Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
7 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Cambridge, York, Angel of the North, Hadrian’s Wall, Scottish Border, Jedburgh, Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands, Gretna Green, Lake District, Liverpool, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Wales, Bath, Stonehenge
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GBTOUR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Tour Overview
Discover the essence of England, Scotland, and Wales on this Great Britain tour. Explore the historic cities of Bath, Cambridge, York, and Edinburgh. Visit Stonehenge, Shakespeare's hometown, and embark on fascinating city tours. Take in the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and the English Lake District. Relish local cuisine and authentic experiences, such as a traditional Sunday roast. This Great Britain tour offers a genuine British travel adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London - Cambridge - York
Location: London, Cambridge, York
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to this incredible 7-day tour of Great Britain! Today, head to the English countryside for fresh air and scenic landscapes. Arrive in Cambridge and embark on a punting trip along the river in a traditional riverboat, taking in the stunning scenery and historic buildings in the most relaxing way. The final stop for the day is York. This city is a mecca for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Enjoy an orientation walking tour with your tour leader and gain a fascinating insight into the stories and history of the city. Tonight, enjoy a traditional roast dinner at a local restaurant in York - toast to the first night of this week-long tour of Great Britain!
Cambridge punting trip: Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition of punting down the river on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat). Cruise down the River Cam and take in the sights and surroundings along the way.
Orientation tour of York: Take an orientation tour around this historic walled city with your tour leader. York was founded by ancient Rome, and is filled with intriguing medieval architecture. See highlights including Micklegate Bar, the city walls, Ouse, The Shambles, York Chocolate Story, Swinegate, Barley Hall and York Minster.
Dinner in York: Sit down for an authentic meal, delight in traditional dishes like roast beef and Yorkshire pudding! Dessert is included and vegetarian options are available.
Day 2: York - Angel Of The North - Hadrian’S Wall - Scottish Border - Jedburgh - Edinburgh
Location: York, Angel of the North, Hadrian’s Wall, Scottish Border, Jedburgh, Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart York towards the impressive Angel of the North statue. Next is Hadrian’s Wall - an ancient Roman fortification built in 122 AD during Emperor Hadrian’s reign. This afternoon, gain a deeper insight into this region by joining the optional excursion to explore Chester's Roman Fort and its impressive inscriptions and sculptures! Not too far away lies the border town of Jedburgh, famed for its links to royalty and historical warfare. Take in the amazing architecture of this Scottish border town. Travel on through Scotland - the capital city is waiting! Arrive in Edinburgh, and set off on an evening driving and walking orientation tour. Then, enjoy an included dinner at an award-winning Italian restaurant with the group in Edinburgh tonight.
Visit the Angel of the North: Make some memories with a photo stop at the Angel of the North statue and appreciate this fascinating sculpture. This is one of North England’s top attractions!
Experience Hadrian’s Wall: Marvel at the defensive wall, built by ancient Rome during Emperor Hadrian’s reign, which acted as the north west frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years. Crafted by hand in 122 AD, it’s one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the UK.
Visit Jedburgh: Visit this picturesque Scottish border town and enjoy some free time to explore. The pretty Royal Borough is home to beautiful sights and architecture. A visit to the Jedburgh Abbey ruins is highly recommended!
Orientation tour of Edinburgh: Join your tour leader as they take you on a driving and walking tour through Edinburgh. Scotland’s capital city is home to incredible Gothic architecture, an impressive hilltop castle, cobble-stoned streets in the Old Town and New Town, as well as lively pubs and shopping streets!
Day 3: Edinburgh: Free Day
Location: Edinburgh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, the city is yours to explore. Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is blessed with stunning architecture, art galleries and memorials. Take a step back in time, and wander around the unchanged cobbled streets of the Royal Mile. Why not visit another Scottish city and explore the stunning sights of Stirling on an optional half-day tour? Or, join your tour leader on a Conquer the Capital optional excursion for an unforgettable exploration of Edinburgh! This full-day tour takes you to Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle and more. Tonight, you have the option of joining a traditional Scottish dinner and show for a taste of Scottish culture and maybe even a bite of haggis!
Day 4: Edinburgh - Loch Ness - Glencoe - Highlands
Location: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Just over halfway through this Great Britain tour, it’s time to journey into the Scottish Highlands. The first stop is the historic Culloden Battlefield. Next, visit Loch Ness - home to the mythical Loch Ness monster. During the visit, join an optional one-hour Loch Ness cruise, take in the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle and see if you can spy ‘Nessie’ in the water! Once back on the road, spot Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Whilst in the region, visit one of Scotland’s oldest, licensed whisky distilleries in Fort William for a distillery tour and whisky tasting. Next, visit Glen Coe – a spectacular glen (Scottish word meaning deep valley) with a bloody past – before continuing on to the hotel in the Scottish Highlands for the night.
Visit Culloden Battlefield: Step back in time at the historic Culloden Battlefield. Back in 1746, this was the site of the last battle and the tragic defeat of the Jacobite Rising rebellion by British government troops.
Visit Loch Ness: Enjoy free time to explore Scotland’s most famous loch! Enjoy the views from the banks of the loch and keep an eye out for ‘Nessie’; the mythical loch ness monster!
Whisky distillery tour in Fort William: Visit one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries for a tour and whisky tasting. Whisky lovers should be sure to try the fantastic single malt.
Photo stop at Glen Coe: Capture some exquisite views in Scotland’s most scenic valley which comes with a tragic and bloody history. Glen Coe was the site of the Massacre of Glencoe which took place in 1692. The massacre is a sad but important part of Scotland’s history.
Day 5: Highlands - Gretna Green - Lake District - Liverpool
Location: Gretna Green, Lake District, Liverpool
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, travel towards Liverpool, home of The Beatles and world-famous football clubs! En route, drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, enjoy a visit to Greta Green and a stop in the picturesque Lake District. Next up, Liverpool! Enjoy a driving tour of the city on the way to the hotel and arrive in the late afternoon. For Beatles fans, there are many significant locations in the city including spots that inspired songs such as ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’. The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club, the perfect place to enjoy a good meal tonight! Liverpool is home to a number of great restaurant and pub options for dinner.
Drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: Enjoy the views on the drive through the Scottish Highlands en route to Liverpool.
Stop at world-famous Gretna Green: Stop off at this parish on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland. Years ago, young lovers would use this spot to get married without their parents’ permission!
Visit the English Lake District: This is truly your chance to experience lunch with a view - enjoy the scenery of this beautiful part of England, and find a spot to enjoy lunch while surrounded by a scenic landscape. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired many renowned poets and writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
Driving tour of Liverpool: Enjoy seeing some of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour of the city. Highlights include Anfield football stadium, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Albert Docks.
Day 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
Location: Stratford-Upon-Avon, Wales
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, see some top sights connected to The Beatles before departing Liverpool. Next, venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare; Stratford-upon-Avon. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. For those who wish to delve into the life of Shakespeare more intimately, join the optional excursion to visit the home where he grew up and lived with his wife as newlyweds. This excursion includes a delicious British afternoon tea at the Shakespeare Royal Theatre! Sliding into south Wales, take the chance to see a medieval Welsh castle before heading onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff for a driving tour before settling into the hotel for the night.
Liverpool Beatles driving tour: Hop aboard the coach to see and learn about a variety of locations connected to The Beatles on an early morning Beatles Magical Mystery Tour!
Visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon: Make a stop in this quaint town, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander the city during your free time, and view many of the Shakespearean attractions, including the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.
Castle photo stop: On the road to Cardiff, enjoy the chance for a short stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some photos.
Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you all the best highlights before you head back to the hotel.
Day 7: Cardiff - Bath - Stonehenge - London
Location: Bath, Stonehenge, London
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The last day of the tour is jam-packed with excitement! The first stop is the historic town of Bath. Take an orientation tour of the town, learn about its history, and see popular sights. You’ll have free time to explore, or take an optional tour of the Roman Baths. Next up is a trip to the mysterious Stonehenge! Join the Stonehenge optional excursion for a closer look at these stones shrouded in myth and legend. After, enjoy a farewell roast lunch with the group. Take this chance to exchange contact details and share photos with new friends and fellow travellers, before the group travels back to London, where the tour will come to an end.
Bath Orientation tour: Join your tour leader for a tour of this historic city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Highlights include Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request -
Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Enjoy a punting trip along the River Cam in Cambridge
Explore the historic streets of York
Tuck into a traditional British roast dinner in York
Visit Hadrian’s Wall; an ancient Roman fortification
Wander the picturesque streets of Jedburgh
Experience Edinburgh; Scotland’s captivating capital city
See the historic Culloden Battlefield
Explore Loch Ness; home to the mythical Loch Ness Monster
Sip on Scottish whisky in Fort William
Visit Glencoe; a scenic Scottish valley
Drive through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Visit Gretna Green; a picturesque Scottish border town
Experience the English Lake District
Embark on a driving tour of Liverpool
See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles
Explore Stratford-upon-Avon; home of Shakespeare
Enjoy a photo stop at a medieval Welsh Castle
Experience Cardiff on a driving tour
Explore bath; home to history and fine architecture
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.