'Great Tours of London, Britain & Ireland'
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 you'll experience a very wide variety of places to stay, too! From country house to small hotel, simple cottage, farm or inn. You'll enjoy all kinds of eating experiences - from simple, tasty, home-cooking to cuisine of the highest international standard! Day 1- Scholars, Statesmen and Writers We begin with a drive out of London to the University City of Oxford. A look at a famous college, a brief walking tour, then on to Blenheim Palace at Woodstock; the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. We lunch in the Cotswolds at a 500 year old inn, then take the road to Stratford-on-Avon, to visit Shakespeare's birthplace and tour the town, before settling into our comfortable small hotel for tonight. Stratford has many good choices of restaurants in the town. 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 hear some of the tales of Robin Hood, and take lunch at an old tavern. Then we're off 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'? The town centre is compact and very easy to walk, so you can discover that famous Yorkshire welcome for yourself! Or try an easy stroll around the city sights and walk the medieval city walls, with fabulous views of the Minster and 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. We'll follow with a drive through the impressive North York Moors National Park, stopping to admire an impressive ruined Abbey on route. Next, we'll take a good lunch in one of the local inns and visit 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 our advice a fine table d'hôte dinner waits at your hotel. Day 4 - Walkers, Writers and Poets We explore the English Lake District National Park, a beautiful region which has attracted artists, writers, poets and philosophers for centuries, and you'll soon realize why. We make a thorough motor-tour, and a scenic boat ride on one of the lakes, with visits to properties connected with at least two of the famous writers/poets who once lived here. Later, we can take afternoon tea in a lovely setting. Day 5 - Tudors, Borders and Weary Travellers Enjoying the lakes? Why not take a morning at leisure. We'll leave around 12.30 and head south to Chester, another of those fascinating towns which England is fortunate in possessing in such quantity. Walled, like York, but there the similarity ends; there's much Tudor black and white architecture here, and possibly the most unique shopping streets in the UK. We'll stop for an hour or two to explore the town and take tea at the finest hotel in town, owned by the Duke of Westminster, followed by a short drive to the border. "Passports please!" Only joking, but yes, we are entering another country: 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're going mining today! On with your helmets and let's see what a slate miner's life was like... Then we'll either visit a 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 spend the rest of the day at the picturesque Italianate village of Portmeirion, and some good shopping opportunities for those who are so inclined. Dinner at your hotel again, tonight?
Day 7 - Kings, Glass-Blowers and Georgians Today we travel from North to South Wales, with time to visit a historic Royal Castle, a Spa town, and enjoy a pub lunch. Later, we'll see the Royal Welsh Crystal factory with a chance to purchase a crystal glassware bargain. Our day ends at the historic Georgian City of Bath, where a charming hotel awaits. Check with me before heading out for dinner, there's lots of choices in this sophisticated little City. Theatre tonight? 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. We try to enable you to have some free time, to mingle 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 mysterious Stonehenge or Avebury 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! Tour cost for up to 8 persons: £3200. Includes your A/C Minivan carrying up to 8 persons, full driver-guide service, parking, fuel and all miles driven, complimentary drinks and occasional snacks along the way and your guide's overnight expenses and meals. Let me arrange guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £80 per twin or double room, £100 a family room per night including breakfast, or you can go on-line and choose your own. Please note that entry fees to the sites visited and gratuities (discretionary) are not included. Total luggage handling throughout. IMPORTANT! If you wish to book this tour please check my online diary first to confirm that I can handle your request BEFORE paying your deposit. Copyright © Ruddick Tours - 2004 - All rights reserved - Last up-dated: May 20, 2010 |
