Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Classic Group
Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Classic Group
$6250
Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Classic Group
13 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Oxford, Bath, Brecon, Cardiff, Glastonbury, Plymouth, Looe, St. Ives, Penzance, Barnstaple, Tintagel, Cornwall, Padstow, Lynmouth, Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor National Park, Evershot, Dorchester, Salisbury
Tour operator:
Tour code:
B996ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Take the country roads across England and Wales on an exploration of Dorset’s quaint seaside vistas, Cardiff’s Welsh Rugby heritage and Bath’s ancient Roman history. After taking in the grandeur of Cornwall’s manor houses, indulge in the most quintessentially English experience: learning to play croquet on a country lawn, with tips from a professional instructor. Witness the millennia-old Stonehenge and tour the stunning 8th-century ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. The rich honey color hues of the stone houses will delight in The Cotswolds, the literary legacy of Jane Austen will bring Pride and Prejudice to life in Bath, and the luxury accommodations in Dartmoor’s Bovey Castle will give you a regal taste of the high life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London
Accommodation Name: The Clermont Victoria, London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Day 2: Oxford, The Cotswolds And Bath
Location: London, Oxford, Bath
Accommodation: Apex Hotel, Bath.
Accommodation Name: Apex, Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From lush green rolling hills to old-world villages, this pretty country surprises and delights at every corner. Make your your way along the scenic Great West Way to Oxford. A city built to be discovered, Oxford is a wholesome image of leather-bound books, libraries, storybook buildings and picnics. Continue your journey to the Cotswolds. Just as charming as Oxford, this breathtaking area is about as quintessentially British as it gets. Honey-colored stone houses line the winding streets of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages, while rapeseed fields decorate this colorful part of the UK in splashes of gold. See the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, before heading to the historic city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture. Head on an orientation of the city before checking in to your accommodation for the night, the luxury Apex Hotel. End your day in the most British of manners with a Sunday roast dinner.
Day 3: Bath Through The Years Relaxed Start
Location: Bath
Accommodation: Apex Hotel, Bath.
Accommodation Name: Apex, Bath
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxed start to enjoy the amenities at your hotel, begin your exploration of Bath. Having attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987, this unique city is famous for its Georgian and Victorian architecture and of course its Roman-built baths. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths, also an important hub of culture and education for the area. During free time perhaps learn more about the life of the esteemed author Jane Austen, who made Bath her home?
Day 4: Brecon Beacons National Park
Location: Bath, Brecon, Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a relaxed start you’ll move cities, and countries, as you make your way to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Along the way you’ll visit the Brecon Beacons. A mountain range in South Wales, it is little surprise this striking location is a chosen destination for so many hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its old red sandstone cliffs hold a variety of plant life, including roseroot, green spleenwort and rue-leaved saxifrages, while its range of fauna includes otters, herons, kingfishers and the soaring red kite, which is the national bird of Wales. Visit the Brecon Beacons with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert for a foraging walk in the stunning surroundings of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Under her tuition she will show you how to reconnect with nature, and forage for edible and medicinal plants. Alternatively, visit a local kitchen garden for a peak into the freshest seasonal aromatics from the Brecon Beacons. After a morning in the great outdoors, rectify your lethargic bliss with a hearty Farm-to-Table pub lunch, where a delicious seasonal menu with local ingredients will be available. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Cardiff, Wales’ cultural hub.
Day 5: Cardiff Relaxed Start
Location: Cardiff
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Accommodation Name: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning. Join your Travel Director for an orientation of this vibrant city. See Principality Stadium, home of Welsh Rugby, and Cardiff Castle. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 6: Glastonbury Abbey And Plymouth
Location: Cardiff, Glastonbury, Plymouth
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Plymouth.
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza, Plymouth
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day at the historic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, an 8th-century monastery steeped in legend and now registered as a Grade I listed building. Continue to the port city of Plymouth in Devon, famous for its cobbled streets, gin distilleries and the Mayflower that transported the first English Puritans to the New World.
Day 7: Exploring The Southwest
Location: Plymouth, Looe, St. Ives, Penzance, Barnstaple
Accommodation: The Royal and Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple.
Accommodation Name: The Royal and Fortescue, Barnstaple
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe, a holiday hotspot of the Victorian era. Admire Looe’s turquoise waters and sandy beach before continuing to St. Ives, where art galleries, surf shops and fashion boutiques line the quaint streets. Continue to Penzance, made famous by the comic opera "The Pirates of Penzance," which recounts the adventures of pirates who arrived at the city's shores in the late 18th century.
Day 8: Legends Of Cornwall
Location: Barnstaple, Tintagel, Cornwall, Padstow, Barnstaple
Accommodation: The Royal and Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple.
Accommodation Name: The Royal and Fortescue, Barnstaple
Meals Included: Breakfast
Admire the unspoiled maritime scenery of Cornwall as you begin your day in Tintagel, featured in the legendary tale of King Arthur and where, according to local lore, Arthur was born. Travel to Port Isaac, a pretty fishing village and popular filming location for British television programmes. Have your camera ready to capture stonework façades and coastline views during an orientation around the village. For lunch, visit Padstow and perhaps try traditional fish and chips before returning to Barnstaple.
Day 9: Breathtaking National Parks Relaxed Start
Location: Barnstaple, Lynmouth, Exmoor National Park, Dartmoor National Park
Accommodation: Bovey Castle, Dartmoor.
Accommodation Name: Bovey Castle, Dartmoor
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in the town of Lynmouth before journeying to Somerset's Exmoor National Park, a unique landscape of moorland, woodland and dramatic coastline. A protected Area of Outstanding Beauty, this stunning park is a mass of verdant open land, livestock and flora. Stop in Exmoor for lunch at your leisure. Your day ends at Bovey Castle. Nestled in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, this five-star accommodation stands amid 275 acres of picturesque countryside and offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, two refurbished restaurants and individually-designed rooms. Unwind in this natural sanctuary as you enjoy the comforts of Bovey Castle. Tonight, catch up with your fellow travelers over dinner at the hotel.
Day 10: Country Houses Of Dorset Relaxed Start
Location: Dartmoor National Park, Evershot
Accommodation: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset.
Accommodation Name: Summer Lodge Country House, Dorset
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop at Athelhampton, a 500-year-old Tudor Manor House in the heart of Dorset. Join Estate Manager Owen for a walk through one of the world’s greatest estates, and enjoy time at leisure to explore the tranquil Elizabethan gardens. Delight in a quintessential Devonshire high tea with freshly baked scones and sandwiches.
Day 11: Jurassic Coast And Weymouth
Location: Evershot, Dorchester, Evershot
Accommodation: Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset.
Accommodation Name: Summer Lodge Country House, Dorset
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, during a visit to Lulworth Cove. Stroll with an ice cream on the pebbled beach or learn about the unique geology at the Visitor Center. Travel to seaside Weymouth and enjoy time at leisure to explore the town while snacking on traditional 'seaside rock'. Perhaps join an optional visit to historic Nothe Fort with its ghost tunnel and rampart views. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
Day 12: Salisbury And Stonehenge
Location: Dorchester, Salisbury, London
Accommodation: The Clermont Victoria, London
Accommodation Name: The Clermont Victoria, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, journey to iconic Stonehenge to appreciate the history, and mystery, of this prehistoric monument. The ring of standing stones is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. It was made a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1882 and, as one of Britain’s most celebrated sites, draws visitors from around the world. Continue to Salisbury and visit the 13th-century cathedral. Witness Britain's tallest spire and see the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. End your day in London at the hotel.
Day 13: Homeward Bound
Location: London
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
12 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners, and 1 Lunch are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Brecon Beacons.
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Local Expert
Personal radio headsets are provided to ensure you don't miss any commentary from your Local Expert.
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Tips and Taxes
Hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, and porterage charges at hotels are included.
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Luggage Handling
Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Your Travel Director will occasionally delight you with a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available) is provided.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included and may be purchased separately.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not matching the itinerary start and end dates are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and maintained to very high standards.
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including The Clermont Victoria in London, Apex Hotel in Bath, Clayton Hotel in Cardiff, Crowne Plaza in Plymouth, The Royal and Fortescue in Barnstaple, Bovey Castle in Dartmoor, and Summer Lodge Country House in Dorset.
Dining Summary
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- 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.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- 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.
Insight Experiences
- Puddletown: Visit the Manor House of Athelhampton and join an Estate Manager Owen on a guided tour to discover the beautiful Tudor architecture and Elizabethan-style gardens.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in the Brecon Beacons?
In the Brecon Beacons, you can choose between joining a Local Expert for a foraging walk to learn about edible and medicinal plants or visiting a local kitchen garden to see the freshest seasonal aromatics.
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What unique experience does the tour offer in Bath?
In Bath, you will visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths, which is also an important hub of culture and education for the area. This visit is part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
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What kind of meal can I expect in Brecon Beacons?
In the Brecon Beacons, you will enjoy a hearty Farm-to-Table pub lunch featuring a delicious seasonal menu with local ingredients.
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What special experience is included in Puddletown?
In Puddletown, you will visit the Manor House of Athelhampton and join Estate Manager Owen on a guided tour to discover the beautiful Tudor architecture and Elizabethan-style gardens. You will also experience Devonshire tea with a selection of scones, sandwiches, and tea.
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What can I expect during the visit to Glastonbury Abbey?
During the visit to Glastonbury Abbey, you will explore the historic ruins of this 8th-century monastery, which is steeped in legend and now registered as a Grade I listed building.
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What kind of accommodation is provided in Dartmoor National Park?
In Dartmoor National Park, you will stay at Bovey Castle, a five-star accommodation nestled in the rolling valleys. It offers an award-winning 18-hole golf course, two refurbished restaurants, and individually-designed rooms.
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What is special about the visit to Stonehenge?
The visit to Stonehenge allows you to appreciate the history and mystery of this prehistoric monument, which is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. It is one of Britain’s most celebrated sites and draws visitors from around the world.
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What can I do during my free time in Cardiff?
During your free time in Cardiff, you can explore the city at your leisure after an orientation tour with your Travel Director, which includes seeing Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle.
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What kind of meal is included in Bath?
In Bath, you will indulge in a traditional roast dinner after a day of exploring the Roman town.
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What kind of experience is offered in Tintagel?
In Tintagel, you will admire the unspoiled maritime scenery of Cornwall and explore the area featured in the legendary tale of King Arthur, where according to local lore, Arthur was born.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions