Tours Christmas & New Year Tours Great Britain New Year

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Summary

New Year’s Eve tours don't get any better than this! Spend 7 days exploring Great Britain during the New Years Eve festivities. Travel through awe-inspiring landscapes, visit must-see attractions and learn all about the intriguing history of the area. Tick off Hadrian's Wall and Glen Coe from your travel bucket list with the added opportunity of visiting the mysterious Stonehenge! Explore the Scottish Highlands, Lake District and Loch Ness. Plus, visit the historic cities of Cambridge and York! Enjoy proper pub fare and taste whisky with the locals. Then, ring in the New Year at Hogmanay in Edinburgh - a massive street festival and loads of fun!

Highlights

  • Celebrate Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) in Edinburgh
  • Visit historic cities of Cambridge and York
  • Explore Liverpool, home of The Beatles
  • Experience the Scottish Highlands

Start Point

Outside Novotel London Greenwich hotel | 06:30 AM
Hotel lobby at Holiday Inn Express London - Greenwich | 07:00 AM

End Point

Outside Hotel Novotel at Greenwich station | 06:00 PM
DAY 1: Cambridge - York

Welcome to this incredible 7- day tour of Great Britain! Today, head to the English countryside for fresh air and scenic landscapes. Arrive in Cambridge and embark on a punting trip along the river in a traditional riverboat, taking in the stunning scenery and historic buildings in the most relaxing way. The final stop for the day is York. This city is a mecca for history buffs, and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Enjoy an orientation walking tour with your tour leader and gain a fascinating insight into the stories and history of the city. Tonight, enjoy a delicious group dinner at a local restaurant in York and celebrate the first night of this week-long tour of Great Britain!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Cambridge - York

Welcome to this incredible 7- day tour of Great Britain! Today, head to the English countryside for fresh air and scenic landscapes. Arrive in Cambridge and embark on a punting trip along the river in a traditional riverboat, taking in the stunning scenery and historic buildings in the most relaxing way. The final stop for the day is York. This city is a mecca for history buffs, and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Enjoy an orientation walking tour with your tour leader and gain a fascinating insight into the stories and history of the city. Tonight, enjoy a delicious group dinner at a local restaurant in York and celebrate the first night of this week-long tour of Great Britain!

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.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Angel of the North - Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Glasgow - Scottish Highlands

This morning the tour continues heading north to the spectacular Scottish Highlands. The first stop along the way is the iconic Angel of the North statue. Next is Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification constructed by emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia. Afterwards, travel on to Gretna Green, a beautiful historic village in southern Scotland that is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations. Then, visit the famous Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up some festive cheer at the Christmas markets! Later this evening, arrive at the hotel in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy an included dinner.

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.

Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets: Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit with a spot of shopping at the enchanting Christmas markets.

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!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh (New Year’s Eve)

Look out for Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, on the way to Glen Coe today. Travel through Glen Coe and find out more about this spectacular valley which played host to a tragic massacre that happened hundreds of years ago. Next, make a photo stop in Loch Ness. Say “yes” to the optional cruise and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Arrive in Edinburgh later today and check into the hotel. Tonight, it’s time to get festive and celebrate Hogmanay (what Scots call the last day of the year) to ring in the New Year!

Experiences

Scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands: Take in the spectacular scenery while driving through the majestic Scottish Highlands. Stop in quaint villages and, if the weather is clear, catch a glimpse of the grand Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.

See Glen Coe: Admire this spectacular glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands). This is where the Massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet tragic stories in Scotland’s history.

Visit Loch Ness: Try to spot the legendary Loch Ness monster with a visit to the place said to be her home! Enjoy free time to explore or take an optional cruise along the water.

Visit Edinburgh: Spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Scotland’s vibrant and historic capital city! Tomorrow offers a full free day to explore or to join the Conquer the Capital optional excursion which provides a unique insight into what makes this city so special.

Experience Hogmanay: Ring in the New Year with an included ticket to Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogmanay celebrations! Be entertained by street performers, DJs, artists, bands and many other forms of entertainment. The celebrations conclude with an epic firework show over Edinburgh Castle!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Edinburgh: Free Day (New Year’s Day)

Spend New Year’s Day experiencing the delights of Edinburgh! Welcome the first day of the year with free time to explore the city this morning. See the Old Town and New Town, wander down the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and explore the Grassmarket. Admire the art galleries, statues and memorials as well as the impressive Gothic architecture and take in the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy an included lunch before free time this afternoon. Why not choose to see Edinburgh’s highlights on today’s optional? This evening, do things the Scottish way and enjoy a pint or dram of whisky with the locals. You can also explore the city at night on a guided ghost tour; see secret underground passages and local graveyards!

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Edinburgh - Carlisle - Lake District - Liverpool

Cross the border back into England today as the tour travels to Liverpool. Enroute, visit Carlisle, a historic cathedral city, and the beautiful town of Bowness-on-Windermere in the picturesque Lake District. Here, why not join the Winter at Windermere optional excursion for a local lunch and a cruise along the stunning Lake Windermere? Arrive in Liverpool in the late afternoon and enjoy a driving tour before checking into the hotel. This city is famous for being the home of The Beatles and two legendary football clubs! This evening is free to experience the local life. Why not pay a visit to the Cavern Club where the Beatles played hundreds of shows?

Experiences

Visit Carlisle: Enjoy a comfort stop and some free time in Carlisle, a cathedral city in Cumbria which holds great historical significance. Why not pay a visit to its castle, which was first built in 1092, or soak up some art, science and history at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery?

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales

Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool this morning and see the city’s most famous sites associated with The Beatles! Next we travel to Stratford-upon-Avon - the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the world’s most famous playwrights. Learn more about this historic village on an orientation tour before using some free time to explore on your own. Afterwards, we make our way to Wales! We have a brief photo stop at a medieval castle on the way. Then we head onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff which is our overnight stop. Orientate yourself with the city on a driving tour before we check into our hotel for the night.

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.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London

This is the last day of our tour of Great Britain, and it's a day filled with excitement! Today’s first stop is Bath. This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to sites such as the Roman Baths which can be explored on the optional excursion, as well as some of the finest architecture in Europe! Learn about the town on an orientation tour before travelling to the next stop; Stonehenge. This famous landmark is shrouded in myth and legend. Explore it on the optional Stonehenge excursion. Arrive back in London in the early evening. After a week of exploring amazing destinations across Great Britain, it’s the end of a memorable tour!

Experiences

Bath Orientation tour: Learn all about Bath’s fascinating history and its top attractions, including the famous Roman Baths, with your tour leader.

Meals

Breakfast

On Tour Excursions

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners 
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard 
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

20 Experiences!

  1. Go punting down the River Cam in Cambridge
  2. Stroll through the historic streets of York
  3. Enjoy a group dinner in York
  4. Visit the Angel of the North statue
  5. Take a photo at Hadrian’s Wall
  6. Visit world famous wedding destination Gretna Green
  7. Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets
  8. Spend a night in the Scottish Highlands
  9. Drive through the Highlands and spot Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak
  10. Marvel at the beauty of the Highlands in Glen Coe
  11. Glimpse the beauty of Loch Ness
  12. Experience Hogmanay in Edinburgh
  13. Visit Carlisle, an important historic city
  14. Experience the beauty of the English Lake District
  15. Embark on a Liverpool driving tour with your tour leader
  16. See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles
  17. Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon; home of Shakespeare
  18. Enjoy a photo stop at a medieval Welsh Castle
  19. Experience Cardiff on a driving tour
  20. Discover Bath on an orientation walking tour

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Yorkshire

Photos of the tour

Loch Ness Cruise

Visit the home of the mysterious Loch Ness monster and enjoy a 1-hour cruise on the loch. Take in the sights and enjoy the serene surroundings. Have your cameras ready as you may even spot old Nessie.

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.
Prices and availability are subject to change

Dates & Rates

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
29 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 29 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,225 € 1,125
29 Dec 2023 - 04 Jan 2024Flexible booking date for 29 Dec 2023 - 04 Jan 2024SOLD OUT!

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

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.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

439 reviews
J
Jane Verified Buyer 2023-10-11
Amazing Trip
Well organized trip with a great Tour guide!! Best way to see loads of sights in a very short period of time.
A
Andri Muller Verified Buyer 2023-10-10
It was a wonderful experience.
Well structured and organised.
D
Dee Verified Buyer 2023-09-30
Great way to explore Scotland, England and Wales
Lee was a fabulous tour guide! He understood the area very well and let us know all the best spots to eat and drink. Were given lots of advice and options of alternatives to excursions. Tony drove our bus around some pretty tight areas in the older narrow streets. Thank you for a wonderful week of travel!
A
Alisa Verified Buyer 2023-09-29
Wonderful Experience
It was really an wonderful and amazing experience. The tour leader Mr. Peter Woodman was a fantastic leader that has done his best to satisfy all the wishes of travelers. The selection of places, attractions and locations to be visited were fantastic and in a very short time i.e 7 days you could visit almost the major part of Great Britain, which you cannot do in ypour own for such price. The hotels selected by Eexpat Explorer were really good. The coach driver Tony was a very good driver, patient and also supportive for any question. We have been really lucky to choose Expat Explorer for visiting UK
H
Happyheart Verified Buyer 2023-09-29
Great Britain Tour Sept24-30
Great choices of tour destination. Lee Carrick is the best, very organized,accommodating and friendly

Why this tour?

If you’re wondering “What should I do for New Year?” Here is your answer! Expat Explore’s New Year’s Eve packages in Great Britain are packed full of great destinations, breathtaking landscapes, fascinating historical sites and world-famous New Year’s Eve celebrations! Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) in Edinburgh is a renowned street party full of festivities and fun! Edinburgh is definitely the place to be when celebrating New Year’s Eve in the UK. 

The tour visits three countries: England, Scotland and Wales. It travels to top destinations across Great Britain, conveniently beginning and ending in the central travel hub of London. 

The Great Britain New Year tour offers a number of highlights:

  • Ring in the New Year in Edinburgh! Scotland’s capital city is world-famous for its Hogmanay street party festival which you’ll experience on this tour. 
  • Experience breathtaking natural scenery across Great Britain, including the picturesque Scottish Highlands and ruggedly beautiful Glen Coe in Scotland, as well as the stunning Lake District National Park in England.
  • Enjoy classic British experiences including a traditional pub lunch and Scottish whisky tasting. 
  • See the famous Loch Ness and Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak. 
  • Visit historic towns and cities such as York, Cambridge, Bath, Stratford-upon-Avon and Gretna Green.
  • Explore Liverpool (home of The Beatles!), Cardiff and Fort William. 

Is this the right tour for me?

This tour is perfect for travellers looking for a memorable way to ring in the new year! You’ll experience the unforgettable experience of Hogmanay in Edinburgh , one of the best places to stay for New Year in Scotland, along with an array of Great Britain’s top destinations included in the itinerary! 

Where is good to go for New Year’s Eve in the UK?

Edinburgh in Scotland is the best place to be for New Year’s Eve celebrations in the UK! 

What do the British do for New Years?

Family and friends gather to ring in the new year. The Hogmanay street party in Edinburgh is the most renowned celebration while huge events take place in other major cities across the UK, including London. 

What are the best things to do in Edinburgh at New Year?

Once you have enjoyed the nighttime celebrations, Edinburgh is an incredible city in which to celebrate the first day of the new year! Explore the Old Town, visit the Castle, climb Calton Hill, stroll through the historic neighbourhoods and enjoy the welcoming Scottish hospitality! 

If you are looking for a fun, affordable and convenient way to enjoy the new year, this group tour of Great Britain is a must!