Best of Britain
Experience Overview
See the very best of Britain on this 11-day guided tour that traverses Scotland, Wales and England. At Edinburgh Castle, sit on the Stone of Destiny, the sandstone seat upon which dozens of Scottish monarchs were crowned. Survey the English Lake District, where mountainous peaks give way to expansive lakes and scenery so picturesque it inspired the words of William Wordsworth. Plus, discover the mystery of Stonehenge, where towering prehistoric stones cast shadows on emerald green fields and sail across Plymouth harbor, with views of the city's royal citadel. Finally, indulge in a feast at a historic mill in the English countryside, enjoying organic seasonal produce freshly picked from the fields just outside.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Dinner (D)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- York: Enjoy a traditional Yorkshire dinner and the chance to get to know your fellow travelers.
Insight Choice
- Plymouth: Set sail on a relaxing cruise from Plymouth harbor, where the pilgrims left over 400 years ago.
- Dartmoor National Park: Visit Dartmoor to learn about the history of stone circles and indigenous traditions from your knowledgeable Local Expert on a scenic exploration.
Make Travel Matter
- Saltash: John and Anne welcome you to historic Heskyn Mill for a farm-to-table dinner. Savor a delightful meal, with all ingredients responsibly sourced from local producers or carefully foraged from the local area to reduce waste. The farms ethos is to support local and reduce food waste. All food is sourced locally, even though this proves more expensive. A staff member grows seasonal vegetables and they have their own egg laying hens. They have relationships with the local farmers where they make sure to get the food that would otherwise struggle to be sold in order to reduce waste. Vegetables are chosen seasonally and are often picked in the morning for their guests to enjoy later the same day. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Top Rated Highlights
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
- York: Your Travel Director will show you the York Minster, the city walls and the medieval Shambles during your orientation of the city.
- Hadrian's Wall: Stop to see part of the ancient wall that once marked the border of the Roman Empire.
- Jedburgh: See the impressive 12th century Jedburgh Abbey, dominating the center of town. Even though it is now in ruins it is still a magnificent structure and you can climb a spiral staircase to view the spectacular architecture from a balcony. Built by King David I of Scotland for Augustinian monks, Jedburgh is one of four major Abbeys of the Borders between England and Scotland, and was damaged and rebuilt several times during the Wars of Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
- Edinburgh: Visit Edinburgh Castle to view the Scottish Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and other artefacts with your Local Expert.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Glasgow: See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
- Stirling: Travel via the historic site of Bannockburn and view Stirling Castle.
- Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Ludlow: Explore the narrow streets and lanes in front of the castle. Admire the medieval timber-framed buildings and Georgian mansions.
- Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artefacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Glastonbury: Explore the town rumored to be the resting place of legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail, and location of one of the world's largest music festivals.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 34073
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 8.396B
Starts: London, United Kingdom
Finishes: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,774 ($434 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Meet your Travel Director to begin your journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon, with its wealth of black-and-white, timber-framed houses. Discover how William Shakespeare and his incredible works continue to shape society today when you visit his birthplace, full of interesting memorabilia and artefacts relating to his life. Continue to historic York to stroll the narrow lanes including the Shambles and view York Minster, England's largest medieval cathedral. Later, join your Travel Director for a warm and friendly dinner and the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening.
Accommodation: Hilton, York
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
See a part of Hadrian's Wall, an impressive Roman construction that once spanned 80 miles from coast to coast, marking the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. Continue past Jedburgh Abbey en route to the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, for your two-night stay in this stunning city. This evening, perhaps partake in a traditional optional dinner at Ghillie Dhu.
Accommodation: Malmaison, Edinburgh Leith
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning join a Local Expert to explore the Royal Mile. You will see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of His Majesty the King. Continue past the Sir Walter Scott Monument to the 18th century New Town with its neoclassical Adam facades. Visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Honours of Scotland, to view Mons Meg. The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, select departures will attend The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - a colorful mix of pipes and drums, dance and display, set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Accommodation: Edinburgh Marriott Holyrood
Meals: Breakfast
Drive via historic Bannockburn and Stirling and enjoy the scenery of the Trossachs. Continue along the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before arriving in Glasgow for an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. See the grand public buildings, including George Square and St. Mungo's Cathedral.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu, Glasgow
Meals: Breakfast
Travel via Gretna Green to the English Lake District, with scenery so beautiful it inspired a host of writers. Learn about the life of William Wordsworth and visit his grave in the picturesque, stone-built village of Grasmere.
Accommodation: Castle Green, Kendal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stop in ancient Ludlow, one of England’s most attractive towns, dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Why not spend time exploring the traditional open-air market, admiring the local crafts and perhaps sampling the produce? Afterwards, cross into southern Wales and head for the capital of Cardiff for an orientation of the port city, upon the River Taff. See Cardiff Castle and the impressive Principality Stadium.
Accommodation: Clayton, Cardiff
Meals: Breakfast
Cross the Severn Bridge back into England and drive to the golden Georgian City of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the well-preserved Roman Baths, before continuing to Glastonbury, steeped in legend and reputed to be the final resting place of King Arthur and the Holy Grail. View the ruined monastery before continuing to your hotel in the heart of Plymouth.
Accommodation: Leonardo, Plymouth
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Dartmoor with Insight Choice. Choose to join a scenic exploration of Dartmoor National Park. Spend time reconnecting with nature amidst the stunning landscape of towering granite tors, open moorland, beautiful rivers and lush, wooded valleys. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing cruise of Plymouth Harbor and see the Mayflower Steps, Barbican, Royal Citadel and Plymouth Hoe. Later this evening, savor an unforgettable dinner at Heskyn Mill during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for the ultimate Farm-to-Table dining experience. Enjoy a mouth-watering meal prepared from organic seasonal produce, freshly picked from the surrounding fields, served with a glass of wine.
Accommodation: Leonardo, Plymouth
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel across Salisbury Plain to visit the pre-historic and mysterious Stonehenge, where the strange and awe-inspiring megaliths are reputed to be up to 5,000 years old. Explore this fascinating site and learn about its historic and modern interpretations before returning to London for a final evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch, London
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Marlene S. - Traveled, May 2024
Great service from my booking with our driver. Nice service at all of our hotels too. I have been traveling for fifty years, but I am rather new to tour travel. This tour was perfect for me. The itinerary is fast-paced, but there are so many wonderful things to see. We took great advantage of the stops between hotels that we made each day. Stopping in small towns and interesting sites was a great way to break up the bus rides. Thank you for the insight on places we visited. I loved the meals in the small pubs, cultural sites and restaurants that I never could have found on my own. The food was good and the entertainment was too. As a solo traveler, I really do appreciate how welcomed I felt by the tour guide my fellow travelers and our driver. For navigating those narrow country roads. This was my third Insight Vacations Tour in a year and a half....I am already planning number four for this fall.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
John D. - Traveled, October 2024
Our driver and tour guide were excellent. Gave clear instructions and advance notice of what was coming up. even dropped all the bags at the hotel while we went on a loch cruise, was very nice to find bag in hotel room. Gave a good commentary as we passed places. Good job by both of them. Short time to get a lot in.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Everything we wanted to see was covered in the trip plus all the extras were brilliant. Was so friendly, knowledgable, and had a great sense of humour, which made the trip so much fun. The driver was also fantastic, gentlemanly and we alwats felt safe with his driving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
Chantelle T. - Traveled, October 2024
A great introduction to the British Isles. We saw a lot every day. Tour director and bus driver were a great combination. Lots of places to return to and spend more leisure time. My husband enjoyed the rural times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
David P. - Traveled, October 2024
We should have received the detailed itinerary and director's contact information earlier. It arrived in our email when we were already en route to the airport. On the positive side, it was great to have an Insight representative at the hotel. He was helpful with welcoming information and advice. It gave an overview of some of the most significant historical sites. Our tour director was very well informed and an excellent communicator.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Mary H. - Traveled, October 2024
We loved our tour “The best of Britain”! Our tour director was great with lots of knowledge of the areas we visited. We loved our driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I really enjoyed the tours on this trip but the bus ride was long between the stops for the tours. Our tour director, was well organized. The quests on the trip were delightful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
Everything we wanted to see was covered in the trip plus all the extras were brilliant. Was so friendly, knowledgable, and had a great sense of humour, which made the trip so much fun. The driver was also fantastic, gentlemanly and we alwats felt safe with his driving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
I would recommend Insight Vacations and this tour to everyone. Our tour guide was awesome and took the time to answer any questions that we may have had as well as having a lot of laughs and good times along the way! He would make sure that everyone was comfortable and happy and his knowledge of all the places we would travel to was excellent. Amazing tour! So scenic all along the way and the history attached to every destination will have you wanting to explore more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, September 2024
I am glad there was a lot of information given to us before the trip which helped us prepare for our trip. The tour guide were very knowledgeable. They made the bus rides fun with jokes and music. I had my birthday during the tour and provided a cake and a gift which I really liked. It was very well planned. I enjoyed each place we visited. I liked that we had many stops in between each town and there were even some places we visited that weren’t on the itinerary like the Kelpies. That was a nice surprise.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2024
Samuel A. - Traveled, July 2024
Was our guide and did a great job. He is very knowledgeable and professional in his presentations, while being a very caring man to all. Tour guide did his best to insure everyone was comfortable and worry-free while traveling. Our driver was hands down one of the best drivers I have ever ridden with. Safe, careful and very skilled. They are a dynamic duo and insured we were taken care of. They became friends to my family, and we have wonderful memories and pictures to remember them by. This was our first trip to the UK and it exceeded every expectation we had. Already planning to come back when Wilson finishes college. Very good, well-rounded itinerary that encompassed most areas of England, Scotland and Wales.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
They were both knowledgeable and organized. More free time would have been appreciated though.They did a great job. It would have been better if we spent 2 nights at each hotel rather then pack and unpack everyday. We stayed 2 additional days in London. London seems to be missing from the "Best of Britain".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, July 2024
This tour shows the incredible history of the UK. Our driver was extremely skilled at driving our coach. Was an excellent Tour Director, and incredibly knowledgeable about everywhere we toured.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Samuel S. - Traveled, July 2024
Very friendly and helpful. Staff and our driver were excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, February 2025
After the first couple of days, the guide made sure my mom who I traveled with was accommodated given that she's a slow elderly walker. Unfortunately, since it was Christmas and then Boxing day, there was no optional train ride around Windmere and the Cardiff Castle grounds were closed. There were included special Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2025
Insight Vacation genuinely cares about travelers having an amazing experience. The tour director was so incredible! She's entertaining, intelligent, caring, and generous. The driver was safe, knowledgeable, and hilarious! The itinerary covered lots of ground and showed amazing sites! Tour director was amazing and so informative.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, January 2025
Alison the Tour Guide and Andy the Driver were outstanding as they took great care to ensure that each passenger on the coach was not only comfortable, but enjoying every single moment of the journey. This tour is a wonderful adventure through England, Scotland and Wales. The rich history and beautiful countryside of Great Britain is exhibited at its finest every day of the tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2025
Maria A. - Traveled, January 2025
Insights customer service was on point most times. When I experienced problems with early check in London I called and they were able after a while to get us the service we needed although it took some time . The taxi at take us to the airport when it was running late I called and the driver arrived shortly after., although nerve racking and anxious. But they responded and that was appropriate. The Best of Braitain tour was mind opening and spectacular for myself and my husband. The history of the countries were sometimes sad but enchanting. The tour director and bus driver were on one accord and safety was of their concern. They made everything come alive. The local tour guides were knowledgeable. The passengers were respectful and professional to each other. The trip was moderately paced not exhausting. However, on the considerate side better arrangement need to be made with the hotel for passengers who have early arrival. Also for the picking up of passengers to take to airport ,with permission to allow the driver to call passenger so that he can arrive on time so there will not be a chance of missing your flight. Please be considerate of the vegetarian breakfast meals ther was not much to choose from. Overall the Best of Braitain was enjoyable mind opening history of the countries fascinating and good pace not exhausting. I will surely return to another trip for Braitain and adding on Ireland next time. Kudos who kept the group thinking with history quiz taking, safety punctuality respect and peace with the entire group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
A little more activities to visit, for example visit the church Shakespeare was buried in. More time in Tavis Stock to spend time in the market there, we only were given 20 minutes. More towns added to the list and more activities, like maybe visit the Church that Shakespeare was buried, Also more time in Tavis stock, to spend in Market, we just had 20 minutes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2025
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
The whole tour was so well organised. The tour director was entertaining, approachable, made the history of the UK come to life, kind and compassionate. The 2 drivers we had were excellent drivers, polite and amazingly strong lifting all that luggage in and out every day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/05/2024
Brenda M. - Traveled, June 2024
Tour guide and driver were excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2024
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