Accommodation

6 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Guide

Services of your Expat tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Others

Go punting down the River Cam in Cambridge Stroll through the historic streets of York Enjoy a group dinner in York Visit the Angel of the North statue Take a photo at Hadrian’s Wall Visit world famous wedding destination Gretna Green Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets Spend a night in the Scottish Highlands See Glen Coe; one of Scotland’s most beautiful valleys Search for the mythical monster at Loch Ness Admire the views of Cairngorms National Park and the Queensferry Crossing Enjoy Christmas Day lunch in Edinburgh Visit Carlisle, an important historic city Experience the beauty of the English Lake District Embark on a Liverpool driving tour with your tour leader See Liverpool spots connected to The Beatles Explore Stratford-Upon-Avon; home of Shakespeare Enjoy a photo stop at a medieval Welsh Castle Experience Cardiff on a driving tour Discover Bath on an orientation walking tour

Not included:

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.  All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In London - Cambridge - York
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Of Tour In London - Cambridge - York

Welcome to your Christmas tour of Great Britain! Today, depart London and get ready to fill your lungs with fresh, English countryside air. Arrive in Cambridge, and embark on a punting trip along the river. The age-old tradition offers great views of the stunning scenery and epic, historical buildings as you float along the water. Travel towards York this afternoon. This city is a hotspot for history buffs and lovers of fine architecture and culture. Head out on a walking tour for fascinating insights into York’s history and stories. Tonight, enjoy a traditional pub dinner in an authentic British pub!

Cambridge punting trip: Take part in the age-old Cambridge tradition of punting down the river on a punt (a long flat-bottomed boat). Cruise down the River Cam and take in the sights and surroundings along the way.

Walking tour of York: Take a walking tour around this historic walled city with your Expat Explore tour leader.

Dinner in York: Tuck into a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in York. Toast to the first night of this tour of Great Britain and get to know your fellow travellers over dinner this evening.

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Angel Of The North - Hadrian’S Wall - Gretna Green - Glasgow - Scottish Highlands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Angel Of The North - Hadrian’S Wall - Gretna Green - Glasgow - Scottish Highlands

Get ready for a jam-packed day full of beautiful and historic sights! Depart York and travel to the Angel of the North for a photo stop at this iconic sculpture in northern England. Then, travel to Hadrian’s Wall; a defensive fortification constructed by Emperor Hadrian centuries ago! Next, visit the historic village of Gretna Green. This romantic village is world-famous for weddings and once saw young lovers crossing the border to wed without their parents’ permission. Later, travel to the vibrant city of Glasgow and enjoy some free time to shop at the city’s charming Christmas markets! This evening, arrive at tonight’s accommodation in Arrochar which is a village located on Loch Long. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.

Photo stop at the Angel of the North: Enjoy a stopover at this famous contemporary sculpture in the north of England. Be sure to snap some photos!

Photo stop at Hadrian’s Wall: Visit the Roman fortification on the border between England and Scotland, constructed under the orders of Emperor Hadrian across the final frontier of the Roman Empire in what was then the Roman province of Britannia.

Visit Gretna Green: Found on the Scottish side of the border between England and Scotland, Gretna Green is a beautiful historic village that is one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations! This town is where lovers used to get married without their parent’s permission, many years ago, giving it a lasting legacy as a great spot to tie the knot.

Shop at Glasgow’s Christmas markets: Enjoy some free time in the vibrant Scottish city of Glasgow and soak up the festive spirit with a spot of shopping at the enchanting Christmas markets.

Spend the night in the Scottish Highlands: Enjoy an overnight stay in the heart of the iconic Scottish Highlands. Look forward to enchanting scenery and warm hospitality!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 3 Day 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh

Start today with a stop at Glen Coe. Admire the spectacular views and learn about the infamous Massacre of Glencoe. Then, head onwards to Spean Bridge and keep an eye out for Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in the British Isles) as you travel through the Highlands. At lunch time, arrive in Fort Augustus at the base of the famous Loch Ness. Join the optional cruise excursion and see if you can spot ‘Nessie’, the mythical Loch Ness Monster! Afterwards, the scenic drive continues through the Scottish Highlands and along the edge of the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Then, it’s onwards to Edinburgh, passing over the Queensferry Crossing while admiring the views before arriving in the city.

See Glen Coe: Make a photo stop at one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands (a glen is a deep valley in Scotland) which is infamous for the tragic events of the massacre that happened here in 1692.

Visit Loch Ness: Will you be the person to spot the Loch Ness monster, as we make a stop in what is said to be her home? You’ll have free time to explore or take an optional cruise to see if you can spot her in the loch’s water.

Drive along Cairngorms National Park and over the Queensferry Crossing: Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the Scottish landscape.

Meals: breakfast
Day 4 Day 4: Dundee - St Andrews - Edinburgh (Christmas Day)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Dundee - St Andrews - Edinburgh (Christmas Day)

Merry Christmas! This morning, head to the coastal city of Dundee, Scotland’s cultural and commercial hub. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour with your tour leader. Learn more about Dundee’s history and see some of its top attractions, including the only V&A Museum outside of London! The tour then makes its way to the stunning university town of St Andrews. Get to know this charming town on an orientation tour and admire the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral which was first built in 1158! Then, celebrate and soak up the Scottish festive spirit with an included Christmas lunch. Later, head back to Edinburgh where the rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.

Festive lunch: Celebrate Christmas and enjoy great Scottish hospitality with a delicious festive lunch.

Meals: breakfast,lunch
Day 5 Day 5: Edinburgh - Carlisle - Lake District - Liverpool
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Edinburgh - Carlisle - Lake District - Liverpool

Depart Scotland and travel back across the border to England. Stop in Carlisle, an important historic city known for its centuries-old castle. Next, head to Bowness-on-Windermere, a lovely town in the picturesque Lake District. Here, join the Winter at Windermere optional excursion to enjoy a scenic cruise and traditional fish and chips lunch! Later, arrive in Liverpool and enjoy a driving tour of the city. The evening is free to explore the city that is the home of The Beatles and two world-famous premier league football clubs! The Beatles played hundreds of shows at the Cavern Club - this is the perfect place for a fan to spend the evening!

Visit Carlisle: Enjoy a comfort stop and some free time in Carlisle, a cathedral city in Cumbria which holds great historical significance. Why not pay a visit to its castle, which was first built in 1092, or soak up some art, science and history at the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery?

Experience the English Lake District: This is truly your chance to experience lunch with a view - enjoy the scenery of this beautiful part of England, and find a spot to enjoy lunch in Bowness-on-Windermere while surrounded by a scenic landscape. The beauty of the English Lake District inspired many renowned poets and writers such as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

Driving tour of Liverpool: Enjoy seeing some of Liverpool’s top sights on a driving tour of the city. Highlights include Anfield football stadium, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Albert Docks.

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales

Enjoy a “Magical Mystery” driving tour of Liverpool this morning, and see the city’s top sights associated with The Beatles! Next up, venture on to the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is home to numerous Shakespearean attractions and fascinating historical locations. Enjoy free time to wander the streets once home to the famous playwright. Next, travel to the south of Wales where you’ll have the chance to see a medieval castle. After snapping great photos of the centuries-old building, head onwards to the Welsh capital of Cardiff and enjoy an orientation driving tour of the city.

Liverpool Beatles driving tour: Hop aboard the coach to see and learn about a variety of locations connected to The Beatles on an early morning Beatles Magical Mystery Tour!

Visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon: Make a stop in this quaint town, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Wander the city during your free time, and view many of the Shakespearean attractions, including the 16th-century house where the famous writer grew up.

Castle photo stop: On the road to Cardiff, enjoy the chance for a short stop at the medieval Raglan Castle and capture some photos.

Orientation driving tour of Cardiff: Arrive in the Welsh capital, and go on a driving tour of the city. Your tour leader will show you all the best highlights before you head back to the hotel.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 7 Day 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London

As the last day of this British tour arrives, there is no sign of slowing down! The first stop today is Bath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the finest architecture in Europe. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town for insight into the town’s history and the famous Roman Baths. Next up is an optional excursion that could have you unravelling one of the worlds’ greatest mysteries! Visit Stonehenge to see the ancient and awe-inspiring structure, which has baffled scientists, tourists and historians for centuries. Arrive back in London to end your tour this evening after a fantastic week of exploring Great Britain!

Bath Orientation tour: Learn all about Bath’s fascinating history and its top attractions, including the famous Roman Baths, with your tour leader.

Meals: breakfast

7 days tour

Great Britain Christmas

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Great Britain Christmas

Day 1: Start Of Tour In London - Cambridge - York

Day 2: Angel Of The North - Hadrian’S Wall - Gretna Green - Glasgow - Scottish Highlands

Day 3: Glen Coe - Loch Ness - Edinburgh

Day 4: Dundee - St Andrews - Edinburgh (Christmas Day)

Day 5: Edinburgh - Carlisle - Lake District - Liverpool

Day 6: Liverpool - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Wales

Day 7: Bath - Stonehenge - London

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