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Elegance of Great Britain
A 15-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $2,835
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| Starting Price: | $2,835 |  |
| Tour Length: | 15 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | England, Scotland | |
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Cities Visited: This tour is leisurely paced with two-night stays in every place visited. In each city there is an expertly planned day excursion, with fabulous visits designed to showcase each region in depth. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Visit Winston Churchill's former country residence of Chartwell
- Visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, tragic queen of King Henry VIII
- Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and National Motor Museum at Beaulieu
- Visit the birthplace of the celebrated bard, William Shakespeare, in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Visit the house and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque
- Visit the award-winning gardens of Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds
- Visit the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
- View the Honours of Scotland on your visit to Edinburgh Castle
- Attend the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Visit Abbotsford, the house built and lived in by famous novelist and author, Sir Walter Scott
- Visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, with its tapestries and scenic gardens
- Visit the dungeons, Great Hall and State Rooms of medieval Warwick Castle
Included Personal Insights
- At Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, enjoy an introduction to the engineering miracle that changed the world forever
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- See Churchill's statue in the village of Westerham
- Visit the cathedral town of Winchester
- See Salisbury Cathedral with its soaring 404ft spire, highest in England
- Visit Avebury's stone circles See Ludlow's ruined castle and Jacobean timbered buildings
- See Wenlock Edge Visit Gretna Green
- Tour the New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh
- See Jedburgh Abbey Visit Hadrian's Wall
- See York Minster and Shambles Scenic Drives - Cotswolds, New Forest, Lake District
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport Shuttle Service may be available when you book your air and land with Insight Vacations (conditions apply)
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Stratford (DA)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 12 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After checking in
to your hotel, perhaps take a stroll to Hyde Park or the department stores of Oxford
Street.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.
Day 3 - LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour of London’s West End shows youWestminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)
Day 4 - LONDON - HAMPSHIRE
After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, make your way into the Kent countryside. At the pretty village of Westerham, Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green and you visit his nearby residence of Chartwell next. Continue through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll the pretty gardens. Move on to your hotel set amid a 176-acre parkland golf course, with extensive leisure facilities and Health Spa. Enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner tonight.
Hotel: Botley Park, Golf & Country Club (D)
Day 5 - NEW FOREST EXCURSION
A scenic drive through the woods and glades of the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu Abbey, once a Cistercian Abbey, now the stately home of Lord Montagu. Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and visit his lordship's collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Travel on to Salisbury to see the 13th century cathedral, whose spire is the tallest in the land. After some free time, return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 6 - HAMPSHIRE - STRATFORD
Visit the cathedral town of Winchester this morning, where King Alfred stands guard in the High Street. The country roads lead you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace, full of memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life.
Hotel: Swans Nest (B)
Day 7 - COTSWOLDS EXCURSION
An enchanting day takes you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After touring the house and gardens, visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King Henry VIII's wives, Katherine Parr. Tonight, you are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure. (B,DA)
Day 8 - STRATFORD - LAKE DISTRICT
Travel through the orchards of Worcestershire to the border town of Ludlow, where elegant 18th century mansions rub shoulders with picturesque half-timbered Tudor buildings. The town is dominated by the massive castle, rich in tragic royal history. After some time to explore the lanes and hidden courtyards, continue through the remote Shropshire hills. You pass Wenlock Edge, as celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman, to reach historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. From the eponymous 200-year-old bridge the smooth motorway carries you north to the English Lake District.
Hotel: Windermere Hydro (B,D)
Day 9 - LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION
A whole day is devoted to the Lake District - a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters and an inspiration to a host of English poets. Visit Wordsworth's grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, the largest of the lakes. Perhaps consider a cruise on its peaceful waters before returning to the hotel. (B,D)
Day 10 - LAKE DISTRICT - EDINBURGH
Cross the Scottish border at Gretna - for years the destination of eloping English lovers. Spend your spare time shopping before enjoying the contrasting beauty of the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Here, discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens, which form a remarkable haven of tranquillity in the south of the city, as well as being a world-renowned centre for botanical science.
Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor (B)
Day 11 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Today a local guide shows you the glory of the 'Athens of the North'. In the old town visit Edinburgh Castle containing the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Royal regalia in the British Isles. Follow the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse where Mary Queen of Scots lived - it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century 'New Town' with its classical Adam facades. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, selected departures attend the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (B)
Day 12 - EDINBURGH - BRONTË COUNTRY
Travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th century estate of Sir Walter Scott, which now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artefacts collected throughout his lifetime. Head south past Jedburgh Abbey and over the border to visit Hadrian's Wall, boundary of the civilised world in Roman times! Stay for the next two nights in an historic, grand Victorian hotel, set amidst a landscape that fuelled the imagination of the Brontë sisters in writing their classic novels.
Hotel: Marriott Hollins Hall & Country Club. (B,D)
Day 13 - YORKSHIRE EXCURSION
After breakfast, drive to the walled city of York, one of the most historic cities in Britain, its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. See the huge Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets, including the Shambles. Head out now through rich farmland to visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, one of Britian's grandest historic houses with its fine furniture, paintings, tapestries and extensive gardens. (B,D)
Day 14 - BRONTE COUNTRY - LONDON
Travel south to visit Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts perched on a crag above the River Avon. The chilling dungeon contrasts with the splendour of the State Rooms and baronial Great Hall. Return to London where you bid farewell to your Tour Director and your tour comes to an end. (B)
Day 15 - RETURN TO USA
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. (CB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
9/6/2010 - 9/20/2010 |
$2,835 |
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9/13/2010 - 9/27/2010 |
$2,835 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Visit Winston Churchill's former country residence of Chartwell
- Visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, tragic queen of King Henry VIII
- Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and National Motor Museum at Beaulieu
- Visit the birthplace of the celebrated bard, William Shakespeare, in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Visit the house and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque
- Visit the award-winning gardens of Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds
- Visit the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
- View the Honours of Scotland on your visit to Edinburgh Castle
- Attend the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Visit Abbotsford, the house built and lived in by famous novelist and author, Sir Walter Scott
- Visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, with its tapestries and scenic gardens
- Visit the dungeons, Great Hall and State Rooms of medieval Warwick Castle
Included Personal Insights
- At Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, enjoy an introduction to the engineering miracle that changed the world forever
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- See Churchill's statue in the village of Westerham
- Visit the cathedral town of Winchester
- See Salisbury Cathedral with its soaring 404ft spire, highest in England
- Visit Avebury's stone circles See Ludlow's ruined castle and Jacobean timbered buildings
- See Wenlock Edge Visit Gretna Green
- Tour the New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh
- See Jedburgh Abbey Visit Hadrian's Wall
- See York Minster and Shambles Scenic Drives - Cotswolds, New Forest, Lake District
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport Shuttle Service may be available when you book your air and land with Insight Vacations (conditions apply)
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Stratford (DA)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 12 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 3 Ways with Insight Vacations
Book and pay in full on 2011 Europe & Britain departures and receive 10% off listed tour price!
Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!
Other Featured Insight Deals
Save Up To $150 On 2011 USA AND CANADA Departures
Book and pay in full on an Insight Vacations 2011 USA and Canada departure of 10 days or more and save $150 per person or book a departure of 9 days or less and save $100 per person.
Book Now-Offer Ends September 30th, 2010
Save $300 on air-inclusive vacations!
Book yourself and a companion on an air-inclusive Insight Vacations 2010/11 Winter departure and each person will save $150 (this is valid for singles).
Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!
TERMS: 10% savings valid on 2011 Europe & Britain departures when full payment is made by October 1st, 2010. Travel must depart between April 11th, 2011 and October 11th, 2011. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts EXCEPT Early Payment Discount. Offer valid on Select Choices departures EXCEPT City Stays. Offer NOT valid on Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt or tours including cruises. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.