Day 1 | London

Arrive in London. Transfer to your hotel is included. You are free to enjoy London on your own. (Please note: hotel check-in is generally between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you are arriving into London early the hotel should be happy to hold your luggage until your room is ready).

Day 2 | Shrewsbury

Make your own way to Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, the London departure point by 9:00 am (unless optional transfer was purchased at time of booking). Tour departs promptly at 9:15 am. We depart from London and make our way to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford on Avon.

Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, we have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch (independently) in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs. We head to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. Built during the age of Industrial Revolution, explore how it was pieced together or simply enjoy the views from above the lazily flowing River Servern.

We make our way to the county town of Shrewsbury, the narrow streets of the town centre are almost completely encircled by the River Severn. Charles Darwin was born in this bustling market town, and its timber-framed black and white Tudor buildings is our home for the next two nights. (Note: on some dates the accommodation may be in Chester). (B)

Day 3 | North Wales

This morning your tour will take you into the heart of North Wales. We will travel through beautiful green valleys and lovely little towns and villages, then visit the picture book medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th Century (admission included).

You will also explore the impressive mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of Snowdon Wales’ highest peak.

We will hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before traveling back through the borderlands into England, and return to Shrewsbury/Chester where you will be dropped at your accommodation. (B)

Day 4 | Peak District

To the northeast of Shrewsbury lie the hills of the Peak District National Park, with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages. After a spectacular drive, we arrive in the elegant spa town of Buxton. It's been attracting visitors to enjoy its natural thermal springs since Roman times. And it's where you can fill up your bottle with crystal-clear water from the famous spring.

In the afternoon, you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth, home to the Cavendish family, Duke of Devonshire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s favorite country house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paintings, Old Master drawings, and neo-classical sculptures. You'll have several hours to explore the area, or stop for a snack.

From here, we travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of York, where you will spend the next two (2) nights, so you can wander through the lit cobbled streets of The Shambles, visit one of the city's cozy pubs, or take a walk along the medieval city walls. (B)

Day 5 | York

Today there are two fantastic options to fill your day. You can spend the whole day at leisure exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. Visit some of the fascinating museums, the amazing York Minster, and lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and ancient city walls.

Alternatively, you could join our guide on a half-day excursion into the Yorkshire Dales, visiting the pretty market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon, some of the remote valleys, and the rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales, followed by a free afternoon in York. There's much to see and do: you can visit a chocolate museum, admire the iconic York Minster, find out about the Vikings, or even just stroll around the ancient walls. 

Either option makes for an incredible day, with time in the evening to rest or take in York at your leisure. (B)

Day 6 | York - London

Leaving York in the morning, we begin our return journey south to London, stopping off in the town of Stamford, with its fine collection of historic stone buildings, and the famous University City of Cambridge, with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture, and medieval streets.

See the world-famous Kings College Chapel and take a stroll along the River Cam. There are also plenty of pubs, cafes and tea rooms to choose from for lunch. After you've uncovered some of Cambridge's secrets, we start our return journey to London.

Arrive back in London at approximately 7:30 pm. Make your way to your pre-booked London hotel. (B)

Day 7 | London - U.S.

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Airport for your return flight to the US. (B)