Compare Durham, Edinburgh and Classic Rail Journeys by Newmarket Holidays vs Elegance of Great Britain - Start London, Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 4 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 394 | $ 4,650 |
| Price Per Day | $ 99 | $ 332 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Travel the newly re-opened Borders Railway on a stunning journey from Tweedbank to Edinburgh, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the route from Durham to Berwick-upon-Tweed. You'll also have time to explore the beautiful cities of Durham, Edinburgh and York on this four-day break. |
Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on a 13-day guided tour of Scotland and England. In Edinburgh be dazzled by the jewels of Scottish royalty and join a Local Expert as you explore the best the city has to offer. Dine with Sir Ludovic, a Scottish Baronet, on his 10,000-acre coastal home - Ardgowan Castle. He’ll tell you about the castle's history and surrounding area as you enjoy traditional tea and scones. Cruise the English Lake District, and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Plus, marvel at Stonehenge's monoliths and indulge in a home-hosted meal at York's Thrisk Hall, an 18th-century town house renovated by English architect John Carr. |
Day 1:
Leaving the local area, this morning we'll head through the beautiful, rolling countryside of historic County Durham to our hotel, arriving in good time to relax before dinner.
Day 2:
This morning we'll head to Durham. A medieval treasure trove, with its cathedral and castle, the city is a compact warren of winding cobbled streets, shops and cafes.
In the early afternoon we'll board the train for the hour-long journey to the historic border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Considered one of the finest coastal railway journeys in England, the line heads east after going through Newcastle and hugs the coast - taking in historic castles, dramatic sea views and some of the loveliest rural scenery in the UK.
You'll then have the chance to explore Berwick, a town encircled by its famous Elizabethan Walls, before we return to the hotel by coach.
Day 3:
After breakfast, today we'll cross the border and make for Tweedbank. Here we'll embark on our second hour-long train journey, this time to Edinburgh's Waverley station. The line, which was closed in 1969 and reopened in September 2015, follows a wonderfully scenic route, and once in Edinburgh you will have time to explore the city.
From the Royal Mile to Princes Street, and the Castle to West Bow, Edinburgh's major attractions are within easy reach of each other, and there's plenty to do before we head back to the hotel by coach in the afternoon.
Day 4:
Today we'll head home, stopping en route to enjoy the famous sights and fabulous shopping of York. We should be back in the local area by mid to late evening.
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
