Yorkshire Christmas Markets

Make your way to the 4-Star Majestic Hotel in Harrogate, our base for the next 4 nights. After meeting our Tour Manager, you are free to get acquainted with the spa town of Harrogate, renowned for its independent boutiques, spa waters, and the historic Bettys Tea Rooms, before dinner tonight. Perhaps head to the Valley Gardens for a short stroll, or visit the numerous boutique shops located in and around the delightfully picturesque Montpellier quarter?

• Dinner

Today we travel the short distance by rail to nearby York. Steeped in history, we discover more about this walled city on a fascinating walking tour of the major sights including the Minster and the Shambles. Following the tour you have the chance to visit the National Railway Museum (free entry). Later you are free to explore York's Christmas Market which offers an interesting array of gifts, crafts, local farm produce, and continental foods.

• Breakfast

This morning, we transfer to Bolton Abbey in Wharfedale to take a nostalgic trip on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. After, we transfer to Bolton Priory, the ruins of a 12th century Augustinian Monastery that is perched on the banks of the River Wharfe and surrounded by the verdant countryside Yorkshire is so famous for. Perhaps take this time to partake in a delightful walk, which takes you up and along the banks of the river? At the other end, you might like to enjoy a spot of tea at the Cavendish Pavilion. Later we travel to Grassington, and step back in time at its traditional Dickensian festival. Shopkeepers and villagers dress up in Victorian costume and the Christmas market is alive with street entertainers and traditional country crafts.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We visit stately Castle Howard today, home to the Howard family for more than 300 years. The house, familiar to many from 'Brideshead Revisited', is beautifully decorated for the Howard family's traditional Christmas. There is plenty of time to explore this incredible slice of Yorkshire history, which boasts of some marvellous landscaped gardens that are truly a delight to explore. After breakfast on Day 5 you are free to depart in your own time. Alternatively, you might like to explore Harrogate and the surrounding area a little further before you leave.

• Day 4 - Breakfast, Dinner
• Day 5 - Breakfast