ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND HERITAGE
Price
Duration
Min People
Tour Type
Tour Code
CS-GB
Overview
Delve deeper into the history and heritage of Britain, from Windsor Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon to the bonnie birthplace of kilts and clans. Let centuries-old architecture inspire you, fall in love with the beauty of the Lake District and engage with the best of Britain when you visit Bath, York, Edinburgh and Glasgow, topping it all off with a leisurely stroll in the footsteps of the golfing gods at St. Andrews.
Included/Excluded
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- The services of a Costsaver Local Host if you stay at Costsaver's recommended London hotel
- City orientation tours
- Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Day 1 | London – Windsor – Bath – Cardiff (Meals: Dinner)
- Begin and end your journey back in time on the busy streets of London.
- Travel west for a memorable encounter with royalty and the Roman Empire.
- Visit Windsor, home to the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.
- Continue to UNESCO-listed Bath and view the city’s beautiful Georgian façades.
- Proceed to Cardiff for your overnight stay.
- Hotel: Copthorne
Day 2 | Cardiff – Chester – Liverpool Meals: Breakfast
- Explore the pretty town of Chester, where the Romans left their mark.
- View the city walls built in the first century to defend their fortress.
- Admire the black and white half-timbered buildings, famously known as ‘The Rows’.
- Enjoy some free time to explore Chester at your own pace.
- Alternatively, join an Optional Experience to Llangollen in North Wales.
- Llangollen, home of the International Eisteddfod, offers serene scenery and a variety of cafés, bars, and restaurants.
- Spend the night in Liverpool, known as the haunt of the ‘Fab Four’.
- Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore Liverpool’s legendary nightlife.
- Hotel: Ibis Albert Dock
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
North Wales Scenic Excursion –
- Visit the picturesque village of Llangollen in North Wales.
- Explore charming sights such as the River Dee and Victorian Railway Station.
- Travel through the Valley of the Cross.
- Ascend to the Horseshoe Pass to enjoy views of the rolling green hills.
- Capture some enviable travel photos along the way.
- Adult: 17.00 GBP
Famous Sights and the Fab Four –
- Join a guided tour led by a Local Specialist to explore the iconic cultural landmarks of Liverpool.
- Discover the city’s maritime past and famous cultural present.
- Visit Liverpool’s two magnificently different cathedrals.
- Uncover the legacy of The Beatles, including exploring Mathew Street, the birthplace of the Beatles.
- Admire the Merseybeat sounds of Liverpool.
- Adult: 24.00 GBP
Day 3 | Liverpool – Lake District – Gretna Green – Glasgow Meals: Breakfast
- Enjoy a scenic drive north to the Lake District.
- Explore the rugged and untamed beauty of the Lake District, which inspired William Wordsworth’s poetry.
- Consider joining an Optional Experience to ride an old-world steam train between Haverthwaite and Lakeside, followed by a cruise on Lake Windermere.
- Cross the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, famous for eloping couples exchanging vows over the Blacksmith’s anvil.
- Continue the journey to the bold city of Glasgow.
- Optional Experience available for a night out in Glasgow (“toon”).
- Hotel: Ibis City Centre
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere –
- Embark on a cruise on Lake Windermere to explore the beauty of the northern coastline.
- Admire picturesque homes, gardens, and the neo-gothic architecture of Wray Castle along the water.
- Encounter deserted islands, unique wildlife, and scenic vistas.
- Explore an area beloved by famous writers Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
- Adult: 26.00 GBP
Windermere Cruise and Steam Train Ride –
- Cruise across England’s largest lake, enjoying the glorious scenery of the Lake District.
- Admire beautiful homes, castles, and more from the water.
- Step back in time as we board the historic steam train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite.
- Experience the thrill of riding the heritage railway and take in scenic views during the journey.
- Adult: 31.00 GBP
*Occasionally this experience will operate in reverse.
Glasgow City Evening –
- Explore the vibrant character and joy of Glasgow at night with your Travel Director.
- Enjoy an evening of good food, drinks, and unique experiences.
- Glasgow boasts cosy bars, a famous live music scene, and historic Victorian architecture.
- Delight in a mix of venues for travelers to explore.
- Adult: 58.00 GBP
Day 4 | Glasgow – Scottish Highlands (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
- Begin the day with an introduction to Glasgow’s industrial past and modern revival.
- Experience the city’s characteristic gallus strut.
- Journey north to the banks of Loch Lomond.
- Opt to cruise to Rob Roy’s cave with the Optional Experience.
- Encounter the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Glencoe, known as the ‘Glen of Weeping’.
- Reflect on the brave clansmen who fought for their beliefs.
- Optional Experience: Visit a local shepherd Neil and his border collies on their Highland sheep farm.
- Perfect your sheep-shearing skills.
- Settle into your Highland hotel.
- Hotel: Laggan
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Loch Lomond Boat Trip –
- Set sail on Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s most impressive destinations.
- Cruise along the loch while the skipper shares mystical stories of the area.
- Relax and savor the stunning scenery.
- Learn about landmarks such as Rob Roy’s Cave.
- Adult: 21.00 GBP
Highland Farm Experience –
- Travel to a real Highland Sheep Farm.
- Meet Neil the Shepherd and discover the charms of local life in the Scottish Highlands.
- Meet his beautiful border collies.
- Learn how Neil uses different whistles to command each dog.
- Have the opportunity to feed the lambs yourself.
- This hands-on tour is one for the bucket list!
- Adult: 22.00 GBP
Day 5 | Scottish Highlands – St. Andrews – Edinburgh (Meals: Breakfast)
- Scenic drive through the mystical landscapes of the Highlands.
- Venture to picturesque Pitlochry on the banks of the Tummel.
- Explore Pitlochry, a salmon fishing center, on your own.
- Optional Experience: Visit Blair Castle, home of the Duke of Atholl and Europe’s last remaining private army.
- Opportunity to visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf.
- Snap a selfie against the backdrop of the famous 18th green.
- Hotel: Moxy Edinburgh Airport
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Pitlochry, Visit of Blair Castle –
- Explore the enchanting gardens and grand halls of Blair Castle.
- Discover 750 years of Scottish history, including significant events like the Civil War.
- Learn about notable figures who visited, including Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Home to the Dukes of Atholl for centuries.
- Rich in cultural stories and artifacts.
- Tour the historic castle to uncover its secrets.
- Adult: 28.00 GBP
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Dinner and Drive to Historic Torphichen –
- Scenic drive to the ancient village of Torphichen.
- Torphichen historically associated with Scottish Kings and Knights Templar.
- Arrival at the Torphichen Inn.
- Toasted arrival by gracious host.
- Enjoy an excellent dinner of local specialties.
- Cultural entertainment included.
- Adult: 69.00 GBP
Ceilidh Evening and Dinner at Ghillie Dhu –
- Welcome by a Scottish piper.
- Enjoy a welcome drink.
- Indulge in a delicious three-course meal.
- Live Ceilidh music.
- Iconic Piping in the Haggis ceremony.
- Adult: 79.00 GBP
- *This experience will only be offered during the summer months April – October.
Day 6 | Edinburgh sightseeing and free time (Meals: Breakfast)
- Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast with tattie scones and all the trimmings.
- Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh with a Local Specialist.
- Visit the Georgian New Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle.
- Plenty of free time to explore on your own.
- Optional Experience to Rosslyn Chapel or an in-depth tour of Edinburgh Castle.
- Hotel: Moxy Edinburgh Airport
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Edinburgh Castle Experience-
- Visit Edinburgh Castle with a Local Specialist.
- Explore the castle, which has stood on Castle Rock since the 12th century.
- Learn about its history as one of the most besieged places in Great Britain.
- See the crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland.
- Visit the National War Museum of Scotland.
- Cost: £38.00
Rosslyn Chapel-
- Drive to the village of Rosslyn from Edinburgh.
- Hear the inside story of Rosslyn Chapel from a Local Specialist.
- Explore Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotland’s most unusual 15th-century buildings.
- Learn about its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement, and its mention in ‘The Da Vinci Code’.
- Cost: £29.00
Day 7 | Edinburgh – York – Bradford (Meals: Breakfast)
- Depart from Scotland and head south towards England.
- Stop to visit Hadrian’s Wall, a first-century Roman defensive fortification.
- Continue the journey to the walled city of York.
- Take an orientation tour through York’s narrow medieval streets.
- Visit the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster, which dominates the city.
- Admire the beautiful stained glass windows of York Minster.
- Enjoy an evening to explore York’s history, including tales of Romans, roses, and ghosts.
- Accommodation: Leonardo Hotel
Day 8 | Bradford – Stratford-upon-Avon – London (Meals: Breakfast)
- Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
- Explore the town associated with England’s most beloved playwright.
- Take a group picture with your Travel Director and new friends.
- Bid a fond farewell to London, the capital of the United Kingdom.
- Windsor View the Royal Castle
- Bath Visit the Georgian spa town
- Chester View the timbered buildings known as the ‘Rows’
- Lake District Visit this picturesque region
- Gretna Green Visit this town, popular with eloping couples since 1754
- Glasgow View Glasgow Cathedral and George Square on your orientation tour
- Loch Lomond See the freshwater lake with the largest surface area in Britain
- Fort William See the Commando Memorial and Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis and enjoy a scenic drive through Glencoe, the infamous ‘Glen of Weeping’
- St. Andrews View the 18th green on St. Andrews Old Course
- Edinburgh Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes the famous Princes Street, the Royal Mile and the Castle
- Hadrian’s Wall View the remains of the Roman wall
- York View York Minster and stroll along the Shambles
- Stratford-Upon-Avon Visit the town of Shakespeare’s birth and see Anne Hathaway’s cottage