United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland is an eccentric collection of countries with a wealth of history, culture, romance and vitality. Each nation has their own individual identity, characteristics and beauty which makes a visit to any, or all, an experience to behold forever.
England
Via train or car your personal guide will show you one of the finest thermal spas of the ancient world and Britain’s only hot spring, the Roman Baths. With exemplary Georgian architecture, the city of Bath was given an UNESCO world heritage site status in 1987. You will also visit ‘the prettiest village in England.’ A secluded quaint English Cotswolds village only a short drive from Bath, it has played host to many films including ‘War Horse’ and ‘Doctor Doolittle’.
Stonehenge is one of the most famous sites in the world, a prehistoric monument with the remains of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. To this day many mysteries circulate as to why Stonehenge was built and for what purpose.
A city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York pays homage to 2000 years of history, from the ancient walls of Roman York to the Viking remains of JORVIK and the grandeur of Georgian York. Discover the hidden attractions that span outside from York’s heritage, including the vivid food and drink scene as well as the contemporary independent shops.
York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent Cathedrals. Experience the breathtaking medieval architecture, discover York Ministers Roman roots and learn about the Minster’s role in Viking York. You will also step foot on York’s most famous street called The Shambles, which is a narrow cobbled street lined with beautifully preserved Elizabethan buildings with a mixture of shops and eateries.
The Cotswolds is an outdoor lovers’ dream full of charm with its rich history, culture and natural beauty of ancient limestone. You will visit Woodstock, known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ and founded in 1163. This small market town boasts a cosy and friendly atmosphere that epitomises the elegance of many towns in this area. You will also discover the monumental country house that is Blenheim Palace. Built in 1704, it is the residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and the only non-royal non episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. There is also a famous tree with a large hole in its trunk which was used in the Harry Potter movie “The Order of the Phoenix”.
Wales
The cosmopolitan capital city of Wales has some beautiful and impressive historic buildings including Cardiff Castle and parklands located in the heart of the city. With over 2000 years of history, the impressive remains of the Roman walls can still be seen today, along with its medieval and victorian gothic towers, and its famous animal wall. Cardiff Bay offers beautiful views over the water and a host of leisure activities and cultural attractions. There is a Norwegian Church, where Roald Dahl was baptised, (author of many famous children’s books including “Matilda” & “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”), and a plethora of famous film locations which act as a homage for any ‘Doctor Who’ fans. You can also visit the Wales Millennium Centre which opened in 2004. It was created as a stage for Wales, to reflect the spirit of a nation, and to become a home for the performing arts. With plenty of traditional pubs, bars and restaurants to choose from, Cardiff is the perfect place for a day trip or to form the start of your adventure in the glorious Principality of Wales.
Ah the Welsh Riviera! Designed by Sir Clough William-Ellis, using bricolage building techniques, between 1925 and 1975 and allegedly based on the stunning / picturesque town of Portofino, in Genoa, Northern Italy. This stunning village on the banks of estuary of the River Dwyryd , with picture-postcard scenery, has served as the back drop / location of many a famous movie and TV documentary. Beloved by the likes of Ingrid Bergman, Gregor Peck and the Beatles it has also been the inspiration of many a prolific author including H.G. Wells and George Bernard Shaw. An overnight tour of this exquisite village, which inspired post modernism architecture, will conjure nostalgic memories normally associated with the mediterranean, allow you an unnatural level of tranquility whilst simmering in the renowned Welsh hospitality. Who could not hopelessly fall for Portmeirion?
Scotland
There are endless experiences to enjoy in Scotland with its stunning towns and villages. The country is saturated with history and is surrounded by spectacular landscape & architecture filled with warm and welcoming hospitality.
From the heights of Edinburgh Castle to the depth of the Edinburgh Vaults, the City is steeped in culture, beauty and intrigue. From the romance of Holyrood house to the adventure of climbing Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh has an eclectic vibrancy and diverse range of pursuits to enjoy which also include shopping on Princes Street or stepping aboard Her Majesty the Queen’s yacht, Britannia.
There are so many things to do and enjoy that a tour with one of our highly trained expert guides is essential to ensure you experience the most impressive sites but also incorporate your own personalised preferences.
Oxford, the “City of Dreaming Spires”, is world-famous for its university and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century it is an established town and more recently an official city. During your tour you will visit the iconic Christ Church College, a campus which has served as an architectural inspiration for academic institutions around the world and as sets for numerous movies including some of the Harry Potter films. It is also where the acclaimed author, Lewis Carroll, wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The second day of this scholastic experience will see you gently journey to the equally magnificent sights of Cambridge, a city where the historic and contemporary merge in perfect harmony. With rich legacies dating back to 1209, its inspirational University colleges include King’s, famed for its choir and towering Gothic chapel and Trinity college, founded by Henry VIII. The world acclaimed Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking studied at Cambridge University amongst other illustrious academics including Isaac Newton, John Milton and David Attenborough. You will be guided along a labyrinth of quaint cobbled streets including St John’s, with its 16th-century Great Gate, it formed a stunning setting of the revered movie ‘The Theory of Everything’. After meandering around this quintessentially British institute, you will visit the remarkable Senate House, a classical building which hosts the grand ceremonies of University graduation.
Northern Ireland
There are plenty of experiences to enjoy in Northern Ireland with its stunning neighbouring towns and villages. The area is rich with history, surrounded by spectacular landscape & architecture and filled with a warm and welcoming hospitality.
Also known as Londonderry, you will visit the last walled city built in Europe. Built on the River Foyle, Derry still has its 17th century walls intact with 7 gates. Within the walls you will find the spired St. Columb’s Cathedral which displays artefacts from the 1688-9 Siege of Derry. Near the Peace Bridge, the Tower Museum has city views. Time permitting you will have the opportunity to walk the city walls which were built in 1613-1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society as defences for early 17th century settlers from England and Scotland. You will also see the Derry Peace Bridge which spans 400 years of a physical and political divide in Northern Ireland, symbolizing peace.
