Best of Britain

Meet your Travel Director and commence your journey
through the rolling green and golden landscapes of rural
Wiltshire to Salisbury Plain. We tread in the footsteps of
druids and pagans at Stonehenge, before travelling to
UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian facades
and the centuries-old Roman Baths. Your home for the
next two nights is the historic cathedral city of Exeter,
where you will enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Mercure Southgate

Our first stop today is in the ancient port city of
Plymouth, where we’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 an optional cruise around
the dramatic coastline. We take a step back in time at our
next stop – the delightful village of Polperro. Continuing
along the brooding moorland of Dartmoor, we arrive at
Buckfast Abbey, where we’ll Dive Into Culture and
discover how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed
here for over 1,000 years.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mercure Southgate

Take in the rolling green countryside of Devon and Somerset en route to a true highlight—your Be My Guest experience
on a working dairy farm. You’ll meet Ian and Ann Dyer, whose families have farmed this land for generations. Hear the stories of their manor home, mentioned in the Domesday Book, and learn how modern farming meets centuries of tradition. Over a hearty farmhouse meal prepared by Ann, enjoy local flavours and warm hospitality. Then it’s on to Cardiff. This dynamic Welsh capital is full of pride and culture. You’ll enjoy an orientation that reveals city icons like the
University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum, introducing you to the rich heritage of
Wales through its modern cityscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Leonardo Cardiff

Explore England’s Tudor past in Ludlow and Chester,
where black-and-white timber-framed buildings line the
streets. In Chester, join your Travel Director for an
orientation walk along the Tudor Rows and admire the red
sandstone city walls. Step into Chester Cathedral to
uncover over 1,000 years of layered history, from
medieval carvings to the soaring Gothic nave. Then it’s
on to Liverpool, a city that changed the sound of music
forever. Join a Local Specialist for insight into the legacy
of the Beatles, walking in the footsteps of the Fab Four.
The evening is yours to grab dinner and soak up the city’s
charm.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Leonardo Liverpool / Leonardo Manchester
Piccadilly

Rolling Lancashire pastures give way to the soul-stirring
Lake District, whose beautiful scenery has inspired poets
and writers for centuries. We travel along the shores of
Lake Windermere, through countryside made famous by
the poet William Wordsworth. Stop in Gretna Green on the
Scottish border, where many eloping couples have tied
the knot. We arrive in Glasgow later for an orientation
tour, including views of the Cathedral, magnificent George
Square and the Clyde River, the former heart of the
shipbuilding industry. This evening, enjoy locally
sourced flavours at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE
TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Crowne Plaza

Journey along Loch Lomond, whose Bonnie Banks were
immortalised in the well-known Scottish song. We arrive
in Glencoe and remember the MacDonald clansmen who
died tragically in the 1692 massacre which led this place
to be called the ‘Glen of Weeping’. At the World War II
Commando Memorial near Fort William, we admire views
of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Our day in
beautiful surrounds comes to an end with a cosy dinner at
our hotel located within the Cairngorms National Park in
the Scottish Highlands.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Laggan

Travel to the Isle of Skye, where a Local Specialist takes
you to visit Portree where you can admire the backdrop of
the Cuillin Mountains. Later, cross back to the mainland to
view scenic Eilean Donan Castle. Travel through the
Scottish Highlands past its picturesque lochs and glens,
keeping your camera at the ready to capture ‘Nessie’ if
you can.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Laggan

Heading back to the lowlands of Scotland, we stop in
Pitlochry before heading to the historic home of golf, St.
Andrews. Here, 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. This
evening, you could join an Optional Experience Scottish
night out with traditional dinner, music and a ceilidh.
Tickets to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are
included on departures that align with performance dates.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Delta by Marriott

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. Visit Edinburgh Castle
perched atop Castle Rock overlooking 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. Consider an Optional
Experience including traditional song, dance and Scottish
fare.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Delta by Marriott

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,
upon which the Percy Lion sits and surveys the town.
Journey through Northumberland to the cathedral city of
York. We’ll embark an orientation walk past its
cobblestone Shambles and see the inspiring Minster with
its ‘heart of Yorkshire’ before joining our newfound friends
for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Novotel Centre

Shakespeare’s legacy and life are celebrated in his home
town of Stratford-upon-Avon, which you will have an
opportunity to visit today. See Anne Hathaway’s thatched
cottage and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Visitor
Centre. Later, travel back to London where your amazing
holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast