DAY 1: London - Cambridge - York
![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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis York Centre Hotel
DAY 2: York - Hadrian’s Wall - Jedburgh - Edinburgh
![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!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
DAY 3: Edinburgh: Free Day
![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, the Falkirk Wheel, 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!
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Novotel Edinburgh Park Hotel
Optional Excursions
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £75
- Conquer the Capital Edinburgh i £60
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 4: Loch Ness - Whisky Distillery - Glencoe - Scottish Highlands
![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 cruise of Loch Ness, 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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Loch Long Hotel
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change. DAY 5: Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool
![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. Enjoy free time this evening or join in the optional Beatles Story excursion. 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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Ibis Liverpool Centre Albert Dock Hotel
Optional Excursions
- The Beatles Story & Museum i £18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
![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.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
Optional Excursions
- Shakespeare's Birthplace i £18
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.DAY 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London
![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.
Optional Excursions
- Stonehenge i £23
- Roman Baths i £28
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.