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  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
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Summary

Explore the best of England, Scotland and Wales on this tour of Great Britain. Revel in the rich history of Bath, Cambridge, York and Edinburgh. Discover Stonehenge, see Shakespeare’s hometown and enjoy intriguing city tours. Admire the enchanting views of the Scottish Highlands and the English Lake District. Tuck into hearty cuisine while travelling - the best Great Britain tours and holiday packages include whisky tasting and a traditional Sunday roast! This Great Britain tour is filled with uniquely British travel experiences. Get ready to enjoy one of our top Britain tours!

If you'd like to explore Ireland in addition to Great Britain, consider the Best of UK & Ireland tour - click here.

Highlights

  • Visit the historic walled city of York
  • Included river punting experience in Cambridge
  • Photo stop at Hadrian's Wall and Jedburgh Abbey
  • Visit Stratford-Upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare
  • Enjoy a free day to explore Edinburgh, the Scottish capital​
  • Experience the Scottish Highlands and the iconic Loch Ness

Itinerary View Full ItineraryDownload PDF

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: London - 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 traditional roast dinner at a local restaurant in York - toast to the first night of this week-long tour of Great Britain!

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: London - 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 traditional roast dinner at a local restaurant in York - toast to 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.

Orientation tour of York: Take an orientation tour around this historic walled city with your tour leader. York was founded by ancient Rome, and is filled with intriguing medieval architecture. See highlights including Micklegate Bar, the city walls, Ouse, The Shambles, York Chocolate Story, Swinegate, Barley Hall and York Minster.

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

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: York - Hadrian’s Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh

Depart York and arrive at today’s first stop: the impressive Angel of the North statue. Next stop is Hadrian’s Wall - an ancient Roman fortification built in 122 AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. Not too far away lies the border town of Jedburgh, famed for its links to royalty and historical warfare. Visit this Scottish border town and take in the amazing architecture. Travel on through Scotland - the capital city is waiting! Arrive in Edinburgh, and set off on an evening driving and walking orientation tour of the city with your tour leader. It’s a great introduction to a wonderful city! Enjoy an included dinner at an award-winning Italian restaurant with the group in Edinburgh tonight.

Experiences

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

Experience Hadrian’s Wall: Marvel at the defensive wall, built by ancient Rome during Emperor Hadrian’s reign, which acted as the north west frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years. Crafted by hand in 122 AD, it’s one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the UK.

Visit Jedburgh: Visit this picturesque Scottish border town and enjoy some free time to explore. The pretty Royal Borough is home to beautiful sights and architecture. A visit to the Jedburgh Abbey ruins is highly recommended!

Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital city is home to incredible Gothic architecture, an impressive hilltop castle, cobble-stoned streets in the Old Town and New Town, as well as lively pubs and shopping streets!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Edinburgh: Free Day

Today, the city is yours to explore. Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is blessed with stunning architecture, art galleries and memorials. Take a step back in time, and wander around the unchanged cobbled streets of the Royal Mile. If there are clear skies, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for some incredible views. Or, join your tour leader on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion for an unforgettable exploration of Edinburgh! This full-day tour takes you to Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill and more. Tonight, you have the option of joining a traditional Scottish dinner and show for a taste of Scottish culture and maybe even a bite of haggis!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Loch Ness - Whisky Distillery - Glencoe - Scottish Highlands

Just over halfway through this Great Britain tour, it’s time to journey into the Scottish Highlands. The first stop is the historic Culloden Battlefield. Next, visit Loch Ness - home to the mythical Loch Ness monster. During the visit, join an optional one-hour Loch Ness cruise, take in the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle and see if you can spy ‘Nessie’ in the water! Once back on the road, spot Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Whilst in the region, visit one of Scotland’s oldest, licensed whisky distilleries in Fort William for a distillery tour and whisky tasting. Next, visit Glen Coe – a spectacular glen (Scottish word meaning deep valley) with a bloody past – before continuing on to the hotel in the Scottish Highlands for the night.

Experiences

Visit Culloden Battlefield: Step back in time at the historic Culloden Battlefield. Back in 1746, this was the site of the last battle and the tragic defeat of the Jacobite Rising rebellion by British government troops.

Visit Loch Ness: Enjoy free time to explore Scotland’s most famous loch! Enjoy the views from the banks of the loch and keep an eye out for ‘Nessie’; the mythical loch ness monster! 

Whisky distillery tour in Fort William: Visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries for a tour and whisky tasting. Whisky lovers should be sure to try the fantastic single malt. 

Photo stop at Glen Coe: Capture some exquisite views in Scotland’s most scenic valley which comes with a tragic and bloody history. Glen Coe was the site of the Massacre of Glencoe which took place in 1692. The massacre is a sad but important part of Scotland’s history.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool

Today, travel towards Liverpool, home of The Beatles and world-famous football clubs! En route, drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, enjoy a visit to Greta Green and a stop in the picturesque Lake District. Next up, Liverpool! Enjoy a driving tour of the city on the way to the hotel and arrive in the late afternoon. For Beatles fans, there are many significant locations in the city including spots that inspired songs such as ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’. The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club, the perfect place to enjoy a good meal tonight! Liverpool is home to a number of great restaurant and pub options for dinner.

Experiences

Drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: Enjoy the views on the drive through the Scottish Highlands en route to Liverpool.

Stop at world-famous Gretna Green: Stop off at this parish on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland. Years ago, young lovers would use this spot to get married without their parents’ permission!

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 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

This morning, see some top sights connected to The Beatles before departing Liverpool. Next, venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare; Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. For those who wish to delve into the life of Shakespeare more intimately, join the optional excursion to visit the home where he grew up as a child and lived with his wife as newlyweds. Sliding into south Wales, take the chance to see a medieval Welsh castle before heading onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff for a driving tour en route to the hotel. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

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

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London

The last day of the tour is jam-packed with excitement! The first stop is the historic town of Bath. Take an orientation tour of the town, learn about its history, and see popular sights. You’ll have free time to explore, or take an optional tour of the Roman Baths. Next up is a trip to the mysterious Stonehenge! Join the Stonehenge optional excursion for a closer look at these stones shrouded in myth and legend. Afterwards, board your Expat Explore coach for the last time, and take this chance to exchange contact details and share photos with new friends and fellow travellers, before the tour finishes in London.

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.

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, 4 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!

  • Enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge
  • Explore the historic streets of York
  • Tuck into a traditional British roast dinner in York
  • See the Angel of the North; an impressive steel sculpture
  • Visit Hadrian’s Wall; an ancient Roman fortification
  • Wander the picturesque streets of Jedburgh
  • Experience Edinburgh; Scotland’s captivating capital city
  • See the historic Culloden Battlefield
  • Explore Loch Ness; home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster
  • Sip on Scottish whisky in Fort William 
  • Visit Glen Coe; a scenic Scottish valley
  • Drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
  • Visit Gretna Green; a picturesque Scottish border town
  • Experience the English Lake District
  • Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool
  • See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles
  • Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon; home of Shakespeare
  • Enjoy a photo stop at a medieval Welsh Castle
  • Experience Cardiff on a driving tour
  • Explore bath; home to history and fine architecture

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

Conquer the Capital Edinburgh

Explore the highlights in and around Edinburgh with your tour leader! Travel by to Edinburgh’s city centre and arrive at the impressive Edinburgh Castle. Inside, you can explore the historic halls on a free guided tour. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic trip along Queen's Drive, taking in views of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace. Next, visit Calton Hill to see the monuments and admire the views of the city. Finally, admire the Scott Memorial and see the picturesque Princes Street Gardens. You will have truly conquered this capital!   

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

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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
22 Dec 2023 - 28 Dec 2023Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2023 - 28 Dec 2023Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,455 € 1,125
17 Mar 2024 - 23 Mar 2024Flexible booking date for 17 Mar 2024 - 23 Mar 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,110
14 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 14 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,170
05 May 2024 - 11 May 2024Flexible booking date for 05 May 2024 - 11 May 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,255
19 May 2024 - 25 May 2024Flexible booking date for 19 May 2024 - 25 May 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,220
02 Jun 2024 - 08 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Jun 2024 - 08 Jun 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,170
16 Jun 2024 - 22 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 16 Jun 2024 - 22 Jun 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,220
30 Jun 2024 - 06 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 30 Jun 2024 - 06 Jul 2024Only 2 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,170
14 Jul 2024 - 20 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 14 Jul 2024 - 20 Jul 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
28 Jul 2024 - 03 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 28 Jul 2024 - 03 Aug 2024Only 5 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,110
11 Aug 2024 - 17 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 11 Aug 2024 - 17 Aug 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
01 Sep 2024 - 07 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 01 Sep 2024 - 07 Sep 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
15 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 15 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
22 Sep 2024 - 28 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Sep 2024 - 28 Sep 2024Only 3 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
06 Oct 2024 - 12 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 06 Oct 2024 - 12 Oct 2024Only 4 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
20 Oct 2024 - 26 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 20 Oct 2024 - 26 Oct 2024Only 6 seats left at this price€ 1,455 € 1,040
22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Dec 2024 - 28 Dec 2024Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,455 € 1,125
29 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025Flexible booking date for 29 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025Alternate festive itinerary€ 1,455 € 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?

Discover the delights of England, Scotland and Wales on one of the most affordable Great Britain tours around! See the best of three distinct destinations, with an array of included experiences and optionals neatly packed into a seven-day tour of Great Britain. 

Start your tour in London - home of the Royals, Big Ben and fascinating history! Make your way north to Cambridge and York before crossing the Scottish border. Take in the sights of Edinburgh before travelling into the magnificent Scottish Highlands for the night! Cross the border back into England (with a  lunch stop in the Lake District - a definite must-see on England tours!) and pay visits to Liverpool, Stratford-Upon-Avon (birthplace of Shakespeare), Wales and Bath. Your Great Britain tour starts and ends in London so you can spend a few days exploring this vibrant capital. Onward travel is also easy from this central hub. 

This is your chance to explore the region’s history and highlights! Tour Great Britain with us on our modern coaches (an affordable, fun and convenient way to explore) and you’ll encounter ancient ruins, historical monuments and famous pop culture sites. From Hadrian’s Wall to the birthplace of Shakespeare and the home of the Beatles! This one of our vacation packages which is perfect for history buffs, literary lovers, and music fans alike. Not forgetting the scenic landscapes! You’ll get a taste of great British cuisine and traditional Scottish whisky too!  

Look forward to engaging city orientation tours in York, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Bath. Plus enjoy a free day to explore Edinburgh’s culture, history and top attractions. The Stonehenge optional is a real highlight and one of the top things to do during Britain tours. 

Looking for holiday packages which cover the best of Britain in one week? This is it!