Grand Tour of the UK

On to York

Join the group at our dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras then travel by First Class rail to York where we stay at the Royal York Hotel.

Historic York

We discover much of the city's long and fascinating story on a guided walking tour of its main attractions. These include the incomparable Minster, which is one of Europe's largest and most ornate gothic cathedrals, and the Shambles, a quaint street that has remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages. Following the tour, you have the chance to take in the sights of this marvellous city at your own pace.

Rail to Edinburgh

This morning we transfer to the station for the train north to Edinburgh in First Class.Upon arrival we check into the Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh for a two night stay. That evening we are welcomed in true Scottish style, enjoying a traditional Great Scot's Dinner experience at the hotel, complete with exciting and traditional forms of entertainment.

Exploring Edinburgh

Today we enjoy a guided walking tour of Edinburgh, taking in the city's main sights. We pass the 16th century Palace of Holyroodhouse, more commonly known as Holyrood Palace. Home of the British monarchy in Scotland, the Queen typically spends some of the summer here. Equally imposing is Edinburgh Castle, which looms over the city from its seat atop the extinct volcano of Castle Rock.

On to Inverness

Today we board the rail service to Inverness. After checking into the Columba Hotel, you are free to explore.

Jacobite Steam Train and Loch Ness

We enjoy an excursion to historic Fort William today, taking the coach from Inverness. Along the scenic route, we briefly stop at the iconic Loch Ness. This deepwater loch is world famous for its mythical resident, the Loch Ness Monster. Upon arrival in Fort William, we join the Jacobite Steam Train for the journey to Mallaig.

The route is arguably on the UK's most scenic journeys, crossing rugged Scottish Highlands. The charming train passes in sight of looming Ben Nevis before climbing into the mountains around Glenfinnan, where we cross the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. After disembarking, we take the coach to nearby Ballachulish, where we overnight.

Fort William and Rannoch Moor

This morning we take the coach to Glencoe, passing the mighty Three Sisters Mountains for a superb photo opportunity. After making our way through this volcanic glen, we descend back to Fort William, where we transfer to the station for the late-morning train to Glasgow. The famous West Highland Line takes us past some of Scotland's most impressive and rugged scenery as it passes over Rannoch Moor. Our hotel in Glasgow is the Jury's Inn.

Rail to Chester

We transfer to the station for our First Class rail service to Crewe before changing trains to Chester, for a two night stay in this charming medieval city.

Discovering Chester

Today you are free to explore the city of Chester. Perhaps you'd like to start with a stroll along the city walls? These fortifications were first started by the Romans and later extended and expanded during Norman reign and in the English Civil War, for which Chester was a key Northern stronghold. From the Walls, head down to the iconic Chester Rows. These unique medieval streets feature rows of shops and buildings whose entrances are completely covered by a timber walkway. Chester is also home to the impressive Victorian Grosvenor Museum, first opened in 1886. The museum building itself is part of the attraction and is a fine example of Victorian architecture.

Onwards to Bristol

Transfer to the station today for the rail service to Bristol, for a two-night stay.

Ancient Bath

Today we enjoy a wonderful excursion by rail to the historic city of Bath, the UNESCO protected city is famous worldwide for its natural hot springs. We embark on a guided tour, taking in the city's main sights, including the stunning Abbey and the architecturally wonderful Royal Crescent. The Crescent, a row of thirty 18th century terraced houses, is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country.

Stonehenge

We begin the journey to London, by coach. En route, we stop off at the famous prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. One of the most impressive Bronze Age monuments in the country, this ring of standing stones has long provided archaeologists with the mystery of what the complex design really represents.

We arrive in London later checking into the Ambassador Bloomsbury.We enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.

The Tower of London

We arrive at the iconic Tower of London in time to witness the famous Opening Ceremony. We are given a short talk by a Yeoman Warder before witnessing the ceremony first-hand. The morning is then free to explore the famous landmark at your own pace. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Tower has been utilised for a number of purposes, including a prison and most recently, a tourist attraction and home of the Crown Jewels.

The rest of the day is at leisure in the capital. You may like to take advantage of the city's wealth of wonderful museums and galleries including the fantastic Natural History Museum and the ever popular British Museum, both possessing a vast collection of some of the finest archeological finds in world history.

Home

After breakfast the tour concludes, and you are free to depart.