Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bath

The beautiful Georgian city of Bath is an easy 90-minute train ride from London. We'll meet around 5 p.m. at our hotel for a "Welcome to England" get-together. After introductions, we'll take a short neighborhood walking tour and enjoy dinner together. Sleep in Bath (3 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Roman and Georgian Bath

Our day begins with a tour of the town's remarkably well-preserved Roman Baths. Then you'll be free to make your own discoveries in this delightful, historic town. You might visit the colorful Costume Museum or wander the very Georgian Royal Crescent. No Bus. Walking: moderate.

Day 3: Glastonbury and Wells

We'll meet our coach and driver for a day trip to mystical Glastonbury, the legendary resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. We'll also marvel at the one-of-a-kind Wells Cathedral. We'll end the day with dinner together. Bus: 2.5 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 4: Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds

This morning we'll stop for a look at the extensive, prehistoric stone circle at Avebury. Then we'll drive north to Blenheim Palace, a gilded mini-Versailles and birthplace of Winston Churchill. In the afternoon we'll head for the nearby Cotswold Hills and a pub dinner. Sleep in the market town of Stow-on-the-Wold (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 5: Cotswold Villages

Our bus will take us on a scenic Cotswolds loop drive, stopping at charming, ever-so-English 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 6: Warwick Castle and Northern Wales

We'll begin our day exploring England's best-preserved castle — Warwick — with vivid demonstrations of medieval life. Then we'll bid cheerio to England as we drive to into neighboring north Wales. Sleep in the castle-topped town of Conwy (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 7: Caernarfon Castle and Conwy

Today we'll see and feel the rugged character of north Wales, visiting impressive Caernarfon Castle and the National Slate Museum. You'll also have time to roam around and enjoy dinner on your own in Conwy. Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 8: To the Lake District

We'll cross back into England today as we make our way to the spectacular Lake District, favorite haunt of poets and painters. This evening we'll enjoy a traditional fish-n-chips dinner together. Sleep in Keswick (2 nights). Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 9: Sheep Thrills in the Lake District

After an entertaining visit to the Sheep Center (ewe won't believe it), your day is free for a refreshing hike 'twixt lakes and mountains, or a leisurely boat cruise on Derwentwater Lake. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).

Day 10: Hadrian's Wall

We'll travel into Northumberland and back in time today, with a tour of Hadrian's ancient Roman wall at Housesteads Fort. Then we'll wind our way through North Yorkshire — "James Herriot country" — to the cathedral town of York. Sleep in York (2 nights). Bus: 4 hours. Walking: strenuous.

Day 11: York Minster and the Medieval City

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

Day 12: Literary London

Today 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 13: Historic and Lively London

This morning we'll head out for an energetic 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 14: Tour Over After Breakfast

Heathrow and Gatwick airports can be easily reached from our London neighborhood. For those not ready to return home yet, 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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