Ray .. our tour of Britain .. was truly great! We had a taste of many aspects of English life and we were able to appreciate the history of England through all of your wealth of knowledge on the subject. We so enjoyed the country side of the Moors and the Dales. It was truly lovely .. the rock walls, the sheep and the openness of the land .. the villages and the people, the tours through Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, Thirsk, Chester and its history, our visit to Wales and all the tours contributed to a fabulous vacation  ... Mr & Mrs Daniel USA

The Anglo-Welsh Adventure  (7 nights/ 8 days)

This truly superb tour is designed to show you the amazing diversity of scene in England and Wales; from castles to stately homes, industrial landscape to rural villages with their rows of charming little cottages; from high moors and hills to lower slopes, where grazing sheep wander into quaint old villages which look as if they've been there since time began.

You will see a great deal in a short time, and if you desire you'll be able to experience a very wide variety of places to stay, too! From country house to small hotel, or cosy cottage, farm or inn. You'll also enjoy all kinds of eating experiences - from simple, but tasty home-cooking to cuisine of the highest international standard!

Day 1 - Scholars, Statesmen and Writers

We begin our adventure with a drive out of London to the University City of Oxford. An interesting brief walking tour of this fascinating University town will give us the chance to see some of the more interesting colleges and to hear about many of the famous people who have studied here.

After a coffee/tea/juice break we'll make the short drive to Blenheim Palace at Woodstock; the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, one of this country's most famous sons. Blenheim is both interesting and big - a good hour and a half is the average time spent here - but you will be able to take it at the pace that suits you - that's the beauty of taking a private tour.

We lunch in the Cotswolds at a 500 year old inn or a picnic by a stream in a charming little village - it's your choice, the weather may help you decide, if it's a lovely sunny day, the picnic may win our vote.

Refreshed, we motor on to Stratford-on-Avon, visiting Shakespeare's birthplace and touring the town before settling into our comfortable small hotel for tonight. Stratford has many good choices of restaurants in the town, I can advise.

Later, take an evening stroll by the river, or, would you prefer to visit the theatre? (Mention it when booking your tour).

Day 2 - Potters, Outlaws and Vikings

After breakfast, we set off to the 'Potteries', with a visit to the Wedgwood, Royal Doulton or Spode factory, to hear all about their history of fine bone-china production. (There's also a chance to buy a bargain or two).

Later, we drive to Nottinghamshire and see some of Sherwood Forest whilst hearing some of the tales and legends of Robin Hood.

A tavern lunch would be a good idea now, then settle down with some deep cushions and snooze your way to our overnight destination.

The ninety minute drive which some of us may have seen (!) will bring us to the once Viking city of York, and tonight's hotel. This lovely old city has restaurants and pubs in abundance, so anyone for a 'pub crawl' tonight? The town centre is compact and very easy to walk so you can discover that famous Yorkshire welcome for yourself!

Or you may opt for an easy stroll around the city sights and walk some of the medieval city walls which reveal fabulous views of the Minster and the central historic city.

Day 3 - Aristocrats, Vets and Shepherds

After breakfast, we visit Castle Howard, one of England's finest stately homes, for a full tour - don't forget that camera!

A late morning/early afternoon drive through the impressive North York Moors National Park follows and we'll stop to admire an impressive ruined Abbey on route which makes an ideal spot for one of my famous picnics, I hear you say! Ok, no problem, unless the weather is unkind, in which event a good lunch in one of the local inns will do the trick, followed by a short visit to Bolton Castle, where Mary, the tragic Queen of Scots, was once imprisoned.

Finally, our day climaxes with a drive through the lovely Yorkshire Dales, beloved by fans of the series of stories by a local vet; "All Creatures Great & Small". If you've taken my advice a fine table d'hôte dinner awaits at your hotel.

Day 4 - Walkers, Writers and Poets

We explore the English Lake District National Park, a truly beautiful region which has attracted artists, writers, poets and philosophers for centuries, and you'll soon realize why. We will make a thorough, but very leisurely motor-tour today with frequent viewing/photo stops along the way and also give you the opportunity to take a scenic boat ride on one of the lakes.

The Lakes writers' and poets homes are well worth a visit too, so I'll be offering up a visit to properties connected with at least two of the famous writers/poets who once lived here. Later, we can take a relaxing and very tasty English High Tea in a lovely setting.

Day 5 - Tudors, Borders and Weary Travellers

Enjoying the lakes? Then why not take a morning at leisure? We'll leave around 12.30 and head south to Chester, another of those fascinating historic towns which enhance the pleasure of travel in England.

Chester is a walled city like York, but there the similarity ends, because here there's much less stone and lots of Tudor-style black and white architecture, and possibly the most unique shopping streets in the UK.

We'll stop for an hour or two to explore the town with the chance for those who have become fans of the 'Tea Thing' to take tea at the finest hotel in town, owned by the Duke of Westminster, whilst others can shop - as always on my tours, it's YOUR tour and it's YOUR choice!

Our afternoon ends with a short drive to the Welsh border. "Passports please!" Only joking, but yes, we are entering another country: Wonderful Wales! And a GREAT little country it is too. Croeso Y Gymru! That's 'Welcome to Wales!' in Welsh, but don't worry, we'll have you speaking it like a native in no time.. (Joke!).

Day 6 - Miners, Climbers and Singers

We have a few ideas for you - so how about mining today? Ok, on with your helmets and let's see what a slate miner's life was like...

Don't like the idea of going underground? OK, let's go climb around a fantastic medieval castle or take the mountain railway to the summit of the highest peak on this tour, Mt Snowdon - as the group wish.

After lunch we may spend the rest of the day at the picturesque Italianate village of Portmeirion; it's really quite unique, certainly a little eccentric, but very lovely.

Day 7 - Kings, Glass-Blowers and Georgians

Wow, a week has passed so quickly, just doesnt seem possible does it? Well, download all those photos you've taken and remind yourself of all you've seen and done so far and then you will believe it - but don't reminisce for too long - there's much more to come!

Today we travel from North to South Wales, with time to visit a historic Royal Castle, a Spa town, and enjoy a pub lunch along the way.

Later, we'll see the Royal Welsh Crystal factory with a chance to purchase a crystal glassware bargain or take a stroll around one of mid Wales' charming Victorian Spa towns.

We'll end our day at the historic Georgian City of Bath, where a charming Country Manor House hotel awaits. Check with me before heading out for dinner though as there are lots of choices in this sophisticated little City. Theatre tonight, anyone?

Day 8 - Friends, Romans and Countrymen

A visit to the Roman Baths, the historic costume museum, and a walking tour of this fascinating town before noon will please history/architecture/art lovers. Later, the ladies may want to visit the Jane Austen Centre in the free time I'll be offering. Bath is popular all year round so you'll be mingling with visitors (who are sure to include quite a few of your own countrymen) who've come to Bath from all over the world.

Finally, we return to London with a brief visit to either mysterious Stonehenge or the awesome Avebury Stone circles on route. On the way we'll take a farewell meal together. "What's that about 'Friends'?", you say. Well, after such a great trip together we shall be!

Total tour cost is £4200.

Please note that the cost is the same whether you are a single traveller or a group made up of family or friends - up to a maximum of 8 persons.

INCLUDED: My accommodation and meals; service as your private driver-guide in my A/C Minivan carrying up to 8 persons, all parking charges, fuel and all miles driven. Also included: complimentary onboard drinks, two or three picnics, occasional snacks along the way and total luggage handling throughout the journey.

EXCLUDED: Your entry fees to sites, your own meals and hotel charges. Either let me arrange these for you or do it yourself with my help regarding locations, local knowledge, etc. A good quality b&b / guest house / small hotel room will cost from £70 to £95 a night which usually includes a full, hearty breakfast. A family room will cost around £20 more. (If you can afford it and must have the best, the UK'S top luxury hotels range from £150 to over £500 a night - see my luxury tours page).

HOW TO BOOK THIS TOUR

First - check my online diary for availability

Next send me an email me to have your tour dates/details/prices confirmed

Finally, when you are informed that I'm holding your dates for you book your tour by going here and choosing Option 9 from the dropdown menu

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