10-Night Best of Britain

Day 2

Accommodation

Quirky Boutique Hotel - Chipping Campden, West Midlands Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Daily Itinerary

Oxford University & The Cotswolds

After breakfast, we’ll leave the capital behind us and set a course for the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford – where an orientation tour of this medieval university town awaits. Then: it’s off to the Cotswolds, where we’ll spend some time exploring charming villages full of honey-coloured cottages. Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

Chipping Campden, West Midlands Region

On The Map: Chipping Campden is located in the Cotswolds Region of Central England, just 35 miles directly south of Birmingham.

Chipping Campden is centrally located in the North Cotswolds - an idyllic town in an idyllic location. 'Chipping' comes from Old English meaning Market Place, and indeed the town was a rich wool-trading center in the Middle Ages. Campden is one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds, with a particularly elegant High Street. Buildings date from the 14th to 17th centuries, most constructed from locally sourced, honey-colored limestone, known as Cotswold Stone. The centerpiece of Campden's wonderful architecture is the arch-adorned Market Hall, constructed in 1627. Other attractions include St James 'Wool' Church, which boasts one of the oldest altar tapestries in England, and a beautiful 120 foot tower. The Court Barn near the church is now a museum celebrating the rich Arts and Crafts tradition of the area. There are two famous and historic gardens nearby - Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate. In 1970, Campden's High Street (and much of the town), was officially designated a conversation area to preserve this ancient city for generations to come.

Day 3

Accommodation

Quirky Boutique Hotel - Chipping Campden, West Midlands Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Daily Itinerary

Shakespeare's Home Town

There will be plenty of time to enjoy this morning at your leisure before we board the mini-coach and make tracks to Stratford-upon-Avon – the picturesque Tudor market town where William Shakespeare was born. We’ll have some time to follow in the Bard’s footsteps on an orientation tour before pressing on to the rolling hills and panoramic views of the Cotswolds. Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

Chipping Campden, West Midlands Region

On The Map: Chipping Campden is located in the Cotswolds Region of Central England, just 35 miles directly south of Birmingham.

Chipping Campden is centrally located in the North Cotswolds - an idyllic town in an idyllic location. 'Chipping' comes from Old English meaning Market Place, and indeed the town was a rich wool-trading center in the Middle Ages. Campden is one of the prettiest towns in the Cotswolds, with a particularly elegant High Street. Buildings date from the 14th to 17th centuries, most constructed from locally sourced, honey-colored limestone, known as Cotswold Stone. The centerpiece of Campden's wonderful architecture is the arch-adorned Market Hall, constructed in 1627. Other attractions include St James 'Wool' Church, which boasts one of the oldest altar tapestries in England, and a beautiful 120 foot tower. The Court Barn near the church is now a museum celebrating the rich Arts and Crafts tradition of the area. There are two famous and historic gardens nearby - Hidcote Manor Garden and Kiftsgate. In 1970, Campden's High Street (and much of the town), was officially designated a conversation area to preserve this ancient city for generations to come.

Day 4

Accommodation

Country Retreat - Llangollen, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 3.00pm-10.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Worcester Cathedral

We’ll discover more about the crusades of saints and kings on a visit of Worcester Cathedral before our road turns towards the rugged ancient landscapes of Wales this afternoon. This evening, we’ll dine together in Denbighshire. Breakfast and dinner included.

Overnight Location

Llangollen, Wales

Day 5

Accommodation

Country Retreat - Llangollen, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 3.00pm-10.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Majestic Snowdonia National Park

Prepare for a soul-stirring sight this morning – the magnificent Snowdonia National Park (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) is our next stop. Boasting 823 square miles of captivatingly diverse landscapes, Snowdonia National Park is an area steeped in culture and local history. We’ll spend the day exploring the park together before returning to the hotel for a sumptuous dinner. Breakfast and dinner included.

Overnight Location

Llangollen, Wales

Day 6

Accommodation

Georgian City Center Elegance - York, Yorkshire and The Humber

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Daily Itinerary

Liverpool & Beatlemania

Today’s itinerary has a distinctly musical theme. After breakfast, we’ll leave Wales behind us and move on to Liverpool – the welcoming (and fiercely proud) city that gave birth to The Beatles. What better way to get into the ‘Beatlemania’ spirit than a visit to The Beatles Story museum? Toes still tapping, we’ll round off the day in York where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

York, Yorkshire and The Humber

On The Map: The City of York is located in Northern England, just 25 miles northwest of the major city of Leeds

The City of York boasts a dramatic 2,000 year history. The City, originally named Eboracum, was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, and became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior. Visitors to York can enjoy a wealth of attractions, museums, historic buildings, shops, restaurants and bars, all within the compact walled city. Indeed, substantial portions of the City's Walls are still intact today - more so than any other English city - and are a major tourist attraction in themselves. York Minster Cathedral (pictured), is the highlight of the city. The gothic edifice is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and its Great East Window contains the greatest area of medieval stained glass in the entire world. Another of York's gems, Clifford's Tower, offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. The current stucture dates from the 1300s and is a great example of the power wielded by England's medieval Kings. The Shambles is a must-visit shopping street in the city. Bulidings, some dating from the 14th century, overhang the street by several feet - so much so, that opposing structures are not very far from touching in some places!

Day 7

Accommodation

Georgian City Center Elegance - York, Yorkshire and The Humber

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 11 AM.

Daily Itinerary

Old Town York

We’ve a full day to spend getting to grips with York, starting with an orientation tour of the Old Town. There are centuries of history to uncover along the medieval Shambles and Snickelways – and plenty of photo opportunities to be claimed! This evening is ours to spend at leisure in town or back at the hotel. Breakfast included. 

Overnight Location

York, Yorkshire and The Humber

On The Map: The City of York is located in Northern England, just 25 miles northwest of the major city of Leeds

The City of York boasts a dramatic 2,000 year history. The City, originally named Eboracum, was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, and became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior. Visitors to York can enjoy a wealth of attractions, museums, historic buildings, shops, restaurants and bars, all within the compact walled city. Indeed, substantial portions of the City's Walls are still intact today - more so than any other English city - and are a major tourist attraction in themselves. York Minster Cathedral (pictured), is the highlight of the city. The gothic edifice is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, and its Great East Window contains the greatest area of medieval stained glass in the entire world. Another of York's gems, Clifford's Tower, offers panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside. The current stucture dates from the 1300s and is a great example of the power wielded by England's medieval Kings. The Shambles is a must-visit shopping street in the city. Bulidings, some dating from the 14th century, overhang the street by several feet - so much so, that opposing structures are not very far from touching in some places!

Day 8

Accommodation

4-Star Waterside View Hotel - Windermere, North West Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Daily Itinerary

Castle Howard & Yorkshire Dales National Park

Today we’ll rewind to the glory days of the English country estate with a self-guided tour of the magnificent Castle Howard. Our path will then take us through Yorkshire Dales National Park, passing by rivers, tiny villages and centuries-old stone walls. The invigorating Lake District will be the spectacular conclusion to the day’s journey. Tonight, we’ll come together to share a delicious meal at the hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.

Overnight Location

Windermere, North West Region

On The Map: Windermere is located just east of Windermere Lake in England's Lake District National Park, in the northwest of the country.

The town of Windermere is located in England's stunning Lake District - just one mile from Windermere Lake. The town grew-up around the Railway Station constructed to bring tourists to the area in the 19th century. Originally named Birthwaite, the Railway Company named its station after the lake, and the town name followed! It is a bustling little town with a good variety of local shops, but the main attraction is most definitely the lake. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, and lies within the Lake District National Park. Boat rides are available from Bowness Pier, and sail around the lake, many mooring at the picturesque villages of Ambleside or Lakeside, the latter boasting a restored railway. A short walk from Windermere takes you to Orrest Head, an outstanding viewpoint. In 1930, it was the first ‘summit’ in Lakeland to be visited by acclaimed guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright. Over the years, Windermere has merged with the older, adjacent town of Bowness-on-Windermere, though the two have retained separate centres.

Day 9

Accommodation

4-Star Waterside View Hotel - Windermere, North West Region

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Daily Itinerary

Lake Windermere Cruise

What better way to spend the day than discovering the Lake District’s highlights? Our first stop will be charming Rydal Mount and Gardens, the historic family home of William Wordsworth. With its flower-filled gardens and glorious views of Lake Windermere, it’s easy to see why Wordsworth was inspired by this tranquil spot. Later, a scenic lake cruise awaits. We’ll take to the water to soak up the awe-inspiring scenery of this spectacular region before returning to our accommodation for the evening.  Breakfast included.

Overnight Location

Windermere, North West Region

On The Map: Windermere is located just east of Windermere Lake in England's Lake District National Park, in the northwest of the country.

The town of Windermere is located in England's stunning Lake District - just one mile from Windermere Lake. The town grew-up around the Railway Station constructed to bring tourists to the area in the 19th century. Originally named Birthwaite, the Railway Company named its station after the lake, and the town name followed! It is a bustling little town with a good variety of local shops, but the main attraction is most definitely the lake. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, and lies within the Lake District National Park. Boat rides are available from Bowness Pier, and sail around the lake, many mooring at the picturesque villages of Ambleside or Lakeside, the latter boasting a restored railway. A short walk from Windermere takes you to Orrest Head, an outstanding viewpoint. In 1930, it was the first ‘summit’ in Lakeland to be visited by acclaimed guidebook author, Alfred Wainwright. Over the years, Windermere has merged with the older, adjacent town of Bowness-on-Windermere, though the two have retained separate centres.

Day 10

Accommodation

Historic Georgian Mansion - Dumfries, Southern

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 2.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Daily Itinerary

Traditional Scottish Dinner with Bagpipes

We’ll commence our day of culture this morning with a visit to The Bowes Museum in the market town of Barnard Castle. Showcasing an eclectic mix of art and antiques, there’s something for everyone in this treasure trove! Next, we’ll turn our attention to Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Located on the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall, here we’ll take some time to uncover centuries-old history and admire the awe-inspiring vistas before pressing on to the Scottish Borders. This evening we have a local treat in store! A traditional haggis dinner and bagpipe demonstration will provide us with a grand ending to our final night. Breakfast and dinner included.

Overnight Location

Dumfries, Southern

On The Map: Dumfries is located in southwest Scotland, only 25 miles from the border with England. The town is just 13 miles west of the main M74/A74 road connecting Glasgow to the north, and Carlisle, England to the south.

Dumfries has earned its name, “Queen of the South.” This is Robert Burns’ country and it is a pleasure. Dumfries is an ancient town, and it was here in 1306 that Robert the Bruce killed his rival for the throne of Scotland. Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, wrote what he considered his best works here, and he raised his family here. You can still visit the Globe Inn, Burns’s favorite haunt.  It’s just the narrow passage of a main street. While Burns was looking for a job, he lived here. After he landed a job, he brought his family down from Ellisland. Famous Devorgilla’s Bridge connects Dumfries with Maxwelltown, and it was built in 1431—it is the longest and one of the oldest medieval bridges in Scotland. Dumfries is also home to some beautiful buildings, many constructed from the town's characteristic red stone. Perhaps the most spectacular is Mid Steeple, dating back to 1708 and once the town prison. There is plenty to do in this fine area of Southern Scotland: The scenic drive from the ancient city of Dumfries along the coast takes in some of the prettiest towns along the southwest shoreline. Castle Douglas is a charming, old market town with plenty of intriguing streets and charming shops to explore. Dumfries has been voted as having the best quality of life in all of Britain…more than once.

Day 11

Daily Itinerary

Arrive in Edinburgh

Before we say our goodbyes, there’s still plenty of time to round things off with a visit to the grand Abbotsford House and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel. Our tour will conclude upon arrival in Edinburgh. Breakfast included.

You'll be arriving early afternoon into Edinburgh so you may need to add an extra night's stay here in Edinburgh, depending on your flight's departure time. Please ask your Authentic Expert for help facilitating this.

Depart From

Depart from Edinburgh Airport, Central Scotland

Return to Edinburgh Airport 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.

Edinburgh is a small airport, but offers a surprisingly large array of shops and restaurants. If you have some time on your hands after check-in and security, you won't be bored!