Tour Inclusions

• Traditional accommodation with private facilities
• Driver/Guide companion
• Transportation by 16-seat mini-coach
• English Breakfast daily and 3 Dinners
• Entrance fees: Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Jedburgh Abbey, Barnard Castle, York Castle Museum, Richmond Castle, Lincoln Castle & Cathedral, Hatfield House

Day 1    Edinburgh
Our first day sees us make the journey from Edinburgh to where the Highlands meet the Lowlands, to the imposing Castle at Stirling, one of Scotland’s grandest castles. Following our fascinating visit to Stirling we return to Edinburgh for a driving orientation tour of the capital followed by some ‘independence’ to amble amongst this marvellously historic and cultured city, where you may absorb its vibrant atmosphere and experience its fantastic shopping. (D)

Day 2   Hexham
This morning our journey takes us in to the south of Scotland as we head to the strategically significant Border Country. Stepping back in time we visit the huge ruins of the 12^th century Augustine abbey at Jedburgh, which remains an impressive structure, despite the ravages of war and weather.  We will spend time in Jedburgh itself where you may also choose to visit Queen Mary’s 15^th century fortified home. As we cross over into England we stop at the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier, Emperor Hadrian’s famous wall, which we discover in depth as we travel onwards towards the picturesque town of Hexham. (B)

Day 3   York
The North-East has some of Britain’s most dramatic landscape, and we journey alongside the Pennine Hills and through the Yorkshire Dales, stopping at the Norman Barnard Castle, its substantial remains still standing. We enjoy a wilderness drive to the lovely historic town of Richmond, one of Britain’s ‘nicest towns’ and the site of a well-preserved castle and reputed to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur. More stunning landscape will pass us by as we travel to the medieval city of York. A startling destination any time of year, York is renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster. There is opportunity to amble through its city streets before we enjoy a delightful evening meal. (B,D)

Day 4    York
Get your cameras ready as we take a deeper exploration into this elegant city. York is home to one of the most impressive Gothic cathedral’s in the world, and is a must see for anyone visiting this area. Your guide will take you through the Old City and point out the highlights of the city, including the city walls, York Castle Museum, The National Rail Museum, The Yorvik (Viking) Centre, Clifford’s Tower and the collection of restored Guild Halls and houses, which you may later explore at your leisure. (B)

Day 5   Lincoln
Leaving York, we head south to the cathedral city of Lincoln. En-route, we travel through the wild pastures of the Lincolnshire Wolds, an area of outstanding beauty, as we explore this lesser known part of the country. We visit Gainsborough Old Hall, one of Britain’s best preserved medieval manorial homes, which has little altered since its completion in 1480.  Our ultimate destination for today is Lincoln, characterised by its soaring Norman cathedral, Roman ruins, Viking artefacts, and cobbled Tudor streets. (B)

Day 6    Cambridge
We continue our journey through the prime agricultural land in to Cambridgeshire, a charming region best known for its rolling countryside, quaint villages, cathedrals cities and myriad of waterways. Enveloped in atmosphere of learning, you can wander the streets of Cambridge, an attractive and fascinating city, where you may experience the buzz of student life as you take in the historic courts and gardens of its famous colleges. Maybe, head to he river and try punting, one of the most quintessential of British pastimes. (B/D)

Day 7    London
It is only a short drive back to London, however, we still take care to travel along the back-roads and experience more of the British countryside and local village charm. There will be an opportunity to visit the childhood home of Elizabeth I at Hatfield House. Built by Robert Cecil in 1607-11 the house and garden are set in a spectacular countryside setting and is an absorbing finale to our tour before our return to London. The tour ends back in London late afternoon at one of our tour hotels. (B)