2020 Best of Northern England – 8 Days/7 Nights/11 Meals
Day 1: Independent Sightseeing in London & Welcome Dinner
Start your tour independently this afternoon, using your voucher for the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. Choose your route to see famous London landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus, and more. Join your group in the evening for a welcome drink before dining together.
(D)
Day 2: Oxford & Cambridge
Visit the University of Oxford, founded in the 12th century and one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Visit the Bodleian Library, home to more than 13 million printed items and with roots in the 14th century. In the afternoon, journey to Cambridge, where you’ll punt down the River Cam, enjoying views of the colleges of Cambridge University as you travel along the water. Enjoy free time for dinner in Cambridge.
(B)
Day 3: Ely Cathedral & York Minster
Visit Ely Cathedral, dating back to 672. This magnificent building was used as a filming location for “The Crown” and “The King’s Speech”. Travel to the equally resplendent York Minster; this Gothic cathedral has the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. Enjoy some free time in York to explore independently before dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)
Day 4: Vintage Train Ride & Whitby
Journey back in time on a vintage train ride from the Goathland Station that portrayed Hogsmeade Station in the first “Harry Potter” film to the ancient seaport of Whitby. Take a walking tour with your tour director, then free time for lunch. Travel back to York where your afternoon and evening are free for exploring and dinner on your own.
(B)
Day 5: Harrogate & Lake District
Visit Harrogate, a Victorian spa town in Yorkshire, for a walking tour with your tour director. Travel on to the Lake District, with a stop for lunch. Visit the Lakes Distillery, to discover how hand-crafted spirits are made and enjoy a sampling. Go to Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, and have a tasting of its traditional spicy-sweet treat, first made 165 years ago. Continue to your hotel on the shore of Lake Windermere for dinner.
(B, D)
Day 6: The Armitt & Lake Windermere
Visit the Armitt Museum, which preserves the cultural heritage of the Lake District, with a special focus on local artist Beatrix Potter. Depart for a scenic cruise down Lake Windermere, then board a train and travel the historic Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway for a picturesque ride through the Leven Valley. Travel on to Liverpool where you’ll check into your hotel and dine independently.
(B)
Day 7: Liverpool & Farewell Dinner
Discover Liverpool, the famous port city and home of the Beatles. You are free to delve into some of the city’s long history today at your own pace. In the evening, gather with your group for a farewell dinner.
(B, D)
Day 8: Tour Ends in Liverpool
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- See the fascinating sights of Cambridge as you ride down the Cam in a traditional punt, a flat-bottomed boat dating back to medieval days.
- Visit Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and learn the story of how a dedicated Victorian cook created a sweet and spicy treat that remains popular today.
- Marvel at the magnificent Ely Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece.
Dining Experiences:
- 7 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D) including a welcome and a farewell dinner.
Trip Highlights:
Hotels:
GB-LON-TTT | London (1 night)GB-CBR-HIL | Cambridge (1 night)GB-YOR-NOV | York (2 nights)GB-WID-LWB | Windermere (1 night)GB-LIV-HIL | Liverpool (2 nights)