Please note when booking flights for this tour: The Iconic Britain Tour starts in London, England, and ends in Glasgow, Scotland (Departure Airport: Glasgow Airport or Edinburgh Airport).
Arrive and make your way independently to the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria. (Arrival Transfers not included).
Your Tour Manager will be in the hotel lobby area during the morning and afternoon to answer any questions you may have, offer advice on what to do and see during your time in London, as well as let you know the details of the welcome dinner this evening.
Most trans-Atlantic flights arrive in the early morning, and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and take the opportunity to discuss with your Tour Manager some suggestions for lunch and for you to begin exploring London on your own.
This evening, meet your fellow tour guests and enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Manager at Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria.
Overnight at Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria. Situated in the bustling centre of the city, Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria serves as an ideal starting point to explore the dynamic British capital.
Your Tour Manager will be available in the lobby of the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria after breakfast and in the afternoon today to answer any questions. They will have advice for you on what to see and do during your free time in London today. You can also ask them for suggestions on the best places to dine this evening.
Enjoy some free time in London, a city with a seemingly endless abundance of historic buildings and world-famous landmarks, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
Tonight you will overnight in Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria.
After breakfast, meet up with your Tour Driver and depart for the city of Bristol. Travel along one of Britain's most scenic regions, the Cotswolds. Made up of a series of rolling hills and picturesque rural landscapes, the Cotswolds is located in England's central southwest and spans across the borders of several English counties.
Visit Stonehenge. Scholars and archaeologists have been amazed by the mysteries surrounding Stonehenge for centuries. Built during the Neolithic Period over an estimated span of 1,500 years, it is made up of approximately 100 colossal upright stones arranged in a circular pattern.
Visit The Roman Baths. Located in Somerset, England, the Roman Baths are an ancient and well-preserved site that gives us a glimpse into the lives of the Romans who lived there between 60 and 70 AD. See the treasure trove of artefacts that were uncovered at the site, such as Roman jewellery, coins, and tools.
Enjoy some free time in Bath City. Venture to the heart of the historic city and take in the vibrant atmosphere and stunning Georgian buildings. Or, take time to unwind in the tranquillity of Henrietta Park or the Sydney Gardens, along the majestic River Avon.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Clayton Hotel Bristol. Located in the vibrant heart of Bristol, the hotel provides an excellent starting point for visitors to explore the city. With easy access to Bristol's shopping district and the lively Harbourside area.
After a hearty breakfast, we will depart for Birmingham City. Heading north, we will pass by Gloucester, Cheltenham and Worcester.
Take a journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. Embark on a picturesque train journey from Cheltenham to Broadway, where you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas throughout. Take in the stunning scenery of the Vale of Evesham, the majestic Malvern Hills, and even glimpses of Wales.
Indulge in the quintessentially English and delicious experience of the Classic Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel . Delight in the freshly baked homemade scones, accompanied by Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. Savour the assortment of finger sandwiches, and sweet treats from the pastry kitchen with a choice of tea or coffee.
Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace. Located on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, Shakespeare's Birthplace is a meticulously restored 16th-century house. It is said to be where the renowned playwright, William Shakespeare, was born in 1564 and spent his early years.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Clayton Hotel Birmingham. Located in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, a brief stroll away from the Bullring and Grand Central centres, the Clayton Hotel Birmingham is the ideal location for anyone looking to explore England's "second city".
After breakfast this morning, we will continue our journey north towards the city of Manchester. Your journey today will take you across the Peak District. Made up of a region of highlands and moorlands that form a national park in central England, the area is famous for its stunning natural beauty, as well as containing what some call "the purest natural mineral water in the world".
Take a guided tour of Chatsworth House. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Derbyshire, England, Chatsworth House is a stunning mansion that showcases both history and grandeur. It was built in the mid-16th century, and today takes visitors on a captivating journey through time and art.
Set sail on a Manchester River Cruise. Explore the rich history of the Manchester Ship Canal and River Irwell, and uncover the stories of trade, industry, and transportation that shaped the region.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Manchester City. Conveniently located in the vibrant city centre, Maldron Hotel Manchester City provides easy access to all that Manchester has to offer.
After breakfast this morning, we will depart for the city of Newcastle, located in England's northeast.
Your Tour Manager will take you on a tour of York City. Venture through the historic streets of the city including Aldwark, Bootham, Hornpot Lane and Davygate. York's most famous street, known as The Shambles, showcases an array of well-preserved medieval buildings, including some that trace their origins back to the 14th century. Your Tour Manager will also take you on a tour of York Minster. Initially constructed in the 7th century, York Minster has long been the focal point of Christianity in northern England. The structure we see today was completed in 1472.
Travelling north from York to Newcastle, you will pass by the Angel of the North — a statue standing 66 foot tall and said to represent the hopes and dreams of the people of the north.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Newcastle. Nestled in the bustling heart of Newcastle City Centre, Maldron Hotel Newcastle is a four-star accommodation offering an ideal base for visitors to the area.
This morning after a hearty breakfast will continue northwards, crossing the English border and into Scotland at Carter Bar.
Visit Jedburgh Abbey. Established around 1138 by David I, Jedburgh Abbey was created as a home for Augustinian canons. Due to its proximity to the English border, the abbey faced frequent attacks from invading border armies. Today, visitors can explore the abbey's visitor centre and stroll through the nearby herb garden.
Visit Rosslyn Chapel. Located just outside the Scottish city of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel dates back to the 15th-century by Sir William St Clair.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City, the perfect base for anyone looking to explore Scotland's capital.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast, depart on a panoramic tour of Edinburgh City, with a local Edinburgh Step-on Guide.
Visit Holyrood Palace. Known as the official Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. Adjacent to the palace is Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat — a volcano that has been extinct for millions of years.
Take a visit to the Scottish Parliament. This modern building was opened in 2004 after decades of Scottish calls for self-determination.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to Edinburgh Castle, dating from the 12th century that has been a fortress, royal palace and prison through its turbulent past. It houses the oldest crown jewels of Britain - The Honours of Scotland.
Enjoy the afternoon free as you explore The Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh.
Tonight, you will overnight and dine in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City.
Depart for Glasgow City via Stirling and Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Visit Stirling Castle. One of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland. The majority of the structure, as it stands today, dates back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The outer defences, facing the town of Stirling, were constructed in the 18th-century. In its lifetime, Stirling Castle has suffered at least eight sieges, most of which took place during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Witness the stunning beauty of Loch Lomond. Take in the Bonnie Banks of Scotland's largest lake, on board a leisurely cruise.
Continue on to Glasgow City.
Evening free in Glasgow City. Enjoy Glasgow's famous Cathedral Quarter. With its pre-industrial roots, Glasgow is now a modern and vibrant city. The great inventors James Watt and Charles Macintosh were born here, to name a few.
Tonight you will overnight and dine at Maldron Hotel Glasgow City. This brand new city centre hotel is the ideal 4-star base to check out all that Glasgow has to offer.
Today marks the end of The Iconic Britain Tour.
After a final breakfast this morning transfer (not included) to Glasgow Airport, or Edinburgh Airport, for your return flight home. The confirmed transfer times will be advised 10 days prior to the tour start date.
Located just 300 meters from Maldron Hotel Glasgow City, you'll find Buchanan Bus Station. From here you can get a bus connecting to Glasgow Airport (Travel Time by bus: 35 mins).
Buchanan Bus Station also connects to the nearby city of Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Airport (Travel Time by bus: 1hr 10 mins). This may be a better option when booking return flights home; Edinburgh Airport will have more flight options, and at better prices.
If your flight time is later in the evening, you can join those in your group who are doing the 18-Day version of this tour. They will be touring Glasgow City and will then visit Glasgow Cathedral.
You are more than welcome to join them, at no extra cost.