Essential Britain Tour

Your journey begins on your overnight transatlantic flight to London.

If you purchased airline tickets through YMT, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Join us later for a welcome dinner at the hotel (included). (D)

After breakfast, head out on a panoramic city tour of one of history’s most influential capitals. Enjoy an overview of all of London’s most important landmarks from the comfort of your roomy coach and enjoy the rest of the day to explore as you wish. The city boasts many famous sights, including the Tower of London, Big Ben, Piccadilly Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more! (B)

Spend the morning in the Cotswolds, a stunning rural area renowned for lush rolling hills and beautifully maintained historic buildings and villages. The striking color of local structures— from grand manors and churches to humble single-family cottages—is due to the region’s native honey-colored limestone. The buttery yellow stone is a signature feature that’s distinguished the Cotswolds for centuries. Continue to Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the restored 16th century home in Stratford-upon-Avon that he grew up in and shared with his beloved wife, Anne Hathaway. Hear family stories and live theatre recitals. The day ends with a delicious dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Go deep into the Welsh wilderness of Snowdonia National Park. Take in its wild landscapes of mountains and lush oak forests. Its coastline is protected as a Special Area of Conservation, with rugged banks and a scattering of sand dunes in the park’s mid-coast. Then enjoy a ride on the Ffestiniog Railway, one of the “Great Little Trains of Wales,” through the heart of the park. Eat lunch on your own in the walled market town of Conwy, then stop at Conwy Castle. The rectangular stone fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized as one of the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe. (B, D)

Tour Liverpool, a port city from where over nine million emigrants left England for a new life in America. You’ll see the Royal Liver Building, the headquarters of the White Star Line, the Albert Docks, and the two cathedrals of Hope Street. Continue to Manchester. Learn about one of Britain’s most passionate football cities on a panoramic tour. From your coach you will see , Old Trafford, the Lowry, and more. Enjoy free time in Manchester before continuing to York. (B, D)

Start the day with a panoramic tour of York, a city that never quite left behind its medieval past. See the 13th century walls surrounding narrow streets, all of which wind their way toward the magnificent York Minster. One of the England’s most impressive cathedrals looks down at the city that inspired and influenced the magical look of the Harry Potter movies—particularly Diagon Alley. Your tour takes you past York Minster, Exhibition Square, Margaret Street, and Fishergate. After departing from York, visit Newstead Abbey, a historic country home over 800 years old and the former residence of the Romantic poet Lord Byron. Overnight in Birmingham. (B)

Take a panoramic and walking tour of Oxford, a city known around the world as the home of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious university. See the school and 1,100-year-old village, including Christchurch, Oxford Castle, and more of the famous halls and greens of Oxford University. Enjoy lunch on your own and free time in town, which is full of historic pubs where many of Britain’s sharpest minds bloomed. Return to London and sit down for an included Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Depart for home, or travel by scenic rail up to Edinburgh. On certain dates, you may choose to combine Essential Britain with Sights of Scotland for our Ultimate Great Britain tour. (B)