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Day 1 - LONDON - HAMPSHIRE
After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, make your way into the Kent countryside. At the pretty village of Westerham, Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green and you visit his nearby residence of Chartwell next. Continue through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll the pretty gardens. Move on to your hotel set amid a 176-acre parkland golf course, with extensive leisure facilities and Health Spa. Enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner tonight.
Hotel: Botley Park, Golf & Country Club (D)
Day 2 - NEW FOREST EXCURSION
A scenic drive through the woods and glades of the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu Abbey, once a Cistercian Abbey, now the stately home of Lord Montagu. Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and visit his lordship's collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Travel on to Salisbury to see the 13th century cathedral, whose spire is the tallest in the land. After some free time, return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 3 - HAMPSHIRE - STRATFORD
Visit the cathedral town of Winchester this morning, where King Alfred stands guard in the High Street. The country roads lead you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace, full of memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life.
Hotel: Swans Nest (B)
Day 4 - COTSWOLDS EXCURSION
An enchanting day takes you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After touring the house and gardens, visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King Henry VIII's wives, Katherine Parr. Tonight, you are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure. (B,DA)
Day 5 - STRATFORD - LAKE DISTRICT
Travel through the orchards of Worcestershire to the border town of Ludlow, where elegant 18th century mansions rub shoulders with picturesque half-timbered Tudor buildings. The town is dominated by the massive castle, rich in tragic royal history. After some time to explore the lanes and hidden courtyards, continue through the remote Shropshire hills. You pass Wenlock Edge, as celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman, to reach historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. From the eponymous 200-year-old bridge the smooth motorway carries you north to the English Lake District.
Hotel: Windermere Hydro (B,D)
Day 6 - LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION
A whole day is devoted to the Lake District - a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters and an inspiration to a host of English poets. Visit Wordsworth's grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, the largest of the lakes. Perhaps consider a cruise on its peaceful waters before returning to the hotel. (B,D)
Day 7 - LAKE DISTRICT - EDINBURGH
Cross the Scottish border at Gretna - for years the destination of eloping English lovers. Spend your spare time shopping before enjoying the contrasting beauty of the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Here, discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens, which form a remarkable haven of tranquillity in the south of the city, as well as being a world-renowned centre for botanical science.
Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor (B)
Day 8 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Today a local guide shows you the glory of the 'Athens of the North'. In the old town visit Edinburgh Castle containing the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Royal regalia in the British Isles. Follow the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse where Mary Queen of Scots lived - it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century 'New Town' with its classical Adam facades. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, selected departures attend the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (B)
Day 9 - EDINBURGH - BRONT COUNTRY
Travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th century estate of Sir Walter Scott, which now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artefacts collected throughout his lifetime. Head south past Jedburgh Abbey and over the border to visit Hadrian's Wall, boundary of the civilised world in Roman times! Stay for the next two nights in an historic, grand Victorian hotel, set amidst a landscape that fuelled the imagination of the Bront sisters in writing their classic novels.
Hotel: Marriott Hollins Hall & Country Club. (B,D)
Day 10 - YORKSHIRE EXCURSION
After breakfast, drive to the walled city of York, one of the most historic cities in Britain, its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. See the huge Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets, including the Shambles. Head out now through rich farmland to visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, one of Britian's grandest historic houses with its fine furniture, paintings, tapestries and extensive gardens. (B,D)
Day 11 - BRONT COUNTRY - LONDON
Travel south to visit Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts perched on a crag above the River Avon. The chilling dungeon contrasts with the splendour of the State Rooms and baronial Great Hall. Return to London where you bid farewell to your Tour Director and your tour comes to an end. (B) |
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