English Cities, Culture & Countryside - 12 Days

Highlights

• Zip around London's highlight landmarks on an e-scooter tour
• Drive the rolling green hills of the Cotswolds and visit Shakespeare's hometown
• Enjoy days of Lake District adventures, like kayaking, horseback riding, and more
• Visit historic factories of the Industrial Revolution in Manchester

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in London, Villains of London E-Scooter Tour

Welcome to England! This small island nation is jam-packed with history and culture, from its founding as a kingdom in the 10th century through various dynasties, the rise and fall of an empire, the Industrial Revolution, World War II, and beyond. The country tells these stories visually in the form of its many well-preserved historical landmarks—some dating back to Roman times. Over 12 days, you'll get to visit many such highlights on a driving tour that kicks off in the capital of London.

A driver will pick you up at the airport for the ride to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have time to relax after the long flight. Then, in the evening, meet a guide, hop on an e-scooter, and zip around London's scenic streets. This 2.5-hour tour focuses on the capital's more infamous and macabre history as you pass landmarks like the 11th-century Tower of London. As you make your way through alleyways and past pubs and churchyards, hear stories of East End gangsters, grave robbers, Nazi Spies, and treacherous dukes while your guide delves into London's intriguingly dark history.

Day 2: Classic London Tour: Westminster & Buckingham Palace

Rise and shine! There's a lot of history and scenery to enjoy in London, and it starts right after breakfast. Your guide will meet you at the hotel, and the two of you will set off on a half-day city tour that hits the major highlights. First, head over to the Tower of London in time to see the opening ceremony. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the River Thames and has been an integral part of British history since the 11th century. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, this fortress comprises various sections, including St Thomas's Tower, Traitors' Gate, and the White Tower.

During a private, skip-the-line tour, you'll learn about this landmark's rich history. Over the centuries, it's served as a castle, a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution (two of Henry VIII's wives met their fateful end here). Inside, it's home to historic artifacts, with the star being the Crown Jewels. This collection of royal ceremonial objects features 23,578 gemstones, many of which have been used in royal coronations since 1066.

Afterward, take a stroll through the City of Westminster, a London borough that's also the historic heart of the British monarchy. As you walk around landmarks like Westminster Abbey, you'll hear tales of famous kings and queens and the political intrigue that surrounds them. The grand finale of this outing is Buckingham Palace. The world's most famous residence has been the primary home of England's royal family since the turn of the 18th century. 

Day 3: Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare Performance & Pub Crawl

Say goodbye to London, as this morning, you'll pick up a rental car and hit the road on a 2.5-hour drive northwest to Stratford-upon-Avon. This charming medieval market town also happens to be the home of William Shakespeare. During a tour, you'll walk in the Bard's footsteps from cradle to grave, visiting the house of his birth and the church where he's laid to rest. The day culminates with a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company, whose historic home is in Stratford-upon-Avon.

After the show, spend the evening familiarizing yourself with England's famous pub scene. These classic establishments are more than just watering holes—many are steeped in history and legend, with proprietors happy to share fascinating tales over a pint. This is particularly true in Stratford-upon-Avon, where you'll visit one or more centuries-old pubs with connections to Shakespeare himself. 

Day 4: Self-Drive Cotswolds Tour

This morning, you'll leave Stratford-upon-Avon on a self-guided driving tour of one of the most beautiful parts of the UK: the Cotswolds. This rural area of southern England encompasses six different counties and enjoys AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) conservation status. The region is denoted by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and various sites of cultural and historical interest. It's also known for charming cottage homes constructed of a distinct yellow limestone mined in the area for hundreds of years.

Your introduction to this enchanted area begins at Dover's Hill, a sublime lookout point offering panoramic views of the Cotswolds hills. Continue through the countryside, where you'll see major historical landmarks from the Roman Britain era. These might include the amphitheater at Cirencester and a Roman villa near Chedworth, which dates to the second century. Then, continue to Bibury, a lovely Cotswolds village sitting on the River Coln.

This theme continues with stops at other famous Cotswolds villages. Stow-on-the-Wold is a bustling market town steeped in history and with wonderful independent shops to discover, while Chipping Campden has a history dating to 14th century and features some of the most beautiful buildings in the region. Another highlight is Bourton-on-the-Water, a pretty village where a romantic stone bridge arches over the crystal waters of the River Windrush. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Day 5: Drive to Liverpool, Afternoon City Tour

Venture north this morning on a 2.5-hour drive from Stratford to Liverpool. This historic port city's reputation precedes it, as most folks are aware that this is the birthplace of the Beatles. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and then meet a guide for a well-rounded city tour that, of course, includes some Fab Four landmarks. 

During this jaunt around town, you'll visit highlights like the Victorian-era St Georges Quarter, with its famous art galleries and concert halls. There's also the Port of Liverpool Building and the Royal Liver Building, both marvels of Edwardian Baroque architecture and true symbols of the city. Beatlemaniacs can also visit the childhood homes of the four mop tops and the places that inspired some of their songs, including Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, and the famous Cavern Club.

Day 6: Drive to the Lake District & Ambleside

After a day in the city, you'll leave Liverpool this morning on a two-hour drive north to Lake Windermere. The UK's largest lake is part of the famous Lake District National Park, which covers 912 square miles (2,362 sq km) in northwest England's Cumbria region. It's one of the most popular holiday destinations in the nation due to its unspoiled countryside, long ribbon lakes, and literary heritage. Among others, it was once the stomping ground of legendary scribblers William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

You'll arrive in the charming town of Ambleside, which sits at the northern tip of Lake Windermere. After checking into your accommodation, you'll have the rest of the day free to relax amid the glory of Mother Nature. If you like, you can stroll through the town center, which is filled with romantic stone cottages, historic pubs, and green parks and gardens. Or, drive along the shore and stop in other picturesque waterfront villages like Bowness-on-Windermere. One other idea is to hop on a sailboat for a leisurely cruise around England's largest lake. 

Day 7: Lake District Guided Hike to Buttermere

Lace up your hiking boots because this morning, you're off on a five-hour hike between lakes as you traverse the unspoiled countryside. Meet your private guide just outside Ambleside at the starting point, from which you'll set off an 8.6-mile (13.8 km) hike.

The approximately five-hour journey will take you across green valleys and alongside soaring Lake District fells (mountains), stopping at various summits to marvel at panoramic views. Your destination is Buttermere, a glassy postcard of a lake that is even more remote and less developed than Windermere. At the end of the day you'll transfer back to Ambleside by vehicle.

Day 8: Free Day on Lake Windermere

Today is yours to enjoy however you like, free of rigid itineraries. After a leisurely breakfast, you can head to the waterfront and enjoy some watersports and boat tours. Carve out time later to rub shoulders with locals over lunch at a local pub. You can also browse the local shops and boutiques to pick up souvenirs.

If you feel like another day of walking, head out on the lovely "Coffin Route" to neighboring Grasmere. This gentle 4-mile (6 km) track crosses woodland, skirts the shores of Lake Grasmere, and passes Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth that houses a museum dedicated to the poet's life and works. You'll end in the enchanting village of Grasmere, where you can grab some of the town's famous gingerbread before catching a bus back to Ambleside.

Day 9: Lake District Pony Trekking & Canoeing

After breakfast, you'll trot around the Lake District on a fun pony trekking excursion. The tour begins at a countryside pub, where you'll meet your pony, take the reins, and commence an hourlong ride down quiet bridle paths. This route passes by dazzling Lake District scenery, including patchwork farmland and green fells. Some experience is needed, as you'll be in control of your own steed for the duration of the tour.

Later, return to the water and hop in a canoe or kayak for a two-hour ride across the lake. Along with a guide, you'll paddle around the shoreline, enjoying the surrounding scenery of lakeside woodlands backed by fell mountains. If the sun's out, you can even stop on shore for a snack, picnic-style. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the day free.

Day 10: Lake District Full-Day Canyoning Adventure

Time for an adrenaline-pumping adventure! This morning, transfer to the Stonycroft ghyll (waterfall) and river canyon for a six-hour abseiling (rappelling) tour. It begins with an ascent up the canyon on a via ferrata network of cables and steel fixtures. This includes a tightrope walk 1,200 feet (365 m) above the valley floor. Next, scramble across a vertical cargo net high above the lush Buttermere Valley. 

After a quick break for lunch, you'll put on a wetsuit, hook onto your safety line, and rappel down the waterfall's various chutes and crevices. This route will take you alongside several cascades before reaching the river at the bottom of the canyon. Following the day's thrills, take it easy back in Ambleside. 

Day 11: Drive to Manchester, Industrial Revolution Tour

Leave the Lake District this morning on a 1.5-hour drive south to Manchester. Once a small provincial town, Manchester exploded in the 19th century as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Today, it's a progressive and modern city rooted in science, music, arts, and sports. After checking into your hotel, discover this cultural legacy on a self-guided walk around highlights like Old Trafford Stadium, home to the wildly popular Manchester United football club.

Later, discover the lingering legacy of the Industrial Revolution on a city tour led by a local history buff. As you walk around Manchester, you'll visit landmarks that made it the cradle of 19th-century industry. These include the Ship Canal, old cotton mills, textile factories, and more. The stories behind the landmarks are even more fascinating, as although these industrial innovations made Manchester wildly wealthy, it also created terrible poverty among the working classes. 

Day 12: Depart Manchester

It's been an incredible road trip, but you've reached the final stop on the journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, then drive to the Manchester airport to drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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