The British Isles are a treat to visit!  The Brits speak the same language as we do, although they do drive on the wrong side of the road.  They are the best in the world at pageantry, there is endless fine sightseeing, beautiful countryside and villages, great shopping, fine museums and exciting history.  So join us for colorful and new experiences. 

 Itinerary

Day 1 - INDEPENDENCE (near Millsboro)/NEWARK/WILMINGTON/PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT
Afternoon departure for Philadelphia Airport to board our non-stop overnight flight to London.  Meals D in flight

Day 2 - LONDON
On arrival, after customs formalities, transfer by motorcoach to your London hotel.  Remainder of day at leisure to explore on your own.  This evening join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.  Meals D
TOWER BRIDGE HOTEL

Day 3 - LONDON
You'll see the sights of London with our British guide this morning - the House of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Changing of the Guard (if held).  Enjoy one of London's theatre performances at a late afternoon matinee.  Meals B
TOWER BRIDGE HOTEL

Day 4 - LONDON/OXFORD/RUTHIN, WALES
Drive west from London to the famous university city of Oxford, which is more than 800 years old.  Enjoy a walking tour of this historic city.  End your day with an overnight stay at Ruthin Castle in Wales.  Have fun tonight at a typical Welsh-style dinner followed by traditional entertainment.  Meals BD
RUTHIN CASTLE

Day 5 - LAKE DISTRICT/EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Travel through the picturesque English Lake District to the delightful village of Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth.  Take the time to explore his cottage for it was here that he had some of his most productive years and it is an interesting guided tour (entrance fee not included.)  Continue into Scotland to the border town of Gretna Green, where generations of runaway couples came to be married.  Today's destination is the city of Edinburgh, capital city of Scotland.  Meals BD
APEX INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Day 6 - EDINBURGH
This city will delight you with and with our local guide visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle where you will see the Crown Jewels.  You will get a glimpse of what life is like for the royals during your visit to Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official Scottish residence and once the home of Mary Queen of Scots.  Afternoon at leisure for shopping on Princes Street.  Meals B
APEX INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

Day 7 - EDINBURGH/BORDER REGION/YORK, ENGLAND
Drive south through Scotland's rolling countryside into England.  Stretching across the country we'll see Hadrians' Wall, which once marked the northern border of the Roman Empire.  Stop to see this ancient fortification that was begun in AD 122 to protect Roman Britain from the warring clans of Scotland.  Later arrive in York to see the famous Minster and walk along the "Shambles", a quaint, narrow street that appears today almost as it did in the Middle Ages.  The street is so narrow that you can almost reach both sides with your outstretched arms.  Meals BD
MERCURE YORK FAIRFIELD MANOR

Day 8 - YORK/STRATFORD UPON AVON
Depart York this morning for Stratford-upon-Avon, your home for the next two nights.  It's the birthplace of William Shakespeare and you'll walk in his footsteps.  Then visit Anne Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife.  Free time to enjoy Stratford and the many shops.  Meals B
FALCON HOTEL

Day 9 - STRATFORD/STONEHENGE/COTSWOLDS/STRATFORD
No visit to England would be complete without visiting the mysterious Stonehenge of Celtic and Druid lore.  Explore this fascinating site before traveling through some of England's most picturesque countryside.  Explore the village of idyllic Cotswolds region, including Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.  Join your traveling companions for a farewell dinner this evening as you toast the conclusion of a wonderful vacation.  Meals BD
FALCON HOTEL

Day 10 - HOME
Morning departure for the airport and our return flight to Philadelphia, arriving the same day.  Transportation will be waiting to return you to Wilmington, Newark and Independence.  Meals B

Tour inclusions:
Roundtrip transportation from Independence, Newark and Wilmington to Philadelphia Airport  *  Roundtrip air Philadelphia/London/Philadelphia  *  Airline taxes (subject to change until ticketed)  *  Hotel accommodations for 8 nights based on double occupancy  *  Admissions to all sightseeing as per itinerary  *  Meals include full  breakfast daily, 5 dinners plus meals in flight  *  Taxes and gratuities for hotels and included meals  *  Services of an English Tour Guide  *  Pre-departure briefing  *  Luggage handling of one suitcase per person  *  Services of an accompanying Tour Director from 4 Seasons Tours with a minimum of 15 passengers. 

Not Included:
Gratuities to English Tour Director and motor coach driver  *  Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and faxes, laundry, some beverages with meals.

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Hotels/Great Locations

Night 1
In flight

Nights 2 and 3
Tower Bridge Hotel
London

Night 4
Ruthin Castle
Wales

Nights 5 and 6
Apex International Hotel
Edinburgh, Scotland

Night 7
Mercure York Fairfield Manor
York, England

Nights 8 and 9
Falcon Hotel
Stratford, England