Elegance of Great Britain - Start Edinburgh, Classic Group
Follow in the footsteps of historical figures and literary giants on a 12-day guided tour of Scotland and England. In Edinburgh be dazzled by the jewels of Scottish royalty and join a Local Expert as you explore the best the city has to offer. Dine with Sir Ludovic, a Scottish Baronet, on his 10,000-acre coastal home - Ardgowan Castle. He’ll tell you about the castle's history and surrounding area as you enjoy traditional tea and scones. Cruise the English Lake District, and visit William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Plus, marvel at Stonehenge's monoliths and indulge in a Dine-at-Home Experience at York's Thrisk Hall, an 18th-century town house renovated by English architect John Carr.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Afternoon Tea (AT)
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- York: Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivaled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.
- York: Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster on a visit to York's masterpiece. Explore the cathedral’s rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires that threatened to destroy the cathedral.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- If your arrival flights are as per the itinerary start date, then arrival transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport. You may purchase transfers to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports on departure day, or when additional night accommodation has been booked through Insight Vacations. Alternatively, please make your own way from/to the airport.
- Edinburgh: Get to know your fellow travelers over dinner of modern European cuisine, at a quirky bistro tucked away in Leith.
- York: Join your hosts for dinner at the historic Thirsk Hall. The building was extended in 1770 by famous English architect John Carr.
- Bath: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers at Brasserie Blanc, while enjoying a delicious French-inspired meal.
- York: Visit the National Railway Museum, housing over 300 years of history, and home to iconic locomotives and an unrivaled collection of engineering brilliance. We celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on the railways.
- York: Delve into the historic and human stories which have shaped the Minster on a visit to York's masterpiece. Explore the cathedral’s rich history, from the Roman Emperor who changed the course of Christianity, to the fires that threatened to destroy the cathedral.
- Blenheim Palace: Witness a masterpiece of the English Baroque, brimming with priceless art and tapestries, and learn more about Churchill's life at Blenheim during a talk by a historian.
- Ardgowan House: Join Sir Ludovic for a tour of his family home, Ardgowan Estate, and savor a traditional Scottish tea made from local ingredients. Hear more about centuries of history on the beautiful grounds during the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Your visit helps support the estate, helping keep Scottish history alive. The Estate educates its visitors and the local rural community about their sustainability initiatives, reducing food waste and sourcing all ingredients locally to support the local economy. Ardgowan Estate invests in renewable projects including a wood bio mass boiler, a gas plant and wind turbines, to create a greener, more sustainable future. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 12: Affordable and Clean Energy & Responsible Consumption and Production.
- Edinburgh: Explore Edinburgh Castle with your Local Expert to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Mons Meg up close.
- Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Expert as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.
- Edinburgh: A hush descends and eyes turn to the castle. The skirl of the pipes rises and drums crack the night air as a tide of tunics and tartan flood from the drawbridge. For a limited time in August, witness the incredible spectacle of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
- Gretna Green: Visit the spot where runaway lovers were married.
- Grasmere: Learn about the life of the poet William Wordsworth and visit his grave.
- Bowness-on-Windermere: The best way to enjoy the Lake District is by cruise. Relax as you admire the magnificent views.
- Windermere: Board a steam train and journey along the banks of the beautiful River Leven.
- Haworth: A visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Brontë family and the inspiration behind their marvelous works of literature.
- York: Walk with your Local Expert to York Minster, then trace the narrow, timber-framed streets known as the Shambles.
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Learn about the life of William Shakespeare, arguably history's most famous writer, when you visit his birthplace. Then enjoy some time to explore this pretty town with its iconic Tudor houses.
- Cardiff: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the castle and Principality Stadium.
- Cardiff: In Cardiff, visit the medieval Cardiff Castle.
- Bath: During an orientation you will see the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey.
- Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient bathhouses in Northern Europe whose waters still flow today. Enjoy a personal exploration of the site, including the Sacred Spring, original Great Bath, temple remains and museum displays of artifacts uncovered on site. This complex offers a clear view of public bathing and religious practices during the Roman occupation of Britain nearly 2,000 years ago.
- Stonehenge: Walk around the strange, awe-inspiring megaliths that have reputedly stood for 5,000 years.
- Salisbury: During your free time for lunch, take a moment to explore this historical city. See the tallest spire in England, atop the Medieval cathedral and walk the streets to observe an architectural timeline from the city's medieval walls and half-timbered Tudor town houses to Georgian mansions and Victorian villas.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
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ID: 8751458
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ID: 8751460
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Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
Find the journey right for you with our selection of tour styles. Whether you're looking to see a number of destinations in a single tour, explore a single destination in depth or you want to take the road less traveled, we have the perfect holiday for you.
Discovery Journeys
Discovery Journeys are the ideal style for first-time travelers, showing you the very best your destination has to offer. Each tour will introduce you to multiple countries in one journey.
Regional Journeys
Travel deeper by picking one place that you’ve always longed to visit. Our Regional Journeys are carefully planned to let you explore one region or country in depth, in order to really know its people, traditions and culture.
Country Roads
Step off the beaten track and discover a different side of your destination. Steering clear of the well-trodden tourist trail, our Country Roads program sends you off to hidden retreats and unexpected adventures with lots of local flavor.
Easy Pace
Love full days at leisure while on holiday? Take more time to explore on your own, with a minimum of three nights in each destination and plenty of free time - including more Relaxed Starts - built into the itinerary.
Special Interest Tours
Explore our collection of Special Interest Tours that are themed around particular local festivals, events or cultural interests. These tours include stops at the Chelsea Flower Show in England, Oktoberfest in Germany and more.
Group Travel
Private Custom Groups
We offer the option to customize your own group tour. Our dedicated team of travel experts will create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs.
Groups on Set Departures
Pricing Scales to your group size. Our group sizes have no upper limits and our competitive pricing scales according to your group size and your budget.
Our history of traveling sustainably
OVER A DECADE OF POSITIVE IMPACT
There are few things more stylish and elegant than being a responsible tourist. That's why sustainable and responsible tourism is at the heart of what we do. As a premium travel brand, we recognize that it's our duty to set the right example. We work diligently to leave a positive impact on the planet, its people, and its wonderful wildlife. To cement our commitment, we created our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy and our not-for-profit organization, the TreadRight Foundation.
OUR COMMITMENT
- Sustainability and conservation: We ensure that we’re protecting our invaluable landscapes and natural resources.
- Cultural preservation: We ensure that the true economic benefit of travel is felt by local communities.
- Protection of our world’s wildlife: We advocate for the highest standard of ethical wildlife experiences.
Our 5-year sustainability strategy
HOW WE TREAD RIGHT
Our 5-year How We Tread Right sustainability strategy is based on 11 measurable goals anchored to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address the issues of climate change, sustainable food production, waste reduction, travel experiences, diversity and inclusion, and wildlife.
By traveling with Insight Vacations, you're supporting a responsible travel company that truly works hard to make a difference.
How you have a positive impact
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences
Travel is education and experience is the best teacher. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experiences teach you about the world all while making it better. Whether that's through supporting local economies, preserving age-old traditions, or advancing conservation efforts for native ecosystems. Find out more about how you can be a truly sustainable traveler.
Climate Action
OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
Since the inception of our sustainability strategy, the global community has continued to rally in response to the urgent need for climate action. We're committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2050. Our dedication to this goal is outlined in our Climate Action Plan, with science-based targets that address our carbon footprint. We are proud of the fact that, alongside our sister brands, we became the first global tour operator to have near-term, long-term and net zero targets that are validated by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). Gain a deeper insight into our Climate Action Plan and how we're meeting our targets.
Our strategic plan
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe diversity is the foundation of meaningful travel. We set out with a curious mind, and the desire to meet new people, hear fresh perspectives and experience different cultures. Embracing and empowering diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of life requires a conscious effort – whether at home, at work, or in our communities.
At the Travel Corporation (TTC), our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) journey started many years ago, with the development of our DEI strategy. We’ve formalized goals in the following areas: People & Culture, Product & Experiences, and Marketing & Communications, to ensure we’re upholding our end.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
About Insight Vacations
PREMIUM TOURS FOR CURIOUS TRAVELERS
Insight Vacations is a premium tour operator that promises a superior experience from start to finish, with an elevated level of detail and attention at every step. Discover more about the Insight Vacations premium travel experience.
PREMIUM EXPERIENCES
Exclusive, crafted experiences that get you up close and personal to every destination. Enjoy Insider Access before and after opening-hours and skip the line access at key sights. Take your pick from one, two or three curated Insight Choice experiences. Plus, Insightful Encounters with Local Experts and Specialists that add even more life, color and storytelling for a truly enlightening experience.
PREMIUM DINING
Whether you’re being welcomed into the workspaces of chefs or taking your seat at top-rated restaurants, you’ll find yourself dining on regional favorites with a seasonal twist. Take your seat for wine-paired meals and enjoy indulging your preferences from a curated choice of restaurants on Dine-Around evenings. Get hands-on with Cooking Demonstrations and enjoy an industry-leading vegetarian offering at every mealtime.
