Itinerary Details
CIE Tours: Highlights of Britain
Day 1: London Arrival & Windsor Castle
Hotel: Castle Hotel Windsor
Day 2: Stonehenge, Salisbury & Devon
Marvel at the prehistoric circle of vast monoliths of Stonehenge and learn about the primitive builders who created these enduring monuments. Stop in Salisbury, a charming old city where the cathedral boasts the tallest spire in England. Arrive in Tavistock, a market town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon.
Hotel: The Bedford Hotel
Meals: (B, D)
Day 3: Cornwall, St Michael’s Mount & St Ives
Travel to scenic Cornwall through the unspoiled beauty of Bodmin Moor; stop for photos at Jamaica Inn, built in 1750 and immortalized in Daphne du Maurier’s tale of daring smugglers. Visit the coastal village of Marazion to see the romantic outline of St Michael’s Mount, an island topped by a spectacular castle. In the old fishing town of St Ives, take a walking tour to see its cobbled streets, quaint cottages, art galleries, and surrounding sandy beaches. Enjoy time to explore before returning to a free evening in Tavistock.
Hotel: The Bedford Hotel
Meals: (B)
Day 4: Bath & Roman Baths
Explore Bath, a city of elegant Georgian buildings in a distinctive golden stone, beloved by visitors for centuries. Tour the wonderfully preserved Roman Baths, and then spend some time exploring this quintessentially English city. Cross the Severn Bridge into Wales, then on to your manor house hotel where you’ll dine this evening.
Hotel: Delta Hotels St Pierre Country Club
Meals: (B, D)
Day 5: Hay-on-Wye & Shrewsbury
Travel through the Brecon Beacons National Park to Hay-on-Wye, a town famous for its bookshops. Continue to Shrewsbury, a picturesque town near the English/Welsh border. Take a walking tour with the town crier to see black-and-white buildings that line the narrow streets. Travel through Cheshire to your hotel in Chester.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester
Meals: (B, D)
Day 6: North Wales & Chester
Drive through the countryside of north Wales as you journey to Conwy, a medieval town dominated by a stunning medieval fortress, Conwy Castle. Tour this UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Edward I in the 13th century, viewing its well-preserved walls, towers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. In the ancient city of Chester, explore the Roman and medieval heritage on a walking tour. Your evening is free to explore this fascinating place as you wish.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Chester
Meals: (B)
Day 7: Lake District & Edinburgh
Travel through the glorious Lake District, which inspired Beatrix Potter’s children’s books. Visit the village of Grasmere, where Wordsworth lived and is buried. Pass through the village of Gretna Green as you cross the border into Scotland. Arrive at your hotel near Edinburgh, for dinner with your group.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing
Meals: (B, D)
Day 8: Edinburgh Castle, City Tour & Scottish Evening
Explore central Edinburgh starting in the 200-year-old “New Town” with planned streets and elegant Georgian houses where many famous writers and inventors lived. See the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses, then tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland. Spend the evening with your group. Most departures will enjoy a lively Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. Departures from July 28 – August 11 will attend the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with reserved seats on the castle esplanade.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh - Queensferry Crossing
Meals: (B, D)
Day 9: Abbotsford House & York
Visit Abbotsford House, the former home of Sir Walter Scott, the internationally famed 19th-century novelist; he was one of Scotland’s greatest historic characters and played a large role in the modern popularity of tartan. In York, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore this medieval city of narrow cobbled streets, charming tearooms, quaint pubs, and beautiful churches.
Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott York
Meals: (B)
Day 10: Whitby & Castle Howard
Visit the enchanting fishing town of Whitby, seeing its postcard-perfect harbor, picturesque beaches, winding cobbled streets, and quaint shops. Depart for Castle Howard, a stately 300-year-old home that has been the setting for film and TV productions including the hit show “Bridgerton”. Dine in your hotel this evening.
Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott York
Meals: (B, D)
Day 11: Shakespeare’s Birthplace & London
Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Discover the world that shaped the man as you look through an exhibition about his life and work, and take in a short performance to see his words come to life. Drive through the scenic Cotswolds region, renowned for picturesque villages built of honey-colored stone with charming gardens. Arrive in London and enjoy dinner with your group.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Victoria
Meals: (B, D)
Day 12: Tower of London & City Sightseeing
Take a panoramic London tour to see famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses, Beefeaters in their elaborate uniforms, and the dazzling Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Victoria
Meals: (B)
Day 13: Tour Ends in London
Your tour ends after breakfast.
Meals: (B)
Meal Abbreviations: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
