Food, History & Culture Across England & Wales - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in London (England), Afternoon Tea, Rooftop Cinema 

Welcome to England! Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by your driver and whisked to your central hotel in the capital, London. A thriving metropolis brimming with art, culture, and history, this multicultural city has world-class museums, ornate architecture, and an exceptional dining scene. Once you've arrived and settled in at your hotel, you'll kick start your vacation with one of England's time-honored traditions—afternoon tea. This custom began in the 1800s when Queen Victoria's confidante, the Duchess of Bedford, asked for something to satiate her afternoon hunger pangs.

What was once a "light bite" has transformed over the centuries into a ritual still honored today, and you'll experience it in the elegant setting of the Savoy Hotel's Thames Foyer. Sit beneath a luminous glass dome to the classical strains of the in-house pianist while you partake in an array of sweet and savory delicacies. Choose from over 30 loose-leaf teas accompanied by delicate finger sandwiches, delightful cakes, savories, and, of course, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam.

In the evening, you'll combine views of the world-famous London skyline with an open-air rooftop cinema experience. Sit back and relax in your comfy deck chair (blankets are provided if the weather's nippy) while you watch an iconic movie with state-of-the-art wireless headphones. Your backdrop is the iconic city skyline with views over landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, The Shard, and St Paul's Cathedral. 

Day 2: London Hidden Gems Food Tour, Villains of London Scooter Tour

You might want to keep it light at breakfast this morning, as you'll begin today with a three-hour food tour across London's foodie hotspots. Starting at the Tower of London, you'll wind your way through the back streets and alleyways while your guide shares tales of London's history as you go. You'll feast on morsels from street-food vendors and well-known cafés, culminating with a tour of Borough Market. Beneath the restored Victorian railway arches, you'll find over 100 artisan stalls from all over the globe, with many catering to the capital's best restaurants. 

London has a fascinating history dating back almost 2,000 years, and this evening, you'll discover its darker side on a tour that reveals the stories of the East End gangsters, grave robbers, Nazi spies, and treacherous dukes who've called the city home. What's more, you'll be traveling by e-scooter as you return to the Tower of London, where you'll learn about the disappearing princes, executed queens, and wily criminals who desperately attempted to escape the block.

Accompanied by your guide, continue weaving through the city, stopping at churches, alleyways, and pubs to uncover the secrets of London's underbelly. Then, stop at the Old Bailey (the site of the former Newgate Prison) to hear about the scoundrels once imprisoned there. Your tour finishes in Holborn, one of the city's most historic areas. You'll find plenty of excellent restaurants, wine bars, and pubs here to cap off a glorious day exploring the capital.

Day 3: Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Hidden Pubs Tour

No trip to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, and today you'll witness the palace's "Changing of the Guard," a formal ceremony dating back to the 17th century in which the King's Guard hands over responsibility for protecting the king to the New Guard. From here, you'll catch the tube (subway) to Tower Hill station, where you'll tour inside the Tower of London. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, this landmark has served as a castle, a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution. Inside, it's home to many historical artifacts and, of course, the priceless Crown Jewels.

After a morning spent sightseeing, grab a bite to eat and spend the afternoon on a guided tour of some of the capital's oldest pubs. With over 4,300 establishments to choose from, London's pub scene can be overwhelming, to say the least. Luckily, you'll spend the next few hours in the company of an experienced guide and small group, where you'll follow in the footsteps of literary giants such as Dickens, Shakespeare, Pepys, and Johnson.

Meet your guide outside St Paul's Cathedral and wind your way through the city's ancient backstreets and rambling courtyards, stopping for a drink in at least four pubs that date back as far as the 1500s. You don't have to be a beer drinker to enjoy the tour. Non-drinkers can enjoy excellent alcohol-free wines and beers, while gin and wine aficionados are well-catered for. From glamorous Victorian gin palaces to Tudor gems, you'll see the sights, discover London's history, and try traditional English bar snacks such as "pork scratchings."

Day 4: Drive to Oxford, Chauffeured Punting Trip & Picnic

Today, you'll pick up your rental car and leave the city behind for a two-hour drive west to Oxford. Dubbed the "City of Dreaming Spires," the town is home to one of England's oldest and most prestigious universities (the other being Cambridge.) Once you've checked in to your hotel, you'll head down to the riverbank for a relaxing tour of the city along the River Cherwell. You'll travel on a chauffeured punt (flat-bottomed riverboat), where you'll gently glide along the water, passing the city's iconic sights as you enjoy a light lunch from a picnic hamper.

See the Botanic Gardens, the playing fields of Magdalen College, and Christ Church College (where Lewis Carroll taught in the mid-19th century and wrote "Alice in Wonderland"). Your chauffeur has in-depth knowledge of Oxford's history, so you'll hear the inside track of the city's colleges and famous university students. After passing the fertile gardens of St Hilda's College, you'll return to dry land, where the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. 

Day 5: Tour Blenheim Palace, Champagne Afternoon Tea in the Orangery

No trip to Oxford is complete without a visit to Blenheim Palace, and this morning, you'll set off on a short 25-minute drive north of the city to Woodstock, a picturesque village home to the 18th-century UNESCO-listed palace. The seat of the Duke of Marlborough and one-time birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim was built as a gift to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, after his victory in the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. 

Start with a tour of the gilded State Rooms and see the priceless collection of artwork, tapestries, and furniture. Then, continue to the upstairs bedrooms, which have hosted guests as diverse as Bill Clinton and Charlie Chaplin. You'll experience your own slice of life at the palace when you sit down for afternoon tea, complemented with a glass of Champagne, in the high-ceilinged, airy surroundings of the Orangery. Finish with a stroll of the manicured gardens and wander through the Marlborough Hedge Maze before driving back to Oxford to spend your final night in the city. 

Day 6: Explore the Cotswolds, Drive to Stratford-upon-Avon

The famous Cotswolds is a rural area in southern England that encompasses six counties and enjoys Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) conservation status. The region lies just over an hour's drive west of Oxford, and the day is yours to hop in the car and explore the rolling green hills, medieval villages, thatched-roof cottages, and ancient church towers that make up the area.

Start with a 1.5-hour drive west to Painswick, a typical Cotswold village best known for its gorgeous Rococo garden and historic churches. Stop for a bite at one of the welcoming tea rooms and continue east for an hour's scenic drive through the quintessential English countryside until you reach the village of Lower Slaughter. On the banks of the River Eye, you'll find plenty of centuries-old historic buildings and the Old Mill Museum, which traces the area's history back to the Norman conquest. Five minutes drive away is the equally picturesque Upper Slaughter, a gorgeous spot to stop for lunch. 

Complete your tour of the Cotswolds with a half-hour drive north to Chipping Campden, a delightful village known for its 17th-century market and beautifully preserved limestone buildings. You'll find plenty of places here to pause for afternoon tea before continuing another 30 minutes north to Stratford-upon-Avon, a bustling town on the banks of the River Avon and famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Check in to your hotel and spend the evening with dinner and drinks at The Coach House, a historic, award-winning pub with an almost 500-year-old heritage.

Day 7: Discover Shakespeare's Stratford, RSC Performance

Spend a relaxed morning in Stratford-upon-Avon, exploring the historic town and seeing the many Shakespearean sights, such as Shakespeare's Birthplace, the 15th-century daub and wattle home where the playwright was born and grew up. Don't miss a chance to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, a charming 15th-century thatched cottage and childhood home of Shakespeare's wife. If the weather's fine, it's a great place to wander through acres of cottage gardens and fruit orchards, with a sculpture trail inspired by the playwright's many works.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), founded by Peter Hall in 1960 and based in Stratford-upon-Avon, has become one of Britain's most influential theater companies. Tonight, you'll see them in action, performing one of the Bard's famous plays at the historic Royal Shakespeare Theatre along the waterfront. Recent productions have included "As You Like It," "Othello," and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." If you can, make time beforehand to sample the theater's preshow menu, which includes classics like sea bass with crushed lemon potatoes, samphire, spinach, and chive butter sauce.

Day 8: Drive to Cardiff (Wales), Welsh Food Tour

This morning, it's time to wave goodbye to England and make the two-hour drive southwest to Wales. Wales is a proud and welcoming country home to rolling green valleys, mountainous national parks, and over 600 castles. Your destination is Cardiff, the nation's largest city. The Welsh capital has undergone serious regeneration over the last two decades, resulting in a dynamic, revitalized city filled with culture and historic sights, not least its captivating 11th-century castle in the town center, whose walls were used as air raid shelters in World War II.

Once you've had a chance to settle in at your hotel, it's time to head out and explore Cardiff's multicultural culinary scene on a city food tour. On a guided stroll through the city with an experienced guide, you'll sample warm Welsh cakes, tuck into crumbly, buttery pies, and browse the stalls at the Riverside Food Market. You'll also hear tales of local life from your guide, admire the city's grand buildings, including Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium (the home of Welsh rugby), and even learn a few key words of Welsh. Lechyd da (cheers)!

Day 9: Drive to the Brecon Beacons, Welsh Lavender Farm Visit

The Brecon Beacons is one of three national parks in Wales, covering an area of just over 500 square miles (1,295 km). Visitors come to explore the eponymous mountain range, hike its highest peak, Pen y Fan, which stands at 2,906 feet (886 m), and tour the rugged caves, beautiful waterfalls, and rolling hills that fill the park. One of the area's most charming towns is Hay-on-Wye, a 1.5-hour drive north of Cardiff and known as the secondhand book capital of the world. It's the perfect place to stop for excellent coffee at one of the many independent cafés and peruse the local galleries.

When you're ready, hop back in the car and drive 30 minutes northwest to Wales' first Lavender Farm on a wild hilltop in Builth Wells. Take some time to explore the beautiful lavender-filled fields and gardens and the distillery, where the fragrant flower essence is bottled and turned into artisan gifts. Pause for tea and cake at the small on-site café, where you can sit awhile and enjoy the stunning views. You'll overnight in the Brecon Beacons, whose unpolluted night skies have earned the region International Dark Sky Reserve status.

Day 10: Drive to Snowdonia, Explore the National Park

This morning, you'll drive a few hours north through Wales to reach Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Covering 823 square miles (2,131 sq km) of soaring peaks, steep gorges, rivers, and woodland, the region's communities are predominantly Welsh-speaking, and alongside the dramatic landscapes, you'll find an area rich in history, legend, and folklore. It's one of the country's best places to experience true Welsh hospitality, and you'll encounter all this and more on a self-guided drive across the area's highlights.

Start with a visit to the harbor town of Porthmadog, where you can spend a few hours touring Snowdonia's incredible national park with a ride on the historic Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway. Catch the heritage steam to Tan-y-Bwlch for a scenic round trip that stops in the village, where you'll have an hour to stroll the nature trail and grab a coffee at the popular tea room. 

Afterward, drive an hour north to Llandudno, a Victorian coastal gem nestled between the limestone headland of the Great Orme and the Irish Sea. Enjoy a bite to eat at one of the town's excellent restaurants and go for an exhilarating walk across the headland, with views that stretch all the way to northern England's Lake District. Later on, you'll check in to your Snowdonia accommodation, where the evening is yours to spend at leisure. 

Day 11: Drive to Conwy, Local Food Tour

Your destination for the next couple of nights is Conwy, a historic medieval town in North Wales that's a jumping-off point for adventures in Snowdonia. Once you've settled in at your hotel after the short drive, you'll explore the town and its cuisine on a city food tour. Discover local culinary delights as you curate your personalized food basket of local cheeses, chocolate, wines, and cider at stops to a renowned chocolatier, the winner of Britain's best independent off-license, and many more. 

You'll also try local specialties such as Welsh rarebit, delicious cheese on toast with savory spices and tangy Worcestershire sauce. Hear stories of local history from your guide as you pass landmarks, including Conwy Castle, the town's 13th-century UNESCO-listed fortress. Then, head to the quaint harbor, where pots of gleaming, fresh mussels make their way onto the plates of local diners.

Day 12: Explore Anglesey & North Wales

It's your last day in Conwy, and you can relax or explore as you like. Build on yesterday's food tour with a 1.5-hour guided trail through the town that takes you to all the main attractions, including the castle and quayside. You'll also see landmarks such as Plas Mawr, widely recognized as Britain's finest surviving Elizabethan townhouse. Step inside, and you'll find the vision of Robert Wynn, a Tudor diplomat who bought the mansion in the late 1500s and turned the house's 17 rooms into a celebration of his life, times, and work.

If you're keen to explore more of North Wales, you couldn't be better placed. Hop in the car and drive 30 minutes southwest to Caernarfon to see its 13th-century Royal Castle, built by Edward I as a royal palace and military fortress. Then, continue in a clockwise loop to Anglesey, an enchanting island separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait. Highlights include Beaumaris, a lovely seaside town with a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture, and South Stack Lighthouse, located on a tiny peninsula accessed via 400 steps from the mainland cliffs.

Tour the former lighthouse engine room and spot the guillemots, razorbills, and puffins that call the rocks home. On the drive back, stop by Plas Newydd, the ancestral stately home of the Marquess of Anglesey. Here, you can explore the grand 18th-century estate, manicured gardens, and an exhibition of Rex Whistler's paintings. From the house, it's a 30-minute drive back to Conwy, where you'll be spoiled for choice with dining options. 

Day 13: Drive to Chester (England), Craft Beer Tasting Experience 

You're off to your next destination today, as you set out on a scenic hour's drive east to Chester. This bustling city in England's northwest was founded in the first century CE as a Roman fortress, and it's home to the best-preserved Roman walls in the country.

After checking in at your hotel, you'll discover one of the town's other highlights—its burgeoning craft beer scene. Meet your guide and a small group of fellow beer enthusiasts at a local brewery, where you'll begin with an introduction to the eight ales you'll be tasting. Learn how to tell the difference between hops and malt and discern the subtle flavor differences that make each beer unique. Throughout the masterclass, you'll be treated to delicious nibbles and one of the Brewhouse and Kitchen's famous gourmet burgers. 

Day 14: Drive to Manchester, Gourmet City Food Tour

Wave goodbye to Chester this morning and drive just under an hour northeast to Manchester. Probably best known for its two world-class soccer teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, the town is also famous for its heritage as the world's first industrialized city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Manchester became the UK's leading producer of cotton and textiles, then, after World War II, fell into rapid decline. The city's fortunes changed after the devastating IRA bombing in 1996, which led to an extensive period of investment and regeneration.

Since the early 21st century, the city's fortunes have continued to rise, and these days, it's a boom town of historic architecture, international concert venues, and one of the UK's best food and drink scenes. Settle into your hotel after the drive, and once you're refreshed and ready to go, you'll meet your guide for a four-hour foodie tour. You'll sample eight delicious tastings across the city as you explore Manchester's history through the lens of its food: from the ice cream vendors of Ancoat's Little Italy to the diet of the Victorian mill worker and the birth of vegetarianism.

At the end of the tour, you'll part ways with your guide, and the rest of the evening is yours to relax at a local bar or explore the city's legendary nightlife. 

Day 15: Depart Manchester

Your tour of England and Wales has come to an end. After breakfast and checkout at your hotel, drop off your rental car and head to the city's airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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