Tours for any and everyone.
Skip to content
Call Us   (877) 789-3558
Default Photo of camera

Best of Britain

Classic Group, Summer Season

This tour has other variations available

Everyday Price From

$3,630

$4,125

11 days

No Countries

Overview

See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to expansive lakes and scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields and sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel. Finally, indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside.

Locations Visited

London, Stratford, York, Hadrians Wall Path, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond, Glasgow, Gretna Green, Windermere, Ludlow, Cardiff, Bath, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park, Stonehenge

Countries Visited

England, Scotland, Wales

Travel Style

Regional

Accommodations

10 nights included

Age Requirements

Minimum age 5

map-best-britain-usca-guided-tour.jpg

Itinerary

COLLAPSE ALL EXPAND ALL

Day 1

Welcome to London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

  • Accommodation

    Thistle Marble Arch


Meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.

  • Accommodation

    Hilton York


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

highlights.title

Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.

highlights.title

York Orientation

Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.

highlights.title

York Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.

See a part of Hadrian's Wall, an impressive Roman construction that once spanned 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city. This evening, perhaps partake in a traditional optional dinner at Ghillie Dhu. 

  • Accommodation

    Malmaison Hotel Edinburgh


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

See Hadrians Wall

Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.

highlights.title

See Jedburgh Abbey

See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the center of town. Even though it is now in ruins it is still a magnificent structure and you can climb a spiral staircase to view the spectacular architecture from a balcony. Built by King David I of Scotland for Augustinian monks, Jedburgh is one of four major Abbeys of the Borders between England and Scotland, and was damaged and rebuilt several times during the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.

In the morning join a Local Expert to explore the Royal Mile. You will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

  • Accommodation

    Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Edinburgh Castle Visit

Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.

highlights.title

Edinburgh City Tour

Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

highlights.title

Witness The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

  • Accommodation

    Radisson Blu Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Glasgow Orientation

See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.

highlights.title

See Stirling Castle

Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.

Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.

  • Accommodation

    Castle Green Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

highlights.title

Visit William Wordsworth's Grave in Grasmere

Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.

Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.

  • Accommodation

    Clayton, Cardiff


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Ludlow Orientation

Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.

highlights.title

Cardiff Orientation

During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.

Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the golden Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which serve as a hub of culture and education for the local population. Continue to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. View the ruined monastery before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth. 

  • Accommodation

    Leonardo Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Visit the Roman Baths

Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. Discover 2,000 years of history and learn how this hub of culture is pioneering new educational investments to benefit the community. Its school educational program actively supports local schools and students to learn about the cultural heritage of the region. 

Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

highlights.title

Bath Orientation

During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.

highlights.title

Glastonbury Orientation

Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.

Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later this evening, savor an unforgettable dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.

  • Accommodation

    Leonardo Hotel


  • Meals

    Breakfast

    Dinner

Highlights

highlights.title

Locally Sourced Farm-to-Table Meal at Heskyn Mill Farm in Saltash

John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savor a delightful meal, with all ingredients responsibly sourced from local producers or carefully foraged from the local area to reduce waste. 

The farms ethos is to support local and reduce food waste. All food is sourced locally, even though this proves more expensive. A staff member grows seasonal vegetables and they have their own egg laying hens. They have relationships with the local farmers where they make sure to get the food that would otherwise struggle to be sold in order to reduce waste. Vegetables are chosen seasonally and are often picked in the morning for their guests to enjoy later the same day. 

Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

highlights.title

Plymouth Harbor Scenic Cruise

Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.

highlights.title

Dartmoor National Park Walk

Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration. 

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.

  • Accommodation

    Thistle Marble Arch


  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

highlights.title

Visit Stonehenge

Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.

Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.

  • Meals

    Breakfast

Highlights

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Included

Vox Headsets

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Gratuities

  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

Porterage

  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Touchpoints

  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Wifi

  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

Transport

  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Dates & Prices

Versions of this Tour

We have pre-selected the best options based on your search, however please feel free to adjust them to suit your desires. Please note that changes here will affect availabilty, pricing and trip itinerary.


Clear all

Trip

From Price

Best of Britain - Classic Group, Summer Season

$3,630
$4,125

Best of Britain - Small Group, Summer Season

$4,725
$5,250

Results: loading...

Definite Departures Only

Special Offers

Airfare is not included, but can be added to quote upon request.

Tour Version Selected

You have successfully selected a different version of this tour

Terms & Conditions

Trip Notes:

  • ​International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
  • ​Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of itinerary.

Terms & Conditions:

  • ​Prices listed are per person, land only and based on double occupancy (twin room). Single room supplements are available.
  • ​'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts' or 'Last Minute Deals.' Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travelers departing from the United States; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
  • Log in to access ​'Exclusive Costco Member Price'.
  • ​​​Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online, however are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at time of quote and booking.
  • For full details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions page.
  • Other conditions may apply. CST#20687545-20