the Royal Shakespeare theatre!

Book On Tour
Roman Baths£28

Explore the remains of the great temple and bathing complex of the Roman Baths, once the finest religious spas in northern Europe!

Pre-Book
Stonehenge£28

Uncover the many mysteries of Stonehenge and get up close with this 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is definitely bucket list-worthy!

Dates & Rates

You are viewing the unfiltered Dates and Rates

If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:

Exclude Sold Out Dates
Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$1,535
Total Price US$1,535

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in London, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Yorkshire-ibis-york-centre-hotel-twin-roomYorkshire-ibis-york-centre-hotel-breakfast
Accommodation Icon ibis York Centre
Highlands-hotel-arrochar-twin-roomHighlands-hotel-arrochar-dining
Accommodation Icon Hotel Arrochar
novotel-edinburgh-park-roomnovotel-edinburgh-park-hotel-lobby
Accommodation Icon Novotel Edinburgh Park
Liverpool-ibis-liverpool-centre-albert-dock-hotel-twin-roomIbis-Liverpool-breakfast
Accommodation Icon ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock
Mercure-Cardiff-North-Hotel-roomMercure-Cardiff-North-Hotel-bathroom
Accommodation Icon Mercure Cardiff North Hotel

Reviews

Overall RatingRatings Star4.5/515 Reviews
L
Verified Traveller Lisa
31 Dec 2023
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
GB Tour: Good Experience with Room for Improvement

Good experience with Expat Explore's Great Britain tour. While some nearby places were missed, the tour offered enjoyable moments. However, extended coach rides felt like time coul...

C
Verified Traveller Chrissie
28 Dec 2023
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
Incredible Christmas Tour

This tour was unbelievable! From the amazing sights to the careful and thorough organisation by Lee and the humour and great driving of Minty. You get to experience three countries...

M
Verified Traveller Morgan
9 Jan 2023
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
Great trip!

Our tour leader Mike was very good. Our driver Lee was by far the most enjoyable driver I've had in the 12 tours I've been on!

Similar Tours

Explore more with our diverse selection of tours, featuring similar adventures with unique destinations and unforgettable experiences.

Map View

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.

When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to. 

If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.

If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.

Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour. 

For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.

For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.

While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour. 

If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.

Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.

All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.

Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.

Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.

For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.

Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.

This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.