2012 |

 

ESSENTIAL BRITAIN

Tour Code - GC

10 days London to London London, Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, York

All inclusive prices starting at: $1899

This holiday offers a complete panorama of England, Wales and Scotland. First, figure out the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge, then spend two nights in Plymouth, with a day excursion to Cornwall. See the amazing Roman excavations in Bath, then travel through the Brecon Beacons via Llandrindod Wells to Chester. In Chester, enjoy a walking tour with your Tour Director. Next, focus on the Lake District and visit Wandsworth’s Grasmere, cross the border into Scotland and skirt the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond on your way to the Isle of Skye. After a stop in the Highland capital of Inverness head south again, through Culloden Moor, Braemar and St. Andrews for a two night stay in Edinburgh. Back in England, visit the lavish Alnwick Gardens, and medieval York. Your last highlight before returning back to London is a visit to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. 

EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
Ticket included for departures 0729 through 0819

NOTE: Optional London city tour and afternoon excursions to Windsor Castle or the Tower of London are available if extra London nights are reserved.

Meals

  • Breakfast - 9
  • Lunch - 0
  • Dinner - 4

Standard Features

STONEHENGE: Visit the prehistoric monument
SALISBURY: Visit the cathedral city
WIDECOMBE-IN-THE-MOOR: Take a stroll in the quaint Dartmoor village
PLYMOUTH: Welcome dinner
CORNWALL Take photographs of St. Michael's Mount, visit Land's End and St. Ives
BATH: Visit the Roman relics
LLANDRINDOD WELLS: Visit the former Welsh spa town
CHESTER: Walking tour
LIVERPOOL: Guided tour of the Beatles Story
GRASMERE: Visit Wordsworth's village
GRETNA GREEN
MALLAIG-ARMADALE: Cross the Sound of Sleat by ferry
ISLE OF SKYE: Visit the Museum of the Isles at the Clan Donald Centre
BRAEMAR
ST. ANDREWS: Visit the home of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club
EDINBURGH: Guided sightseeing, visit Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace
ALNWICK: Visit the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland or explore the spectacular garden
YORK: Walking tour
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON: Take pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage, visit Shakespeare's birthplace
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
MEALS: Full English breakfast (B); 4 three-course dinners (D) with choice of menus, including a welcome dinner in Plymouth

ESSENTIAL BRITAIN

Day by Day

DayDescription
1

LONDON-STONEHENGE-SALISBURY-PLYMOUTH.

Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and depart London at 8 am. First, visit prehistoric STONEHENGE before taking a stroll in picturesque Salisbury with its vast cathedral. Continue on through Thomas Hardy's Wessex, and head for quaint Widecombe-in-the Moor in Dartmoor National Park. The next two nights are spent in Plymouth, home of historical figures such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

2

PLYMOUTH. CORNWALL EXCURSION.

A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier's Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael's Mount, take your photos at Land's End before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. Back in Plymouth, how about an optional evening visit to a local inn for dinner. (B)

3

PLYMOUTH-GLASTONBURY-BATH-CARDIFF, WALES.

At Glastonbury, hear about its associations with King Arthur, and in elegant Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS with time to explore further on your own. Stay the night in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Tonight's optional is to Cardiff Castle for an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner. (B)

4

CARDIFF-LLANDRINDOD WELLS-CHESTER, ENGLAND-LIVERPOOL.

Your journey through Wales takes you north along the Taff Valley and Brecon Beacons National Park, and via Llandrindod Wells to Chester. On your walking tour, see the Roman remains, the characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings, and the famous two-tiered arcades called the "Rows." Spend the night in Liverpool; you may wish to join an optional city tour this evening. (B)

5

LIVERPOOL-LAKE DISTRICT-GLASGOW, SCOTLAND.

Start the day with a guided tour of the award-winning BEATLES STORY, an atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture, and music of the "Fab Four." Later, focus on the tranquil Lake District, considered to be the finest of England's national parks. After a break in Wordsworth's beloved Grasmere, head north for the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. (B,D)

6

GLASGOW-ISLE OF SKYE-INVERNESS.

Follow the "Bonnie Banks" of Loch Lomond, then proceed via Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, and the "Road to the Isles." At Mallaig, board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye, where you visit the MUSEUM OF THE ISLES at the Clan Donald Centre. Return to the mainland and trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to the Highland capital. (B,D)

7

INVERNESS-BRAEMAR-ST. ANDREWS-EDINBURGH.

Main features today: the battlefield of Culloden Moor; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games; St. Andrews; and over the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Tonight, an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departure numbers 0729 through 0819, tickets are included for tonight's performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO. (B)

8

EDINBURGH.

Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year old "New Town" and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the "Old Town," drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland's Crown Jewels, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia to see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. (B)

9

EDINBURGH-ALNWICK, ENGLAND-YORK.

This morning at ALNWICK CASTLE the choice is yours: visit the CASTLE itself, the opulent ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, or explore ALNWICK GARDEN, where the fountains and waterfalls are a breathtaking feature. Next, pass a section of Hadrian's Wall on your way to York, England's most complete medieval city. Here, stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)

10

YORK-STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-LONDON.

On the last leg of your journey, stop at Stratford-upon-Avon to take pictures of Anne Hathaway's Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTH PLACE. Return to London at about 3:30 pm., where your holiday ends. (B)

ESSENTIAL BRITAIN

Dates/Prices

NB: All prices listed are per person

May 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
06 May 201215 May 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
13 May 201222 May 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
20 May 201229 May 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
27 May 201205 Jun 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List

Jun 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
03 Jun 201212 Jun 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
10 Jun 201219 Jun 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
17 Jun 201226 Jun 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
24 Jun 201203 Jul 2012Open $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List

Jul 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
01 Jul 201210 Jul 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
08 Jul 201217 Jul 2012Open $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
15 Jul 201224 Jul 2012Open $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
29 Jul 201207 Aug 2012Open $1969 AUD $2318 AUD Hotel List

Aug 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
12 Aug 201221 Aug 2012Open $1969 AUD $2318 AUD Hotel List
19 Aug 201228 Aug 2012On Request $1969 AUD $2318 AUD Hotel List
26 Aug 201204 Sep 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List

Sep 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
02 Sep 201211 Sep 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
09 Sep 201218 Sep 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
16 Sep 201225 Sep 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
23 Sep 201202 Oct 2012On Request $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
30 Sep 201209 Oct 2012Open $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List

Oct 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
07 Oct 201216 Oct 2012Open $1919 AUD $2268 AUD Hotel List
14 Oct 201223 Oct 2012On Request $1899 AUD $2248 AUD Hotel List

Accommodation Prices

Pre & Post TourCityStart DateEnd DateSingle PriceTwin PriceTriple Price
POSTLondon01 Jan 201230 Apr 2012 $146 AUD $84 AUD $79 AUD
POSTLondon01 May 201226 Jul 2012 $234 AUD $145 AUD $137 AUD
POSTLondon01 Nov 201210 Jan 2013 $165 AUD $93 AUD $88 AUD
POSTLondon13 Aug 201231 Oct 2012 $234 AUD $145 AUD $137 AUD
POSTLondon27 Jul 201212 Aug 2012 $284 AUD $177 AUD $169 AUD
PRELondon01 Jan 201230 Apr 2012 $146 AUD $84 AUD $79 AUD
PRELondon01 May 201226 Jul 2012 $234 AUD $145 AUD $137 AUD
PRELondon01 Nov 201231 Dec 2012 $165 AUD $93 AUD $88 AUD
PRELondon13 Aug 201231 Oct 2012 $234 AUD $145 AUD $137 AUD
PRELondon27 Jul 201212 Aug 2012 $284 AUD $177 AUD $169 AUD

Charges

TypeNamePrice
OPTIONALGratuity95 AUD

ESSENTIAL BRITAIN

Tour Code - GC

10 days London to London London, Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, York

See more information about the ships on this cruise:

ESSENTIAL BRITAIN

Tour Map

ESSENTIAL BRITAIN

Optional Excursions

To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour. Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.

PriceDetails
39  GBP

Name: AFTERNOON EXCURSION TO WINDSOR CASTLE DAILY
Location: LONDON
Description: Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favourite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
59  GBP

Name: A TASTE OF LONDON DAILY APRIL TO OCTOBER
Location: LONDON
Description: Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a 3-course dinner with wine and beer at a contemporary London restaurant, followed by a narrated illumination cruise on the River Thames.
49  GBP

Name: BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE ROYAL MEWS AFTERNOONS DAILY JULY 31 TO SEPTEMBER 30
Location: LONDON
Description: First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
19  GBP

Name: EVENING CITY TOUR
Location: LIVERPOOL
Description: In the company of a local guide, visit the magnificent cathedral, hear about the legendary Beatles, and enjoy a drink of your choice at a historic Gin Palace.
54  GBP

Name: ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA AND DINNER
Location: EDINBURGH
Description: A visit on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored at Leith docks, is followed by dinner with wine and coffee at a local restaurant.
59  GBP

Name: SCOTTISH EVENING MAY 1 - OCTOBER 14
Location: EDINBURGH
Description: No visit to Scotland's capital city would be complete without joining a Scottish evening with dinner, wine and a show featuring singers, dancers, bagpipers and the Ceremony of the Haggis.
99  GBP

Name: SHOWNIGHT - BILLY ELLIOT (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS)
Location: LONDON
Description: A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner a The Bank restaurant in Westminster followed by best seats at the Victoria Palace Theatre to see the original London staging of the inspirational musical Billy Elliot.
99  GBP

Name: SHOWNIGHT - WICKED (MONDAYS - THURSDAYS)
Location: LONDON
Description: A marvellous evening in London's theatre district starts with a gourmet dinner at The Bank restaurant in Wesminster followed by best seats at The Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the sensational London production of Wicked.
41  GBP

Name: TALES OF DARTMOOR PUB SUPPER
Location: PLYMOUTH
Description: Head into wild and romantic Dartmoor for legends and tales of superstition while you enjoy two drinks of your choice and a tasty pub supper.
39  GBP

Name: TOWER OF LONDON AND CROWN JEWELS AFTERNOONS DAILY
Location: LONDON
Description: Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower Of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
59  GBP

Name: WELSH EVENING
Location: CARDIFF
Description: Dinner with wine and entertainment are included in this uniquely Welsh evening.
 
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