Essential Britain
From $1499 (was $1749)
per person, double occupancy, excludes roundtrip airfare
10 Days
Passport Required
View Dates and PricesThis program is currently sold out but new dates are coming soon! Call 877-332-6185 for more details.
Introduction
Join us on a spectacular tour through the United Kingdom to experience the culture, scenery, and history of England, Wales, and Scotland. Whether you want to relax in the countryside, explore ancient sites and castles, or marvel at towering mountains, you’re sure to enjoy this tour!Trip Includes
Sightseeing- London
- Stonehenge
- Bath
- Cotswolds
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- North Wales
- Liverpool
- Lake District
- Newcastle
- Edinburgh
- 8 Nights
- Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy
- 8 Breakfast and 5 Dinners
- A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable of the area and will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.
- To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.
Activity Level
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Trip Highlights
- Spend 2 nights with an included guided city tour in London
- Marvel at the wonder of Stonehenge
- Tour Shakespeare's Birthplace and hear family stories and live theatre recitals
- Enjoy a scenic train ride through Snowdonia National Park on the Ffestiniog Railway
- Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Windermere in England’s famously beautiful Lake District
- See the highlights of Liverpool and Newcastle on guided city tours
- Visit the Cotswolds, Llechwedd Slate Caverns, and Beatrix Potter's Gallery
*Offers valid for new bookings only and subject to availability. Offer may be cancelled at any time. Please follow the steps below to price your vacation with YMT. When you complete all the steps, please click "Reserve" next to the date on which you would like to travel.
Step 1
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| Depart | Base Price | Taxes & Fees | Single Supplement | Triple Reduction | Quad Reduction | Airfare to Tour | Total Price per person |
(Click the map to enlarge)
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.
(Click the map to enlarge)
Essential Britain
Essential Britain
Tours Starts: London, England
Tours Ends: Edinburgh, Scotland
Day 1
Depart for London
Your journey begins on your overnight transatlantic flight to London.
Day 2
Arrive in London
If you purchased airline tickets through YMT, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure until the included welcome dinner at the hotel begins. Get acquainted with your traveling companions and learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)
Lancaster Gate Hotel or similar
Day 3
London Sightseeing
After breakfast, head out on a panoramic city tour of one of history’s most influential capitals. Enjoy an overview of all of London’s most important landmarks from the comfort of your roomy coach and enjoy the rest of the day to explore as you wish. The city boasts many famous sights, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, Piccadilly Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more! (B)
Lancaster Gate Hotel or similar
Day 4
Stonehenge and Bath
Leave London this morning and go back in time to explore two of England’s oldest sites: Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. Stonehenge is the instantly recognizable ring of stones built approximately 5,000 years. With no written records, 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! In Bath, we 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, whose largely intact ruins are a testament to Rome’s incredible engineering skills. (B)
Mercure Bristol Holland House or similar
Day 5
The Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon
Spend the morning in the Cotswolds, a stunning rural area renowned for lush rolling hills and beautifully maintained historic buildings and villages. The striking color of local structures— from grand manors and churches to humble single-family cottages—is due to the region’s native honey-colored limestone. The buttery yellow stone is a signature feature that’s distinguished the Cotswolds for centuries. Then we continue to 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. Hear family stories and live theatre recitals during your time in this charming home. The day ends with a delicious dinner at your hotel in Wales. (B, D)
Ramada Plaza Wrexham or similar
Day 6
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
Liverpool & The Lake District
Today we tour Liverpool, a port city from where over 9 million emigrants left England for a new life in America. You’ll see the Liver building, the Headquarters of the Whitestar Shipping line where the Titanic was built, the Albert Docks, and the two cathedrals of Hope Street. This afternoon we arrive in of the prettiest parts of England—the Lake District. A popular holiday destination for centuries, the district is 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. (D)
The Damson Dene Hotel or similar
Day 8
Lake Windermere Cruise, the Beatrix Potter Gallery, and Hadrian's Wall
Cruise Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. Surrounded by mountains, it was historically one of the most popular places to "get out of town." Then, tour the Beatrix Potter Gallery and see many original works of the beloved author and illustrator displayed in the delightful 17th-century house where her husband once practiced law. Miss Potter was famous for writing The Tale of Peter Rabbit and dozens of other whimsical, funny, charmingly-illustrated books. Your final stop is the Roman-era Vallum Hadriani, or Hadrian’s Wall. The stone remains of fortifications built by the Romans, the wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast and reveals just how gifted Rome’s engineers were!
Jury Inn Newcastle or similar
Day 9
Newcastle and Edinburgh
Your tour’s final day dawns in Newcastle, Northeastern England’s most populous city. A riverside city with an ancient Roman past (you can see sections of Hadrian’s Wall from certain vantage points), Newcastle is full of fabulous sightseeing. On your guided tour this morning, see Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Tyne Bridge, imposing Newcastle Castle, and the towering Cathedral Church of St. Nicholas, a beautiful example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. This afternoon, we arrive in Edinburgh, home to Edinburgh Castle, the historical fortress that dominates Edinburgh’s iconic skyline as a globally recognizable symbol of Scotland. The rest of the evening is at leisure until your included dinner. (D)
Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport or similar
Day 10
Depart for Home
On certain tour dates, you may choose to combine this tour for an extended visit to Scotland. If you are joining us for our Ultimate Great Britain tour, you will enjoy the opportunity to explore Edinburgh on your own today before joining our Sights of Scotland itinerary. (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.
YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
Watch a short video about this tour!
