Best of Britain

The rolling green and golden landscapes of rural Wiltshire provide a stunning backdrop for our scenic drive to Salisbury Plain this morning. We tread in the footsteps of druids and pagans amidst the mystical ancient monoliths of Stonehenge before travelling to UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and the centuries-old Roman Baths from which the town derives its name. Our home for the next two nights is the historic cathedral city of Exeter where we will enjoy a memorable Welcome Reception this evening at our hotel.

Our first stop today is in the ancient port city of Plymouth where you'll delve into the history of the brave Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for an unknown New World from its shores. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound and consider taking an optional cruise around the dramatic coastline. We take a step back in time at our next stop, the quaint fishing village and artists' retreat of Polperro, set within a picturesque harbour. Journeying along the brooding moorland of Dartmoor, we arrive at Buckfast Abbey for a Cultural Insight into how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed for nearly 1,000 years.

Enjoy a picturesque drive through the pretty Devon and Somerset countryside to mystical Glastonbury where we'll visit the ruined Abbey, said to be the final resting place of King Arthur. Later, we enjoy a delicious Be My Guest lunch with the Dyer family on their 15th century dairy farm in Somerset before continuing to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Explore the proud heritage of the Welsh and modern icons including the Millennium Stadium during your orientation tour before checking in at your hotel.

Tudor history is explored this morning as we visit the historic towns of Ludlow and Chester with their characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings. Join your Travel Director for an orientation walk past these famous Tudor Rows and enjoy views of Chester's medieval city walls and red sandstone Cathedral. The haunt of the 'Fab Four' is our final stop today. Join a Local Specialist to gain insight into Liverpool's Beatles' history and enjoy an evening at leisure in one of Britain's edgiest cities.

Rolling Lancashire pastures give way to the breathtaking Lake District, whose beautiful scenery has inspired poets and writers for centuries. We travel along the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England to Grasmere, where William Wordsworth was laid to rest at St. Oswald's Church. Standing at the threshold of the 'Marriage Anvil' in Gretna Green, we see where many an eloping couple has tied the knot. We arrive in Glasgow later for an orientation tour including views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the River Clyde, the former heart of the shipbuilding industry. Warm Scottish hospitality and hearty flavours are ours to enjoy this evening during a Regional Meal in a local restaurant.

Journey along Loch Lomond whose bonnie banks were immortalised in the well-known Scottish song. We arrive in the Glencoe and remember the MacDonald clansmen who died tragically in the 1692 massacre that led this place to be dubbed the 'Glen of Weeping'. At the World War II Commando Memorial near Fort William, see breathtaking views of Britain's highest mountain Ben Nevis, continuing to our hotel where we'll enjoy a delicious dinner.

We travel to the coast this morning, boarding a ferry over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Against the backdrop of violet-hued, heather-clad mountains, we enjoy lunch at the ancient settlement of Kyleakin. Later crossing the road bridge to view scenic Eilean Donan Castle on the mainland. Meandering through the Scottish Highlands past its picturesque lochs and glens, with a photo stop by Loch Ness to catch a glimpse of its fabled monster. Pass Culloden battlefield on the way back to your Highland hotel.

Heading back to the lowlands of Scotland, we stop in the picturesque village of Pitlochry before heading to the historic home of golf, St. Andrews, where the first games were played during the 1400s. See its famous 18th hole before crossing the Firth of Forth to Scotland's enchanting capital, Edinburgh. During the Edinburgh Festival, enjoy rousing performances with included tickets for the Edinburgh Tattoo in the magical setting of Edinburgh Castle's grounds.

Ramble up the Royal Mile today and see the iconic sights of one of Britain's most enchanting cities. The elegant Palace of Holyroodhouse in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and the Scottish Parliament feature on your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Your choice of sightseeing could see you visit the Edinburgh Camera Obscura or Edinburgh Castle perched dramatically on Castle Rock above the city. Admire the elegant Georgian architecture in the New Town and amble through the hidden passages of the Old Town before enjoying an evening at leisure soaking up the cosy atmosphere. Consider an Optional Experience including traditional song, dance and Scottish fare.

We travel to the medieval market town of Alnwick this morning where we'll see the impressive castle home to the Duke of Northumberland and the Tenantry Column, topped by the Percy Lion. Meander through Northumberland, across the Tyne at Newscastle and to the cathedral city of York, where we will enjoy an orientation walk along its medieval city walls and cobblestone Shambles, and see the inspiring Minster with its 'heart of Yorkshire'. We enjoy a final Farewell Dinner together to bring our memorable journey to a close.

Shakespeare's legacy and life are celebrated in his hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon which we will have an opportunity to visit today on our return to London. See Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre before rambling through its quaint cobblestone streets. Later, we travel back to London where our amazing holiday comes to an end.