Guide

From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Meals

4 Dinner with Wine (DW) 11 Breakfast (B) 1 Dinner (D) Edinburgh: Get to know your fellow travelers over dinner of modern European cuisine, at a quirky bistro tucked away in Leith. York: Join your hosts for dinner at the historic Thirsk Hall. The building was extended in 1770 by famous English architect John Carr. Stratford: Enjoy a traditional Sunday Roast Dinner, with all the trimmings. Bath: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers at Brasserie Blanc, while enjoying a delicious French-inspired meal. 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-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas.

Others

1 Afternoon Tea (AT) 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. York: Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster on a visit to York’s masterpiece. Explore the cathedral’s rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires that threatened to destroy the cathedral. Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary. 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. We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door. 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 visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production. Bath: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 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 students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert. 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. 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 Military Tattoo. Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married. Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave. Bowness-on-Windermere: The best way to enjoy the Lake District is by cruise, relax as you admire the magnificent views. Windermere: Board a steam train and journey along the banks of the beautiful River Leven. 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. York: Walk with your Local Expert to see the majestic York Minster and wander the maze of cobbled streets to see the Shambles. Lincoln: Visit Lincoln Castle and admire one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta, which is over 800 years old. 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. Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey. Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years. Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Accommodation

11 nights hotel accommodation

Transport

Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available). 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, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. 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 transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. You may purchase transfers to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on departure day, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport. 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 distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Optional

DINNER IN EDINBURGH Edinburgh has more eateries per head than any other city in the UK and your Travel Director knows which ones shine and which ones to shun! Join your fellow companions for a fun evening out in this vibrant city. Visit a prized local restaurant for a delicious three course dinner with a glass of wine, beer or soft drink included. ADULT PRICE: GBP 40.00 SCOTTISH DINNER & CABARET Join us for a lively and memorable evening of traditional Scottish song, dance, tartan and bagpipes. In addition to wine and dinner, your kilted hosts will lead you through some of the best-loved Scottish music and songs. You’ll learn a Highland dance or two and sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. An exceptional Scottish experience! ADULT PRICE: GBP 60.00 ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA This magnificent ship has hosted some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. For four royal couples, Britannia was to provide a honeymoon sanctuary before the onset of married life in the world’s most photographed family. Now berthed in Leith, you are welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. ADULT PRICE: GBP 23.00 HISTORIC WORKING FARM VISIT Enjoy a guided visit to an authentic 19th-century farm. We’ll see Shire horses and explore the largest collection of Steam Engines/Vintage Tractors in the Lake District. We’ll learn the technique for milking their prized Jersey Cows and also how they make butter from the milk. Then, we’ll have free time to wander around the farm before indulging in some "Homemade Refreshments". A truly unique experience awaits. ADULT PRICE: GBP 22.00 DINNER AND GHOST WALK Beginning with a drink and a delicious meal in a local restaurant, you’ll then discover tales of murder and mystery from the 2000-year-old Roman city of York as you take a stroll with the local ghost hunter. ADULT PRICE: GBP 40.00 STRATFORD DINNER Enjoy an evening of cosy comfort in an historic country English pub that dates back to the 1600s. Dinner includes a three-course menu with some traditional favourites washed down with a local ale or glass of wine. ADULT PRICE: GBP 32.00 SHAKESPEARE’S SCHOOLHOUSE EXPERIENCE Today we’ll visit the spectacular Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare was baptised and also where he is buried. We’ll also see Stratford’s medieval guildhall and attend a lesson at Shakespeare’s schoolhouse before enjoying scones with cream and a glass of bubbly. ADULT PRICE: GBP 25.00 GEORGIAN WALKING TOUR & AFTERNOON TEA As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath is a unique city bursting with history from the Romans to 18th-century Georgians. There’s no better way to bring the history of this beautiful city to life than with a knowledgeable Local Expert. You’ll discover some of Bath’s most celebrated landmarks, beautiful Georgian houses, and charming cobbled alleyways. Complete the experience in true British style with an afternoon tea in the oldest house in Bath dating back to 1482. Try a local speciality - the famous Sally Lunn bun - a favourite of residents and visitors alike, including Jane Austen! ADULT PRICE: GBP 28.00

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: 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. After a transfer to your Edinburgh hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2 Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital Of Culture
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: 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.
Day 3 Day 3: Ardgowan And Gretna Green
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: 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.
Day 4 Day 4: English Poets And The Lake District Experience Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: 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.
Day 5 Day 5: Windermere To York Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: 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 Dine-at-Home Experience 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.
Day 6 Day 6: The Viking City Of York Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: 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. Choose to visit the National Railway Museum housing over 300 years of history, or the magnificent York Minster, one of the largest in Northern Europe.
Day 7 Day 7: Lincoln’S Magna Carta
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: 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.
Day 8 Day 8: Shakespeare’S Stratford-Upon-Avon Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: 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.
Day 9 Day 9: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace And Bath
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: 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.
Day 10 Day 10: Bath Relaxed Start
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: 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.
Day 11 Day 11: Ancient Stonehenge To London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: 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.
Day 12 Day 12: Homeward Bound
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Homeward Bound

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

12 days tour

Elegance Of Great Britain (Classic, Start Edinburgh, 12 Days

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Elegance Of Great Britain (Classic, Start Edinburgh, 12 Days

Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh, The Capital Of Culture

Day 3: Ardgowan And Gretna Green

Day 4: English Poets And The Lake District Experience Relaxed Start

Day 5: Windermere To York Relaxed Start

Day 6: The Viking City Of York Relaxed Start

Day 7: Lincoln’S Magna Carta

Day 8: Shakespeare’S Stratford-Upon-Avon Relaxed Start

Day 9: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace And Bath

Day 10: Bath Relaxed Start

Day 11: Ancient Stonehenge To London

Day 12: Homeward Bound

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