You'll get a chance to meet with some of the locals tonight, so don't be shy; make some new friends in the local inn. Incidentally, visitors from overseas are always impressed by the dry, rather laconic ways of the Yorkshire folk. Let me tell you a story which serves to demonstrate this.

The scene: High country overlooking a pretty Dale. We've stopped to admire the views and get some pictures when one of our group, a Texan and rancher by profession, spots a local Dales farmer leaning on a gate. He wanders over for a word. ''Howdy! Do you farm around here, friend?''  The old man replies, ''Aye, lad, that I do.'' Our man says, ''Is that some of your spread, down there? Sure is beautiful country!'' The Yorkshireman replies, ''Aye. Yer see that Dale down yonder? All that Dale's mine, and me father's afore me, and his father's afore 'im. All that. God's country!'' (Said with some pride).

Now remember that our man is from Texas, so notwithstanding all this local pride, responds,

''Sure is a pretty piece of property friend, but I gotta tell yer, my ranch in Texas takes me more than an hour to drive around. What do you say to that?!''

The Dalesman ponders this for a moment, then gently, sympathetically, replies, ''Aye lad, I used ter 'ave a car like that, but I got rid o' it.'' 

Day 2:

Hope y'all slept well and didn't imbibe too much local ale last night, 'cos we're on a mission! 

We're going to explore some of the northern Dales today which includes Teesdale, Nidderdale and Swaledale with a visit to King Richard III's castle at Middleham, plus a castle where Mary Queen of Scots was held prisoner.

We'll later take a look at the attractive market town of Richmond (and yet another equally fine medieval castle!), or we'll please the shoppers with an hour or two at the charming cathedral City of Ripon and offer an optional tour of its famous cathedral, in addition to some free time.

Day 3:

Our group have a decision to make today and here's your choices:

EITHER we take a leisurely tour of Yorkshire's Moors and coast, visiting the wild and lovely Moors, then on to Captain Cook's charming town of Whitby, where fisherman rub shoulders with holidaymakers. We'll follow with a look at Yorkshire's premier seaside resort, Scarborough, and a chance for families to enjoy a couple of hours free time for the beach or the town's attractions.

OR we first visit Castle Howard, one of England's finest stately homes and explore all that it has to offer, followed by a local pub lunch followed by a free afternoon in the delightful historic City of York.

Finally, we'll take the three and a half hour drive to London (or the airport/airport hotel for your ongoing flight/overnight accommodation), arriving late evening.

PRICES:

EITHER:

You pay just £1300, to cover the cost of your Minivan which carries up to 8 persons, your driver-guide's services and all miles driven. Complimentary drinks and occasional snacks are provided along the way. The driver-guide's hotel/subsistence expenses are included, but not your own. We can arrange guest house/inn/hotel accommodations from £70 per twin or double room, £90 a family room per night including breakfast, or you can go on-line and choose your own with our help. Please note that entry fees to the sites visited and gratuities (discretionary) are not included. Total luggage handling throughout.

This is the most economical way to go, costing just £162 per person for a family or group of 8 to £324 per person for a family or group of 4, for all your travel and guiding.

OR:

A fully-inclusive, more luxurious option. Prices include quality accommodation with private bath and full English breakfast, entrance fees & taxes, lunch on 2 days, dinner on 2 nights and high tea on 1 day, your own driver/guide and minivan for 3 days: