British Landscapes and Historic Cities
Start location: London End location: London Total number of days: 10 Key experiences or destinations: London sights, Cambridge colleges, York, Durham Cathedral, Alnwick Castle, Edinburgh’s historic centre, the Scottish Highlands with Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle, Glasgow, Lichfield, Birmingham canals, Stratford upon Avon, the Cotswolds, Gloucester docks and cathedral, Bath and the Roman Baths, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral. Set off from London and wrap up back in the capital on a well balanced 10 day spin through England and Scotland. You’ll explore iconic London sights before heading to Cambridge’s colleges, medieval York and cathedral crowned Durham. Cross into Scotland for Edinburgh’s UNESCO old town, a magnificent Highlands run with a Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle – then lively Glasgow. Back south, expect Stratford upon Avon, honey stone Cotswolds villages and Gloucester’s historic docks, plus elegant Bath. Stand before Stonehenge – entry included – and admire Salisbury Cathedral’s soaring spire. Easy pacing, scenic drives and thoughtful free time make it a crowd pleaser.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
LondonEnds
LondonMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in United Kingdom that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Country
United KingdomPassengers
R 52 415,25
R 5 000,00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
London
Cambridge
York
Durham
Alnwick
Edinburgh
Inverness
Loch Ness
Fort Augustus
Glasgow
Lichfield
Birmingham
Stratford
Stow-on-the-Wold
Gloucester
Bath
Stonehenge
Salisbury
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - London
Welcome to London. We’ll transfer you to your hotel on arrival, then the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information board at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - London
This morning we set out on a panoramic tour of London, taking in Westminster, the Houses of Parliament, the City and the Thames. The afternoon is free – you can join an optional excursion to the Thames Valley, including Windsor with its landmark castle. In the evening we meet at Piccadilly for a walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho – lively areas known for theatres and entertainment – before returning to the hotel by bus. Please note: in some cases this evening programme may be operated on the previous day, depending on arrival time.
Day 3 - London
Enjoy a full free day in London to explore at your own pace. There are no scheduled group activities today, so you can choose how to spend your time – from unhurried neighbourhood strolls to visits that interest you, or simply taking a relaxed break. Return to the hotel independently whenever you’re ready.
Day 4 - London - Cambridge - York - Durham
We leave London and travel north to Cambridge, where we admire the beautiful colleges. After lunch, we continue to York to take in its striking cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets – you then have free time to explore. Later, we proceed further north to Durham, a vibrant medieval town crowned by a magnificent cathedral set opposite the castle.
Day 5 - Durham - Alnwick - Edinburgh
We leave Durham and travel into Scotland, stopping in Alnwick – a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and grand medieval castle, famously seen in the Harry Potter films. We then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. Scotland’s capital is one of Northern Europe’s most vibrant cities and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the castle commanding views over the city’s steep streets and parks. We round off the day with a panoramic tour led by a local guide.
Day 6 - Edinburgh - Inverness - Loch Ness - Fort Augustus - Glasgow
We leave Edinburgh for a full-day journey through the Highlands, pausing for coffee and a short stroll in Pitlochry. We continue via Inverness towards Loch Ness, where we visit Urquhart Castle – admission included – and then take a boat trip on the loch’s dark waters. We follow the Caledonian Canal past Fort Augustus and continue to Fort William, a gateway to Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. Heading south across high plateaus – often snow-dusted – we skirt the shores of Loch Lomond before arriving in Glasgow in the early evening.From 15 November to the end of February, we follow an adjusted itinerary to suit daylight and road conditions: 08:00 a.m. – depart Edinburgh for Pitlochry (09:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.), in the heart of Scotland’s whisky region, where we visit a traditional distillery – admission included. We continue to Stirling (12:30 p.m. – 03:30 p.m.) to explore the historic centre and Stirling Castle – tickets included. We stop to photograph The Kelpies before reaching Glasgow at around 05:00 p.m., when you’ll have time for a stroll in the city centre.
Day 7 - Glasgow - Lichfield - Birmingham
We depart early this morning, travelling south through Scotland and into England, with views of green countryside and small villages along the way. We stop in Lichfield for a walk and time for lunch – this picturesque city is known for its cathedral with three spired towers and an attractive historic centre. We then continue to Birmingham, the United Kingdom’s second-largest city – once pivotal to the Industrial Revolution and today a lively economic and cultural hub. In your free time, you can wander around the Town Hall area and explore the extensive canal network – larger than Venice’s – lined with restaurants and entertainment venues.
Day 8 - Birmingham - Stratford - Stow-on-the-Wold - Gloucester - Bath
We leave Birmingham for Stratford, a town dating from the 12th century on the River Avon and the birthplace of William Shakespeare – you can visit the house where he was born if you wish. We continue through a landscape of small villages to Stow-on-the-Wold, a charming village of stone houses around a picturesque square, dotted with art galleries and antique shops. Our journey then takes us to Gloucester – you will have time for lunch at the lively docks and to explore the historic centre, whose grand cathedral featured in several Harry Potter scenes. We finish the day in Bath, renowned for its hot springs and Georgian architecture – you can visit the Roman baths if you wish.
Day 9 - Bath - Stonehenge - Salisbury - London
After time in Bath – you can visit the Roman Baths if you wish – we continue through southern England to Stonehenge, with admission included to this renowned prehistoric stone circle. We then head to Salisbury, where you’ll have free time for lunch in the medieval centre, followed by a visit to the cathedral – admission included – home to the tallest spire in England. We return to London by the end of the day.
Day 10 - London
After breakfast, we’ll conclude our journey in London – our services end here. You can make your own arrangements for onward travel or choose to spend more time in the city.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - London
Pre-Tour Accommodation - London
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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