Insight > Focus on Britain

Focus on Britain
12 Days starting from $2,475

Countries Visited:
England, Scotland

 

Length: 12 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Britain and Ireland
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: B901
   
 
About This Tour


Covering the length of Britain in just over a week, this tour may seem a bit brisk at times. However, the itinerary is interspersed with frequent stops for sightseeing, free time in the towns and cities and even a leisurely cruise!

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

Insight's First Class Services

  • Professional Tour Director to escort you (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 pack
  • London airport arrival transfer
  • Complimentary Edinburgh Airport departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Highland Dinner with bagpipes and entertainment (HD)
  • 1 Continental (CB) & 9 full Breakfasts (B) and 4 three-course evening meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

Tour Pace
Covering the length of Britain in just over a week, this tour may seem a bit brisk at times. However, the itinerary is interspersed with frequent stops for sightseeing, free time in the towns and cities and even a leisurely cruise!

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

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

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

DAY 4 – SAT – LONDON – STRATFORD
Meet your Tour Director and head for Hampton Court Palace, built in 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey. Visit the grounds, home to the beautiful Palace Gardens, the oldest tennis courts in England and the great vine. Continue along the Thames Valley, passing Runnymede, site of the signing of the Magna Carta, before reaching Oxford, which is home to England's oldest university. A scenic drive through Cotswolds villages brings you to Stratford, beautifully located beside the peaceful river Avon. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director before dinner.
Hotel: Thistle. (CB,D)

DAY 5 – SUN – STRATFORD – YORK
Tour Stratford and see Harvard House, New Place, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Parish Church, where Shakespeare was both baptised and buried. Visit the half-timbered house where the bard was born, now a museum full of memorabilia relating to his life, before seeing Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage in Shottery. Continue north to Roman York, renowned for its ancient enclosing walls, its quaint Tudor 'Shambles' and its superb Cathedral, whose 13th century Minster is one of the finest ever built.
Hotel: Quality. (B,D)

DAY 6 – MON – YORK – LAKE DISTRICT
Experience the wild and beautiful Yorkshire countryside, made famous in literature by the Bronte family, before arriving in the breathtaking Lake District, whose tranquil waters and sleepy villages inspired some of the greatest writers in English literature. Enjoy a Highlight Cruise on the largest of the lakes, Lake Windermere, and visit the grave of the poet William Wordsworth in the village of Grasmere.
Hotel: Castle Green. (B)

DAY 7 – TUE – LAKE DISTRICT – GLASGOW
Cross the Scottish Border at Gretna, favorite destination for eloping English lovers. Continue to Culzean Castle, one of Robert Adam's most notable creations with its Oval Staircase and saloon. Afterwards, venture into Robbie Burns Country to visit the village of Alloway, where Scotland's most famous poet was born. See his birthplace and monument, as well as his 'Brig o'Doon' before continuing to Glasgow.
Hotel: Jurys Inn. (B,D)

DAY 8 – WED – GLASGOW – HIGHLANDS
Not far from Glasgow, in the heart of rural Scotland, lies fabled Loch Lomond. After driving along the 'bonnie bonnie banks' head north, with distant views of the Trossachs giving way to the peaks of the Western Highlands. Absorb the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, the 'valley of the weeping', where the dreadful massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. Continue to Fort William in the shadow of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Stop briefly at the WWII Commando Memorial before continuing to your Highland hotel, where you will experience an evening of haggis, bagpipes and traditional entertainment.
Hotel: Highlander. (B,HD)

DAY 9 – THU – ISLE OF SKYE & LOCH NESS EXCURSION
Spend an exciting day travelling along the 'Road to the Isles' past remote Eilean Donan Castle and 'over the sea to Skye', and hear tales of Flora MacDonald and her daring rescue of the Bonnie Prince. Upon returning to the mainland, follow the shores of Loch Ness - watch all the while for its infamous monster. Continue through the stately city of Inverness and across the tragic Culloden Moor, where the pride of the Highland clans was finally crushed. Continue along the sparkling Spey Valley and return to your hotel for the evening. (B,D)

DAY 10 – FRI – HIGHLANDS – EDINBURGH
Cross the Grampian Mountains and stop inthe shadow of the royal family's summer residence of Balmoral Castle. Visit the charming Crathie Parish Church, where the Princess Royal was married, and where John Brown, Queen Victoria's 'loyal servant' lies buried. Continue through Braemar, known for its annual Highland Gathering, on your way to St Andrews, the home of golf. Tonight your destination is the striking city of Edinburgh.Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor. (B)

DAY 11 – SAT – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
Tour beautiful Edinburgh, visiting the castle, high on its rocky crag, before travelling down the Royal Mile past St Giles Cathedral to Holyrood Palace, and onto elegant Princes Street to see the Sir Walter Scott monument. The afternoon is yours to discover more of this fine city. Tonight selected departures return to Edinburgh Castle for the Edinburgh Tattoo – a colorful mixture of military manoeuvres, complete with pipes and drums. (B)

DAY 12 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends in the morning, with transfers to the airport. Alternatively you have the option of taking the train back to London. (B)


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)
9/10/2008 - 9/21/2008
$2,475
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9/24/2008 - 10/5/2008
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4/15/2009 - 4/26/2009
$2,525
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4/22/2009 - 5/3/2009
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4/29/2009 - 5/10/2009
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5/6/2009 - 5/17/2009
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5/13/2009 - 5/24/2009
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5/20/2009 - 5/31/2009
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5/27/2009 - 6/7/2009
$2,525
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6/3/2009 - 6/14/2009
$2,525
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6/10/2009 - 6/21/2009
$2,525
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6/17/2009 - 6/28/2009
$2,525
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6/24/2009 - 7/5/2009
$2,525
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7/1/2009 - 7/12/2009
$2,525
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7/8/2009 - 7/19/2009
$2,525
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7/15/2009 - 7/26/2009
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7/22/2009 - 8/2/2009
$2,525
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7/29/2009 - 8/9/2009
$2,599
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8/5/2009 - 8/16/2009
$2,599
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8/12/2009 - 8/23/2009
$2,599
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8/19/2009 - 8/30/2009
$2,599
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8/26/2009 - 9/6/2009
$2,525
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9/2/2009 - 9/13/2009
$2,525
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9/9/2009 - 9/20/2009
$2,525
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9/16/2009 - 9/27/2009
$2,525
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9/23/2009 - 10/4/2009
$2,525
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Hotels
The hotels on this tour range from the traditional Georgian style of the Hilton Grosvenor in Edinburgh and the Thistle in the centre of Stratford, to the much simpler style of the Highlander in Newtonmore.

Fellow Passengers
This tour has something for everyone; walled towns, ancient castles, palace gardens and some of Britain’s most spectacular natural scenery. And you’ll encounter historical figures from Shakespeare to the Young Pretender.

Highlights
Stratford, York, the Lake District & Edinburgh feature in many Insight itineraries because they are among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Add to this list, Hampton Court Palace Gardens, beautiful Highland scenery & Culzean Castle.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • See all the sights of London’s West End
  • See Oxford’s University buildings
  • See the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the church where the bard lies buried
  • See Anne Hathaway’s thatched cottage in Shottery
  • See York Minster, City Walls & walk down the medieval ‘Shambles’
  • Visit William Wordsworth’s grave in Grasmere
  • Visit the village of Alloway to see Robbie Burns birthplace and monument
  • Travel via Glencoe, visit Fort William, see Ben Nevis and the Commando Memorial
  • Isle of Skye Excursion via Loch Ness, Inverness and tragic Culloden Moor
  • See Balmoral Castle and visit Crathie Parish Church
  • Visit St Andrews - home of Golf
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle and drive down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace
  • Scenic Drives through the Cotswolds, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Loch Ness & on the Isle of Skye

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours in London & Edinburgh. Orientation tours in Oxford, Stratford & York

Insight's First Class Services

  • Professional Tour Director to escort you (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 pack
  • London airport arrival transfer
  • Complimentary Edinburgh Airport departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Highland Dinner with bagpipes and entertainment (HD)
  • 1 Continental (CB) & 9 full Breakfasts (B) and 4 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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