Best of Britain

London's vibrant city streets are your launch pad to an epic journey through the iconic sights of Britain. Embrace the pomp and ceremony of this multi-cultural capital, exploring the treasures of its former Empire in museums, rambling through its picturesque Royal Parks or admiring the ancient façades that line its grand boulevards and hidden lanes.

Join a Local Specialist today for a tour of the city's iconic sights. See Big Ben and the imposing Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames, then Buckingham Palace, the official UK residence of the British sovereigns since the mid-19th century. The rest of the day is yours to explore London - an effortless mix of centuries-old heritage and modern sophistication.

Meet your Travel Director and commence your journey through the rolling green and golden landscapes of rural Wiltshire to Salisbury Plain. We tread in the footsteps of druids and pagans at Stonehenge, before traveling to UNESCO-listed Bath with its elegant Georgian façades and the centuries-old Roman Baths. Your home for the next two nights is the historic cathedral city of Exeter, where you will enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.

Our first stop today is in the ancient port city of Plymouth, where we’ll delve into the history of the brave Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for an unknown New World from its shores. See the Royal Citadel overlooking Plymouth Sound and consider an optional cruise around the dramatic coastline. We take a step back in time at our next stop – the delightful village of Polperro. Continuing along the brooding moorland of Dartmoor, we arrive at Buckfast Abbey, where we’ll Dive Into Culture and discover how Benedictine monks have lived and prayed here for over 1,000 years.

Take in the rolling green countryside of Devon and Somerset en route to a true highlight—your Be My Guest experience on a working dairy farm. You’ll meet Ian and Ann Dyer, whose families have farmed this land for generations. Hear the stories of their manor home, mentioned in the Domesday Book, and learn how modern farming meets centuries of tradition. Over a hearty farmhouse meal prepared by Ann, enjoy local flavors and warm hospitality. Then it’s on to Cardiff. This dynamic Welsh capital is full of pride and culture. You'll enjoy an orientation that reveals city icons like the University of Wales, Principality Stadium, City Hall and the National Museum, introducing you to the rich heritage of Wales through its modern cityscape.

Explore England’s Tudor past in Ludlow and Chester, where black-and-white timber-framed buildings line the streets. In Chester, join your Travel Director for an orientation walk along the Tudor Rows and admire the red sandstone city walls. Step into Chester Cathedral to uncover over 1,000 years of layered history, from medieval carvings to the soaring Gothic nave. Then it’s on to Liverpool, a city that changed the sound of music forever. Join a Local Specialist for insight into the legacy of the Beatles, walking in the footsteps of the Fab Four. The evening is yours to grab dinner and soak up the city’s charm.

Rolling Lancashire pastures give way to the soul-stirring Lake District, whose beautiful scenery has inspired poets and writers for centuries. We travel along the shores of Lake Windermere, through countryside made famous by the poet William Wordsworth. Stop in Gretna Green on the Scottish border, where many eloping couples have tied the knot. We arrive in Glasgow later for an orientation tour, including views of the Cathedral, magnificent George Square and the Clyde River, the former heart of the shipbuilding industry. This evening, enjoy locally-sourced flavors at Mharsanta restaurant during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.