13 daysEngland, Wales
Take the country roads across England and Wales on an exploration of Dorset’s quaint seaside vistas, Cardiff’s Welsh Rugby heritage and Bath’s ancient Roman history. Witness the millennia-old Stonehenge and tour the stunning 8th-century ruins of Glastonbury Abbey. The rich honey color hues of the stone houses will delight in The Cotswolds, the literary legacy of Jane Austen will bring Pride and Prejudice to life in Bath, and the luxury accommodations in Dartmoor’s Bovey Castle will give you a regal taste of the high life.
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
From lush green rolling hills to old-world villages, this pretty country surprises and delights at every corner. Make your your way along the scenic Great West Way to Oxford. A city built to be discovered, Oxford is a wholesome image of leather-bound books, libraries, storybook buildings and picnics. Continue your journey to the Cotswolds. Just as charming as Oxford, this breathtaking area is about as quintessentially British as it gets. Honey-coloured stone houses line the winding streets of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages, while rapeseed fields decorate this colourful part of the UK in splashes of gold. See the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, before heading to the historic city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture. Head on an orientation of the city before checking in to your accommodation for the night, the luxury Apex Hotel. End your day in the most British of manners with a Sunday roast dinner.
After a relaxed start to enjoy the amenities at your hotel, begin your exploration of Bath. Having attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987, this unique city is famous for its Georgian and Victorian architecture and of course its Roman-built baths which you will discover on a visit. During free time perhaps learn more about the life of the esteemed author Jane Austen, who made Bath her home.
After a relaxed start you’ll move cities, and countries, as you make your way to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Along the way you’ll visit the Brecon Beacons. A mountain range in South Wales, it is little surprise this striking location is a chosen destination for so many hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its old red sandstone cliffs hold a variety of plant life, including roseroot, green spleenwort and rue-leaved saxifrages, while its range of fauna includes otters, herons, kingfishers and the soaring red kite, which is the national bird of Wales. Visit the Brecon Beacons with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert for a foraging walk in the stunning surroundings of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Under her tuition she will show you how to reconnect with nature, and forage for edible and medicinal plants. Alternatively, visit a local kitchen garden for a peak into the freshest seasonal aromatics from the Brecon Beacons. After a morning in the great outdoors, rectify your lethargic bliss with a hearty Farm-to-Table pub lunch, where a delicious seasonal menu with local ingredients will be available. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Cardiff, Wales’ cultural hub.
Enjoy a Relaxed Start this morning. Join your Travel Director for an orientation to see the city’s landmarks, including the Principality Stadium, Wales Millennium Centre, Pierhead Building and The Senedd, home to the Welsh Parliament. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Begin your day at the historic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, an 8th-century monastery steeped in legend and now a Grade I listed building. Continue to the port city of Plymouth in Devon, famous for its cobbled streets, gin distilleries and the Mayflower that transported the first English Puritans to the New World.
Journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe, a holiday hotspot of the Victorian era. Admire Looe’s turquoise waters and sandy beach before continuing to St. Ives, where art galleries, surf shops and fashion boutiques line the quaint streets. Continue to Penzance, made famous by the comic opera "The Pirates of Penzance," which recounts the adventures of pirates who arrived at the city's shores in the late 18th century.
Admire the unspoiled maritime scenery of Cornwall as you begin your day in Tintagel, featured in the legendary tale of King Arthur and where, according to local lore, Arthur was born. Travel to Port Isaac, a pretty fishing village and popular filming location for British television programmes. Have your camera ready to capture stonework façades and coastline views during an orientation around the village. For lunch, visit Padstow and perhaps try traditional fish and chips before returning to Barnstaple.
Stop in the town of Lynmouth before journeying to Somerset’s Exmoor National Park, a unique landscape of moorland, woodland and dramatic coastline. You may choose to join an Optional Experience to Dunster Castle, stepping beyond the ropes on a guided tour of its historic rooms. In your free time discover it's gardens and ancient watermill. Stop in Exmoor for lunch at your leisure before continuing to Bovey Castle. Nestled in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, this five-star accommodation stands amid 275 acres of countryside. Unwind in this natural sanctuary before joining your fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel.
Stop at Athelhampton, a 500-year-old Tudor manor house in the heart of Dorset. Join Estate Manager Owen for a walk through one of the world’s greatest estates, and enjoy time at leisure to explore the tranquil Elizabethan gardens. Delight in a quintessential Devonshire high tea with freshly baked scones and sandwiches.
Admire England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast, during a visit to Lulworth Cove. Stroll with an ice cream on the pebbled beach or learn about the unique geology at the Visitor Center. Travel to seaside Weymouth and enjoy time at leisure to explore the town while snacking on traditional 'seaside rock'. Perhaps join an optional visit to historic Nothe Fort with its ghost tunnel and rampart views. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a dinner of delicious local cuisine and wine.
This morning, begin in Salisbury with a visit to its 13th-century cathedral, home to Britain’s tallest spire. Inside, discover the world’s best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta, an enduring symbol of justice and liberty. Then journey to nearby Stonehenge, one of the world’s most enigmatic prehistoric monuments. Constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC, this ring of standing stones has long inspired curiosity and debate. It became a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1882 and remains one of Britain’s most celebrated sites. End your day in London at your hotel.
Bid farewell to England and Wales as your journey ends this morning.
London, England
2 nights
The Clermont Hotel Victoria is centrally located right next to Victoria Station and only a short walk to Buckingham Palace. The guests rooms blend Victorian opulence with modern comforts, making for an enjoyable stay in the vibrant capital.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Business Centre, Laundry, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk, Safe deposit box
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Bath, England
2 nights
Situated in the heart of historic Bath on the corner of James Street West and Charles Street, Apex is a contemporary hotel with all the modern amenities you’d associate with its stylish interior. It’s just a five-minute walk from the Thermae Bath Spa, while its hotel bar and outdoor terrace make it the perfect spot to socialise with fellow travellers.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Pool, Spa, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk, Safe deposit box
Room Air Conditioning, Bathrobes and Slippers, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Cardiff, Wales
2 nights
Nestled among some of Cardiff’s most iconic sights, the Clayton Hotel ensures you don’t miss any action, be it shopping or exploration. Unwind in its restaurant and bar, where you can choose from a sophisticated selection of wine, premium beers and spirits.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, Room Service, Gym, Business Centre, Concierge, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Plymouth, England
1 night
Overlooking Plymouth Hoe, this four-star hotel makes the most of its coastal setting. Rooms feature premium bedding for a restful night, while a 15 m (50 ft) heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym provide space to unwind.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Gym, Pool, Spa, Concierge, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Iron & ironing board, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Barnstaple, England
2 nights
Barnstaple is full of historic finds, and one of its most special architectural gems is the beautiful Georgian building which houses The Royal and Fortescue Hotel. Ancient meets modern at this relaxed and comfortable hotel with its classic boutique styling and warm and friendly ambience.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Tea & coffee facilities, TV, Telephone, Wi-Fi
Dartmoor National Park, England
1 night
Located in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park, this five-star accommodation stands within 275 acres of beautiful countryside and offers an 18-hole golf course and two lovely refurbished restaurants. Wake up to beautiful views across Bovey Castle’s woodland or pretty courtyard, and unwind in one of its uniquely designed, luxurious rooms – all exude a pleasant mix of warmth and elegance.
Hotel Bar, Restaurant, Room Service, Concierge, Spa, Pool, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Safe, Bathrobes and Slippers, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Dorchester, England
2 nights
This five-star boutique venue is a Red Carnation hotel, owned by the same family as Insight itself. You can expect the same quality of service and elegance – luxury is always front of mind. Set within Evershot, which Thomas Hardy used as the inspiration for the fictitious “Evershed,” in his novel “Wessex,” the hotel lives up to its picturesque, storybook setting. With a croquet pitch, falconry, horse riding and shooting just a few of the activities it offers, you will have lots to keep you pleasantly busy.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Gym, Pool, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Bathrobes and Slippers, Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Georgian Walking Tour & Afternoon Tea
Paid on tour
Cardiff Castle Tour
Paid on tour
Welsh Evening
Paid on tour
Dinner and Devon Storytelling
Paid on tour
Dinner in Devon
Paid on tour
Dunster Castle Backstage Pass
$35
Nothe Fort & Lunch on the Jurassic Coast
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
