Compare Great Britain New Year by Expat Explore vs Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
4 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,050 | $ 4,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 150 | $ 430 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | N/A | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
8 Breakfasts | 5 Dinners |
| Description | 7 Days, 3 Countries. Celebrate New Year's Eve, or Hogmanay as the Scots call it, in Edinburgh! |
Scotland evokes images of bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, Edinburg’s vennels and wynds of Old Town, Glasgow’s Victorian grandeur, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Mystical Wales beckons with the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia, walled cities, and Medieval Castles. More than 900 years of history awaits you at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, The Queen’s favorite residence. An experience of a lifetime that is easy, inclusive and affordable awaits you on this guided tour of the United Kingdom. |
Day 1: Cambridge - York
Welcome to your 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 - New Year's Eve in 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. It is then time to celebrate Hogmonay (the Scots word for the last day of the year) and ring in the New Year!
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.
Hogmanay: celebrate the new year with an included ticket to Edinburgh's famous hogmanay celebrations!
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: Edinburgh - Free day
Don’t waste a minute! Today you are free to explore the city as you wish, and there is so much to see and do. Edinburgh is blessed with stunning greystone and gothic architecture, art galleries and memorials. Take a step back in time and wander through the 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. Edinburgh Castle is well worth the entry fee, and requires a few hours to explore and learn about Scottish history and royalty - there are wonderful views from the top! For those wishing to shop for souvenirs Princes Street attracts shoppers from all over the world. In the evening, why not enjoy a pint or a traditional whisky with the locals, or explore the city on a guided Ghost tour - experience the secret, underground passages underneath the streets of the Royal Mile, and visit the local graveyards under the ‘brawd bricht moon licht nicht’ (superb, bright, moonlit night...)!
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.
Optional Excursions
The Beatles Story & Museum £16.50
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
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. An orientation tour will allow you to explore the quaint, historical village, and then you shall have free time to explore on your own. 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 in Bath is the Sally Lunn Bun - a light, airy, brioche-style bun, popular at breakfast and afternoon teas.
Extra Information
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 1 - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland.
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow - Pitlochry
Following arrival in Glasgow Airport, you will be met by your Local Irish Guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City. In 1999, its architecture won it the accolade of ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Your city tour will also include a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the most ancient and historic sites in the city. This afternoon, you will travel to Pitlochry known as the Gateway to the Highlands, where you will check into the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Scottish Highlands
Today, you head north to the Scottish Highlands. You travel through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park to Culloden where the last major battle in Britain was fought on April 16th, 1746. This morning, you can relive the drama with a visit to Culloden Visitor Centre. You continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you will have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cruise on Loch Ness, hear the historic intriguing tales surrounding a mysterious monster, and see the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle. From here, you return to Athol Palace and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B & D)
Day 4 - Blair Athol Distillery – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
After breakfast and before departing Pitlochry, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoy a guided tour followed by a wee dram before departing. You continue to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university. You continue south traveling over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh City for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 - Edinburgh
This morning, a tour of Edinburgh City awaits you. You will travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House - the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear the tales of some truly intriguing characters - the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. You will visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts.
This evening, you will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show at the Jam House. This will be a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food. (B & D)
Day 6 - English Lakes District – Caernarfon, Wales
This morning, you depart Edinburgh and travel south to the romantic town of Gretna Green for your first stop. You will have an opportunity to visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop with over 260 years of history and heritage before departing. Your tour continues through England’s scenic Lake District, associated with the poet, William Wordsworth and children’s author, Beatrix Potter. You continue to Conwy where you will visit Conwy Castle regarded as one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. From here, you travel to Caernarfon for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 7 - Snowdon Mountain Railway – National Slate Museum – Caernarfon Castle
Today, we travel a short distance to Llanberis and board Snowdon Mountain Railway. This Victorian railway climbs 1085m to the Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, where one of the world’s greatest panoramas awaits. From the visitor center, you will get some spectacular views of the valleys below, and on a clear day you can see Ireland in the distance. Following this adventure, you travel to the National Slate Museum and learn the story of the Welsh slate industry. On returning to Caernarfon, you will visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. The remainder of the evening is free. (B)
Day 8 - Windsor Castle – London, England
This morning, you depart Caernarfon and head south traveling by the foothills of Cotswold’s mountains before arriving in Windsor. Here, you will visit the impressive Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences. You will see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Megan Markle were married. Following your visit, you travel to London City for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 9 - London
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will see many famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city on your own. (B)
Day 10 - Depart London
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for check-in for our flight home. On arrival back in the USA, transfer home. (B)
