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: Angel of the North - Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands
![Angel of the North - Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands]()
It’s time to head towards the Scottish Highlands today! Depart York and travel to today’s first stop, the Angel of the North. Enjoy time for a photo stop at this iconic sculpture in northern England. Then, travel onwards to Hadrian’s Wall; a defensive fortification constructed by Emperor Hadrian centuries ago! Next, visit 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. This evening, arrive at tonight’s accommodation in Arrochar which is a village located on Loch Long. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
Experiences
Photo stop at the Angel of the North: Enjoy a stopover at this famous contemporary sculpture in the north of England. Be sure to snap some photos!
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 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.
Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands: Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Loch Long Hotel
DAY 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh
![Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh]()
Start today with a stop at Glen Coe. Admire the spectacular views and learn about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe - a fascinating and tragic story in Scotland’s history. Then, head onwards to Spean Bridge and keep an eye out for Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the British Isles) as you travel through the Highlands. At lunch time, arrive in Fort Augustus which is at the base of the famous Loch Ness. Join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Afterwards, the scenic drive continues through the 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 in the city.
Experiences
See Glen Coe: 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.
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Loch Ness Cruise i £19
- Christmas Eve Dinner in Edinburgh i £45
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Dundee - St Andrews - Edinburgh (Christmas Day)
![Dundee - St Andrews - Edinburgh (Christmas Day)]()
Merry Christmas! This morning, head to the coastal city of Dundee, Scotland’s cultural and commercial hub. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader. Learn more about Dundee’s history and see some of its top attractions, including the only V&A Museum outside of London! The tour then makes its way to the stunning university town of St Andrews. Get to know this charming town on an orientation tour and admire the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral which was first built in 1158! Then, celebrate and soak up the Scottish festive spirit with an included Christmas lunch. Later, head back to Edinburgh where the rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.
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. Visit Bowness-on-Windermere, a lovely town in the picturesque Lake District. Enjoy free time here for lunch with a view! Arrive in Liverpool in the late afternoon and enjoy a driving tour of the city. The evening is free to explore the city that is the home of The Beatles and two world-famous premier league football clubs! Check into 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’ and the band played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club - the perfect place to spend the evening!
Experiences
Visit the English Lake District: This is truly your chance to experience lunch with a view - enjoy the scenery of this beautiful part of England, and find a spot to enjoy lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere while surrounded by a scenic landscape. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired many renowned poets and writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
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 Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel
DAY 6: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
![Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales]()
Enjoy a “Magical Mystery” driving tour of Liverpool this morning, and see the city’s top sights associated with The Beatles! 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 to wander 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 and enjoy an orientation driving tour of the city.
Experiences
Liverpool Beatles driving tour: 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!
Visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon: Make a stop in this quaint town, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander the city during your free time, and view many of the Shakespearean attractions, including the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.
Castle photo stop: On the road to Cardiff, enjoy the chance for a short stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some photos.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you all the best highlights before you head back to the hotel.
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: Learn all about Bath’s fascinating history and its top attractions, including the famous Roman Baths, with your tour leader.
Optional Excursions
- Roman Baths i £28
- Stonehenge i £22
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.