THE GREAT ESCAPE
Your great Adventure
- Includes
- Itinerary
- Tour Highlights
- Gallery
- Hotels
What's included
Till Dec 2024
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Others not mentioned
Medieval castles and the inspiring beauty of the Lake District are highlights on this exciting England, Scotland and Wales trip. Learn about the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green and Tudor history in Ludlow before you ascend to lofty Castle Rock for spellbinding views of Edinburgh.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
Journey to Stonehenge, Bath and Cardiff
Experience first-hand what's 'great' about Great Britain on this mesmerising sojourn past the peaks of Wales and the rolling hills and lush farmlands of England to Wales, the land of Castles. We kick-start our adventure in the cosmopolitan capital of London, heading west to visit Stonehenge’s stone monoliths, whose centuries-old myths have yet to be fully revealed. The elegant Georgian architecture of Bath takes centre stage during our visit to this famous spa town. Visit the Roman Baths for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Here, we'll see the Abbey before crossing the Severn Estuary to Cardiff. Tonight, we celebrate the beginning of an epic adventure through Great Britain at a Welcome Dinner.
Through the Scenic Countryside to Liverpool
Delve into the proud culture and heritage of the Welsh as you embark on an orientation of the city to see the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle, in the heart of the city. The half-timbered Tudor houses of Ludlow feature today on our exploration of this market town with its medieval walls and historic castle. We journey north through the Shropshire Hills and Cheshire landscapes to the bold British city of Liverpool, hometown of the 'Fab Four'. Saunter through its edgy 'Scouse' streets and perhaps visit The Cavern Club, where the Beatles once played, during your evening at leisure.
Venture to the Romantic Lake District and on to Edinburgh
The enchanting views of Britain's Lake District provide a scenic backdrop for our drive north to Scotland. Skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere and enjoy views that inspired literary greats like William Wordsworth. We stop at the runaway wedding capital that is Gretna Green where 'Blacksmith Priests' would marry couples over the Marriage Anvil. Later, we arrive in enchanting Edinburgh – our home for the next two nights. This evening, consider attending a lively Scottish banquet with traditional haggis and bagpipes. Tickets to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates.
Discover Edinburgh’s Treasures
Ramble up the Royal Mile in the mesmerizing medieval city of Edinburgh, where you'll join a Local Specialist on an included city sightseeing tour. Stroll through the Old Town and view Arthur's Seat and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, for centuries the seat of the kings and queens of the Scots. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Spend the rest of the day exploring Auld Reekie's medieval relics and elegant Georgian and Gothic façades on your own, or join your Travel Director on an Optional Experience to visit Rosslyn Chapel.
Explore Hadrian’s Wall and Onwards to York
Trace the northern frontier of the Roman Empire at Hadrian's Wall before crossing the River Tyne and venturing south to the ancient cathedral city of York, whose origins hark back to Roman times. Walk along the famous Shambles and view York Minster, one of the greatest cathedrals in the world. This evening we Connect With Locals, joining a family at their stately home in York for a home-cooked Be My Guest Farewell Dinner and some hearty British hospitality.
Admire Stratford-upon-Avon and return to London
Delve into the fascinating story of Shakespeare's life at his Birthplace and Visitor Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and view Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage. We return to London this evening where our memorable encounter with Britain's icons comes to an end.
Tour Highlights:
~Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist
~Discover Bath, Cardiff, Liverpool and York
~Visit Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, the Tudor town of Ludlow, Gretna Green, Edinburgh Castle, and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
~View Bath Abbey, Cardiff Castle, the Lake District's magnificent scenery, Hadrian's Wall, York Minster, and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage
~See the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh