Overview
Essential Britain
Thrones and scones. Hops and scotch. Rock stars and famous rocks. They’re all included on this enthralling and encompassing tour of Britain. Pack your tweed and tartans for the best of London and country, the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, and the enchanting villages and valleys of Wales, and prepare to be swept away like a runaway bride at the elopement capital of Gretna Green. The castles and cathedrals of London, Edinburgh, and Cardiff, as well as the charming pubs on every corner, will steal your heart away. With visits to the baffling boulders of Stonehenge, the battlefield of Culloden Moor, Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-upon-Avon, and The Beatles’ home city of Liverpool, this tour of Britain promises rocking discovery and enlightenment, not to mention honorary degrees in ancient history, English literature, and music appreciation.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Alnwick so you can plan your day your way.
Highlights of Essential Britain
City Highlights
Price Details US
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Visit to Stonehenge• Visit to Bath, featuring the Roman Baths• Visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool• Grasmere Gingerbead tasting• Join in a wedding re-enactment in Gretna Green• Guided sightseeing in Edinburgh with visit to Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Crown Jewels• Admission to The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August 1, 8, 15 and 22 departures)• Globus Choice excursions in Alnwick – included in your tour with your choice of an inside visit to Alnwick Castle or a visit to Alnwick Garden• Lunch in a local pub in Ilminster• Scenic cruise on the Plymouth Sound• Visit to Glastonbury• Guided walking tour of medieval York, including The Shambles• Visit to Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare’s Birthplace• Orientation drive in Glasgow• Visit to Llangollen
Notes
Due to the Solstice closure of Stonehenge on 21st June, departure June 20 will visit Salisbury rather than Stonehenge.This tour requires some uphill walking on rough terrain at Edinburgh Castle which may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. Some walking involved back to the hotel after the Edinburgh Tattoo for departures that include the Tattoo.Headsets available on tour except for London.
Transportation
UNESCO Sites
City of Bath|Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape|Forth Bridge|Frontiers of the Roman Empire|Old and New Towns of Edinburgh|Stonehenge|The English Lake District|The great Spa Towns of Europe - Bath
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $3,984*18 guests in a party: $803*
Meals
11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND Welcome to London! Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. Free time this afternoon.
Day 2
LONDON–STONEHENGE–ILMINSTER–PLYMOUTH Secrets of the Stones Meet your Tour Director and travel companions, to depart London at 8 am. First, try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge. Explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then take time to view the monument up close. Head to the quaint market town of Ilminster for a [LF] welcome lunch at a local pub.219 mi / 352 km (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Quench your thirst with local ales and ciders while tasting traditional pub fayre prepared following century old recipes. Nothing eases homesickness like hearty cooked food concocted with care and love like grandma used to make. Just like home away from home!
Day 3
PLYMOUTH. EXCURSION TO CORNWALL Legends of Land & Sea Start the day with a [LF] scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, following in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers, before enjoying a drive through the West Country into Poldark’s Cornwall. Visit the thriving fishing village and former smugglers’ port of Looe. Head back to Plymouth and enjoy some free time.42 mi / 70 km (B)LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Stunning views of Cornwall, the setting of Winston Graham's ‘Poldark’ saga of Cornish life in the 18th century, will leave you breathless on a scenic drive through the West Country. Get carried away with a spectacular scenic cruise on Plymouth Sound, a magnificent inlet on the English Channel.
Day 4
PLYMOUTH–GLASTONBURY–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES Timeless Kings & Thermal Springs At Glastonbury, hear about the legend of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and then head to the Georgian city of Bath, visit the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths, and take time to explore this fascinating city on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. 184 mi / 295 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDS & LORE The Somerset town of Glastonbury is the site of King Arthur’s legendary quest for the mythical Holy Grail, the cup from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper. Hear how, while Arthur failed in his search, a noble knight named Galahad found the Holy Grail because of his pure heart.
Day 5
CARDIFF–BUILTH WELLS–LLANGOLLEN–LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND Moor than Meets the Eye Your journey through Wales takes you on a scenic drive along the Taff Valley and through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and via the ancient market town of Builth Wells. Take a stroll in picturesque Llangollen, host to one of the world’s most colorful annual music festivals. On arrival in Liverpool, there’s some free time to enjoy this vibrant city.190 mi / 306 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park while driving through its mountains, moors, and magnificent views. Look out for Welsh mountain ponies and sheep grazing in the wild and red kites gliding gracefully in the sky.
Day 6
LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–GLASGOW Songs, Sonnets & Secret Vows Start the day with a visit to The Beatles Story, for a fascinating journey into the life and music of the “Fab Four.” Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere and try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for runaway young couples, and join in a fun wedding re-enactment. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. 236 mi / 380 km (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITETIMELESS TRADITIONS Love will find a way to sweeten the day with classic gingerbread in Grasmere, or by parents hot on the trail of runaway brides and grooms who crossed them (and the Scottish border) to get hitched in 18th-century Gretna Green. Hear how romance was forged by a blacksmith who helped eloping couples hammer out the vows.
Day 7
GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS Landmarks, Lochs & Legends An orientation drive shows you Glasgow’s landmarks, including the 12th-century cathedral, university buildings and Georgian squares before heading on a scenic drive past Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, and Glen Coe. View Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak from Fort William before following the length of the legendary Loch Ness, en route to Inverness, the Highland capital.178 mi / 286 km (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT LEGENDS & LORE Survey the shores of famed Loch Ness for the chance to catch a glimpse of its mysterious Nessie. Hear of the folklore and firm believers in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which is said to swim in the shimmering waters.
Day 8
INVERNESS–CULLODEN–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH Bravery, Birdies & Bagpipes View the battlefield of Culloden Moor, scene of the crushing Hanoverian victory over Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Scottish clans, before a walk through the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Visit St. Andrews, the home of golf and famous university town before a drive over the elegant Forth Road Bridge takes you to Edinburgh.202 mi / 326 km (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO Unpack your plaid! Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances included on departures August 1, 8, 15 and 22.ICONIC FOOTSTEPS See the fairways and greens at the birthplace of golf, where legendary players of the Scottish game made history in the university town of St. Andrews.
Day 9
EDINBURGH Crown Jewels & Castle Views Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Scottish capital at your own pace.(B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.” Here, see the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
Day 10
EDINBURGH–ALNWICK, ENGLAND–YORK Spend your day your way in Alnwick This morning, head to Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, and more recently featured in the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Explore more of Alnwick with your choice of Globus Choice excursions.
Day 11
YORK–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LONDON Mr. & Mrs. Shakespeare Head back to London via historic Stratford-upon-Avon, take pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and enjoy a visit to Shakespeare’s Birthplace. You will return to London at about 3.30 pm.255 mi / 410 km (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTA LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. See Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home where the bard’s wife-to-be was born and courted by young Will. Built more than 500 years ago, much of the original structure remains. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Day 12
LONDON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | Situated opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge places guests at the heart of central London. Dining option include Brasserie Joël, Ichi Sushi & Sashimi, 1WB Lounge & Patisserie, and Primo Bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness center with a 15-meter pool and Mandara Spa. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. | London | 200 Westminster Bridge | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Park Plaza Waterloo | The 494-room property is situated within walking distance of top London attractions, including the London Eye, the London Dungeons and the Imperial War Museum. The Florentine Restaurant serves a Brasserie-style menu; the bar features the best of British bubbles and craft beers as well as a range of signature cocktails; and for a relaxing cup of coffee, head to the illy Caffè bar. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel. | London | 6 Hercules Road | Superior First-Class |
| 3 | Crowne Plaza Plymouth | A modern hotel with sea views overlooking Plymouth Hoe. Thanks to Sleep Advantage® programme, guests enjoy a good night's rest, with premium bedding, quiet zones and a guaranteed wake up call. There is Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill with sea views and Drakes Bar and Lounge. Guests can workout in the gym or wind down in the heated pool. There's also an outdoor garden for those who prefer to enjoy the fresh air. | Plymouth | Armada Way | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Holland House hotel Cardiff by Sunday | Holland House Hotel Cardiff by Sunday is a modern hotel situated in the vibrant capital city of Wales, Cardiff, with 165 bedrooms. All of the sights and attractions of Cardiff are within walking distance such as the iconic Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Castle. | Cardiff | 24-26 Newport Road | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Pullman Liverpool | Guests will enjoy the conveniences of this central hotel and its bar, lounge, and Marco Pierre White Wheelers of St. James Oyster Bar & Grill Room. All guestrooms are bright, modern, and luxurious, and come with blackout curtains, minibar with complimentary mineral water, 55" TV with SKY TV channels, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, robe and slippers, waterfall shower, and luxury toiletries. There is free 5G Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. | Liverpool | Kings Dock, Monarchs Quay | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Clayton Hotel Glasgow | The hotel is situated on Clyde Street overlooking the beautiful River Clyde and just a 10 minutes' walk from George Square, and Glasgow's main shopping streets, art galleries, bars and restaurants. All rooms are air-conditioned and include King Koil mattresses for an enhanced sleep experience, HD TVs with Chromecast, WIFI and complimentary use of fitness suite. | Glasgow | 298 Clyde St | Superior First-Class |
| 7 | AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness | Where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, AC Hotel Inverness, the largest hotel in the city, offers modern accommodation in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. This perfectly positioned hotel is only a short walk from Inverness Railway Station and the finest shopping and sightseeing spots. Our thoughtfully designed guest rooms offer modern decor, flexible workspace, free Wi-Fi, a smart TV and plenty of space to unwind or focus before your meeting in a calm environment. The perfect blend of form and functions for a stay in Inverness. Start the day with a European-style breakfast and end it with hand crafted cocktails at the AC Lounge. The restaurant completes the offer with tapas-style bites and local flavors, perfectly paired with iconic views across the river. After a long day of exploring the legend of Loch Ness, let us pour you a glass of our signature gin tonic whilst you welcome a moment of tranquility on our riverside terrace. Unfold an enriching stay in one of Scotland's most picturesque cities. | Inverness | Superior First-Class | |
| 8 | Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh | Situated on the iconic Princes Street, the Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of Scotland's vibrant capital Just a 4-minute stroll from Edinburgh Waverley station and a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport, you¿re steps away from cultural treasures like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Following a recent renovation, our 169 air-conditioned rooms span 7 unique categories, thoughtfully designed for every kind of traveller for both corporate and leisure. | Edinburgh | 53 Princes Street | First-Class |
| 9 | Mercure York Fairfield Manor | One of the most tranquil hotels in York, set in 6 acres of private grounds on the outskirts of the historic walled cathedral city and the banks of the River Ouse. All 89 comfortable bedrooms have HD TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary WIFI. | Skelton-York | Shipton Road | First-Class |
