SHORTLIST

Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group

Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on an 11-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.

Tour details

Tour Provider	Insight Vacations
Price From	$6,286
Number of Days	11
Start Location	Edinburgh, United Kingdom
End Location	London, United Kingdom
Age Range	Avg. 50+
Group Size	30 to 40
Tour Style	Luxury
Tour Themes	No specific theme
Physical Rating	Easy to Moderate

Itinerary Open all

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 travellers at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner.

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 colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

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.

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 pts.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.

Windermere to York Relaxed Start

Enjoy a morning at leisure before travelling 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.

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.

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 Theatre and the town's black and white timber-framed buildings.

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.

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 amphitheatre style on the surrounding hills. Your Travel Director introduces you to the Pulteney Bridge, built in mellow local stone.

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 travellers as you raise a glass over your Celebration Dinner to commend your wonderful journey.

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 reach the city of Salisbury where you have time at leisure to enjoy lunch and explore the 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. Your journey concludes upon arrival at the London trip hotel.

Inclusions

4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
10 Breakfast (B)
1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
1 Dinner (D)

Departure dates

Start	End	Availability	Price NZD
12 May 2024	22 May 2024	Available	$6,286
23 Jun 2024	03 Jul 2024	Available	$6,396
07 Jul 2024	17 Jul 2024	Available	$6,418
11 Aug 2024	21 Aug 2024	Available	$7,161
01 Sep 2024	11 Sep 2024	Available	$7,525
15 Sep 2024	25 Sep 2024	Available	$6,773
11 May 2025	21 May 2025	Available	$8,050
22 Jun 2025	02 Jul 2025	Available	$8,195
06 Jul 2025	16 Jul 2025	Available	$8,225
03 Aug 2025	13 Aug 2025	Available	$9,395
10 Aug 2025	20 Aug 2025	Available	$9,395
17 Aug 2025	27 Aug 2025	Available	$9,395
31 Aug 2025	10 Sep 2025	Available	$8,195