Essential Britain

Essential Britain

Tours Starts: London, GB

Tours Ends: Edinburgh, GB

Day 1

Depart for London

Your journey begins on your overnight transatlantic flight from the United States to London. If the sun is out and the weather is clear, you’ll have spectacular views of the River Thames as your plane descends into London!

Day 2

Arrive in London

Upon arrival in London, continue to your hotel for a short break before your afternoon panoramic city tour. You’ll enjoy an overview of all of London’s most important landmarks from the comfort of your roomy coach. Tonight’s dinner will be a Welcome Feast—this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers! (D)

The Thistle City Barbican Hotel or similar

Day 3

London Sightseeing

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before stepping out into London for a day of fun! You’ll get to see even more of the capital city, with tours of Westminster Abbey—the world-famous coronation site—and the Tower of London. The Tower is now known for housing the crown jewels, but on this tour you’ll also learn about the imposing fortess’ gruesome history as an execution site. After the day’s scheduled activities, the evening is yours to relax. You may choose to attend an optional tour, or return to some of the intriguing places we have visited to explore on your own. (B)

The Thistle City Barbican Hotel or similar

Day 4

Stonehenge and Bath

After breakfast, you’ll leave London and go back in time to two of England’s oldest sites: Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. Stonehenge is the instantly recognizable ring of stones built approximately 5,000 years ago by ancient Britons. They left no written records, so the purpose of the monument, and the methods of its construction, remain a mystery. Stand in awe beside these massive wonders and experience their glory up close! From there we head to the Roman Baths for a tour of some of the best Roman ruins in the world. Romans started taking advantage of Bath’s natural hot springs when Claudius invaded Britain in 43 AD. They turned the site into a religious shrine that housed incredibly complex bathing areas with cold rooms, warm rooms, and a massive central pool. Explore this city today, whose largely intact ruins are a testament to Rome’s incredible skills in engineering. (B, D)

The Bristol Hotel or similar

Day 5

Stratford-upon-Avon and Ironbridge

The first stop of the day is the home of the world’s most influential writer—William Shakespeare. Take a tour of Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the restored 16th century half- timbered home in Stratford-upon-Avon that the bard grew up in, and lived in for several years with his wife and muse, Anne Hathaway. You’ll hear family stories and live theatre recitals during your time in this charming home. From there, we move onto Ironbridge, the Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town where iron smelting was developed is full of remarkable history. The day ends with a delicious dinner after we arrive at your hotel in Wales. (B, D

Ramada Plaza Wrexham or similar

Day 6

Continue to North Wales

Go deep into the Welsh mountains today on a visit to breathtaking Snowdonia National Park. Take in its wild landscapes of mountains and incredibly lush Welsh oak forests. Its coastline is protected as a Special Area of Conservation, with rugged banks and a scattering of sand dunes in the park’s mid-coast. Then enjoy a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway, one of “The Great Little Trains of Wales” through the heart of the park. You'll also learn about Wales’ slate mining industry and history, with a tour 500 feet underground at Llechwedd Slate Caverns, an historical mine. The day ends with another included dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Ramada Plaza Wrexham or similar

Day 7

England's Lake District

Spend the day in one of the prettiest parts of England—the Lake District. The Lake District has been a popular holiday destination for centuries—the ultimate country retreat for wealthy city dwellers, and the ideal place for poets and writers such as William Wordsworth, John Keats, and Beatrix Potter to get outside and write. Enjoy a cruise of Lake Windemere, a long, narrow body of water surrounded by mountains and historically one of the most popular places to "get out of town." (B, D)

The Damson Dene Hotel or similar

Day 8

Drive to Scotland and Tour of Stirling Castle

At the top of Castle Hill in Scotland, surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, sits the historically important Stirling Castle, your destination for today. Standing tall since the 12th century, this incredible structure has been the setting for many of Scotland’s most famous monarchs’ births, deaths, and coronations. Stirling is widely considered one of Scotland’s most impressive, imposing castles—and this fascinating tour is one you’ll always remember! Afterwards, you'll continue on to Edinburgh for dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo or similar

Day 9

Edinburgh Sightseeing

Spend your final full day in Great Britain exploring Edinburgh's greatest highlights on a city tour! Visit Edinburgh Castle, the historical fortress that dominates Edinburgh’s iconic skyline as a globally recognizable symbol of Scotland. Next travel to Holyrood Palace, Queen Elizabeth’s official Scottish residence—she still spends at least a week here every summer. Holyrood has served as home to Scottish royalty since the 16th century, and is a grand setting for official state events. The rest of the evening is at leisure so that you can enjoy your final night in Scotland on your own!

Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo or similar

Day 10

Depart for Home

Enjoy another included breakfast before your flight home. (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tours vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.