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Overview
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Part of the charm of traveling through Britain is seeing the spectacular scenery, and on this Britain tour, you’ll get the opportunity to witness some of its most scenic areas. Travel through Northumberland National Park, with its wide-open spaces and landscapes of endless beauty; Brecon Beacons National Park, with its dramatic landscapes; Dartmoor National Park; and incomparable Snowdonia National Park in Wales, with picturesque villages, mountains, and lakes. Drive through the serene Lake District, England’s largest and finest natural park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way to the beautiful Isle of Skye, admire some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery, including vast areas of unspoiled wilderness and gorgeous lochs (lakes).
On this Britain tour, you’ll also travel to some of Britain’s charming towns. In Stratford-upon-Avon, explore the town that Shakespeare called home and get a glimpse into life in 16th-century England. Walk through York’s quaint streets with your Tour Director and marvel at England's most complete medieval city. In Bath, explore the elegant city famed for its excavations of the 2,000-year-old Roman baths. In Plymouth, see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. Enjoy an orientation drive in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and sightseeing in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital.
These are just some of the many highlights of this value-minded Britain tour through England, Scotland, and Wales. Be sure to grab your camera so all you have to do is sit back and relax as you experience these wonderful destinations.
Small Group Discovery
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
2022 Tour itinerary
Total meals included:
- 12 breakfasts, 3 dinners
ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Day1
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
LONDON.
Day2
Today is devoted to exploring on your own or enjoying our exciting optional activities. You may choose to join a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. Later, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels. Tonight, we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the Thames River.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LONDON–OXFORD–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LEEDS
Day3
Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. In Oxford, a walking tour shows you the colleges where Britain’s elite receive its outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight destination is Leeds.
Today’s Distance: 263 mi/ 423 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
LEEDS–YORK–JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND–EDINBURGH.
Day4
In York, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Then, at Jedburgh, see the abbey ruins before a late-afternoon arrival in Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: enjoy a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.
Today’s Distance: 270 mi/ 334 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH.
Day5
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, consider a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds out this optional evening. For departures August 8 and August 22, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of amassed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–PITLOCHRY–CULLODEN MOOR–INVERNESS–STRATHPEFFER.
Day6
A day of memorable sightseeing: take the elegant Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; then, cross the Firth of Tay and, via Dundee and Perth, head into the Highlands, with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then, via Inverness, head for your Highland destination.
Today’s Distance: 221 mi/ 335 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
STRATHPEFFER–ISLE OF SKYE–GLASGOW.
Day7
More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. Return to the mainland by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city.
Today’s Distance: 234 mi/ 377 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
GLASGOW–GRETNA GREEN–LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND–LIVERPOOL
Day8
South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day in Liverpool, of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners. You may wish to join an optional city tour this afternoon.
Today’s Distance: 240 mi/ 386 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIVERPOOL. NORTH WALES EXCURSION.
Day9
A day dedicated to the mountainous splendor of North Wales. After a stop in pretty Betws-y-Coed, drive over spectacular Llanberis Pass and through Snowdonia National Park to Caernarvon, where the castle saw the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales. Then, follow the coast road via the walled town of Conway back to Liverpool.
Today’s Distance: 185 mi/ 298 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LIVERPOOL–LUDLOW–CARDIFF, WALES
Day10
First stop today is in the pretty market town of Ludlow before heading back into Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh mountain pony. Finally, head through “The Valleys,” whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution, to the Welsh capital. Here, an orientation drive introduces you to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Tonight, why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner?
Today’s Distance: 181 mi/ 301 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–GLASTONBURY–WIDECOMBE–PLYMOUTH.
Day11
Leaving Wales, cross the Severn Bridge for a visit to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics, before heading into the romantically scenic West Country and Glastonbury with its King Arthur associations. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor, ghostly setting for Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. Finally, in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620.
Today’s Distance: 197 mi/ 316 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
PLYMOUTH–STONEHENGE–LONDON.
Day12
On the final leg of your journey, take in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and visit prehistoric Stonehenge. First, explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument from up close. Return to London around 3 pm. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town?
Today’s Distance: 218 mi/ 351 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
LONDON.
Day13
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Novotel London West
First-Class
Concrete and brick commercial hotel in modern nine-story complex located at Hammersmith, 1/4 mile from train station.
Location
1 Shortlands, London, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Free WiFi
- Gift Shop
- Currency Exchange
- Parking/Valet
- Concierge desk
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Mini-bar
- Pay Movies
- Phone
- Room Service
- In-Room Safe
- Air Conditioning
- Internet Access
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Desk
- Television
- Voicemail
- Disabled Access / Rooms
Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth
First-Class
Set among fields, the Holiday Inn Leeds Garforth is situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre. The hotel features the Aioli Restaurant for breakfast and dinner and Aioli Bar and Lounge for light meals and snacks. The 144 rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with all modern amenities including hairdryer, iron and ironing board, complimentary toiletries and more. The hotel also boasts an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and spa. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.
Location
Wakefield Road, Leeds, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Parking/Valet
- Beauty Salon
- Fitness Room
- Business Center
- Pool
- Spa Services
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Laundry Available
- Luggage Storage
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Television
- Alarm Clock
- Coffee Maker
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Voicemail
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Hair Dryer
- Internet Access
Novotel Edinburgh Park
First-Class
The 4 star Novotel Edinburgh Park is ideally located for a city break in Edinburgh. The hotel has free on site parking, leisure facilities including a pool, gym and steam room.
Location
15 Lochside Avenue, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Fitness Room
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Pool
Room Facilities
- Mini-bar
- Internet Access
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Air Conditioning
- Voicemail
- Pay Movies
- Television
- In-Room Safe
- Coffee Maker
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
Ben Wyvis Hotel
Superior Tourist-Class
Scottish Highland hotel is an idyllic setting for weddings, functions and conferences, offering spectacular views of Ben Wyvis.
Location
, Strathpeffer-Rossshire, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Parking/Valet
- Luggage Storage
- Gift Shop
- Laundry Available
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Television
- Phone
- Room Service
- Alarm Clock
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
Leonardo Inn Glasgow West End
First-Class
Multistory Hotel set in prestigious West End, 4 miles from city center.
Location
Shelley Road 2-4, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Concierge desk
- Pool
- Laundry Available
- Hot Tub
- Free WiFi
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Business Center
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- In-Room Safe
- Phone
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Room Service
- Desk
- Television
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre
First-Class
Modern Multistory Hotel opposite Lime Street Station, 5 miles from Liverpool Airport.
Location
Lime Street, Liverpool, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Bar/Lounge
- Parking/Valet
- Laundry Available
- Ice Machine
- Fitness Room
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Air Conditioning
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Room Service
- Pay Movies
- Phone
- Complimentary Newspaper
- Television
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Cable/Satellite
- Voicemail
- Coffee Maker
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
Mercure Cardiff North Hotel
First-Class
Modern Hotel situated 3 miles from center of Cardiff & train station.
Location
Circle Way East, Cardiff-Llanederyn, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Restaurant On-Site
- Parking/Valet
- Hot Tub
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Laundry Available
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Concierge desk
- Spa Services
Room Facilities
- Cable/Satellite
- Internet Access
- Phone
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Television
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
Jurys Inn Plymouth
First-Class
The Jurys Inn is located on Exeter Street, beside the historic quarter, and an easy 10 minute walk to the historic centre where Plymouth is yours to explore and enjoy. It features an all-day Costa Coffee bar and lounge where you can enjoy a hot drink and relax, an elegant on-site bar for a glass of wine or a pint of beer, and a restaurant with a range of delectable dishes to choose from. The 247 comfortable and spacious hotel rooms are furnished with large soft beds, a well-lit desk, TV with Free view, and free Wi-Fi access.
Location
50 Exeter Street, Plymouth, United Kingdom
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant On-Site
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
- Fitness Room
- Bar/Lounge
- Elevator
- Luggage Storage
Room Facilities
- Wake-Up Calls
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Desk
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Phone
