9 Day Olde England
& Heritage Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Edinburgh City Tour
Your trip starts in Edinburgh Airport with a
group transfer to your hotel, departing at 8:00 am, 10:00 am or 12:00 noon.
Passengers arriving later will transfer to the hotel at their own expense. At
2:30 pm tour Edinburgh to discover the elegant 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.”
Also see the narrow lanes and medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile, the
oldest part of the city and catch a glimpse of the imposing Edinburgh Castle,
perched high on a rocky outcrop. Meet your fellow passengers over a welcome
drink and your tour director will suggest places to have dinner on your own.
Day 2 : Stirling Castle & “Braveheart”
A short drive will take you to the massive
Stirling Castle, strategically located on a volcanic outcrop rock to defend the
surrounding valley. It was recaptured from the English by “Braveheart” William
Wallace in 1297 and several Scottish monarchs have been crowned at Stirling,
including Mary, Queen of Scots. Enjoy great views of the surrounding countryside
and explore the Great Hall, kitchens and chapel. Return to Edinburgh for a free
afternoon. Dine at the Edinburgh Nights cabaret where you can sample local
specialties, including haggis, and experience traditional bagpipe music. On Aug
5 to 19 departures enjoy the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B, D)
Day 3 : Beatrix Potter's Lake District
Journey past the gentle hills and sheep
pastures of the Scottish Borders. Stop at the Old Blacksmith's Shop at Gretna
Green, famous for eloping couples, to look around and shop for Scottish goods
before crossing into England. Drive through the Lake District National Park, a
region of unspoilt beauty which Beatrix Potter worked tirelessly to preserve.
See the charming hills and valleys that inspired William Wordsworth's poetry.
Take a cruise aboard a historic steamer on Lake Windermere, the largest natural
lake in England, to appreciate nature at its loveliest. Check in to your elegant
lakeside hotel and dine independently at one of the many restaurants within easy
walking distance. (B)
Day 4 : Yorkshire Dales & York Ghost Walk
Drive into the Yorkshire Dales to experience more
wonderful scenery with heathery moors, flower-filled meadows, hills, woods and
ancient stone villages. Stop in the traditional village of Hawes before
continuing through the Dales, the region where James Herriot worked as a vet and
told his stories in “All Creatures Great and Small” and other books. On arrival
in York take a guided tour around the city, including the Roman and medieval
walls, and walk to York Minster, one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals. See
brilliant stained glass and memorials to prominent people. This evening head to
a traditional tavern for dinner and later explore narrow medieval streets on a
fun and informative ghost walking tour. (B, D)
Day 5 : Historic Train Ride & Castle Howard
Drive north to travel the North Yorkshire Moors
Railway through magnificent scenery. The historic train will be a vintage Diesel
or steam locomotive. Spend free time to take a look around Whitby,
once renowned for whaling and today has a thriving fishing fleet. Everywhere you
look in this town is a photographer's dream with its picturesque port, winding
streets, stepped walkways and quaint buildings. Drive to Castle Howard, an
imposing 18th-century mansion where Evelyn Waugh's celebrated novel, “Brideshead
Revisited,” was filmed. Tour elaborate chambers to see world-renowned works of
art, family portraits, crystal and furnishings. Admire the gardens and
breathtaking landscape before returning to York. (B, D)
Day 6 : Brontë Parsonage & Beatles' Liverpool
In the charming town of Haworth visit the Brontë
Parsonage, where from 1820 to 1861 Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë penned
some of the best-loved books in the English language. See the dining room where
the three sisters worked on their novels, including “Wuthering Heights,”
influenced by the surrounding moors. Continue to Liverpool where a
Beatles-themed tour will show you the places where the “Fab Four” came to fame.
See Penny Lane and the world-famous Cavern Club while your guide will fill you
in on the Beatles' lives. Check in to your centrally-located hotel beside the
River Mersey and, after dinner, explore some places on your own. (B, D)
Day 7 : Medieval Warwick
Castle
This morning travel south to visit
Warwick Castle, one of the greatest castles in Britain. Founded in 1068 on order
of William the Conqueror, it has been rebuilt over the centuries and today it
blends a medieval fortress with a stately manor house. Visit the state
apartments and the amazing waxwork displays which bring history to life. Take a
walk through the lovely gardens and admire the massive towers set on the River
Avon. Drive to London and your hotel in South Kensington where you will say
goodbye to your driver and guide. The evening is free. (B)
Day 8 : Tower of London & City Sights
Today you are completely at leisure to plan your
day as you wish. Use your included voucher for an independent open-top bus tour
to explore London's highlights with several routes to choose from, depending on
your interests. You may stay on the bus for the entire route or get on and off
to see places such as Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column and Trafalgar Square,
the Houses of Parliament and Hyde Park. A Thames cruise and a walking tour are
also included. Your second voucher will cover a visit to the Tower of London
with its magnificent Crown Jewels, guarded by Beefeaters in distinctive Tudor
uniforms. (B)
Day 9 : Tour Ends Heathrow Airport
Take a transfer to Heathrow Airport in time for
check in formalities. Transfers to Gatwick Airport can be arranged at additional
cost. (B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner