DAY 1: Start of tour in London - Cambridge - York
![Start of tour in London - Cambridge - York]()
Welcome to your Christmas tour of Great Britain! Today, depart London and get ready to fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air. Arrive in Cambridge, and embark on a punting trip along the river. The age-old tradition offers great views of the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings as you float along the water. 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 for fascinating insights into York’s history and stories. Tonight, enjoy a traditional pub dinner in an authentic British pub!
Experiences
Cambridge punting trip: Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition of punting down the river on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat). Cruise down the River Cam and take in the sights and surroundings along the way.
Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.
Dinner in York: Tuck into a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in York. Toast to the first night of this tour of Great Britain and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner this evening.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis York Centre Hotel
DAY 2: Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands
![Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands]()
Travel north towards the iconic Scottish Highlands today. The first stop of the day is Hadrian’s Wall - this defensive fortification was constructed by Emperor Hadrian centuries ago. The next stop is the historic village of Gretna Green. This romantic village is world-famous for weddings and once saw young lovers crossing the border to wed without their parents’ permission. En route to Glen Coe, keep an eye out for Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the British Isles). Stop at the spectacular Glen Coe and learn about the Massacre of Glen Coe - a fascinating and tragic story in Scotland’s history. This evening, arrive at our hotel in the heart of Fort William, a gorgeous Highland town. Enjoy an included dinner.
Experiences
Photo stop at Hadrian's Wall: Visit the Roman fortification on the border between England and Scotland, constructed under the orders of Emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia.
Visit world famous wedding destination Gretna Green: Found on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland, Gretna Green is a beautiful historic village that is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations! This town is where lovers used to get married without their parent’s permission, many years ago, giving it a lasting legacy as a great spot to tie the knot.
See Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful valleys: Make a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands (a glen is a deep valley in Scotland) which is infamous for the tragic events of the massacre that happened here in 1692.
Spend the night in the heart of Fort William: Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of Fort William in the iconic Scottish Highlands.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Hotel Arrochar
Loch Long Hotel
DAY 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh
![Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh]()
After breakfast this morning, travel towards Fort Augustus which is at the base of Loch Ness. Loch Ness is home to the beloved ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster. Join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot her! Afterwards our scenic drive continues through the spectacular Scottish Highlands and along the edge of the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Then, it's onwards to Edinburgh, passing over the Queensferry Crossing while admiring the views before arriving into the city. Check into the hotel and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city on Christmas Eve with an orientation driving tour.
Experiences
Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot her in the loch’s water.
Drive along Cairngorms National Park and over the Queensferry Crossing: Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Scottish landscape.
See the streets of Edinburgh on an orientation tour: From its centuries old history to its vibrant arts and culture scene, discover what makes Edinburgh such a fascinating, vibrant city with an orientation tour.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 4: Christmas in Edinburgh
![Christmas in Edinburgh]()
Merry Christmas! See more of this beautiful city and stroll through Edinburgh with your tour leader. Today, you are free to explore the city as you wish, and there is so much to see and do! Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is blessed with stunning greystone and gothic architecture. Take a step back in time and wander around the unchanged cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, marvel at the Edinburgh Castle, visit the Christmas markets, and meander down to the Grassmarket in the Old Town. This afternoon, celebrate the day’s festivities with an included festive lunch this afternoon - time to enjoy some of that legendary Scottish hospitality!
Experiences
Festive lunch: Celebrate Christmas and enjoy great Scottish hospitality with a delicious festive lunch.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
DAY 5: Lake District - Liverpool
![Lake District - Liverpool]()
Depart Scotland, and travel back across the border towards Liverpool in England. Travel to the picturesque Lake District for a lunch stop with a view. Arrive in Liverpool in the late afternoon. The evening is free to explore the city that is the home of The Beatles, and two world-famous premier league football clubs! Check in to the hotel, and head to one of the many local pubs for dinner. For Beatles fans, the city inspired the classics ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’. The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club - the perfect place to spend the evening!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel
DAY 6: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
![Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales]()
Enjoy a driving tour of Liverpool this morning, and see the city’s top sights. Next up, venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to numerous Shakespearean attractions and fascinating historical locations. Enjoy free time wandering the streets once home to the famous playwright. Next, travel to the south of Wales where you'll have the chance to see a medieval castle. After snapping great photos of the centuries-old building, head onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff where you’ll enjoy an orientation driving tour of the city.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
DAY 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London
![Bath - Stonehenge - London]()
As the last day of this British tour arrives, there is no sign of slowing down! The first stop today is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town for insight into the town’s history and the famous Roman Baths. Next up is an optional excursion that could have you unravelling one of the worlds’ greatest mysteries! Visit Stonehenge to see the ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. Arrive back in London to end your tour this evening after a fantastic week of exploring Great Britain!
Experiences
Bath Orientation tour: Join your tour leader for a tour of this historic city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Highlights include Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.
Optional Excursions
- Roman Baths i £25
- Stonehenge i £23
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.