York, The Dales, Lake District And Hadrian's Wall

( 5 Star )

Visit: Alnwick Castle- York Minster- Robin Hood’s Bay- Yorkshire Dales- Wordsworth’s Cottage- Lake Windermere- Scottish Borders

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Departures every Monday ex Edinburgh Every Monday (01/04/19-28/10/19) Explore the cultural highlights and scenic peaks of Northern England on this five day tour. Roam from the dramatic Yorkshire Dales to the North’s powerful castles and halls. Ascend to the tip of Gothic cathedral’s spires before delving into the nooks and crannies of valley villages. And relive the scenes of fierce conflicts as you wander Hadrian’s Wall. Picturesque bays, broad lakes, and stunning buildings are guaranteed on this comprehensive tour of the English landscape.

Our tour starts by following the magnificent East Lothian coastline towards the walled border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. After stopping to admire the fortifications, we continue to Alnwick Castle - home of the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. This magnificent castle and its gardens have appeared in many films and television programmes. Leaving Alnwick behind, we travel towards the city of York on the Great North Road, a route that has carried countless Roman legions between the remote northern outposts and the more populous settlements of Roman Britannia. In late afternoon, we arrive in York; your base for the next two nights.

This leisurely day gives you the flexibility to either explore the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings and Normans; or join our excursion to the coast of Yorkshire. On our excursion, you leave in the late morning for the magnificent North York Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and inspiration for the imagination of Bram Stoker, who stayed here in a hotel while writing his famous novel Dracula. After lunch and free time in Whitby, we travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay*; a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys. You then return to York. * Robin Hood's Bay - The mini-coach cannot access the main village because of local restrictions. The coach will drop you off at the top of the village and you must walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the old village centre.

You're picked up from your accommodation and head west into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a special place – a fantastic outdoor arena for recreation and relaxation and a haven for wildlife. Continuing west, our route takes us through the Northern Dales - the centre of the Dales cattle trade. Our final leg of today’s journey, takes us high up into the remote hills of the Yorkshire Dales before descending into the lively market town of Keswick** where you're dropped off at your accommodation and have free time to explore this charming town. (**During July/early August this tour may stay in Windermere instead).

After breakfast, you head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones. Many people think these were placed here over 5,000 years ago. You then travel on to the shores of Ullswater, known as England’s most beautiful lake. Here, you can take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass, you stop at Lake Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the lake or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch, you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards the picturesque conservation village of Hawkshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village, you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There's free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon, you return to Keswick.

Leaving the lakes behind us, we start our climb towards Hartside Pass, at over 1,900ft. On a clear day, the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District are clearly visible. We follow the route of the old sheep drovers between England and Scotland. Stopping at Hadrian's Wall, there’s an opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurions who patrolled this desolate frontier of the Empire. We then travel along the ancient Roman Dere Street, cross the border into Scotland, and head to the border town of Jedburgh for refreshments by the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Our final stop, is at the world famous Scott’s View with stunning views over the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills before continuing north to Edinburgh.

Inclusion

All rates are inclusive of Breakfast unless stated otherwise. All ferry and bridge crossings Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach Air conditioning as standard The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Exclusion

Entry fees to visitor attractions Optional activities Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program Personal equipment Travel insurance Gratuities Voluntary tips for guides or drivers Travel and medical insurance Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Departures every Monday ex Edinburgh Departs - Check-in closes at 08.30 (tour departs at 08.45) - Gate J and Gate K, Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ Returns - 19.00 approx Hotel Accommodation can be upgraded to 3 Star on request Child supplement applies only to up to 01 child aged 5-15 years old, sharing the same room with 02 adults, No children under 5 years old are permitted, except with special permission Restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes