Compare Great Britain Christmas by Expat Explore vs Elegance of Great Britain - Start London, Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Cambridge - York

Welcome to your Christmas tour of Great Britain! Today you will fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air, as you depart the city of London, and head to where the grass is greener. Arriving in Cambridge, your first adventure will have you punting along the river in traditional style, taking in the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings in the most relaxing way. Simply wonderful! The afternoon sees you continuing your rural ‘rovering’, towards York, a mecca for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Your walking tour offers fascinating insights, stories and history of the city. Tonight you will enjoy dinner in a traditional British pub - plenty of choices on the menu including English favourites such as Fish and Chips or Bangers and Mash (that's sausages and creamy mashed potatoes)!

Experiences
Cambridge River Punting: we visit this historic city renowned for its leading university. Savour the history and marvellous views as we punt along the river.
Walking tour of York: take a walking tour round this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.
This evening, enjoy dinner in a traditional British pub.

Accommodation
Ibis York
Other Foods to try
Yorkshire is home to the pudding of the same name -a side dish made from batter consisting of eggs, flour, and milk. The dish is sometimes served with beef and gravy and is a staple of the traditional British Sunday roast.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 2: Hadrian's Wall - Gretna Green - Scottish Highlands

This morning we carry on heading north to the iconic Scottish Highlands. Our first stop along the way is Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification constructed by emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia. We'll then travel on to Gretna Green, a beautiful historic village in southern Scotland that is one of the world's most popular wedding destinations. This evening we'll arrive at our hotel in the Scottish Highlands and enjoy an included dinner.

Experiences
Photo stop at Hadrian's Wall: visit Hadrian’s Wall on the border between England and Scotland.
Gretna Green: a hotspot for tying the knot since the 18th Century, as young star-crossed lovers travelled over the border from England to avoid a law that stopped couples under 21 years of age marrying.
Scottish Highlands: enjoy an overnight stay in the iconic Scottish Highlands.

Accommodation
Arrochar Hotel
Dreadnought Hotel Callender
Rob Roy Hotel
Other Foods to try
Haggis - a savoury pudding containing sheep's offal, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh

If the weathers clear you may catch a sight of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, as we make our way to Glencoe, a spectacular Glen (Scottish for a deep valley in the Highlands) and where the massacre of Glencoe took place in 1692, one of the most fascinating yet saddest stories encompassing Scotland’s history. As we travel on to Edinburgh, we'll make a photo stop at Loch Ness - home to ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster; join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot her! On arrival in Edinburgh we'll check in to our hotel and then depart for a driving tour to help you get your bearings for the city and plan your free day tomorrow.

Experiences
Scenic drive: cross your fingers and hope the weather's clear so that we catch a sight of the grandeur of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Glen Coe: get your camera ready as we drive through amazing scenery. Your Expat Explore tour leader will also tell you about the amazing history of this region.
Photo stop at Loch Ness, home to the mythical monster 'Nessie', and the option to join a cruise to see if you can spot her from the water.
Edinburgh driving tour: arrive in the capital of Scotland and experience the historic sights from the comfort of your Expat Explore coach as your tour leader takes you on an evening driving tour of this magnificent city.
Optional Excursions
Loch Ness Cruise £14
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Accommodation
Britannia Hotel
Other Foods to try
Scottish Shortbread - a type of biscuit, associated Christmas and Hogmanay festivities.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4: Christmas in Edinburgh - Free day

Merry Christmas! Today you are free to explore the city as you wish, and there is so much to see and do. Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is blessed with stunning greystone and gothic architecture. Take a step back in time and wander around the unchanged cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and meander down to the Grass Market, to a row of pubs where public hangings used to ‘entertain’ the crowds. You will also enjoy an included festive dinner this afternoon - time to enjoy some of that legendary Scottish hospitality!
Attractions to discover in your free time
Arthur's Seat Daily 09.30am - 18:00 pm Please speak to your tour leader
Royal Mile Daily 09.30am - 18:00 pm Please speak to your tour leader
Optional Excursions
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.

Day 5: Lake District - Liverpool

As your heart sinks at the thought of leaving Scotland, be reassured that there are exciting adventures to be had today in England! Your Great Britain tour will take a twist into modern history, as you head across the border, bound for Liverpool - the home of The Beatles and two world-famous premier league football clubs! On the way, you can soak up the last of the Scottish landscape, before reaching the picturesque Lake District for a lunch stop – the views are simply stunning! We then arrive in Liverpool late afternoon, where you will have the evening free to explore. Upon checking in at the hotel, head to one of the many local pubs for dinner. For Beatles fans, there are a myriad of locations that were significant to developing the world-class pop act, which shaped modern music as we know it. Home to Paul, John, George and Ringo, Liverpool inspired such timeless classics including ‘Strawberry Fields’ and ‘Penny Lane’. The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club, the perfect place to enjoy your time in Liverpool.

Experiences
Experience the Lake District of England. Here, you will have free time for a comfort stop in the beautiful village of Grasmere (or similar), where the author William Wordsworth lived, in the Lake District.

Accommodation
Ibis Liverpool
Other Foods to try
Scouse - a type of lamb or beef stew with vegetables. A similar dish, lapskaus, is traditional in Norway.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales

This morning, we will take a driving tour of Liverpool, where you will be shown the sights, before we venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare - Stratford-upon-Avon. There are numerous Shakespearean attractions and fascinating historical locations to visit. Sliding into south Wales, we take a photo stop at Caerphilly Castle, a medieval fortification built in the 13th Century, ranked the second largest castle in the UK. Surrounded by artificial lakes, not only is the architecture a sight to behold, but it was also a ground-breaking design back in its day. Heading onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, you have an evening in which to enjoy the local nightlife on offer.

Experiences
Liverpool driving tour - take a driving tour and see the Albert Dock, Anfield football stadium and a variety of locations connected to the Beatles. 
Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare - Stratford-Upon-Avon, where you will have free time to wander the city. 
Caerphilly Castle Photo stop - on our way to Cardiff we stop off for a quick photo stop at this impressive 700-year old castle. 
Visit to Cardiff - we continue on to the Welsh capital where you have some free time to spend the evening as you wish.

Accommodation
Park Inn Cardiff City Centre
Mercure Cardiff
Clayton Hotel
Jury's Inn Cardiff Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Newport
Other Foods to try
Lamb, particularly roasted, is strongly associated with Welsh food. The leek, because of its role as the country's national vegetable, is also used frequently.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London

This is the last day of your British Tour, and there is no sign of slowing down! First stop for the day is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Join us on an orientation tour of the town, and learn about the historical significance of the region, including the natural hot springs that supply the Roman baths - visited by over 1 million international tourists every year! Continuing on the last legs of your journey, you have an optional excursion that could have you unravelling one of the worlds’ greatest mysteries. At Stonehenge, you have the opportunity to witness an ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. We arrive back in London this evening at the end of a fantastic week of exploring Great Britain!

Experiences
Bath Orientation tour: your Expat Explore tour leader will point out all the main attractions of Bath, so you can make the most of your time here.
 
Optional Excursions
Roman Baths £16
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
Other Foods to try
A local delicacy is the Sally Lunn Bun - a light, airy, brioche-style bun, popular at breakfast and afternoon teas.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

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.

The Clermont Victoria, London.

Day 2: From London to Edinburgh

In the morning, transfer to the train station and take your comfortable, standard-class seats. Your cross-country journey takes you through the green English countryside as you travel to Scotland - land of legends and romance. You are then transferred to Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 16:30 for a Welcome Dinner and the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a pleasant evening.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Edinburgh, The Capital of Culture

Join a Local Expert to see the highlights of the city. Enjoy a drive along Princes Street to the ornate Scott Memorial and see the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Over in the Old Town, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse - the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty, the Queen and visit the castle, home of Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny and the Honours of Scotland, Scotland's glittering Crown Jewels. With the afternoon at leisure, why not visit the art treasures in the National Gallery? On select departures, you will also attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — a colourful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh.

Breakfast

Day 4: Ardgowan and Gretna Green

Depart the majestic Scottish capital and journey to Ardgowan, set on a stunning 10,000-acre coastal estate. Sir Ludovic Shaw Stewart welcomes you to his family castle. Learn the history of the area, the Shaw Stewart family and the conservation efforts to protect the land on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, followed by a degustation of traditional Scottish tea and scones. Continue to Gretna Green to see the famous spot where runaway lovers were married over the anvil at the blacksmith's shop. Your travels continues to the picturesque English Lake District and dinner is served at your hotel in Kendal.

Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.

Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: English Poets and the Lake District Experience Relaxed Start

Devote the day to a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters - inspiration to a host of English poets.Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere.Appreciate the scenic beauty of the English Lake District on a relaxing cruise admiring the magnificent views of rugged mountains, secluded bays and wooded islands. Then, embark on a nostalgic steam train ride along the banks of the beautiful River Leven.

Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.

Breakfast

Day 6: Windermere to York Relaxed Start

Enjoy a morning at leisure before travelling through the Yorkshire Dales to arrive at the charming village of Haworth. Visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum, created within the actual home of the Brontë family. Learn about the family's literary legacy and what inspired them from the surroundings of their own home. Your journey continues to York, one of the oldest cities in England. In the evening join a family for a home-hosted meal at the historic Thirsk Hall. This grade II* listed three-storey town house was built in 1720 and extended in 1770 by York architect John Carr.

Hilton York.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: The Viking City of York Relaxed Start

Enjoy an exploration of one of Britain’s most historic cities, controlled by the Vikings during the 9th and 10th century and now renowned for its exquisite architecture. Walk within the town walls with a Local Expert to see the huge York Minster, Britain’s largest medieval cathedral. Explore the tangle of quaint, narrow, cobbled streets and see the Shambles. There is plenty of time to further explore on you own, perhaps visit the National Railway Museum housing over 300 years of history, or continue wandering the well-preserved city walls?

Hilton York.

Breakfast

Day 8: Lincoln’s Magna Carta

Explore Lincoln with Insight Choice. Visit Lincoln Castle, one of the finest Norman castles in England, for a chance to see one of the four remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Alternatively, Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to visit a local café fighting against poverty, for delicious tea and cakes. Continue to pretty Stratford, beautifully situated on the River Avon. Your hotel is set in its own private grounds, just a short walk from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the town's wealth of black and white timber-framed buildings.

DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.

Breakfast

Day 9: Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon Relaxed Start

Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to delight audiences today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Later, join your Travel Director for a traditional Sunday roast dinner, served with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings.

DoubleTree by Hilton Stratford-upon-Avon.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: The Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace and Bath

An enchanting day awaits in the morning. Cross the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit the magnificent stately home and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian. Continue to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, built in amphitheatre style on the surrounding hills. Your Travel Director introduces you to the Pulteney Bridge, built in mellow local stone. See the angels climbing Jacob's Ladder on Bath Abbey.

Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath.

Breakfast

Day 11: Bath Relaxed Start

The City of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built above one of Britain's thermal, mineral springs. Enjoy a visit to its incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths. With the rest of the day at leisure, why not soak and relax with a visit to Thermae Spa? In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers at Brasserie Blanc. Raise a glass over your Celebration Dinner to commend your wonderful journey, while enjoying a delicious French-inspired meal accompanied with wine.

Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 12: Ancient Stonehenge to London

Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the prehistoric and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Continue into the heart of Wiltshire to reach the city of Salisbury where you have time at leisure to enjoy lunch and explore the city. See the tallest spire in England, atop the medieval cathedral and walk the streets to observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas. Upon arrival in London you are at leisure for the rest of the afternoon.

The Clermont Victoria, London., Thistle Marble Arch, London.

Breakfast

Day 13: Homeward Bound

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.

Breakfast