Booking for : Elite Great Britain

    Elite Great Britain

    Tour Details

    15 Days

    Your Signature Collection Package Includes

    • Flights New York-Edinburgh, London-New York
      Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
    • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
    • 13 nights accommodations in well located Luxury Hotels
      • 2 nights Waldorf Astoria – The Caledonian, Edinburgh
      • 2 nights Low Wood Bay Resort, Windermere, England
      • 2 nights Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy, Wales
      • 2 nights Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford
      • 2 nights Francis Hotel, Bath
      • 3 nights The Langham, London
    • All transfers
    • Maximum 24 passengers per tour
    • 27 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches with soft drinks, 1 afternoon tea, 9 dinners with wine
    • Bottled water daily
    • Welcome and Farewell Receptions
    • Hotel porterage and complimentary in-room Wi-Fi
    • Comprehensive sightseeing with all entrance fees per itinerary
    • Tour manager throughout plus local guides in each city
    • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles
    • Tips for restaurant staff, drivers and local guides
    • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

     

    Your Luxury Tour Highlights

    Signature Collection blends specially arranged private visits and rich cultural meetings with exceptional personalized services

    • Visit Edinburgh Castle, home to the crown jewels of Scotland, and Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland
    • Tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, floating residence of the Queen and the Royal Family for 40 years
    • Walk through the exceptional garden of 30,000 flowers and topiary characters at Levens Hall
    • In North Wales, visit the picturesque seaside town of Conwy with its stunning 13th century castle
    • Visit Stratford-upon-Avon, home to William Shakespeare, England’s greatest poet and playwright
    • Explore the many colleges at Oxford including Christchurch, used in many of the Harry Potter movies
    • Tour gilded Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill, set in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds
    • At Stonehenge, gaze at the mysterious magical ring of stones at this UNESCO Heritage Site
    • Treasure a glorious day in enchanting Bath, home to Britain’s grandest Georgian architecture
    • A special royal treat as we visit legendary Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world
    • View London’s history and pageantry at the iconic Buckingham Palace
    • Visit Westminster Abbey with a 1,000-year history as a place of worship for royalty

     

    Your Signature Experiences

    • During August 6 and August 20 departures, attend an evening performance of the astonishing Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle
    • Enjoy a regal lunch at the elegant Castletown Estate, a private manor house on the River Eden
    • Private cruise on Windermere Lake, surrounded by panoramas of mountain scenery, bays and wooded islands
    • Visit the unique Bodnant Food Center for a cooking demonstration, conversation and a specially prepared dinner by Welsh chefs
    • Privately guided visit to massive Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the country’s most impressive castles
    • Conclude your morning of exploration in Bath with lunch at the elegant Roman Baths Kitchen
    • Celebrate your arrival in London with breathtaking views aboard a private capsule on the London Eye
    • Attend an exclusive Afternoon Tea at The Langham – the first luxury hotel in Europe to serve afternoon tea
    • A Yeoman Warder, or Beefeater, welcomes you – and poses for photos with you – at the Tower of London
    • An award-winning team of chefs create our inspirational Farewell Dinner – a superb dining experience!

    *Not Included:
    Prices do not include gratuities for tour managers.

    Additional Information:
    Jun 11 & 25 departures: due to local events, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details will be advised locally.


    Entry Requirements:
    Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary.


    Is This Trip Right for You?

    This fast-paced trip covers a good amount of ground each day. We can spend 2-3 hours on our feet during tours where you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking.
    Starting prices shown are departing from New York / JFK. Prices vary depending on date and if you need a different departure city. Packages are offered year round but are subject to availability. All prices shown are per person based on 2 travelers.
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    DAY 1, Sunday,Depart for Edinburgh, Scotland

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    DAY 2, Monday,Edinburgh

    Welcome to Scotland! Arrive in the royal city of Edinburgh, with its exquisite Georgian and Victorian architecture and winding medieval streets. During your stay, there’ll be time to discover the city’s rich heritage and historic buildings -- its Old and New Town are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll be transferred to your deluxe hotel. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception and a delectable dinner with a Scottish flair. Overnight accommodations at Waldorf Astoria-The Caledonian, Edinburgh and Dinner included.
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    DAY 3, Tuesday,Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia

    This morning we visit Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, home to the legendary Stone of Destiny a powerful symbol of Scottish monarchy and the breathtaking Crown Jewels on display in the Crown Room. After lunch together, on to the baroque Palace of Holyroodhouse, (when the Queen is not in residence, *Entry into Holyroodhouse is unavailable on the Jun 25 departure. And it will be replaced with Rosslyn Chapel). Standing at the end of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, this fine palace was once home to Scottish royals including Mary Queen of Scots. Explore the historic State Apartments, ruins of the 12th century Abbey and the remarkable royal gardens of the Queen's official residence in Scotland. Later this afternoon, explore Edinburgh on your own, or join your Tour Manager for an enlightening visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Discover what life was like on board the floating royal residence of the Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years. Follow in the footsteps of world leaders such as Churchill, Mandela and Gandhi as we tour the State Apartments and the bridge. This evening (**Aug 6 & 20 departures only), attend an outdoor performance of the astonishing Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performed by the British Armed Forces, military bands and display teams on the esplanade of illuminated Edinburgh Castle - it’s an amazing display of pomp and pageantry. Overnight accommodations at Waldorf Astoria-The Caledonian, Edinburgh. Lunch and Dinner included.
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    DAY 4, Wednesday,Hadrian’s Wall, Estate Lunch, Wordworth’s Grasmere, Windermere

    Driving south, we stop in the border town of Jedburgh to see the striking Abbey built in Scotland’s border country during the Middle Ages. As we cross into England, travel through Northumberland National Park before reaching a section of Hadrian's Wall in the sprawling northern frontier, built by force of men in less than six years – truly an engineering feat! At Housesteads, view the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain, a unique monument that is a revelation of life at the Roman Empire’s most northern outpost. Then, we travel to the county of Cumbria, where we’ll enjoy a regal lunch at the elegant Castletown Estate, a private manor house on the River Eden. Then, on to Grasmere, Cumbria’s most popular village, thanks to William Wordsworth with its lovely 19th century architecture. A delightful walk through this pretty village, where he wrote some of his most famous poems, takes us to the church to view Wordsworth’s resting place. We continue to Windermere in the gorgeous Lake District. Dinner and overnight at our resort hotel set on England’s largest lake. Overnight accommodations at Low Wood Bay Resort, Windermere. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
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    DAY 5, Thursday,Cruise on Windermere Lake, England’s Lake District, Topiary Gardens

    Start the day with magnificent views as we cruise on Windermere Lake, the largest body of water in England, surrounded by panoramas of mountain scenery, secluded bays and wooded islands. At Bowness-on-Windermere, you’ll be enchanted by the historical houses in this bustling Victorian town with its many tea shops, ice cream stalls, and crafts shops. Home to The World of Beatrix Potter, themed attractions in the town bring to life various scenes from her most popular books. Free time for lunch on your own before a visit to Levens Hall (***Levens Hall is not available on all departures), a grand manor house dating back to 1350 with its fine Elizabethan interior, ornate scrollwork and priceless paintings. A highlight of the visit is a walk through the exceptional garden of topiary characters sculpted from box and yew, surrounded by over 30,000 colorful flowers. An à la carte dinner at the hotel caps our beautiful day. Overnight accommodations at Low Wood Bay Resort, Windermere. Breakfast and Dinner included.
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    DAY 6, Friday,Medieval Chester, Artisan Food Demonstration Dinner

    Travel to the striking medieval walled city of Chester set on the River Dee, home to an excavated Roman Amphitheatre and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Along the shopping streets of Eastgate and Watergate perhaps you’ll hear the Town Crier making their traditional proclamations. Continue across the border to North Wales and the seaside town Deganwy, situted across the Conwy River from the stunning 13th century Conwy Castle. Later, a visit to the unique Bodnant Food Center at the Furnace Farm, in a spectacular river setting. Here, the best artisan food in Wales is showcased including meat, dairy products, cheeses, honey – all organically grown. Taste the specialty breads, honey from the estate and a mouth-watering range of preserves and condiments. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, tales from the Chef, recipes to take home and a specially prepared dinner Overnight stay at Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy. Breakfast and Dinner included.
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    DAY 7, Saturday,Caernarfon Castle, Medieval Conwy

    In the compact and diverse nation of Wales, a visit to massive Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the country’s most impressive castles, created by King Edward I to symbolize the power of the English over the subdued Welsh, it was designed to echo the walls of Constantinople. Reigning over the Menai Strait on the northwestern coast of Wales, the grandeur of Caernarfon Castle is characterized by its unique polygonal towers. On our privately guided tour, view the interesting exhibition devoted to the Princes of Wales through the years. After lunch on your own in Caernarfon, time to enjoy all of the amenities at your resort hotel. Or, explore the picturesque town of Conwy and the medieval walled fortress with its commanding views of the mountains of Snowdonia and the River Conwy. A delightful dinner together at the hotel with views of illuminated Conwy Castle and the sparkling bay Overnight at Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy. Breakfast and Dinner included.
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    DAY 8, Sunday,Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford University

    Departing Wales, we arrive in picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval town of Tudor timberwork, open greens and boats bobbing on the river Avon. Home to William Shakespeare, England’s greatest poet and playwright, Stratford is brimming with cultural and historic attractions including his birth place and Anne Hathaway's childhood home. Free time to wander the lanes of this celebrated town, where the Bard's plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Next, we travel to the city of Oxford, housing the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The ivy-clad colleges that make up the university are renowned for some of the finest architecture in Europe. On our walking tour along the cobbled streets, soak up the academic ambience which inspired many literary geniuses. Explore the many colleges such as Christchurch, used in many of the Harry Potter movies, with its impressive landmark tower designed by Chistopher Wren. On to our elegant hotel in Oxford for an à la carte dinner and overnight. Overnight at Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford. Breakfast and Dinner included.
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    DAY 9, Monday,Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, Woodstock Village

    At St. Martin’s Church in Bladon, pay respects at the grave site of Sir Winston Churchill, before continuing to his home at gilded Blenheim Palace. This birthplace of Winston Churchill and home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough is a true masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture, built in celebration of the English victory over the French in the War of Spanish Succession. Time to wander along the lanes of this glorious UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on over 2,000 acres with its sensational formal gardens. After lunch we drive through the magnificent rolling hills of the serene Cotswolds, with its quintessential thatched villages. In the historic market town of Woodstock walk along the honey-colored streets, enchanted by boutiques, art galleries and antique shops. In Oxford tonight, discover the international restaurants and nightlife in this lively city. Overnight at Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford. Breakfast and Lunch included.
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    DAY 10, Tuesday,Mysterious Stonehenge, Georgian City of Bath

    Upon our arrival at the Salisbury Plains, you’ll gaze at the magical ring of stones that is known as Stonehenge. One of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries, Stonehenge is a massive circle of 3,500-year-old standing stones situated in the midst of a green field. Still unclear who built the landmark or, how it was constructed, Stonehenge is one of Britain's most important ancient monuments, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evidence suggests the area may have once been a burial site, and theories abound that Stonehenge may have astronomical, spiritual, or even supernatural meaning. After this perplexing visit, travel to the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, one of Britain’s most beautiful cities where two of Jane Austen's novels were set. As we arrive, admire the stunning architecture highlighted by elegant stone terraced buildings, delightful crescents and graceful squares. At our hotel, time to settle in before a lovely dinner together (****Jun 11 & 25 departures: due to local events, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details will be advised locally), Overnight at Francis Hotel, Bath. Breakfast and Dinner included.
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    DAY 11, Wednesday,Explore Bath, a British Jewel

    Treasure a glorious day in Bath, home to some of the nation's grandest Georgian architecture. View the Pulteney Bridge across the River Avon on the way to the Royal Crescent, a semicircular terrace of majestic townhouses overlooking the green sweep of Royal Victoria Park. At Bath Abbey(*****Jun 11 & 25 departures: due to local events, the order of sightseeing may be changed. Details will be advised locally), looming above the city center, enter one of the country’s greatest medieval churches where England’s first king was crowned. Our tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the well-preserved 2,000 year old Roman Baths, a complex of bathhouses above Bath's three natural hot springs, encircled by 18th and 19th century buildings. Lunch at the stylish Roman Baths Kitchen, then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Bath, truly a British jewel. Perhaps sample the city’s curative mineral-rich waters at a local spa complex. Overnight at Francis Hotel, Bath. Breakfast and Lunch included.
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    DAY 12, Thursday,Windsor Castle, The London Eye

    On our drive toward London, a very special royal treat as we stop at legendary Windsor Castle, the oldest inhabited castle in the world, home to over 39 monarchs in the last 1,000 years. A majestic vision of towers and battlements, the castle today is used for state occasions and is the Queen’s principal residence. If the Queen is home, look for the Royal Standard flying from the Round Tower! Our tour of the opulent castle includes the lavish State Apartments with priceless artworks, St. George’s Chapel, burial place of 10 monarchs including Henry VIII, and Queen Mary’s intricate Doll House with immaculately reproduced miniature replicas. Upon arrival at our prestigious hotel in London, time to relax. This evening, we celebrate our arrival in London with a private capsule on the London Eye offering breathtaking views. Dinner follows at a trendy restaurant. Overnight at The Langham, London. Breakfast and Dinner included.
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    DAY 13, Friday,Iconic Sights of London, Westminster Abbey, High Tea

    Discover London’s history and pageantry on today’s exploration of London. We begin at the iconic Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, where we pause to see to Big Ben. Then, we visit Westminster Abbey one of the world's greatest churches, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. It has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066 and for numerous other royal occasions, including sixteen royal weddings. Princess Diana's funeral was held here and 17 monarchs are buried here. On our privately guided tour, view some of the Westminster’s priceless art and monuments. In the Poets' Corner, you'll find the resting places of famous authors and memorials to other greats. Today it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the life of the nation. Next, we walk to view Buckingham Palace and join the throngs of royal watchers. Finally, we drive to Hyde Park, one of the city’s most beautiful Royal Parks, where we stand before the touching Memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. This afternoon, an exclusive, very British experience -- Afternoon Tea at The Langham. It was here, in 1865, that The Langham became the first luxury hotel in Europe to serve afternoon tea. You’ll be pampered with superb teas served in the finest Wedgwood teaware, accompanied by an array of sweet and savory pastries, scones and finger sandwiches served in the very best English tradition. Afterwards, opt to stroll through the astonishing British Museum, visit Madame Tussauds, or the striking Tate Modern. Tonight, discover vibrant London at your own pace. Fabulous international restaurants and the renowned London theatre scene are waiting for you! Overnight at The Langham, London. Breakfast and Afternoon Tea included.
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    DAY 14, Saturday,Tower of London

    We begin our last day in Britain with a warm welcome and photo opportunity with a Yeoman Warder, also known as a Beefeater, as we arrive at Tower of London a former fortress and Royal Palace that has witnessed 1000 years of history most notoriously as a prison. You will view the Crown Jewels and the iconic Tower Bridge. Afterwards, an afternoon at leisure to stroll through the astonishing British Museum, visit Madame Tussauds, or the striking Tate Modern. This evening, a superb dining experience awaits us at the Farewell Dinner. The award winning team of chefs at the Roux restaurant lends their culinary expertise and creativity to our inspirational dinner. Bid farewell to your newfound friends and to the superb tour through Great Britain that ends tonight in London. Overnight at The Langham, London. Breakfast and Farewell Dinner included.
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    DAY 15, Sunday,Depart England

    Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Breakfast included.
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    The Langham – 5 Star

    This renowned deluxe hotel, opened in 1865 as Europe’s first "grand" hotel, and it has accommodated royalty, foreign dignitaries and celebrities for over 150 years. Located at the top of Regent Street, the prestigious Langham, renowned for its legendary service, continues to reign as one of the finest hotels in London. Discover exotic concoctions at Artesian, voted the World's Best Bar. Unwind with a cocktail when Palm Court transforms into a jazz lounge in the late evenings. Enjoy the hotel’s world-class facilities; fitness center, steam rooms, and vitality pools. The Langham is also home of the world-famous "Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood."
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    Francis Hotel – 4 Star

    In the heart of the historic city of Bath, this luxury Regency-style townhouse hotel occupies seven of the original 18th century townhouses in centrally located Queen Square. The hotel itself is a destination of historical and architectural significance, recently restored to its former glory following a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Guests may expect sublime comfort in each of the individually designed rooms with superb amenities. All of the hotel’s restaurants, lounges and bars offer award-winning cuisine prepared by a master chef.
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    Macdonald Randolph Hotel – 5 Star

    A 19th-century British landmark, this 5-star hotel is situated in the heart of this world-famous university city with views of Oxford’s spires visible from many of the public rooms. Its guest rooms are large and elegantly designed. There's a fine-dining restaurant, comfortable lounges and the newly opened Cartoon Bar. The hotel has hosted prime ministers and presidents and the renowned Morse Bar is recognizable as Colin Dexter’s world-famous detective Inspector Morse.
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    Quay Hotel & Spa – 4 Stars

    The hotel is located on the coast of North Wales, nearby the Deganwy Quay Marina. Conwy Castle is about a ten minute drive away, and Snowdonia National Park is about a thirty minute drive away.
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    Low Wood Bay – 4 Star

    Low Wood Bay is located in the heart of the magnificent Windermere Lake District. This first-class lakefront resort and marina is the perfect place with traditional rooms offering country-chic décor and comfort. Enjoy the lovely European restaurant in tasteful and modern surroundings, or relax in the informal lounge, bar or lakeside bistro where the sun terrace overlooks the shores of Lake Windermere. In the leisure center, you’ll find a large swimming pool, workout center and sauna.
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    The Caledonian – 5 Star

    The Caledonian, with its imposing Victorian décor has embodied the very best in Scottish hospitality for over a hundred years. Recently relaunched to Waldorf Astoria’s peerless, world-renowned standards, the hotel is elegant and beautifully understated. Its guest rooms bring style, sophistication and comfort. A relaxing haven of exclusive and indulgent treatments are offered by the UK’s only Guerlain Spa, the state-of-the-art Fitness Center and swimming pool. The hotel’s gourmet restaurants offer celebrated cuisine by England’s most famous chefs.

    Price shown are estimated prices from JFK, prices will vary depending on season and & departure city. Prices are per person. If traveler is under 13 please call in reservation. Subject to availability

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