Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Small Group
Tour Type: Country Roads
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on a 12-day guided tour of Scotland and England. In Edinburgh be dazzled by the jewels of Scottish royalty and join a Local Expert as you explore the best the city has to offer. Dine with Sir Ludovic, a Scottish Baronet, on his 10,000-acre coastal home - Ardgowan Castle. He'll tell you about the castle's history and surrounding area as you enjoy traditional tea and scones. Cruise the English Lake District, and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Plus, marvel at Stonehenge's monoliths and indulge in a home-hosted meal at York's Thrisk Hall, an 18th-century town house renovated by English architect John Carr.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Europe & Britain Premium 2025 v1
Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on a 12-day guided tour of Scotland and England. In Edinburgh be dazzled by the jewels of Scottish royalty and join a Local Expert as you explore the best the city has to offer. Dine with Sir Ludovic, a Scottish Baronet, on his 10,000-acre coastal home - Ardgowan Castle. He'll tell you about the castle's history and surrounding area as you enjoy traditional tea and scones. Cruise the English Lake District, and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Plus, marvel at Stonehenge's monoliths and indulge in a home-hosted meal at York's Thrisk Hall, an 18th-century town house renovated by English architect John Carr.
Additional Included Highlights
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- If your arrival flights are as per the itinerary start date, then arrival transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase tra
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, y
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Bath Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers at Brasserie Blanc. Raise a glass over your Celebration Dinner to commend your wonderful journey, while enjoying a delicious French-inspired meal accompanied with wine.
- York Join a family for a dine at home meal at the historic Thirsk Hall. This Grade II* listed building was extended in 1770 by famous English architect John Carr.
- Stratford Enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast Dinner, with all the trimmings.
- Edinburgh Get to know your fellow travelers over your Welcome Dinner of modern European cuisine and wine, at a chic bistro tucked away in New Town.
- Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster we see today. Explore the cathedral's rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires which threatened to destroy the cathedral.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- York Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivaled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- Blenheim Palace Witness a masterpiece of the English Baroque, brimming with priceless art and tapestries, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian.
- Ardgowan House Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savor a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history onthe beautiful grounds during the Make Travel Matter experience. Your
- Bath Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and
- Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster we see today. Explore the cathedral's rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires which threatened to destroy the cathedral.
- Haworth A visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Brontë family and the inspiration behind their marvelous works of literature.
- Lincoln Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old.
- Grasmere Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Stonehenge Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Bath During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Bowness-on-Windermere The best way to enjoy the Lake District is by cruise, relax as you admire the magnificent views.
- Edinburgh A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of the Edinburgh Mi
- Edinburgh Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Salisbury During your free time for lunch, take a moment to explore this historical city. See the tallest spire in England, atop the Medieval cathedral and walk the streets to observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timb
- York Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivaled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.
- Windermere Board a steam train and journey along the banks of the beautiful River Leven.
- York Walk with your Local Expert to see the might York Minster and wander the maze of cobbled streets to see the Shambles.
- Edinburgh Your Local Expert walks with you inside the walls of the Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts.
- Gretna Green Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Stratford-upon-Avon Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18984046
- Tour Operator
- Insight Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2025
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Edinburgh | Welcome to Edinburgh: Welcome to Scotland - land of legends and romance, from the great cultural cities in the south, to the dramatic mountains and misty lochs of the Highlands. On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, transfers depart for your hotel. Then the rest of the day is yours to relax before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner. Accommodations: |
| Day 2 | Edinburgh | Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture: Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. Enjoy a drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial and see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse and visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, Scotland's glittering Crown Jewels. With the afternoon at leisure, why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? On select departures, you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ? a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Accommodations: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, Edinburgh. |
| Day 3 | Windermere | Ardgowan and Gretna Green: Depart the majestic Scottish capital and journey to Ardgowan, set on a stunning 10,000-acre coastal estate. Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle. Learn the history of the area, the Shaw Stewart family and the conservation efforts to protect the land on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, followed by a degustation of traditional Scottish tea and scones. Continue to Gretna Green to see the famous spot where runaway lovers were married at the blacksmith's shop. Your travels continue to the picturesque English Lake District. Accommodations: The Ro Hotel Windermere |
| Day 4 | Windermere | English Poets and the Lake District Experience Relaxed Start: Devote the day to a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters - inspiration to a host of English poets.Visit Wordsworth's grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere.Appreciate the scenic beauty of the English Lake District on a relaxing cruise admiring the magnificent views of rugged mountains, secluded bays and wooded islands. Then, embark on a nostalgic steam train ride along the banks of the beautiful River Leven. Accommodations: The Ro Hotel Windermere |
| Day 5 | York | Windermere to York Relaxed Start: Enjoy a morning at leisure before traveling through the Yorkshire Dales to arrive at the charming village of Haworth. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, created within the home of the Brontë family. Learn about the family's literary legacy and what inspired them from the surroundings of their own home. Your journey continues to York, one of the oldest cities in England. In the evening join a family for a home-hosted meal at the historic Thirsk Hall. This grade II* listed three-storey town house was built in 1720 and extended in 1770 by York architect John Carr. Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton York |
| Day 6 | York | The Viking City of York Relaxed Start: Enjoy an exploration of one of Britain's most historic cities, controlled by the Vikings during the 9th and 10th centuries and now renowned for its exquisite architecture. Walk within the town walls with a Local Expert to see the York Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral. Explore the tangle of narrow, cobbled streets and see the Shambles. Spend the afternoon with Insight Choice. Visit the National Railway Museum housing over 300 years of history, or the magnificent York Minster, one of the largest in Northern Europe. Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton York |
| Day 7 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Lincoln's Magna Carta: Visit Lincoln Castle, one of the finest Norman castles in England. Your tour will include a chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Continue to Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Your hotel is set in its own private grounds, just a short walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theater and the town's black and white timber-framed buildings. Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon. |
| Day 8 | Stratford-upon-Avon | Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon Relaxed Start: Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to delight audiences today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Later, join your Travel Director for a traditional Sunday roast dinner, served with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings. Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon. |
| Day 9 | Bath | The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace and Bath: An enchanting day awaits in the morning. Cross the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses around the doors. Visit the magnificent stately home and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian. Continue to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, built in amphitheater style on the surrounding hills. Your Travel Director introduces you to the Pulteney Bridge, built in mellow local stone. Accommodations: Lansdown Grove |
| Day 10 | Bath | Bath Relaxed Start: The City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above one of Britain's thermal, mineral springs. Enjoy a visit to its incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. With the rest of the day at leisure, why not soak and relax with a visit to Thermae Spa? In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers as you raise a glass over your Celebration Dinner to commend your wonderful journey. Accommodations: Lansdown Grove |
| Day 11 | London | Ancient Stonehenge to London: Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Continue into the heart of Wiltshire to the city of Salisbury where you have time at leisure to enjoy lunch and explore. See the tallest spire in England, atop the medieval cathedral, and observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas. Upon arrival in London you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon. Accommodations: Thistle Marble Arch, London. |
| Day 12 | London | Homeward Bound: Your journey comes to an end after breakfast. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
