Day 1 | London

Arrive in London. Shared transfer to your hotel is included. You are free to enjoy London on your own. (Please note: hotel check-in is generally between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you are arriving into London early the hotel should be happy to hold your luggage until your room is ready).

Day 2 | Shrewsbury

• Learn about Britain’s industrial revolution at Ironbridge
• Find your inspirations in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare

Make your own way to the London departure point by 9 am (unless optional transfer was purchased at time of booking). We depart from London at 9:15 am and make our way to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford on Avon. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, we have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch (independently) in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs. We head to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the world’s first ever bridge fully made of iron. Built during the age of Industrial Revolution, explore how it was pieced together or simply enjoy the views from above the lazily flowing River Servern. We make our way to the county town of Shrewsbury, the narrow streets of the town centre are almost completely encircled by the River Severn. Charles Darwin was born in this bustling market town, and its timber-framed black and white Tudor buildings is our home for the next two nights. (Note: on some dates the accommodation may be in Chester).

Day 3 | North Wales

• Head into the heights of Wales’ Snowdonia National Park
• March around the imperious walls of Conwy Castle

This morning our tour will take us into the heart of North Wales. We 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 (admission included). We 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. We will hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before traveling back through the borderlands into England.

Day 4 | Peak District

• Set your sights on the expanses of the Peak District National Park
• Stroll around the fine stately home and gardens at Chatsworth House

To the northeast of Shrewsbury lie the hills of the Peak District National Park, with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages. We will take a scenic route through the Park to the village of Castleton, then, in the afternoon, we 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 favorite 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, we travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of York, where we will spend the next two (2) nights.

Day 5 | York

• Spoil yourself with the churches, museums, and riverside sights of York
• Venture to the magnificent market towns of Knaresborough and the Yorkshire Dales

Today we have a choice of things to do. We 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, we could join our guide on a half-day excursion into the Yorkshire Dales, visiting the pretty market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon, some of the remote valleys, and the rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales, followed by a free afternoon in York.

Day 6 | York - London

• Study the stunning university city of Cambridge
• Marvel at the cathedral of Lincoln

Leaving York in the morning, we begin our 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 around 7:30 pm. Make your way to your pre-booked hotel, where your evening is free to enjoy London independently.

Day 7 | London - U.S.

After breakfast, check out of your London hotel, with a shared transfer included back to the airport.