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, Shambles, York Chocolate Story, Swinegate, Barley Hall and York Minster.
Dinner in York: Enjoy a traditional British roast dinner with the group at a local pub in York. Look forward to tucking into British classics like roast beef, yorkshire pudding and more! A nut roast will be available for vegetarians.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Cedar Court Wakefield
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 122AD 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: Enjoy a photo stop at the incredible Angel of the North. This impressive 20m-tall steel sculpture of an angel with wings measuring 54m across, is an iconic sight in the north of England.
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 122AD, 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
- Conquer the Capital Edinburgh i £60
- Spirit of Scotland Show i £75
* 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. See the Culloden Battlefield, and 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 (deep valley) with a bloody past – before continuing on to the hotel in the Scottish Highlands for the night.
Experiences
Visit the Culloden Battlefield: Visit this historic battlefield and learn more about the battles that were fought at this spot where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. It is now known by many thanks to popular TV show Outlander. The moor is filled with clan stones paying homage to the brave Scottish clans that fought and fell in the battle.
Visit Loch Ness: Enjoy free time to explore Scotland’s most famous loch! Enjoy the views from the banks of the loch, take a look at the ruins of Urquhart Castle 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
Hotel Arrochar
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]()
It’s time to travel towards Liverpool, home of The Beatles and world-famous football clubs! En route, enjoy a visit to Greta Green and a lunch stop in the picturesque Lake District. Next stop, Liverpool! Enjoy a driving tour of the city en route to the hotel and arrive in the late afternoon. Take free time this evening, or join in the optional Beatles Story excursion. For Beatles fans, there are a myriad of significant locations 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
Comfort stop at Gretna Green: Found on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland - Gretna Green is a picturesque border town where young lovers used to get married without their parents’ permission.
Lunch stop in the English Lake District National Park: This is truly your chance to experience lunch with a view - enjoy the views of this beautiful part of England, and find a spot to enjoy lunch while surrounded by a scenic landscape.
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: Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You will have free time to wander the city and visit some of the Shakespearean attractions, such as the historic 16th-Century house where he grew up.
Castle photo stop: En route to Cardiff, take a step back in time and enjoy a quick photo stop at a medieval castle.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Continue on to the Welsh capital - Cardiff! Enjoy learning about Cardiff’s history and culture and see the city’s top sights before arriving at the hotel.
Included Meals
Accommodationi
Cardiff North Hotel by Accor
Optional Excursions
- Shakespeare 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 £25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.