Heart of England, Wales and Yorkshire

002334 - W20

Travel back 2,000 years to experience the history of Wales and England. From walled cities to Shakespeare’s birthplace to a storied university city you will witness beautiful scenery amongst the historical sites.

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s House in the nearby village of Shottery
  • Ironbridge World Heritage Site, one of the birthplaces of the English Industrial Revolution
  • Mountains of Snowdonia, which inspired Charles Darwin, born in nearby Shrewsbury
  • Gothic-inspired architecture of York or the natural, rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales
  • University city of Cambridge, home to the famous university
Details

Tour Code:
002334 - W20

Itinerary
Open All
Day 1: London-Shrewsbury

After departing London, you will have the chance to channel your inner playwright as you arrive in William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-on-Avon. Here, you will have time to wander Shakespeare’s his birthplace, his schoolhouse and his resting place as well as his wife’s beautiful gardens. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants or riverside pubs. Bidding adieu to the birthplace of the “greatest poet that ever lived”, you head to Ironbridge and set your feet on the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. This bridge was built during the Industrial Revolution in a town with the fitting name of Ironbridge. Stay at the bridge to learn how it was built, or relax and watch the lazy River Severn below. Your next stop is birthplace of Charles Darwin, a town called Shrewsbury. Here, you can explore the narrow streets in the centre of town and the busy markets. This will be your home for the next two nights.

Day 2: North Wales – Snowdonia National Park

Your journey today takes you to North Wales and the first stop is Conwy Castle. Enjoy the remarkable views from the walls of the 13th century castle. Next, you will explore the mountains and valleys of Snowdonia National Park. Travel through the Pass of Llanberis in the shadow of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak. Return back to Shrewsbury for a good night’s rest after a day of exploring.

Day 3: Peak District National Park – York

After a hearty breakfast, your journey will continue through Peak District National Park. This spectacular drive has moorland, pastures and wooded valleys surrounding quaint villages. As you continue on your way, you will find yourself in the village of Castleton, where you will have a chance to sample the local fare while being overlooked by William the Conqueror’s Peveril Castle. In the afternoon, you will explore the Duke of Devonshire’s stately home and gardens at Chatsworth and then will make your way through northern England to York. This is where you will be staying for the next two nights.

Day 4: York or Yorkshire Dales

The two options for today will be hard to choose from. You can spend the day exploring historical York. The Minster, the churches, museums and riverside sights are all amazing and will be sure to leave you breathless. Your second choice is to journey out with a guide for a half day cruise across the Yorkshire Dales to Knaresborough. Here, you will experience Yorkshire hospitality before heading to the Eastern Dales. Whichever option you choose, you will still be able to spend the rest of your evening relaxing and enjoying the sights of York.

Day 5: Cambridge

In the morning, you will bid farewell to the walled city of York and will begin your journey back to London. Your first stop is Stamford, a town with over 600 historic stone buildings made from mellow limestone. Sir Walter Scott even declared the town “the finest stone town in England”. Leaving Stamford behind, you will continue your journey to Cambridge, where King’s College Chapel takes over the heart of the city. You will have a chance to take a guided punting ride and see the colleges from the river, or you can climb up St. Mary’s tower and get a bird’s eye view of the city. After seeing what Cambridge has to offer, we drive back to London where your tour ends.

We can extend your time in London by booking accommodation, tours and transportation passes. Just let us know how many nights you wish to stay and what other inclusions you want to pre-book and we’ll take care of it for you.

Included
  • 5-day escorted small-group tour by 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Services of a driver/guide throughout
  • 4 nights of accommodation in category chosen
  • Breakfast daily at accommodation
  • All applicable taxes
Not Included
  • Airfare to/from London
  • Accommodation pre and post tour in London
  • Meals unless specified
  • Gratuities to your driver/guide
  • Entry fees to visitor attractions
  • Items of a personal nature
Tour Notes

Places you’ll Explore:
Stratford-upon-Avon – The birthplace of William Shakespeare and the gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway, with Tudor thatched roof cottages littering the country-side
Ironbridge World Heritage Site – A world famous bridge and heritage site that is located at one of the birthplaces of the English Industrial Revolution and one of the important instances in the rise of the British Empire
The mountains of Snowdonia – these mountains are no waste of time to see, which is probably why they inspired such people as Charles Darwin
Conwy Castle – A 13th century stronghold on the banks of a river in Wales near two remarkable bridges
Peak District National Park – Woodlands and valleys await you in this strikingly beautiful natural paradise
Chatsworth House – The grand house of the Devonshire family with beautiful grounds complete with a maze and fountains
York and the Dales – The Gothic-inspired architecture of York surrounded by the natural rugged beauty of the Dales
Cambridge – This university city has towering Gothic architecture at every turn

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Map