Real Britain 2012

Itinerary

Day 1
Overnight flight to London.

Day 2
ARRIVE LONDON (2 nights)
Welcome to London. Relax or spend time exploring this fascinating city.

Hotel: Hilton Olympia (F)

Day 3
LONDON SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
See the famous sights including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace with your expert Local Guide. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring London on your own.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4
LONDON - SALISBURY - STONEHENGE - BATH - BRISTOL
A warm welcome from your Tour Director this morning as you depart from London and travel towards Wiltshire. Explore Salisbury Cathedral, built in the Early English Gothic style, where an original copy of the Magna Carta is held. Visit Stonehenge, the pagan monoliths steeped in mystery, and one of the most famous sites in the world. Admire the graceful Regency terraces in Bath and visit the Roman hot springs, from which the city derives its name. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner at your hotel. It’s an ideal opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and your Tour Director.

Meal(s): (Dinner)
Hotel: Marriott City Centre (SF)

Day 5
BRISTOL - CHESTER - LAKE DISTRICT
See the Roman Walls at Chester. Admire the Tudor architecture and the galleried shops known as the Rows. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you head north to the Lake District.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn Lancaster (F)

Day 6
LAKE DISTRICT - GRETNA GREEN - EDINBURGH (2 nights)
Enjoy beautiful views across the Lake District, which provided William Wordsworth with the inspiration to write Daffodils, and see Dove Cottage where he lived. Visit historic Gretna Green across the border, a town popular with eloping couples, with the marriage ceremony traditionally performed across a blacksmith’s anvil. Cross the Southern Uplands to the historic capital of Edinburgh, your home for the next two nights.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Royal Terrace (F)

Day 7
EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
Discover the elegance of the city with your expert Local Guide on your included city sightseeing tour. See the Royal Mile in the Old Town. View Holyrood House and Arthur’s Seat. Your guided visit to Edinburgh Castle is informative and engaging. Spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating city. In the evening, you might like to try some traditional Scottish cuisine.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)

Day 8
EDINBURGH - YORK
Pause at the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey in the Scottish borders. Travel through the dramatic landscape of Northumberland National Park to the Roman city of York. See York Minster and the famous Shambles. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers in a traditional English pub to celebrate your vacation.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Hotel: Holiday Inn York (F)

Day 9
YORK - COVENTRY - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - LONDON
In Coventry, hear the fable of Lady Godiva, who reputedly rode naked on a horse through the city, and see the two contrasting cathedrals. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace at Stratford-upon-Avon, where the great man spent his early years, and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage. A scenic drive through the picturesque Cotswolds brings you to London, where your memorable journey ends.

Meal(s): (Full Breakfast)
Hotel: Hilton Olympia (F)

Day 10
Today say farewell to London as you return home with magical memories.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

What's Included

Sightseeing Highlights

• London: See Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and much more on your half day sightseeing tour.
• Salisbury: View the Cathedral.
• Stonehenge: Visit the ancient stone circle.
• Bath: Admire the Georgian architecture and visit the Roman Baths.
• Chester: See the historic city, including the arcade of shops known as the Rows.
• Grasmere: Explore the village that was home to William Wordsworth.
• Gretna Green: Visit this historic destination, popular with eloping couples!
• Edinburgh: Discover the Castle with views of Holyrood House.
• Jedburgh: Admire the Abbey ruins.
• York: See York Minster and the Shambles.
• Coventry: Marvel at the old and new cathedrals.
• Stratford-upon-Avon: Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage.

Dining Highlights

• 3 buffet breakfast in London
• 5 full English breakfasts
• 2 three-course dinners
• Traditional English Pub Farewell Dinner in York
11 meals in total (see day by day Itinerary)

Travel Highlights

• First Class hotel accommodation which includes twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
• Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a restroom on board.
• Escorted by one of Trafalgar’s top professional Tour Directors.
• A qualified Local Guide in Edinburgh.
• Services of Trafalgar’s London Reception Center.
• Pick-up and drop-off at your Trafalgar London hotel.
• A stylish wallet, tour documents, keepsake booklet and map.
• London airport shuttle service available (conditions apply).
• Capture treasured memories of your trip with a complimentary group photo taken at a landmark location.