8 Day Heart Of Wales & England Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : London & Welcome
Dinner
Your trip starts at Heathrow Airport with a pre-booked
independent transfer to your hotel. A transfer from Gatwick Airport can be
arranged at an additional cost. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax
or do some sightseeing on your own. In the evening meet your tour director and
fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome drink while you discuss your vacation and
the places that you will visit. Then sit down for a welcome dinner in your
hotel.
(D)
Day 2 : City Sights & Tower of
London
This morning take a panoramic tour of central London to see
some of the famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson's Column and
lions of Trafalgar Square, Big Ben towering over the Houses of Parliament and
Hyde Park. Visit the Tower of London to view the magnificent Crown Jewels,
guarded by Beefeaters in distinctive Tudor uniforms. Learn about the many
famous and royal prisoners held in the dungeons and see the ravens, symbols of
the endurance of the Tower. The afternoon is at leisure for shopping or further
sightseeing; there is no shortage of great things to see and do in this
exciting city. In the evening you are free for dinner.
(B)
Day 3 : Stonehenge, Bath & Cardiff Castle
Banquet
Drive to Salisbury Plain to view the huge monoliths of
Stonehenge and learn about their history. Next stop in Bath, popular for for
its natural hot springs with the Romans 2,000 years ago and again in the
Regency period. Take a short panoramic drive to view elegant row houses and
Bath Abbey before visiting the Roman Baths and Pump Room to see many sections
still preserved after two millennia. Travel into Wales for a tour around
Cardiff Castle, developed in Roman times and transformed into an elaborate
Gothic-style castle in the 19th century. Then sit down in the Castle for a fun
Welsh banquet with entertainment.
(B, D)
Day 4 : Brecon Beacons & Snowdonia
Take a panoramic drive around Cardiff, Wales' proud capital, to
view the principal features and the regenerated Cardiff Bay area. Drive through
the gentle hills of Brecon Beacons National Park and continue north through
charming countryside, where sheep graze peacefully. Wales is famous for its
wool production and its mainly agricultural economy. Take a narrow-gauge train
ride through the heart of Snowdonia to admire mountain scenery. Drive to
Caernarfon for your next overnight stay. Caernarfon is renowned for its great
stone castle, built in 1283 by Edward I, where Charles, the Prince of Wales,
was invested in 1969. You may like to stroll around the narrow old streets
after dinner.
(B, D)
Day 5 : National Slate Museum &
Caernarfon Castle
Today tour scenic North Wales starting at the
National Slate Museum which relates the hardships of this region's slate
industry, developed in Victorian times. As you drive through the countryside
view Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. Pause in the village of Betws-y-Coed
before heading to Conwy, a walled town with a huge castle, centuries-old
buildings and the smallest house in Britain. Back in Caernarfon, tour
Caernarfon Castle, once a vast military stronghold and a royal palace. Explore
walkways around the massive walls and battlements that dominate the town. After
dinner you may like to check out some of the old pubs around the town.
(B,
D)
Day 6 : Llangollen &
Stratford-upon-Avon
Drive through the gentle scenery of North Wales
and take a break in the charming village of Llangollen before heading across
the English border into Shropshire. Explore the picturesque town of Bridgnorth
to see fine gabled and half-timbered houses. Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon for a
panoramic tour around the lovely old town with distinctive black-and-white
houses and shops. Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace to see an exhibition about his
life and work. Then enter the house where he was born to see rooms furnished as
they would have been in his day. Check in to your nearby Tudor-style hotel and
enjoy free time before dinner.
(B, D)
Day 7 : Cotswolds & Windsor
Castle
Drive through part of the Cotswolds and stop in the village
of Broadway to look at quaint old houses built of honey-hued stone. Drive south
to Oxford for a walking tour through the historic city to learn about the most
famous colleges, including Christ Church College, founded in 1524, and the many
prominent graduates. Take some time for a browse around Oxford on your own. A
short drive will bring you to Windsor to visit Windsor Castle, one of The
Queen's official residences and the largest occupied castle in the world.
Marvel at the size of the castle and walk through the lavishly decorated State
Apartments. Check in to your hotel, close to the Castle, for a farewell dinner
with your travel group.
(B, D)
Day 8 : Tour Ends Heathrow Airport
Travel by group coach transfer to arrive at Heathrow Airport at
either 7:00 am or 10:00 am to allow plenty of time for check in formalities.
(B)
B: Breakfast; D: Dinner