Download - Explore the beauty of the English countryside with our ... · Explore the beauty of the English countryside with our guaranteed departure small group tours. When all the sightseeing

RABTO 1

London - Tours1 Apr 16 – 31 Mar 17

Explore the beauty of the English countryside with our guaranteed departure small group tours. When all the sightseeing and shopping in London has been done let us take you into the fresh air and softly rolling green hills of the countryside beyond. And in 2016 we take you ac-cross the canal and into France!Guaranteed departure tours start from Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria.

Rates - Nett rates GBP £ LOW SEASON(01/11/16 to 31/03/17)

MID SEASON(01/04/16 to 31/05/16, 01/10/16 to 31/10/16 & 19/12/16 to 04/01/17)

HIGH SEASON(01/06/16 to 30/09/16)

Royal Windsor & Stonehenge -NEW ITINERARY

1 day Wholesale Public price Wholesale Public price Wholesale Public price

Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child

36.00 33.60 45.00 42.00 39.20 36.80 49.00 46.00 42.40 40.00 53.00 50.00

The Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford 2 days B&B 114.40 91.20 143.00 114.00 127.20 102.40 159.00 128.00 135.20 108.80 169.00 136.00

single 136.00 170.00 151.20 189.00 159.20 199.00

Hotel 121.60 96.80 152.00 121.00 135.20 108.80 169.00 136.00 143.20 115.20 179.00 144.00

single 150.40 188.00 167.20 209.00 175.20 219.00

Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath and the South West Coast

3 days B&B 193.60 154.40 242.00 193.00 215.20 172.80 269.00 216.00 231.20 185.60 289.00 232.00

single 222.40 278.00 247.20 309.00 263.20 329.00

Hotel 208.00 166.40 260.00 208.00 231.20 185.60 289.00 232.00 239.20 191.20 299.00 239.00

single 258.40 323.00 287.20 359.00 295.20 369.00

on request only - 4* supplement pp/package 59.20 74.00 59.20 74.00 63.20 79.00

Kent Castles, Garden and Coastline 3 days B&B 193.60 154.40 242.00 193.00 215.20 172.80 269.00 216.00 231.20 185.60 289.00 232.00

single 222.40 278.00 247.20 309.00 263.20 329.00

Hotel 208.00 166.40 260.00 208.00 231.20 185.60 289.00 232.00 239.20 191.20 299.00 239.00

single 258.40 323.00 287.20 359.00 295.20 369.00


*Please see booking notes in the Terms & Conditions Section of our Trade Site.

RABTO 2

London - Rates

Devon and Cornwall -A Magical Land of Legends

5 days B&B 366.40 292.80 458.00 366.00 407.20 326.40 509.00 408.00 439.20 352.00 549.00 440.00

single 416.80 521.00 463.20 579.00 487.20 609.00

Hotel 424.00 339.20 530.00 424.00 471.20 377.60 589.00 472.00 479.20 383.20 599.00 479.00

single 481.60 602.00 535.20 669.00 551.20 689.00


Heart of England, Wales and Yorkshire 5 days B&B n/a 407.20 326.40 509.00 408.00 439.20 352.00 549.00 440.00

single 463.20 579.00 487.20 609.00

Hotel 471.20 377.60 589.00 472.00 479.20 383.20 599.00 479.00

single 535.20 669.00 551.20 689.00

on request only - 4* supplement pp/package 45.60 57.00 49.60 62.00

France Champagne, Vineyards and the North Coast - NEW TOUR

5 days 3* Hotel

n/a 480.80 391.20 601.00 489.00 480.80 391.20 601.00 489.00

single 682.40 853.00 682.40 853.00

4* Hotel

525.60 423.20 657.00 529.00 525.60 423.20 657.00 529.00

single 794.40 993.00 794.40 993.00

Wales, Shakespeare’s Englandand Cambridge

4 days B&B 280.00 224.00 350.00 280.00 311.20 249.60 389.00 312.00 335.20 268.80 419.00 336.00

single 308.80 386.00 343.20 429.00 367.20 459.00

Hotel 301.60 240.80 377.00 301.00 335.20 268.80 419.00 336.00 359.20 288.00 449.00 360.00

single 359.20 449.00 399.20 499.00 423.20 529.00


Rates - Nett rates GBP £ LOW SEASON(01/11/16 to 31/03/17)


HIGH SEASON(01/06/16 to 30/09/16)

Wholesale Public price Wholesale Public price Wholesale Public price

Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child

RABTO 3

Information Days of operation Departs Returns Tour Code

1 Day - Royal Windsor and Stonehenge - NEW ITINERARY Mon, Tues, Thur, Sat, Sun (All Year) 9.00hr 18.30hr ETRW

2 Day - The Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford Tues, Thur, Sun (April to October except 10/07/16) and Saturday (November to March) 9.00hr 19.00hr E2CBO

3 Day - Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & S. West Coast Wednesday (All Year) 9.00hr 19.00hr E3SWH

3 Day - Kent Castles, Garden and Coastline Friday (All Year - except 15/07/16) 9.00hr 19.00hr E3KENT

4 Day - Wales, Shakespeare’s England and Cambridge Tuesday (All Year) 9.00hr 19.00hr E4HNWL

5 Day - Devon and Cornwall - A Magical Land of Legends Saturday - 19/03/16 to 29/10/16, (except 26/03/16 and 27/08/16), 19/11/16, 03/12/16, 17/12/16, 04/02/17,18/02/17, 04/03/17 and 18/03/17Monday - 25/04/16 to 03/10/16Wednesday - 01/06/16 to 21/09/16

9.00hr 19.30hr E5CORN

5 Day - Heart of England, Wales and Yorkshire Friday 29/04/16 to 07/10/16 9.00hr 19.30hr E5HWYC

5 Day - France: Champagne, Vineyards & the Normandy Coast NEW TOUR

Monday - 16/05/16, 30/05/16, 13/06/16, 27/06/16, 11/07/16, 25/07/16, 08/08/16, 22/08/16, 05/09/16, 19/09/16

8.00hr 19.30hr E5FRAN

RABTO 4

ROYAL WINDSOR AND STONEHENGE1 Day Tour from London

Departing central London you travel west through Wessex, one of England’s oldest kingdoms with a history stretching back more than 1000 years. We travel towards the legendary neolithic standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Arriving at the award winning Stonehenge visitors centre you will have the opportunity to view the hun-dreds of prehistoric items from the Stonehenge collection before joining the land train shuttle that will take you to the fabled site of the Stonhenge Stone Circle’s.

From here we return to the River Thames at Runnymeade where in 1215 King John sealed the Magna Carta and founded the modern rule of law. Runnymeade has a number of important monuments including the Royal Air Force Memorial. From here it is a short drive through Windsor Great Park to the Royal town of Windsor, home to one of the Queen’s most impressive residences. During your stop here you will have time to visit the Castle and State Apartments. On certain days you may see the changing of the guard ceremony. Alternatively you can follow the free self-guided Windsor and Eton heritage trail or take a boat trip on the river (sea-sonal). From Windsor it’s just a short relaxing drive back into Central London.

London - 1 Day Tour1 Apr 16 – 31 Mar 17New Itinerary!

RABTO 5

THE COTSWOLDS, BATH & OXFORD 2 Day Tour from London

Day 1 Leaving the great city of London behind us today we head west. We arrive at the pretty village of Avebury. Here we will be able to wander amidst the largest stone circle in the world - part of a World Heritage Site. Nearby is also the site of the Cherhill White Horse, which was cut out of the chalk hillside in 1780. Not far from here, set in rural Wiltshire, is Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings and its more recent role as a television and film location. The Abbey, located at the heart of the village within its own woodland grounds, is a quirky country house of various architectural styles. We spend some time in the afternoon in Bath, full of relics of its Roman past and of course its famous Bath. From here we continue to Cirencester, set in the heart of the Cotswolds, which is so quintessentially English. Cirencester was the second largest town in Britain during Roman times!

Day 2 We will discover some more of the Cotswold scenery and villages. You will see some outstanding countryside with river valleys, water meadows and beech woods, sleepy ancient limestone villages and historic market towns, famous for being ‘typically Eng-lish’, where time has stood still for over 300 years.

Our visits will include Bibury a picturesque village with many of the traditional fea-tures unique to this area. Next stop will be Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest town in the Cotswolds and packed with charming traditional houses. On route to Oxford we make a stop in Bampton, the village that features in many episodes of the worldwide hit TV se-ries Downton Abbey. Later in the afternoon we visit Oxford, renowned for over 900 year as a centre of academic excellence. Discover at your own pace the college courtyards, unspoilt narrow alleys and the historic town square. Harry Potter fans might want to see Christ Church, where many scenes from the films have been shot. The grandeur of the Great Hall has formed the basis of Hogwarts Hall!

Later that day we return to London arriving at approx.7pm.

London - Multi Day Tours1 Apr 16 – 31 Mar 17

RABTO 6

3 Day Tour

Day 1 Depart London and travel out through the old Kingdom of Wessex to the most famous Neolithic standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to the dramatic south Dorset Coast enjoying panoramic views over white sandy beaches and the natural rock arch of Durdle Door. An afternoon here to explore some of the coast before arriving at the historic city of Exeter, which was the most south westerly fortified settlement of the ancient Roman empire. You are based here for 2 nights.

Day 2Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient “Clapper Bridge” at Postbridge and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Sir Francis Drake.

Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore this Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and its famous 12th century Norman Cathedral. Your second night is spent here.

London - Multi Day Tours

Day 3 Today you head first to Glastonbury – a lovely old market town. Glastonbury Tor rises high above the town and has mythical connections with King Arthur and Avalon. Climb the Tor for a spectacular view across three counties or explore the town centre with its many independent shops. You then continue on to Bath for lunch and an afternoon of exploring and sightseeing in a town full of relics of its Roman past and of course its famous bath. The abbey is also well worth a visit. From here we return to London after three wonderfully varied days visiting the best of South West England.

STONEHENGE, GLASTONBURY, BATH & THE SOUTH WEST COAST

RABTO 7

KENT CASTLES, GARDENS AND COASTLINE3 Day Tour

Day 1 Depart London at 09.00 and head south east following the route of the ancient Roman Watling Street that connected London with the port of Dover and eventually Rome itself. You continue on towards breath-taking Leeds Castle known as “the loveliest castle in the world”. This majestic castle set in its own parkland and partially built on an island on the River Len is one of the most elegant castles and former palaces in England. After a leisurely visit there you continue deeper into rural Kent, before you travel onwards to your base for the next two nights in the cathedral city of Canterbury. We arrive mid-afternoon in order to give you the opportunity to visit the World Heritage site that is Canterbury Ca-thedral.

Day 2Leaving Canterbury today you spend much of the day on the Kent coast. You drive the short distance towards the port of Dover where you can take a walk along the world fa-mous White Cliffs looking over the English Channel that separates Kent from mainland Europe. Stopping for views overlooking Dover Castle you continue on the short walk through the wooded area behind Dover Castle where Louis Bleriot made history in 1909 as the first person to fly across the English Channel. Heading north along the coast you stop in Walmer and Deal, two coastal towns that lie adjacent to each other. This was the landing spot of Julius Caesar when he arrived in Britain in 55BC. Here you have the op-tion to visit Deal or Walmer Castles, stroll along the pier at Deal or simply relax over lunch in one of the many beach front restaurants or bars. Following lunch you continue along the Kent coast towards Sandwich, a unique town that at one time sat on the shores of the English Channel until the Great Stour river silted up the surrounding marshlands which eventually left Sandwich stranded inland. From here you turn towards Whitstable on the North Kent coast, one of the best places in England to sample locally sourced Oysters. Whitstable’s maritime and fishing heritage is reflected in the name of the former freight railway “The Crab and Winkle Line” that ran from the town. Whitstable with its distinctive character is always popular with seafood lovers. In the late afternoon you take the short drive inland for another evening in Canterbury.


Day 3 Leaving Canterbury you travel South and across the county line into East Sussex for a short visit to Rye, a medieval town that was once part of the Cinque Ports confederation and is now landlocked two miles from the open sea. Rye has been home to smugglers, royalty as well as writers and now offers visitors the chance to lose themselves in its ancient narrow lanes and passages. Turning North you travel the short distance to Bid-denden Vineyards which were established in 1969 and now produce a fine selection of English Wines and Ciders. You can stroll around the 22 acre Vineyard, learn about the unique climate and soil that allows vines to flourish in this part of Kent and then sam-ple the finished product. Your tour continues on to Sissinghurst Castle, a 16th century hunting tower, former prison and Manor House. Stopping for lunch you will have time to explore the gardens, castle buildings and surrounding estate. The colourful gardens, de-signed by poet Vita Sackville-West, are considered the finest in England and offers some of the finest views across the Weald of Kent towards the North Downs hills. From here you begin your journey back to London arriving back at the Greenline Coach Terminal at 19.00

RABTO 8

WALES, SHAKESPEARE’S ENGLAND & CAMBRIDGE4 Day Tour

Day 1 Depart from London and travel to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford-upon-Av-on, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway. You will have time to explore the magnificent village of Stratford and enjoy lunch, before continuing to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge. Set in a stunning forested gorge on the river Severn this historic valley boasts the world’s first ever iron bridge and a host of attractions to choose from. It was once described as the most extraordinary district in the world! From here you travel up to the historic medieval town of Chester, gateway to North Wales.

Day 2This morning your tour will take you into the heart of North Wales. You will visit to the picture book medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th Century. You will also explore the impressive mountain scenery of Snowdonia National Park including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of Snowdon - Wales’ highest peak. You will return to Chester mid-afternoon when you will have some spare time to explore the ancient walls of Chester or perhaps the stunning cathedral with a history spanning almost 2000 years and a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

Day 3Immediately east of Chester lie the hills of the Peak District National Park with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages. You will take a scenic route through the Park to the village of Castleton, then in the afternoon you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth (open April to December), home to the Cavendish family and the Duke of Devonshire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s favourite coun-try house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paint-ings, Old Master drawings and neo-classical sculptures. From here you will travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of Lincoln where you will spend the night.

Day 4Today starts with a leisurely morning giving you some free time to explore Lincoln city centre and its rich history that goes back to the time of the Romans. Visit the castle or cathedral - once the tallest building in the world! Shop at the Central Market or Steep Hill or just explore the historic city centre streets. After an early lunch it will be time to start the return journey south. On the way back to London you will make a stop in the famous University City of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. See the world famous Kings College Chapel and take a stroll along the River Cam before arriving back in London around 19.00.

London - Multi Day ToursNew Itinerary!

RABTO 9

DEVON & CORNWALL 5 Day Tour

Day 1 Depart London and travel out through the old kingdom of Wessex to its ancient capital – the historic city of Winchester. Having explored this fascinating old town with its magnifi-cent cathedral and historic Great Hall, your tour will continue to the dramatic south Devon Coast enjoying panoramic views over white sandy beaches and the natural rock arch of Durdle Door. An afternoon here to explore some of the coast before arriving at the historic city of Exeter, an important fortified settlement in Roman times, your base for 2 nights.

Day 2Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient “Clapper Bridge” at Postbridge and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Sir Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore this Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and its famous 12th century Norman Cathedral. Your second night is spent here.

Day 3Travel west into the heart of Arthurian legend country and the Celtic Kingdom of Cornwall. The day’s highlights include the ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston with its 12th century Norman keep perched overlooking Bodmin Moor. This is an area where legends abound – tales of piskies and spriggins, the Beast of Bodmin and the resting place of King Arthur’s sword Excalibur in Dozmary Pool combine to make this a very special place. Continue to the north Cornish coast and the mediaeval fishing village of Boscastle with its distinctive harbour. Nearby are the romantic cliff top ruins of Tintagel Castle, birthplace of King Arthur which you will have the chance to explore before travelling south to the sea-side University town of Falmouth for the next 2 nights.

Day 4Explore the most westerly tip of England on this magnificent day taking in the incred-ible Minack Theatre built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. You may even see some pirates at Penzance! Eng-

land’s most westerly point beckons at Land’s End before following the dramatic coast, with windswept moors and old stone Celtic communities up to the artistic haven of St. Ives. Returning to Falmouth for the night.

Day 5This morning you say farewell to Cornwall and travel back through the Devon coun-tryside with stops for photos and refreshments before arriving in the famous little town of Glastonbury for lunch. Glastonbury Tor rises high above the town and has mythical connections with King Arthur and Avalon. From here you will travel back eastwards for the final highlight - the famous Neolithic standing stone circle of Stonehenge before returning to London, a city completely removed from the experiences you have enjoyed in the magical counties of Devon and Cornwall.


RABTO 10

HEART OF ENGLAND, WALES & YORKSHIRE5 Day Tour

Day 1 Depart from London and make your way to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford- upon-Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hatha-way. You will have time to explore the magnificent village of Stratford and enjoy lunch, before continuing to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge. Set in a stunning forested gorge on the River Severn, this historic valley boats the world’s first ever iron bridge and a host of attractions to choose from. It was once described as the most extraordinary district in the world! From here you travel to the beautiful riverside town of Shrewsbury for the next 2 nights. (*on some dates the accommodation may be in Chester).

Day 2This morning your tour will take you into the heart of North Wales You will travel through beautiful green valleys and lovely little towns and viilages then visit the picture book medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th Century. You will also ex-plore the impressive mountain scenery of Snowdonia National Park including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of Snowdon - Wales’ highest peak. You will hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before travelling back through the borderlands into England.

Day 3To the northeast of Shrewsbury lie the hills of the Peak District National Park with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages. You will take a scenic route through the Park to the village of Castleton then in the afternoon you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth, home to the Cavendish family, Duke of Devon-shire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s favourite country house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paintings, Old Master drawings and neo-classical sculptures. From here you will travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of York where you will spend the next 2 nights.

Day 4Today you have a choice of things to do. You can spend the whole day at leisure exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time

of the Romans, Vikings and Normans. Visit some of the fascinating museums, the amazing York Minster or just lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and ancient city walls. Alternatively you could join your guide on a half day excursion into the York-shire Dales visiting the pretty market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon and some of the remote valleys and rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales, followed by a free afternoon in York.

Day 5Leaving York in the morning you begin your return journey south to London stopping off in the town of Stamford, with its fine collection of historic stone buildings, and the famous University City of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. See the world famous Kings College Chapel and take a stroll along the River Cam before arriving back in London.


RABTO 11

5 Day Tour

Day 1 Departing Central London we travel through Kent for our short crossing of The English Channel or La Manche as it’s known in France. After coming ashore we take the “Route D’Anglais” autoroute south to the ancient Flemish styled city of Arras. Once part of the Spanish Netherlands you can explore the gabled squares, climb the city Belfry, discover the underground tunnels known as the Boves or simply people watch in the many Bras-serie’s of this historic town. Continuing South we arrive in Reims, France’s city of Kings and the largest settlement of the famous Champagne Ardennes region.

Day 2Today we head out of the city and journey through the fertile vineyards that for centuries have grown the grapes used to produce Champagne, the world’s finest sparkling wine. Arriving in the town of Epernay we travel along the Champagne Avenue, home to some of France’s best known Champagne Houses. You can join a tour deep into the vast cellars of these houses where you can experience Champagne in production and taste the finished results. Later we travel along the vineyard lined valley of the River Marne where you can take a river cruise on the Champagne Vallee paddle steamer. We return to Reims via the village of Hautvillers the final resting place of monk Dom Perignon who developed many of the modern techniques used in today’s Champagne production.

Day 3Today we take a short drive out of the city towards the Regional Nature Park of the Mountain of Reims and the landmark Verzenay Lighthouse. Here you can lose yourself in the hillside vineyards and find out more about the unique qualities that make Cham-pagne Ardennes an exceptional place to visit and a truly memorable drink for any occa-sion. We then return to Reims where you have free time to explore Reims Notre Dam Cathedral where many of the Kings of France were crowned and Palais Du Tau, home to the Archbishop of Reims. Later we head North into Picardy and city of Amiens for our next two nights.

Day 4Leaving Amiens we head west towards Rouen, the capital of Upper Normandy. With its medieval Old Town and Cathedral it was here that Joan of Arc was imprisoned and executed in 1431. Our route then takes us to the picturesque fishing port of Honfleur.

Honfleur has been the subject of many paintings from the Impressionists and where you can immerse yourself in the colours, light and textures of the Normandy. No visit to Honfleur is complete without sampling Calvados, an apple brandy known as the spirit of Normandie. Our route then takes us over the Normandy Bridge towards the the coast with its high Chalk Cliffs, fishing villages and onwards to Amiens.

Day 5This morning we head for the coast one last time as we make our way towards Bou-logne Sur Mer, France’s largest fishing port, and one time bathing spa for Bourgeois Parisians. Walk through the market stalls or soak up the atmosphere in the vibrant Place Dalton before heading north along the clifftops of Côte d’Opale or Opal Coast towards Calais where we cross La Manche and back to the UK. We make our way through Kent before returning into central London in the early evening.


New Tour from London toFRANCE - CHAMPAGNE, VINEYARDS & THE NORMANDY COAST

RABTO 12

London - Combo Tour1 Apr 16 – 31 Mar 17

Clients are able to combine the following tours to extend their stay and go even further, experiencing even more of the UK and Ireland! The itineraries below are made up of individual tours which are scheduled to link up en route without having to come back to their starting point. Clients will be able to enjoy the individual styles and stories of the different driver/guides as well as a variety of travelling companions on each part of their trip.

**Please ensure that the above information is made clear to your clients prior to booking.

Rates - Nett rates GBP £ LOW SEASON

n/a


HIGH SEASON(01/06/16 to 30/09/16)Multi-day tours including accommodation

Wholesalers Public price Wholesalers Public price

8 days Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child Adult Child

London to Edinburgh Adventure

Shakespeare’s England, Wales, Yorkshireplus the Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall**Tour starts in London and ends in Edinburgh**

B&B 730.40 584.80 913.00 731.00 759.20 607.20 949.00 759.00

single 807.20 1,009.00 839.20 1049.00

Hotel 853.60 683.20 1,067.00 854.00 861.60 689.60 1077.00 862.00

single 964.00 1,205.00 973.60 1217.00

Information Days of operation Departs Returns Tour Code

8 Day - London to Edinburgh Adventure Friday - 29/04/16 to 07/10/16 9.00hr 19.00hr E5HWYC5DNENG

RABTO 13

8 DAY - LONDON TO EDINBURGH ADVENTUREShakespeare’s England, Wales, Yorkshire & the Lake District

Day 1Depart from London and make your way to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford- upon-Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hatha-way. You will have time to explore the magnificent village of Stratford and enjoy lunch, before continuing to the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge. Set in a stunning forested gorge on the River Severn this historic valley boats the world’s first ever iron bridge and a host of attractions to choose from. It was once described as the most extraordinary district in the world! From here you travel to the beautiful riverside town of Shrewsbury for the next 2 nights. (*on some dates the accommodation may be in Chester).

Day 2This morning your tour will take you into the heart of North Wales You will travel through beautiful green valleys and lovely little towns and villages then visit the picture book medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th Century. You will also explore the impressive mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of Snowdon - Wales’ highest peak. You will hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before travelling back through the borderlands into England.

Day 3To the northeast of Shrewsbury lie the hills of the Peak District National Park with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages. You will take a scenic route through the Park to the village of Castleton then in the afternoon you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth, home to the Cavendish family, Duke of Devonshire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s favourite country house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paintings, Old Master drawings and neo-classical sculptures. From here you will travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of York where you will spend the next 3 nights.

Day 4Today you have a choice of things to do. You can spend the whole day at leisure exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings and Normans. Visit some of the fascinating museums, the amazing York Minster or just lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and ancient city walls. Alternatively you could join your guide on a half day excursion into the Yorkshire Dales visiting the historic market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon and some of the attractive little villages and beautiful countryside of the Eastern Dales, followed by a free afternoon in York.

You will leave the London based tour here and be picked up tomorrow by the tour bus from Edinburgh. Your driver/guide will let you know all the details of pickup times for the next day.

Day 5This is a leisurely day that gives you the flexibility to spend time exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history has been shaped by the Romans, Vikings and Normans before joining our excursion to the North Sea coast of Yorkshire. Our journey begins in the late morning when we head for the magnificent North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Lunch will be in Whitby, a bustling fishing port and the inspiration for the fertile imagination of author Bram Stoker, who stayed in the Royal Hotel on the western side of Whitby while writing his famous novel Dracula. After lunch, and free time in Whitby, we travel to the fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay *, a perfectly preserved conservation village of winding lanes and narrow alleys before returning towards York.

* The minicoach cannot access the main village because of local restrictions. The coach will drop you at the top of the village and you must walk down (and back up!) a steep hill to reach the old village centre.

Day 6You will be collected from your accommodation and head west into the heart of the York-shire Dales National Park. Established in 1954, the Yorkshire Dales National Park has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife habitats and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a special

London- Combo Tour

RABTO 14

place – a fantastic outdoor arena for recreation and peaceful relaxation and a haven for wildlife. Continuing West our route takes us through the Northern Dales an area of out-standing natural beauty that is the centre of the Dales cattle trade. Our final leg of today’s journey takes us high up into the remote hills of the Yorkshire Dales before descending into the lively market town of Keswick where you will be dropped off at your accommoda-tion and are then free to explore this charming town.

(**During July this tour may stay in Windermere instead).

London- Combo Tour

Day 7After breakfast you head a short distance out of town to the mysterious Castlerigg standing stones, thought by many to have been built over 5,000 years ago and the scene of ancient rituals. You then travel on to the shores of Ullswater, described as England’s most beautiful lake, where you can take a forest walk to see the mighty Aira Force waterfall. Continuing south over the narrow and winding Kirkstone Pass you stop at Windermere where you have the option to take a leisurely cruise on the water or simply eat lunch while enjoying views of the mountains and lakes. After lunch you travel around the southern tip of Windermere and on towards Coniston Water after which you arrive at the picturesque conservation village of Hawkeshead, where the poet William Wordsworth attended Grammar School. After free time to explore the village you take the narrow country lanes north towards Grasmere, which Wordsworth described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found”. There is free time to visit Wordsworth’s Dove Cot-tage or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden by the River Rothy. In the late afternoon you return to Keswick.

Day 8Leaving the Lakes behind us we start our climb of Hartside Pass which stands at over 1900ft. On a clear day the hills and mountains of Scotland and the English Lake District are clearly visible as we follow the route of the old sheep drovers between England and Scotland. Stopping at Hadrian’s Wall, built by Emperor Hadrian to keep the Scots out of the Roman Empire, there is an opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurions who patrolled this desolate frontier. Following the ancient Roman Dere Street, we cross into Scotland and continue on to the Border town of Jedburgh for refreshments in the shadow of the ruins of Jedburgh Abbey. Our final stop is at the world famous Scott’s View, encompassing outlooks of the River Tweed and the Cheviot Hills that broadly form the Scottish-English border before continuing north to Edinburgh.

Photography credits: ©Rabbie’s Trail Burners LTD, ©Visit Britain / Martin Brent, ©Atout France