Day 1 - LONDON - STRATFORD - YORK

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, depart for the thatched rooved cottages of the Cotswolds. Stroll through the charming village of Woodstock to Blenheim Palace gatehouse for fine views of the grounds. Continue to Stratford, nestled on the quiet waters of the Avon to visit William Shakespeare's birthplace. In nearby Coventry, the modern cathedral stands resolute beside the war-damaged ruins of its predecessor. Your destination is the ancient walled city of York. Join your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink tonight.
Hotel: Marriott (D)

Day 2 - YORK - EDINBURGH

This morning there's time to admire the magnificent Gothic York Minster & walk with your Tour Director through the maze of narrow medieval streets to the quaint Tudor 'Shambles'. Later, stop briefly at a section of Roman Wall built by the Emperor Hadrian & then it's on to the Scottish Border. Continue past the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey to reach the lively Scottish capital of Edinburgh.
Hotel: Roxburghe (B)

Day 3 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

Drive from the elegant squares of the 'New Town' to Edinburgh castle, perched high on its rocky crag. Witness Scotland's glittering crown jewels before continuing down the Royal Mile, past St Giles Cathedral to Holyrood Palace, & on to Princes Street to see the Sir Walter Scott monument. The afternoon is yours to discover more of this fine city & its shops, or to visit one of its many museums & galleries. Tonight selected departures return to Edinburgh Castle for the Edinburgh Tattoo - a colourful mixture of military manoeuvres, complete with pipes & drums. (B)

Day 4 - EDINBURGH - STIRLING - TROSSACHS - GLASGOW

Follow in the footsteps of Scotland's national heroes today! Drive via Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, then pass Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce routed the English forces in 1314. You can see his statue on the esplanade of Stirling Castle & gaze out to the William Wallace Monument in the distance. Now enter the fortress itself to visit the amazing Great Hall of James IV & see how banquets were prepared in the Great Kitchens! Continue into the Trossachs for some real Highland scenery of forested lochs & heather clad mountains. Drive past Doune Castle, where 'Monty Python & the Holy Grail' was filmed, & on to Callander, haunt of the Highland rogue Rob Roy MacGregor. After a spectacular drive along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond you reach Glasgow. An orientation drive shows you the city's Grand public buildings including George Square & St Mungo's cathedral.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza (B)

Day 5 - GLASGOW - GRETNA - LAKE DISTRICT

Begin your day with a drive through the Southern Uplands to cross the border at Gretna – for years the destination of eloping English lovers. Continue to the Lake District - a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains & tranquil waters, inspiration to a host of poets. Most notable was William Wordsworth & you visit his final resting place in the Grasmere village churchyard next. Admire the vast expanse of Windermere, largest of the lakes, before reaching your hotel.
Hotel: Hydro (B,D)

Day 6 - LAKE DISTRICT - LUDLOW - CARDIFF

Take the smooth motorway south & stop around lunch time in ancient Ludlow, one of England's most attractive towns. The town is dominated by the massive castle, rich in tragic royal history. After some time to explore, cross into southern Wales & head for the capital city of Cardiff.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Cardiff (B)

Day 7 - CARDIFF - BATH - GLASTONBURY - PLYMOUTH

Cross back into England via the soaring Severn Bridge & drive to the delightful Georgian city of Bath, its curative waters famous since Roman times. Visit the 18th century Pump Room & the ancient Baths, where parts of the Roman plumbing are still in use. See the 15th century Abbey before continuing to mysterious Glastonbury, a town steeped in legend (some say that King Arthur is buried in the ruined abbey). Pass through the cider orchards of Somerset to your hotel in Plymouth. This evening, for your dining pleasure, choose from a selection of restaurants.
Hotel: Copthorne Plymouth (B,DA)

Day 8 - PLYMOUTH SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy a cruise up Plymouth Sound to the harbour & the Mayflower Steps, from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail on the Mayflower. Back on dry land, see the Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake played bowls, the Citadel, & explore the historic Barbican area. Now it's out over the rugged, wild, heather-clad Dartmoor, with its sinister memories of the remote prison & 'Hound of the Baskervilles'. (B,D)

Day 9 - PLYMOUTH - STONEHENGE - LONDON

Cross Salisbury Plain to visit the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge, made up of strange & awe inspiring monoliths reputed to be over 4,000 years old. The tour ends upon returning to London & bidding farewell to your Tour Director. (B)