Rick Steves Home > 2008 Tours > Britain, Ireland, Scotland

Best of Britain in 15 Days

$3,695 + air • 24-28 people • Begins in Edinburgh and ends in London

Our Best of Britain tour delivers just the right mix of urban Brit-thrills and thatch-happy village charm. From Big Ben to bagpipes, your guide will bring the icons of Britain to life. And from windswept Roman lookouts to desolate prehistoric stone circles, you'll wander far from the madding crowds, immersed in the wonder of this history-drenched island.

You'll hike through the Lake District where Wordsworth's poems still shiver in trees and ripple on ponds, ramble Edinburgh's Royal Mile, and toss a few darts with new pub chums. Staying in a mix of hotels and B&Bs, you'll feel like a guest of the family.

Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 0: Depart USA

Remember, you'll arrive in Europe the day after you depart the USA.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh

We'll meet around 5 p.m. at our hotel for a "Welcome to Britain" get-together. After introductions, we'll take a short walking tour and enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Edinburgh (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile

This morning we'll meet a local guide for a walking tour of the Royal Mile. Then we'll conquer Edinburgh Castle and enjoy its dramatic city views. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Hadrian's Wall and the Lake District

We cross into England today and visit Housesteads Fort, the best-preserved stretch of the ancient Roman wall. Then we aim for the spectacular Lake District, a favorite haunt of poets and painters. This evening we'll enjoy a traditional fish-n-chips dinner together. Sleep in or near Keswick (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 4: Sheep Thrills in the Lake District

After an entertaining visit to the Sheep Center, you'll have the afternoon free to hike amongst inspiring mountain and lake scenery, or enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on Derwentwater Lake. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 5: Fountains Abbey & Gardens of Studley Royal

This morning we'll visit the extensive ruins of the 12th century Fountains Abbey and the breathtaking gardens of Studley Royal. You can explore the abbey church and tower, as well as the lawns, woodlands, and elegant ornamental lakes. Then it's through the beautiful scenery of North Yorkshire to the medieval city of York. Sleep in York (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: York Minster and the Medieval City

After exploring York Minster, the largest Gothic church north of the Alps, we'll enjoy a walking tour of the city's medieval center. You'll have the rest of the day free to enjoy more of this enchanting city. Tonight is a great night to enjoy Evensong in the Minster. No bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Free Morning and Scenic Wales

This morning you may want to visit the Castle Museum or take a walk along the city walls. After lunch, we'll drive into scenic and rugged north Wales. Tonight we'll enjoy dinner together.  Sleep in or near Conwy (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: light to moderate.

Day 8: Caernarfon Castle and North Wales

Today we'll explore scenic north Wales, including brooding Caernarfon Castle and National Slate Museum. We'll return to Conwy for some free time and dinner on your own. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: Warwick Castle and Cotswold Hills

We begin today touring Warwick, England's best-preserved castle, with its fun demonstrations of medieval life. In the afternoon we'll drive to the thatched, perfectly English villages of the Cotswolds and enjoy a pub dinner. Sleep in or near Stow-on-the-Wold (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 10: Cotswold Villages and Free Time

Our bus will take us on a Cotswolds loop drive, with visits to a couple of quaint Cotswold villages. This afternoon you'll have free time to explore our home village and enjoy dinner on your own. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 11: Blenheim Palace and Avebury Circle

This morning we'll tour Blenheim Palace, a gilded mini-Versailles where Winston Churchill was born. After lunch we'll stop for a look at the ancient stone circle at Avebury. Then it is on to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath where we'll enjoy a neighborhood walk and free evening. Sleep in Bath (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 12: Georgian Bath

Today we'll start with a tour of the remarkably well-preserved Roman Baths. Then the rest of the day is yours to savor this beautiful city. You can visit the Costume Museum, wander the Royal Crescent, or enjoy evensong in the Abbey. No Bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 13: Literary London

This morning we'll make a beeline for London and its fascinating British Library. After settling in to our hotel, we'll go on a walking tour of Whitehall, ending at Trafalgar Square, where we'll scatter for dinner on our own. This would be a perfect evening for the theater (book something in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Sleep in London (2 nights). Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 14: Historic and Lively London

Together we'll head out for a great day of sightseeing, visiting the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. You'll have the afternoon free before our final group dinner, where we'll say our goodbyes. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 15: Tour over after breakfast

Heathrow or Gatwick airports are easy connections from our London neighborhood. For those tempted to continue their trip, London is a great jumping off point to Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam and many other exciting destinations. Cheers!

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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Recommended reading and viewing list for this tour

 

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