Plenty of time outside the formal tour allowed us to really explore the real England- we met wonderful and colorful people. A good mix of both guided & free time to explore on my own. In fact the neighborhood is sometimes used as a backdrop for movie scenes that are supposed to be set in New York. You should also make sure the vehicle has a spare tyre in case you get a puncture. i took the tour to see/experience English history and towns, not hike through forests and gardens. The hotels had lots of character and were well situated. We really enjoyed the mix of guided tours, city orientations, and time on our own to explore. ", The tour exceeded our expectations in almost every way. "Bodnant Gardens, Minster at York, Castle Hotel in Wales, folk music, sheep farm, Hadrian's Wall". All of them were fascinating to listen to - very knowledgeable, articulate and with a sense of humor too. Enjoyed having all the details and arrangements handled for us. It is the first guided tour that we have been on. People over 70 need loo breaks, time to eat lunch, and a slower pace. As well as the array of thought-provoking exhibitions, The permanent collection contains work by masters such as Pablo Picasso, Damian Hirst, Salvador Dali, and Andy Warhol among others too numerous to mention. She was knowledgeable, entertaining, helpful, and motherly when necessary. Evensong at Minister. "I can't say I had a wow moment except at the end of the tour I when put all the history together and realized what an effect 2000 years has on a country. It was a privilege to be a part of this historic tradition.". South Florida. Its easy to see how Dartmoor inspired Arthur Conan Doyles The Hound of the Baskervilles. We took the suggestion and walked 5 minutes from our hotel to the really beautiful theater to see an excellent play. As advertized. "So many! Travel through central England, via Elgar's beloved Malvern Hills, to reach the classic English countryside of the Cotswolds. The drive should take around 1 hour 30 minutes. It was everything thing I expected and even better. If youre renting a campervan with Yescapa then insurance and 24/7 breakdown cover is included in the price. I'm a total anglophile and a chance to visit with a British citizen and hear her ideas and thoughts on various topics was a real treat; I learned more about this beautiful country. This was our first Rick Steves tour and it was great. Every detail was researched and arranged well. They provide a detailed and thorough service, with a strong dedication and attention to detail. The sheepdog demonstration and the garden was fantastically beautiful. Breakfasts were outstanding. You always assume that beautiful backdrops in movies/tv productions are carefully chosen by filmmakers, but no! Your driver-guide will then take you to the Cotswolds. This is my 4th RS tour and was comparable to the trip to Scotland. We are planning on doing the 14 days of Ireland next year. "Reaching the summit of Cat Bells, a classic fell hike in the Lake District. 45 minutes of choral performance and organ music. "Walking on top of Hadrians Wall was quite a thrilland a great learning experience about the extent of the Roman Empire.". We were very satisfied on both fronts! WebDurham is a historic city and the county town of County Durham in North East England. Especially when they mention the walking, take the day to day mileage seriously if basing you tour pick off of that. If you click and make a booking or purchase, Ill make a commission (at no extra cost to you). 14 day city sightseeing trip through York, Edinburgh, Loch Ness and 12 other destinations in 8 different countries. This was my eighth Rick Steves tour and I can't say I've ever had a less than good experience. Our guide made good adjustments when everything was shut down for the queen's funeral. Londinium, the largest city in ancient Britannia, was a Roman creation. Loved driving through the beautiful countryside! We'll begin our day marveling at York Minster's stained glass windows on our tour of the largest Gothic church north of the Alps. 14 days $ 285 / day. I delighted in so many hidden gems - and we got very lucky with glorious weather as well! Days 1 Price From 39.00. It made my trip!". Book the Western Caribbean & Perfect Day , departing from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida on 14 Jul 2024 for 7 nights aboard Wonder of the Seas with ROL Cruise today. Bus driver was excellent. Of the three, I would rate this one as the best overall. This is where youll begin your walking tour of London. I think the day we did Glastonbury & Wells Cathedral was just WOW! It sounds like a lot, but you can see so many sights with a long walk along the River Thames. Throw in a few castles, a palace and ancient Roman sites. It was educational, fun and I had a great time. When they said we had three hours I was wondering what I would do for that long around gardens but I really could have spent the day there.". It was a vigorous hike but the panoramic vistas were spectacular and well worth the effort.". On the 10th (Fri), take an in-depth tour of Oriental Museum and then visit Fury Events.Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Sat): go for a walk through Durham Riverside Walk, then steep yourself in history at Durham Cathedral, then see the interesting displays at This was our first group tour. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Your next destination is the historic city of Bath where you can enjoy the Georgian architecture of Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, with the highlight of exploring Baths Ancient Roman heritage and the still operational Roman Baths. Meeting off-duty police officers on the wharf in Conwy who chatted us up as the sun went down simply because they loved our accents. The ninth day of your guided tour of England begins with your driver-guide collecting you in the morning as you prepare to visit one of the worlds most venerated institutions, Cambridge University which was founded in 1209 making it the second oldest University in the English-speaking language. The views from up there are absolutely incredible. Fabulous tour and well worth the money. That and the age of the Stained Glass windows in York Minster.". The architectural finds and those that are still going on presently. Windsor Castle welcomes visitors for tours most days of the year, but you need to book a timed ticket in advance, either online or by phone. "The outstanding moment of the tour for me was climbing the Cat Bells by Lake Derwentwater! Great to see so much of the country and see some of the regional differences. Summer has its advantages, with long days and the best weather (though never guaranteed). If I have to pick one, it would be standing on Hadrian's Wall and later exploring the excavations and museum at Vindolanda, imagining thousands of Roman troops braving the weather and terrain of Northumbria, so far from their homes and literally on the brink of what was then civilization. Overall, considering that the Queen of England died and our tour itinerary had to be changed at the last minute, we had a wonderful experience of the varied sites and historical places unique to England and Wales. This beautiful National Park is also home to Englands highest peak, Scafell Pike. Now that weve got the practical details out of the way, lets begin your 2 week UK itinerary: London is usually the first place people visit when they arrive in the UK. But being a part and seeing so much historical structures and places filled my expectations for for many years to come.". ", "So nany wow moments! It gave me such a wonderful feeling of being connected to ancient history.". Bus: 3 hours. We had a great guide, assistant, and driver. Ever wanted to book a totally woo treatment in the capital of wellness culture? 14 day city sightseeing tour through Lisbon, Porto, Madrid and 4 other destinations in 4 different countries. This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. For maps, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Leeds trip itinerary builder website. Jamie was competent, knowledgeable, and fun. There is also a monument here inscribed with the names of 5126 Americans whose bodies were never found. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy an entertaining guided bus tour, hearing tales about Big Ben, the river Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more. For several stops, I had an idea of what we would see and do, but there were 2 stops that would not have necessarily been on my must see list. Who doesn't like sheep dogs?! No need for random hikes- such as in Snowdonia or wandering around the lake at Kenswick with no guide explanation. One of the most iconic images of London, the bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1894 and is world-renowned for its Victorian Gothic architecture style, panoramic views, and the remarkable site of the hydraulic-powered bridge raising and lowering to allow ships to pass. The resort town was lovely. the beautiful flower gardens, the B&B (and staff), the boat cruise and lakeside hike around Derwentwater, the scenic views! The trip was fantastic from start to finish. York Minster took my breath away.". But I will begin to explore other tour groups in the future. "I loved visiting Wales and a working farm, a herding demonstration. But the one thing they have in common is youll leave with a deep appreciation of everything that makes England special: a contrast of wild and idyllic landscapes, fascinating history and captivating urban destinations. "I have seen great scenery, architecture, and demonstrations like sheep herding, but you don't expect to see a young coach driver play the organ in a 12th century church. The history of England was a real issue for me. His historical knowledge was interesting but also great fun. The UKs capital city is like a living museum; everywhere you look youll see impressive architecture and relics of history. This was my first Rick Steves' tour and it will not be my last. Hotels and sites of interest were well chosen, and we felt completely free to opt in or out of any activity. There were places I would have liked to have spent more time exploring but these are places we'll go back to on our own on a future trip. Nearby, in the middle of a former Roman quarry, the Minerva Shrine has a sculpture of the goddess of war and craftsmanship. Glorious. I'm a history buff about World War II and the events leading up to it, so all the information was a dream come true. I can't remember ever being so impressed with an arboretum or botanic garden .. except the Keukenholf Gardens near Amsterdam in the middle of tulip time (while on another RSE tour with Rolinka Bloeming). Amongst the highlights of Lincoln Cathedral, your guide will talk you through: You will return to your Lincoln accommodation in the evening. She made England and Wales come alive. njoy skip-the-line access and the services of one of the Queens Yeoman Warders as your guide as you discover fascinating exhibits including, The Crown Jewels, Torture at the Tower exhibition, the Fusiliers Museum, the Royal Mint exhibition, and more at the Tower of London. So glad I got my eyes opened and enjoyed every minute.". Today we'll explore the natural beauty of the Lake District. I'd Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. If youre coming from a country that drives on the right, this will take some getting used to. "Sheep farm with Garth the hill farmer in Wales.". "Wales. We bonded well and enjoyed each other's company. 4.3 Great 21 reviews. See our FAQ | Email tour@ricksteves.com. And if youre up for a fun night out on the town check out the Gay Village, which is a pedestrianized area with lots of gay bars, pubs and clubs. Fantastic! After an orientation to the town of Keswick, we'll end the day feasting on fish and chips together at a traditional English chippy. Unlock discounts globally. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website. Our private tours were excellent and as promised, we walked for miles. The town is small enough to walk around. On your second day of this UK itinerary Id suggest a visit to Notting Hill, followed by Hyde Park, which is the largest of the royal parks. I also thought the joint dinners were of vey average quality except for Conwy. When renting a campervan, check what equipment is included in the rental. Down at the bottom end of Deansgate youll find Castlefield Basin and the Rochdale Canal, which is a nice area to have a stroll and a drink in the sun in summertime. This was a "wow" moment for me. I also went to the folk music club in Conwy as they were meeting the night we were in town. So much for rainy England! My wife and I had a wonderful tour to Britain. Lorraine is great, and most other guides were excellent and memorable, Stainway house York Caernarforn Castle. Each segment (guide, locations, etc) combined to make a "wow" tour. $ 3,995. Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury, The Tor, all wonderful experiences. Also the sheep ranch in Wales was a wonderful surprise. We even became quite functional on London's underground! I enjoyed a view of the gardens while feasting on tea and scones. We stayed extra days in London so no complains on not enough time there! Deborah, our tour guide and Sarah. "At our tour guide's suggestion, I had cream tea at the main pavilion at Bodnant Gardens. ", "All great. Romanized Britons built lavish country villas with all the latest mod-cons of the age, and one prime example is Fishbourne Palace near Chichester. We also got to know our bus driver Ali who added another dimension. However, the months of April, May, September, and October are best for offering fewer crowds, mild weather, and the full range of tourist fun. Knew nothing about cathedrals, but by the end, on our tour of the Westminster "mausoleum" I was a little disappointed that we didn't see the Chapter House, which I had never heard of before! We wanted more time in Conway- never had time to climb the walls or explore the town. It gave us a good overall introduction to England. Meanwhile, overlooking the city, Cliffords tower is the last intact part of York Castle, making your way up to the top is definitely worth it as the structure affords incredible scenic views looking out across the gorgeous city. Its not an activity that goes on in other cities really Cambridge is THE place for it. Of course, Brexit was a big topic! The monument consists of a ring of vertical stone columns, topped by connecting horizontal stones. After visiting Stonehenge youll arrive in Bath, which is a spa town in the southwest of England that lies in the valley of the River Avon. This trip is a tour through the best of England's natural landscapes, the inspiration for generations of poets, writers and composers. Hadrians Wall was a full stop in stone, marking the northernmost limits of the expansion of the Roman Empire. The two main shopping thoroughfares in Manchester are Market Street and Deansgate. Nigel became like a friend and showed concern and patience for each of us. We went to most all of the promised destinations (Wales was a disappointment due to the funeral of the queen), and hotels were far and above what I would book for myself. Our tour guide David was a lot of fun - we always appreciate learning the local slang and customs from the guide and the coach driver. Most were eventually fixed, but it shouldn't have been this hard. I loved the smaller quaint villages. Rambling through The Cotswold countryside through the sheep. "We peeled-off one of the group walks, turning it into our own free time, and made the arduous climb to a terrific lookout at the top of one of the hills outside of Keswisk in the Lakes region. The only reason my experience was not outstanding was due to the HUGE crowds everywhere. ", Good group and great guides and driver. WebAll guests aged 16 years and over need to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to travel. Great itinerary, amazing sites, great group, excellent guide. I especially enjoyed the time in Wales, the Lake Country and Northumbria but it was all-in-all a great itinerary and nice balance between city and countryside. Yescapa is an online marketplace where campervan owners rent out their motorhomes to travelers and camping enthusiasts. ", "Watching the water mill at Stanway House in action.". Churchill War Rooms a must if extra time but I wouldn't cross a thing off of our tour experience! Hightlight of the trip, for sure.". Mark had some excellent "optional" walks and always provided multiple options for free time. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for a 2 week Africa vacation. "Two favorite wow moments, the Welsh farmer and his wife and their trained sheepdogs and puppies. Most scenic was the boat ride on Derwentwater.". I enjoyed the group hike up to Castelrigg Stone Circle and the information he provided to enhance the experience, "I enjoyed the hiking around the Lake District to peaks fora spectacular views. I felt that the tour was amazing and covered all facets of life in England and showed us the history, ways of life throughout the long history, the aristocracy, architecture, etc. I very much enjoyed speaking with the people digging at the archaeological ruins at Vindolanda. The buses run about every 10 minutes, and the drive to Old Town will take about 30 minutes. We were there at a pivotal time the death of the Queen, a new King, and a new Prime Minister. The Lake District is Englands largest national park and covers 912 square miles. For tasty food, take a wander through Borough Market or Camden Market. It was great having the vid box telling me where to be with thorough explanations. Good balance of History, stunning scenery, ruins (I happen to love ruins) AND, a surprise to me, great food!. "So many moments could be "wow" moments, but for me it was the experience of actually walking on Hadrian's wall. Lots of variety, as usual: gorgeous scenery; ancient ruins; wonderful architecture; beautiful cathedrals; amazing castles, gardens, the sheep herding demo. All handled in a professional & expedient manner. Then we're off to Caernarfon to tour the impressive Caernarfon Castle, part of the system of English garrison castles that Edward I built to enforce English rule over North Wales 700 years ago. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. The combination of country towns and larger cities was well balanced. Exceeded all my high expectations. This is a side of his story that is not as well known as it deserves to be.". To get to the river, there were a series of 3 do-it-yourself manual lock and dams. Bring essential equipment When going on long road trips, you should travel with spare oil, windscreen washer fluid and spare bulbs. It was impressive watching him work with his dog to herd the sheep. We would have liked to have had a few more stops in the countryside to take pictures and enjoy the fresh air. Because of his prior work experience he provided us with generally unknown facts about construction and architecture,which i found interesting. We had marvelous weather for a walk to the Castlerigg Stone Circle, and the mountains, valleys, and clouds were so beautiful. How can I choose between Bodnant Gardens, the Tower of London, Derwent Water hiking and waterfalls, the sheep dog and sheering demo, hiking along Hadrian's Wall and the Roman ruins, the many abbeys, cathedrals, and castles, and the Sunday Roast dinner? Wow at first sight and many more wows throughout the visit.". Gareth (and his family, dogs and sheep) was an experience that I will long remember! "Just one wow moment?!?? The statue that honors Emmaline Pankhurst the symbolic leader of the womens suffrage movement in Britain is titled Rise Up Women and the unveiling in 2018 coincided with the 100-year anniversary of women having the vote and females participating as candidates in general elections. 4. I also appreciated the RS Covid policy, with vaccinations being a requirement. But beyond that, there were many wow moments: I feel the peaceful and wild landscape views in Wales were outstanding, and standing atop Hadrian's wall gave me a powerful sense of connection with history.". We were in each town either 2 or 3 days, allowing for both guided tours and personal exploration. The second was the proscribed croissant rolls at breakfast at the Castle Hotel in Conwy, Wales. If you have time, you could also do the walk from Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks. Being dropped off close to the day's group activity and having tickets in hand, made site-seeing easy and relaxed. Have a bit more time in Manchester? "The historicity of the buildings: the gorgeous old churches, the castles, the way people still use buildings that are a couple of centuries to a thousand years old, the beauty of evensong at York Minster and the thought that this had been happening for centuries.". All rights reserved. Mark was an excellent guide with much to say about everything. Our guide, Jeannie, was fabulous! We bought his book and enjoy it.". We are already looking forward to our next RS tour. "Castlerigg stone circle in the Lake District. No bus. UK Itinerary 2 Weeks: Spend your 14 days in the beautiful cities of United Kingdom with this 2 weeks in UK itinerary. The sound echoed through the dark church and really set the tone for our trip. Our tour was magical, start to finish! We thoroughly enjoyed this tour (our 7th RS tour). Recently voted one of the Top 10 city beach break destinations in the world, there is no better way to spend your rest and relaxation time than soaking up the sun in Brighton. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above. Book campsites in advance In the UK wild camping isnt really an option, so youll need to park your camper at a campsite. WebActive Adventure in the Lake District - 7 Days. Im from the UK and theres so much to explore outside of London. We could not have asked for a better experience. "My first look at Wells Cathedral. The tour was great! Nearby is Avebury, Englands other great stone circle, with cozy pubs for a mid-walk pint. The Roman baths, the sheep farm, the cathedral in York and the "fly over" for the Queens Jubilee". Your first day on tour will be spent visiting some of the most recognizable sights in all of London. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. If I have to pick one, i'd Say it was our morning on the Sheep farm in Wales. "Roman ruins- Bath, and Hadrian's wall, and others. Flexible cancellations & rescheduling on all tours. "My "wow" moment was my most favorite activity, which was visiting the sheep farm. Upon arrival, we'll take a walking tour beneath the leaning, half-timbered houses of The Shambles in the city's marvelous medieval center. There are so many great neighborhoods and areas to visit in London that two days simply isnt enough time to see them all. We had a really great time! i got everything i expected, which included pretty much daily surpriseslearned a lot, saw a lot. Its a long journey, so it might be best to add in a travel day at this point if possible. We then had to keep them cornered so Garreth could grab one for sheering. Always my go-to for the high level of bespoke transportation and guide service for small to large-scale parties. Loved the Wales farm & Bodnant Garden.". We were lucky to have great weather as well. I remembered to video the experience, as this was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill for Molly, who loves all animals. The first was Hadrians wall and the Roman Army site and museum at Vandolando. I learned so much about the history of England. Everyone on our tour was friendly and cared about making it a good experience for everyone else. Slate roofs everywhere..think of the longevity! We had a great group of travelers and a fantastic guide (David) who had a great sense of humor, timing, and was very knowledgeable. I'm not sure if it was just England, or tour content, but I didn't enjoy this one nearly as much as the 3 weeks in Europe tour in 2018. Most excellent tour guide - David was fantastic. Ill admit its been really difficult to choose where to include. Our guide was excellent, the other members of the tour convivial, and the choice of stops very good. Bus: 5 hours. "So many. Our fellow travelers were a wonderful group. "When we talked wistfully about something we weren't doing on the tour and our guide found a way for us to do it during our free time in a nearby city. Its one of our favourite spots on a sunny day. In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email, as well as in the Itinerary section ofyour tour account. Every day brought a sense of adventure. ", "The sheep farm--so fun and interesting!". "There were two for us. Also really liked hearing how the current Brexit situation would affect various groups of people. Therefore I would rent the car from somewhere in central London or at Heathrow on the day youre ready to depart from London. Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, one of the most famous playwrights in history. Discover the best of London - White Cliffs of Dover - Oxford - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Cornwall - Bath in ten days. "Gareth and the sheep farm, with the beauty of the Lake District coming a close second.". Go from Chester to York: Take the train from Chester to York (3hrs). It wasn't a trek for everyone, but a few other joined in and reaching the summit was definitely my "wow" moment.". I found all the sites we visited worthwhile; beautiful castles & palaces, unusually neat and tidy country fields & roads in the Lake District, Cotswolds, and Yorkshire Dales. Go from Oxford to the Lake District: Circling back to London, you can pick up a direct train from Euston station that will get you to Oxenholme in the Lake District in under three hours. This trip is a tour through the best of England's natural landscapes, the inspiration for generations of poets, writers and "There were so many and each equally impressive because of the intimate nature of the tour.". Also loved Lake District. Up to 35% off ALL trips this Boxing Day(s)! Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. I liked the efficiency of staying in the heart of the cities and the variety of things we saw. If you only have one day to explore, simply set out on foot to admire such world-famous sights as Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square and more. Heads up: some of the links on this site are affiliate links. The tour was very well done and the guide facilitated each step of the way very well, but was not intrusive in our experience. They are so massive that one wonders how they were built. The Queen died, and nobody got COVID! Born and raised in the UK, visited friends and family before and after the tour. 14 day city sightseeing tour through Lisbon, Porto, Madrid and 4 other destinations in 4 different countries. The Romans didnt discover the waters at Bath, but they did build a huge bathing complex over them in the city they named Aquae Sulis. She was perfect. We had 2 actually, they talked while on the bus about rich history and sites along the way. He has a wonderful, congenial personality, and combined a command of knowledge with the areas we visited with a great sense of humor and fun. Due to the Queen, things had to be changed around a bit but we were still able to see everything. It felt as though Rick Steve took us by the hand and shared his favorite things. Experience Viking York! Sleep in Bath. If you love museums, take a trip to South Kensington and venture inside the impressive Natural History Museum and Science Museums. Go on a group tour with people your age. Though in ruins, it's well outlined and has enough surviving pieces to get a good idea of its original form. Down time was well planned. You can join your guide for a leisurely boat cruise on the island-studded Derwentwater or strike out on a little expedition of your own 'twixt lakes and mountains, thanks to a wealth of hiking opportunities along well-marked trails. Meanwhile, Brighton is the ideal destination to enjoy classic British fish and chips, just make sure a Seagull doesnt swoop down to relieve you of your fish! We anticipated a range of establishments and had no outstanding issues anywhere. "While we loved the many unique experiences on this tour we particularly loved the town of Conwy in Wales. Take a cruise on the lake with Windermere Lake Cruises and enjoy a train ride on the old steam train that runs between Haverthwaite Village and Lakeside Pier. Was very glad to get acclimated in Bath rather than London. Sleep in London. It was well organized and our tour director was pro-active in meeting the challenges that were related to the queen's funeral. Most of them involve fresh fish and seafood brought in daily by fisherman in Padstow Harbour. The sheep farm was interesting and loved getting to know the owners personally was an experience. Our tour guide, David, was also nice and had a wonderful sense of humor. England in 14 days has a good mixture of activities ranging from diverse towns, landscape, castles, churches, hiking, demonstrations, and music. And everyone associated with the Rick Steves tours seems remarkable friendly! Plus, the logistics of fighting a war from underground.". That is why we are happy to offer a complimentary itinerary service to anyone who would like to benefit from our expertise and knowledge to plan a 14-day itinerary for their tour of England. We went back to enjoy the evensong service and were reminded of the original purpose of cathedrals.". WebOverall, considering that the Queen of England died and our tour itinerary had to be changed at the last minute, we had a wonderful experience of the varied sites and The official home of everything Shakespeare, Stratford is a pilgrimage destination for fans of the Bard and there are plenty of must-sees for anyone with an interest. We visited so many places where we'd love to spend more time in the future. Start planning your next cruise vacation by I was hoping to encounter some local folk music and the group was a lot of fun. Then we'll take a panoramic cruise on the river Thames. Beautiful countryside, the ability to really experience the Cotswolds and the Lake District through walking and hiking. Today we'll explore and learn about mystical Glastonbury, the legendary resting place of King Arthur, where we'll also enjoy a picnic in the shadow of the abbey ruins. From the motor coach, to hotels and our dinners as a group, we were well-cared for and hospitably received. The Crown Jewels exhibit? Get instant access to lower prices. A historic time to be in England, and all did well health-wise so overall a successful trip! We were very interested in the history as well as the natural environment. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, and our 24 tour mates were absolutely wonderful. The other people on the tour were interesting and sociable. If you rent a vehicle from the airport, parking in London can get very expensive, unless youre staying on the outskirts of the city. Then he talks to us about the future of his farm. Paul, our bus driver handled everything with professional ease, and Nigel Howes, or guide kept and held everything together for our two weeks together on this fabulous trip. Bus: 5 hours. If youre a lover of history, the city of Bath offers a lot. "Impossible to pick one experience, but Stanway House and Fountain, Musicians in Stow-on0the-Wold, Llangollen and sampling tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream (which goes on top?!) A week and a half is long enough to tick off many of Englands classic highlights. Youll eventually arrive in Ullswater, where you can spend your 2nd night in the Lake District. I learned much about English and Welsh history from Roman times onward that I had previously known nothing about. They took us on many a side trip as possible to enhance our trip and understanding of the time. Previously we have traveled much of Europe and some in England on our own, but wanted to try a longer comprehensive approach this time and that's what we got. His extensive knowledge of all of the places and people connected to our journey made the tour so special and worthwhile. Loved everything! This was my first Rick Steves Tour and it was terrific! So well preserved! So if youre a foodie and you like a good night out, youll enjoy it here. Youll need to have things like extension cables, adapters, utensils, pots and pans, camping gear, cleaning supplies, towels and bedding. Go from Fishbourne to Bath: Take the train from Fishbourne to Bath (3hrs). Each day I looked forward to the next part of our tour.". Gareth and his wife were fabulous. Very knowledgeable, professional, and dynamic in finding bespoke solutions for small to large groups with exceptional logistical knowledge of the UK. Fri 14 Apr, 2023 Tour Ref TGSTA 19. "Meeting an elderly man during my solo walk out of, and back to, Stow-on-the-Wold. Our tour guide, Jeannie, was witty, knowledgable, and no nonsense. "Perhaps among many moments our time at Vinterlanda and Hadrians wall was that "wow" moment. "It is difficult to pick just one "wow" moment! Our group celebrated their accomplishment when Deborah and Nina hosted a get together.". We thoroughly enjoyed our guides, tour leader David, the sights, the meals. 14,919 posts. Length of tour was about right. Loved Conwy and our hotel. Bus: 5 hours. I never thought I would be saying this- but the food was fantastic. I was struck by the beauty of the Wells' Cathedral as well.". Interacting with local people is what we really enjoy. It was great, Roy was the perfect guide. April 7, 2011. recreations of key locations from the bands career including The Casbah Club, The Cavern Club, and Abbey Road Studios. The best way to enjoy this area is on a little road trip, stopping off at towns and villages, then having a little country walk before enjoying a traditional cream tea. I felt as if I not only saw the sights but that I was able to interact with the people who lived their and get their views on the history that we were seeing. Its very impressive, with an orange-colored facade and green onion dome on top. Dorset is known for its dramatic coastline, known as the Jurassic Coast. The people in our group were fun and friendly. We had another fun and caring group of fellow travelers. The priority was on experiencing a place, not getting to as many tourist attractions as possible. So, to have a couple of nights with a really nice room made up for that. "We really enjoyed the country side of Wales and the tour of the hill sheep farm. If your guide suggests a place for dinner, just go there. The history here in York doesnt begin in the medieval era, in fact, there was a full Viking settlement discovered under the streets here. Perfect! Our local guides were fabulous. Exceeded my expectations. We are talking, of course, about the fab four, The Beatles! The Clink is a fine dining restaurant that provides inmates with a chance to rehabilitate and learn skills in the hospitality industry. There are plenty of walking routes, swimming spots and cycling trails; stay the night and you can enjoy some of the countrys best stargazing. Our favourite was Cottage in the Wood, but there are a few others including Simon Rogans LEnclume that wed love to visit one day! All of the stops were interesting from stone circles, to cathedrals, to ruins. I was surprised and pleased at how at peace I was at the end.". Tonight is a perfect evening for the theater (book something in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Spend a day learning about the many lives of Beatrix Potter on a guided tour while anchored in Ambleside. moment was the natural beauty of the Lake District. A thousand years of English history lie within its stained-glass splendor and under its stone slabs. I appreciated the pace of the trip. Would have liked more time in Blenheim Palace. England Travel Guide England Itineraries Total Food, the pubs and cask ales, the pies, company, culture. Ullswater is the second largest of the Lakes and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. The Rick Steves tours are seamless and well organized - everything comes together as if by magic. Save up to 50% on tours and trips. Travel south through the hills and dales of the Peak District National Park. When I was a little girl York was always a popular destination for school trips and wed usually pay a trip to the Jorvik Viking Centre, which takes visitors back to a time when York was viking territory. Excellent tour with a wonderful guide and fantastic travel mates. The Cotswolds' charming and the Lake District gorgeous. And goes the extra mile to get the best options available. Our accommodations were great, the restaurants and hotel board was great, and the pace was just right. He worked with a very large group under extreme pressure and his team provided exceptional service. This may also be why we felt rushed at Westminster Abby. Read More. A nice combination of country and larger city visits. Although I had been to Bath and Wales before, I learned so much more about them on the tour. Our coach driver ,Jim, was also very sweet and a great driver. Good pace and variety. I also liked the free hours/ days that we had to explore an area on our own. Caleb and Alex and Max, two other young men from our group were able to climb to the summit of Catbells in the Lake District. The sheep farm in Wales Sheep farm The rest of the day is free to make your own discoveries in this historic town. Bus: 2 hours. Well done! "Maybe getting to see the beauty of the Cotswolds, Wales, and the lake distric; maybe visiting Hadrian's Wall and Avebury and Wells, and admiring the strength and determination of our ancestors.". Pubs are interwoven into the fabric of every day living. I enjoyed the tour, our first, and found the chance to link up historical locations with events and people of England quite enjoyable. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Loved it.". I felt the hotels on this tour were generally nicer than the previous, but I really have no complaints about the hotels. Our bus was spacious modern and very comfortable. Included in the price is insurance and 24/7 breakdown assistance so you can rent a vehicle stress-free. Pin it for later. The second was Evensong at York Minster. The town, situated on the bay with the castle in full view was magical. One of the things that made it best in my humble opinion, was Liz and Paul. We had just the right mix of group activities and free time. "The visit to the farm and Snowdownia National Park in Wales. Although five in our group had to depart early due to Covid, Paul and Nina kept our morale high and in the end we had a wonderful, memorable tour. We walked the castle walls in the morning and walked the Bayview path in the evening. The Lakes District was especially lovely, and experiencing the inspiration for my favorite authors and poets made this do memorable.". Incredible trip". This was a great tour with a perfect mix of activities and enough free time. Cambridge was an important center for trade during the Roman and Viking ages and the first town charters were granted in the 12th century. It was stunning and picturesque, a wonderful mixture of seaside, countryside and castles and historic structures". WebItineraries and trips from 685 experts. Sites on this tour are varied, educational, and beautiful. Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! The extra perks, like walking through the fields, sharing ice cream later and learning so much about the customs of their county. Arrive at Boston Logan International Airport in the morning, pick up your car, and head out of town. The guides were knowledgeable,helpful, and friendly. From the beginning our trip was everything we hoped it would be. Book online with iCruise.com or call 1-800-427-8473. From beginning to end the tour was organized, interesting, educational and FUN! I was impressed by the variety of places we visited, from rural sheep farm to bustling city. Very enjoyable tour, our 2nd RS. All was enjoyable but the hot weather in Bath. Our wonderful guide Jeanie helped make the experience very memorable. We really enjoyed all of the different local pubs and brews and it was such a pleasure meeting and spending time with our fun, interesting and easy-going tour mates! Loved Bodnant Gardens, it was a day that was not raining.". The wonderful quaint villages and beautiful scenery was also special. "No knock your socks off "wows" but so much satisfaction from moments like soaking up Glastonbury & Wells. The local guides were also good, as were our bus drivers. It was a wonderful introduction to England and locales we visited. Starting from the capital city of London, spend a week exploring the most iconic sights & locations, Our 14 day itinerary includes Royal Palaces, historic Castles, picturesque villages & Englands biggest cities. What a glorious trip! Next we're off to tour the town's remarkably preserved, 2,000-year-old Roman Baths, where you'll have a chance to drink from these natural mineral springs in the Pump Room. Or maybe I got in way of Gareth doing the demonstration. Great British Bucket List (2020-22). Each of these classic trips will give you a different insight into this green and pleasant land. I always appreciate it when local guides join us for a tour. The tour was thoroughly enjoyable. I would recommend going to the Roman Bath Tour as soon as it opens, at the time we went it was so crowded it was hard to move around. Youll be able to cruise across the classic English countryside of the Cotswolds with plenty of scenic pit stops on the way. Turns out Joseph is a classically trained organist and he graced us with his talent and passion that left you in awe and in my case tears. Lacock and Churchill's grave. I enjoyed everything.". Loved the border collies and the hosts were very gracious.". Britains national collection of international modern and contemporary art. We and his wife and our experience on his farm was my wow moment.". Our guide Jeanie, was very knowledgeable about each location, filling in while traveling with humorous and interesting anecdotes. Hello from both of us Tracy and Doug Collins. Alternatively, driving from Oxford to the Lakes will take you four hours. The tour guide Roy was very helpful and gave us very good advices for us to tour around England by ourself. My biggest regret was that Roy never had us introduce ourselves to each other to learn our names. Discover the itinerary! It was awesome! Alternatively, you could cross the border into Wales and visit Snowdonia or the Gower Coast. However, my favorite times were absorbing the scenery of the Lake District, Wales, and the Cotswolds. I liked being able to watch the country side as we road the bus. | 2013353 Request a call back Call 08082394989 Strenuous walking: 28 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. to charming villages. "The stone circle up on the hill complete with grazing sheep and panoramic views.". Venues were well chosen and clean. Not in any order.". Another special time was the Wales sheepdog farm with the owner's stories about his land & dogs + holding the puppies!". From Londons museums and iconic landmarks, to the epic beauty of Dorsets Jurassic Coast, Baths history and the landscapes of the Lake District, this itinerary has it all! This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. "The visit to Caernarfon Castle and the sheep farm.". We were able to really get a feel for the quintessential English countryside. By the time the 1960s rolled around, however, Liverpools latest export was set to take over the world and forever change the face of popular music. Our only caveat would be masking on the bus while being bunched up together at tables in small rooms for dinner. Amazingly knowledgeable, professional, and very adaptable. "Impossible to just have one !- We enjoyed the beautiful countryside, the amazing architecture and history. "Our guide, Jeanie, has a wealth of historical and local knowledge. Especially enjoyed meeting and talking with the people of England and Wales. This is a really nice itinerary. Our guide, David, could not have been more wonderful-so knowledgeable, very hands on with the group, funny & kind. "I enjoyed a daily kaleidoscope of multiple "wows" in experiencing ancient stone circles, soaring cathedrals with magnificent stained glass, monuments like the Roman Baths, Glastonbury Abbey and Hadrian's wall, historic castles, medieval cities, famous buildings like the Royal Crescent and Tower of London, the solemn majesty of markers of "We Are Seven" & in Westminster, the laburnum arch at Bodnant Garden, and several peaceful hikes through "kissing gates" in the Cotswolds & Lake District.". Day 1: Salem, Massachusetts and Portland, Maine. Excellent guide, perfect weather, travelers thrilled to be back on the road after Covid. Loved watching the people and the small villages where they live.". Highlights include Housesteads Fort and the Vindolanda Museum with handwritten letters from Romans stationed on the wall. It was really fantastic! | 1915088 I really enjoyed the boat rides, walks, and scenery. Our second was an impromptu organ recital in an ancient church by our coach driver Joseph. Moving southwest, you can explore one or both of the grand cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury. This tour needs to be re-thought/restructured. I loved the countryside focus of the majority of this tour. The guide Bec and the driver Meeranda were outstanding and went out of their way to ensure that everyone got the most out of the trip., Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife, Cultural, religious and historic sites tours, See All Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history tours, See All Wildlife, landscapes and nature tours, Sailing, yachting and motor boating tours, See All Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife tours, See All Food, wine, events and nightlife tours, See All Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation tours, See All Special interests and hobbies tours, See All Air tours, road trips and transfers tours, South West Coastal Path: St Ives to Mevagissey. Beautiful gardens, all the castles, palaces, and manor homes were breath taking. "Seeing the group of sheep dog puppies burst out of the bar. We enjoyed the tour. It is also home to the largest collection of stained glass in the UK, some pieces dating back to the 12th century. It is hard to pick one.". "Access to one of the archaeologists at Vindolanda, who explained the findings at the site and make herself available was amazing, and something I would not have had on my own. I then had to grab the sheep by the wool and lead it to the barn. Sleep in Bath. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying in the Documents section of your tour account. Our 12 day itinerary covers England from coast to coast, from London to Hadrians Wall! Go from Bath to Chester: Take the train from Bath to Chester (4hrs). The dog Max was amazing, very focused on his task. Trying to imagine what serving there almost 2000 years ago was mind blowing. "The sheep farm, hike in Cotswold and the stone circles.". He gave us a morning update on Boris Johnson and Brexit, and how Boris' hairstyle looked that morning based on what had happened the previous day. On the first day in London, you will enjoy guided tours of: The Queens official London residence and the center of Royal and national celebrations. "We had a chance to attend Evensong in St. Pauls Cathedral in London, sitting in the quire (it turns out thats the right spelling: of ho knew?!). It was so wonderful to be out in the world after several years of isolation. ", "I was amazed by the massive churches found in almost every little town.". The tour is built around RS's priorities, and I was completely satisfied with those choices. We had a good mix of scheduled and free time.Our tour group was very pleasant. We Loved exploring beautiful England with Roy and Ellen at the helm. Maybe the stones at Avebury. Perhaps one of the most unique things to do in Cardiff is go for dinner at Cardiff Prison! Unfortunately, the Queen passed during our trip, this caused some unexpected site closures. Moderate walking: 26 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. Then you need a fun, interesting, challenging itinerary and this RS tour met that. I didn't expect to love the food so much. I imagine this will be our big once in their childhood trip and were going for 14 nights (12 full It was wonderful to experience the countryside of England & Wales. The trip to the sheep farm really made an impression as did the breathtaking Castlerigg Stone Circle and seeing London decked out for the Jubilee. Theres a mammoth pebbly beach, lined with little art galleries, gift shops and restaurants. Too many of the hotels had maintenance issues in our hotel rooms. Best tour guide imaginable, great bus driver. Watching the sheep dogs do their work and listening to the farmer discuss how the farm works was absolutely fascinating.". Your last day on this UK itinerary will be spent in Cambridge, which is located 55 miles (89km) north of London. We stayed two nights in most cities, and had time to explore at our own pace. Go from Winchester to Bath: A hire car will open up some interesting side-trips en route to Bath. Good combination of villages and larger cities. Very enjoyable. Plan to spend a morning in Stratford-Upon-Avon if youre on a 10 day England itinerary, and at least a day if you have more time and flexibility. Most people plan their driving vacations from Boston because it has the largest airport in New England. My fellow travelers made the trip even more enjoyable--it was like traveling with 22 friends. "I loved the English country side viewed from our bus and also the country side in north Wales. This year's 14-day Amsterdam itineraries also started out as going to Tracey Arm. The tour was a good level of time at each spot. Visitors can take a tour of the castles spectacular Victorian interiors or join a clock tower tour to see the Summer Smoking Room with its spectacular views over the city. I have to say the food was fantastic. The sites, hotels, meals and experiences were all amazing. Then back to the US via the QM2. Our driver was quite excellent at navigating the narrow streets we covered and was very engaging with the group as well as an excellent organist. From the lodging, meals, local guides, and orientation to new cities and suggestions for our free time. I guess we needed to do that on our own when dinners were not included.". I was a little skeptic about spending two weeks with complete strangers and frankly didn't know what to expect. We had a great trip and the tour was a perfect blend of castles, cathedrals, ruins and palaces mixed with hikes, gardens, lakes, rivers and pubs. The Minster Cathedral was beautiful and the town was enjoyable to stroll and wander. How can I compare the history and age of the relics and buildings to the USA. Pretty villages, historic towns, rolling hills, stunning lakesits a beautiful country and youd be surprised at how varied the landscape is. The Best of England was incredible! We had a competent safe driver. After your 2 days in London its time to start your UK road trip adventure. The places we visited were amazing. York Minster, especially walking the ancient city wall and attending Evensong!". At the top end of Deansgate youll find Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum, which displays important collections of football memorabilia. Our tour guide, Lorraine, was absolutely the best I've ever had with any company. I asked him for directions and we ended up sharing a very special visit for about 30 minutes as we strolled back to the village together.". He kept us informed about the day's events, the schedule for the next day, and options during our free time. I loved the boat ride in Keswick around the lake and I really looked forward to visiting Westminster Abbey.". Make sure you visit Castle Combe and Bibury these two villages are incredibly photogenic. I find it informative, sincere & helpful for overseas visitor like my family. Its a beautiful city to explore, and a great place to round off an exciting and varied 10 days in England. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Nice to have someone else take care of the arrangements and details. I'm amazed, when I look back, at what we packed into those 14 days. Kudos to Joseph, our professional (and fun!) Manchester has a reputation as a great city of Literature and is recognized as such by UNESCO. Another wonderful Rick Steves tour experience. Spending two nights at each location was a plus. I loved Gareth and the sheep. The first big decision is do you fancy spending all of your time in England, or perhaps venture to Wales or Scotland too? We loved the sheep farm. This was not only fun, but super interesting and educational. "As always, I cannot say just one thing. 14 day food tour through London, Lucerne, Paris and 2 other destinations in 5 different countries. "Wales working farm and the Snowdonia National Park.". "Loved the "Tolken"door in Wales. Its stunningly beautiful, with rolling hills, pretty lakes and some of the best restaurants in the country. The sense of continuity through hundreds of years, the connection to the Welsh land and cultureit was deeply moving and fun. Guide was a nice guy, but he didn't "read the group". Web10 day England Tour Itinerary. We combined Scotland and then England and had two back to back great tours. On your guided tour you will explore: Then its onto Lincolns impressive cathedral (also commissioned by William the Conqueror); widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture to be found anywhere in the world. "Being inside the sheep fence, issuing commands to the (extremely well trained) sheep dog to round up Gareth's ninja sheep. Most importantly, the other travelers made the trip do special! "Hadrians's Wall and Vindolanda were awesome. I personally think it is because Rick Steves tour people are usually PBS watchers and that gives them some commonality to begin with. This tour takes in a dozen of the nation's top sights, from London to the Lakes. And we loved doing it all over again!! It is a gem. Loved it all. There were no grumps! We were unable to drive into Snowdonia National Park and I feel like we missed a few things? Would and will do it again!". The areas visited made for an interesting trip. There was something to interest everyone on this tour cathedrals, ruins, sheep dogs, live music, and great local dinners. 2) The Churchill War Rooms due to its history. To actually be there and hear from an archaeologist who knew the site so well was fabulous.". 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