Insight > Country Roads Gardens and Stately Homes of Britain

Country Roads Gardens and Stately Homes of Britain
15 Days starting from $3,175

Countries Visited:
England, Scotland

 

Length: 15 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Britain and Ireland
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: B917
   
 
About This Tour


This tour is leisurely paced with two-night stays in every place visited. In each city there is an expertly planned day excursion, with fabulous visits designed to showcase each region in depth.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information packLondon airport arrival and departure transfer

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in York (DA)
  • 2 Continental (CB) & 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course evening meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

15 Days ~ England & Scotland

Tour Pace
This wonderful tour is leisurely paced with two-night stays in every place visited. In each city there is an expertly planned day excursion, with fabulous visits designed to showcase each region in depth.

DAY 1 – MON – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – TUE – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! On arrival you are transferred to your London tour hotel.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

DAY 3 – WED – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 4 – THU – LONDON – HAMPSHIRE
Meet your Tour Director and make your way to the pretty Kent village of Westerham, where Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green. You visit his nearby residence of Chartwell, before continuing through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll the pretty gardens. Move on to your hotel set amid a 176-acre parkland golf course, with extensive leisure facilities and Health Spa. Enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner tonight.
Hotel: Botley Park, Golf & Country Club. (CB,D)

DAY 5 – FRI – NEW FOREST EXCURSION
A scenic drive through the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu where you will visit the Palace House and Abbey ruins, and view the collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Then we travel on to Stourhead to visit the world-famous 18th-century landscape garden and Palladian mansion. This mansion contains Georgian treasures, Chippendale furniture and fine paintings. Finally, to Salisbury where we see the 13th century cathedral famed for having the tallest spire in the land, before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 6 – SAT – HAMPSHIRE – STRATFORD
Visit the cathedral town of Winchester this morning, where King Alfred stands guard in the High Street. The country roads lead you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Continue on to Stratford–upon–Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, full of memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life.
Hotel: Swans Nest. (B)

DAY 7 – SUN – COTSWOLDS EXCURSION
An enchanting day takes you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After touring the house and gardens, visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine Parr. (B,D)

DAY 8 – MON – STRATFORD – LAKE DISTRICT
Travel through the orchards of Worcestershire to the border town of Ludlow with its impressive castle ruins. As you drive through the remote Shropshire hills, you will pass Wenlock Edge, which is celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman. Reach historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and marvel at the 200-year-old Iron Bridge before continuing north to the stunning English Lake District.
Hotel: Windermere Hydro. (B,D)

DAY 9 – TUE – LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION
A whole day is set aside to enjoy the Lake District – a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters and an inspiration to a host of English poets. Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, the largest of the lakes. Perhaps take a cruise on its peaceful waters? (B,D)

DAY 10 – WED – LAKE DISTRICT – EDINBURGH
Cross the Cumbrian mountains and the Scottish border at Gretna – for years the destination of eloping English lovers. Continue across the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens which form a remarkable haven of tranquillity in the city’s south.
Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor. (B)

DAY 11 – THU – SCOTTISH EXCURSION
See the highlights of Edinburgh: Holyroodhouse, St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, the Castle and New Town. Cross the Firth of Forth en route to St Andrews, the home of golf. Visit the ruined cathedral, see Scotland’s oldest university and the most famous golf course in the world. Later, selected departures enjoy the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (B)

DAY 12 – FRI – EDINBURGH – HARROGATE
Travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th century estate of Sir Walter Scott - now a museum. Head south past Jedburgh Abbey and over the border to visit Hadrian’s Wall and on to Harrogate. A well-known spa town since the 16th century, it is also famous for its gardens. Tonight, you are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure.
Hotel: Kimberley. (B,DA)

DAY 13 – SAT – YORKSHIRE EXCURSION
After breakfast, make the short journey to the walled city of York. See the huge Minster, Britain’s largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets, including the Shambles. Visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, with its tapestries and scenic gardens, before returning to your hotel in Harrogate. (B,D)

DAY 14 – SUN – HARROGATE – LONDON
Travel south to visit Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts. The chilling dungeon contrasts with the splendor of the State Rooms and baronial Great Hall. Now return to London.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch. (B)

DAY 15 – MON – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with transfers to the airport. (CB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
4/27/2009 - 5/11/2009
$3,435
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5/4/2009 - 5/18/2009
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5/11/2009 - 5/25/2009
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5/18/2009 - 6/1/2009
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5/25/2009 - 6/8/2009
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6/1/2009 - 6/15/2009
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6/8/2009 - 6/22/2009
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6/15/2009 - 6/29/2009
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6/22/2009 - 7/6/2009
$3,435
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6/29/2009 - 7/13/2009
$3,435
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7/6/2009 - 7/20/2009
$3,435
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7/13/2009 - 7/27/2009
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7/20/2009 - 8/3/2009
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7/27/2009 - 8/10/2009
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8/3/2009 - 8/17/2009
$3,499
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8/10/2009 - 8/24/2009
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8/17/2009 - 8/31/2009
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8/24/2009 - 9/7/2009
$3,435
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8/31/2009 - 9/14/2009
$3,435
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9/7/2009 - 9/21/2009
$3,435
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9/14/2009 - 9/28/2009
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9/21/2009 - 10/5/2009
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Hotels
A selection of both modern and traditional hotels from the contemporary Botley Park Golf & Country Club to the Hilton Grosvenor in Edinburgh, which is an older style establishment with newly refurbished public areas.

Fellow Passengers
Both seasoned and first-time travelers are attracted to this unique tour, which includes so many visits to gardens and stately homes. It is the perfect tour for lovers of English history and the countryside.

Highlights
Blenheim Palace with its Churchillian associations and the unique collection of vintage cars at Beaulieu are outstanding, as are the visits to the archetypal Warwick Castle and grand Castle Howard.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • See all the sights of London’s West End
  • See Churchill’s statue in the village of Westerham
  • Visit the cathedral town of Winchester
  • See Salisbury Cathedral with its soaring 404ft spire, highest in England
  • Visit Avebury’s stone circles
  • See Ludlow’s ruined Castle See Wenlock Edge
  • Visit Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution
  • Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the Lake District
  • Visit Gretna Green Visit St. Andrew’s to see cathedral ruins, university and Old Golf Course
  • See Edinburgh Castle, New Town & drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace
  • See Jedburgh Abbey
  • Visit Hadrian’s Wall
  • See York Minster & Shambles
  • Scenic Drives – Cotswolds, New Forest, Lake District

Orientation Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tour in LondonOrientation tours in Winchester, Stratford, Ludlow, Edinburgh & York

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director (hosted by Insight staff in London)
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information packLondon airport arrival and departure transfer

Quality Dining

  • Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in York (DA)
  • 2 Continental (CB) & 11 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course evening meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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