Day 1 Cambridgeshire/Suffolk
Leaving London, on our first day we journey into Cambridgeshire, a charming region best known for its rolling countryside, quaint villages, cathedral cities and myriad of waterways. Enveloped in an atmosphere of learning, we wander through the streets of Cambridge, an attractive and fascinating city, where in-term time we experience the buzz of student life as we take in the historic courts and gardens of its famous colleges before arriving at our charming hotel.
(D)
Overnight accommodation – The Angel Hotel, Bury St Edmonds or similar

Day 2 Lincoln
We travel north along the Norfolk border today towards the medieval city of Lincoln. On the way we visit the old city of Ely, home to one of England’s largest and most striking cathedrals, dominating the skyline. We continue to the house of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England after the Civil war. His residence has been recreated to show how the family would have lived in the mid-17th century. Our ultimate destination for today is Lincoln, characterised by its soaring Norman cathedral, Roman ruins, Viking artefacts, and cobbled Tudor streets. The medieval square is the perfect setting for the traditional Christmas Markets (the first Germanic style markets in the UK) during the festive season (Dec) and where you can buy unique gifts and taste delicious local treats.
(B)
Overnight accommodation – The White Hart Hotel, Lincoln or similar

Day 3 York
Today, we take a journey through the Lincolnshire Wolds – Tennyson country. Here we wind through country vistas and lesser-known villages to discover why this region is revered as an area of outstanding natural beauty. We stop in picturesque local villages which might include Tealby or Old Bollingbroke – the birthplace of King Henry IV. We then travel on to the medieval city of York. A fabulous destination any time of year, York is renowned for its exquisite architecture, its tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster. There is opportunity to amble through the city streets before our evening meal together at a local restaurant.
(B/D)
Overnight accommodation – Churchill Hotel, York or similar


Day 4 York
Today is a free day to explore this elegant city. York is home to one of the most impressive Gothic Cathedrals in the world, and is a must-see for anyone visiting this area. Talk a walk through the Old City, including the city walls, and visit the York Castle Museum, The National Rail Museum, The Yorvik (Viking) Centre or Clifford’s Tower and the collection of restored Guild Halls and houses. Maybe do some shopping at the Christmas Market or along the Shambles, possibly the oldest shopping street in Europe. Take afternoon tea at Betty’s Café Tea Rooms. The day is yours to enjoy.
(B)
Overnight accommodation – Churchill Hotel, York or similar

Day 5 Northumberland
The North-East has some of Britain’s most dramatic landscape which unravels as we journey alongside the Pennine Hills and through the Yorkshire Dales towards Durham. We stop in the historic town of Richmond, the site of a well-preserved castle and reputed to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. We then continue to the university city of Durham with its ancient cobbled streets, Norman cathedral and 11th century castle. Over winter it will be alight with Christmas decorations and will host traditional Christmas Markets. From here we continue to the heart of rural northern England where we spend the night in another hotel full of character.
(B/D)
Overnight accommodation – Battlesteads, Hexham or similar

Day 6 Edinburgh
Our final day will see us crossing over into Scotland but not before stopping at the Roman Empire’s northernmost frontier, Emperor Hadrian’s famous wall. We visit one of its Roman sites to give us an insight into Britain’s Roman past before travelling where they did not – over the wild Border Country and into Scotland. Stepping back in time, we visit the huge ruins of the 12th century Augustinian abbey at Jedburgh, which remains an impressive structure despite the ravages of war and weather before continuing to our final destination – Edinburgh, where our tour comes to an end. Make sure you try the haggis and a dram of whisky before you leave!
(B)

Tour departs at 08:30hrs at
Lancaster Gate Hotel
66 Lancaster Gate
London W2 3NA

Tours ends at approx. 1730pm
The Royal Terrace Hotel
18 Royal Terrace
Edinburgh EH7 5AQ