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DAY 1 Oxford, Bath
Leaving the hustle and bustle of London behind, we head towards the ‘dreaming spires’ of medieval Oxford. Here we wander through the streets of this vibrant city, and visit learned institutions such as Christ Church College. This afternoon we are in for a real treat as we gently meander through the quintessentially English landscape of beautiful Cotswolds country towards our centrally located accommodation in the magnificent city of Bath. This evening we enjoy a traditional British dinner in a local restaurant, and visit the vibrant and festive Christmas Markets (Dec only). (B/D)
Day 2 South Wales
Waking up amongst the Georgian and Roman splendour of this grand city, we continue our journey through the Cotswolds towards Gloucester, boasting one of the most remarkable cathedrals in Europe. Crossing into Wales, we enter the magical Forest of Dean, a dramatic region made even more so with the onset of winter. Featuring in today’s itinerary will be a visit to the Cistercian Tintern Abbey before travelling further north along towards the historic market town of Ludlow, where we spend tonight in our specially selected accommodation. (B)
Day 3 Chester
From the delightful medieval town of Ludlow we continue north to visit the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ironbridge. We’ll step back to times gone by and visit one of the local Victorian museums which recreate old town and country life featuring costumed staff demonstrating and explaining the everyday life of this era. After lunch we continue north along the English/Welsh border through gentle pastoral scenery to the beautifully preserved city of Chester. (B/D)
Day 4 Chester
Waking up to a hearty breakfast we take a morning tour of Chester visiting one of Britain’s most spectacular walled cities. We head towards its Roman amphitheatre and historic cathedral and admire the unique timber buildings along Chester Rows. This afternoon we follow the scenic Welsh coastline, and pass through lovely, coastal Colwyn Bay before visiting the popular seaside town of Llandudno. Conway Castle is a local highlight, recognised as a World Heritage site. Passing through more spectacular scenery, we cross the Menai Suspension Bridge onto the rural Island of Anglesey then a relaxing drive back to Chester. (B)
Day 5 Lake District
Today it’s a change of scenery as we travel through the picturesque Lancashire dales and moors up into the English Lake District. Our circuit will provide a feast of photographic opportunities (particularly so at this time of year) as we visit frozen waterfalls, quaint local villages, and travel through panoramic and dramatic countryside. Our highlights include Grasmere, where we’ll pay homage to the life and work of William Wordsworth. You can immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region before returning to Lake Windermere for a glass of wine or local ale beside the fire. (B/D)
Day 6 Edinburgh
Following another warming breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to the truly memorable Lake District as we head north to Scotland and its Borders and Lowland country. The wild landscape offers us ample opportunity to explore local villages and ancient chapels, including the decorative Rosslyn chapel, featured in the Da Vinci Code. Our final destination is Edinburgh - home to kings and queens. There are many highlights to Edinburgh and included in our tour will be a drive up the Royal Mile to the imposing Edinburgh Castle high above the city. Tonight you may wander the city and tuck into a traditional Scottish meal, perhaps accompanied by a ‘dram’ of whisky. (B)
Day 7 Edinburgh
This morning, we take a walking orientation tour of the old town and the castle, as we complete this tour. We recommend you spend the afternoon here to really appreciate the warm Scottish hospitality whilst you explore the myriad of things to do and see in this wonderful city. The festive period is particularly jovial, as Edinburgh embraces the Christmas spirit with bright lights, bustling markets and some great shopping! (B)
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