DAY 1: Cambridge - York
![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 fo 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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis York Centre Hotel
DAY 2: Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands
![Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands]()
This morning the tour continues heading north to the iconic Scottish Highlands. The first stop along the way 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. 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.
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 (New Year’s Eve)
![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!
Optional Excursions
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £85
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Edinburgh: Free Day (New Year’s Day)
![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!
Optional Excursions
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £85
- Edinburgh Highlights i €40
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 5: Lake District - Liverpool
![Lake District - Liverpool]()
Cross the border back into England today as the tour travels to Liverpool. Enroute, visit the beautiful town of Bowness-on-Windermere in the picturesque Lake District and enjoy free time for lunch. This area is home to stunning views! 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 world-famous football clubs! This evening, Liverpool is yours to explore. Head out to one of the city’s pubs to get a feel of local life. You can even pay a visit to the Cavern Club - a spot where the Beatles played hundreds of shows!
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]()
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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
DAY 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London
![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.
Optional Excursions
- Roman Baths i £28
- Stonehenge i £22
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.