Great Rail Journeys - Grand Tour of the UK

Day 1: On to York

Join the group at our dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras then travel by First Class rail to York where we stay at The Principal.

Day 2: Historic York

We discover much of the city’s long and fascinating story on a guided walking tour of its main attractions. These include the incomparable Minster, which is one of Europe’s largest and most ornate gothic cathedrals, and the Shambles, a quaint street that has remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages. Following the tour, you have the chance to take in the sights of this marvellous city at your own pace.

Day 3: Rail to Edinburgh

This morning we transfer to the station for the train north to Edinburgh in First Class.Upon arrival we check into our hotel for a two night stay. That evening we are welcomed in true Scottish style, enjoying a traditional Great Scot’s Dinner experience at the hotel, complete with exciting and traditional forms of entertainment.

Day 4: Exploring Edinburgh

Today we enjoy a guided walking tour of Edinburgh, taking in the city’s main sights. We pass the 16th century Palace of Holyroodhouse, more commonly known as Holyrood Palace. Home of the British monarchy in Scotland, the Queen typically spends some of the summer here.

Day 5: On to Inverness

Today we board the rail service to Inverness. After checking into the Macdonald Hotel Drumossie, you are free to explore.

Day 6: Jacobite Steam Train and Loch Ness

We travel to historic Fort William today, taking the coach from Inverness. Along the scenic route, we briefly stop at iconic Loch Ness. Upon arrival in Fort William, we have time for lunch, then transfer to our hotel, stopping en-route at Glencoe and the Three Sisters Mountains for a photo opportunity.

Day 7: Jacobite Steam Train and Mallaig

This morning we make our way back to Fort William, where we transfer to the station for a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig. On arrival in Mallaig, we are free to explore before returning to Fort William by coach. Later this evening, we transfer to the station for our on the Scotrail service to Glasgow, where we spend the night. Our hotel in Glasgow is the Jury’s Inn.

Days 8-9: Discovering Liverpool

On Day 8 we transfer to the station for our rail service to Preston, then continue by coach to Liverpool for 2 nights.

Day 9 begins with some sightseeing around Liverpool, home of The Beatles. We take in the Waterfront Pier Head, the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields; made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo in 1967. We also see Liverpool’s vibrant China Town. Following our tour you are free to explore Liverpool further at your leisure.

Days 10-11: Onwards to Bristol

We travel by coach to the station today, catching the rail service to Bristol, via Stafford, for a two-night stay. We enjoy a wonderful excursion by rail to the historic city of Bath, on Day 11. The UNESCO protected city is famous worldwide for its natural hot springs. We embark on a guided tour, taking in the city’s main sights, including the stunning Abbey and the architecturally wonderful Royal Crescent. The Crescent, a row of 30 18th-century terraced houses, is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the country.

Day 12: Stonehenge

We begin the journey to London, by coach. En route, we stop off at the famous prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. One of the most impressive Bronze Age monuments in the country, this ring of standing stones has long provided archaeologists with the mystery of what the complex design really represents.

Day 13: The Tower of London

We arrive at the iconic Tower of London in time to witness the famous Opening Ceremony. We are given a short talk by a Yeoman Warder before witnessing the ceremony first-hand. The morning is then free to explore the famous landmark at your own pace. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Tower has been utilised for a number of purposes, including a prison and most recently, a tourist attraction and home of the Crown Jewels.

Day 14: Home

After breakfast the tour concludes, and you are free to depart.

• An escorted experience and all travel arrangements
• The services of a professional UK Tour Manager from start to finish
• Exclusive meeting point at our dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras
• Standard Class rail travel unless otherwise described
• All coach travel as described
• Luggage transfer from Edinburgh to Inverness
• Comfortable accommodation in your destination
• 13 nights’ hotel accommodation including 2 nights at the 4-Star Principal in York, 2 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night at the 4-Star Palace Hotel in Inverness, 1 night at the Ballachulish Hotel or Alexandra Hotel in Fort William, 1 night at the 4-Star Jury’s Inn Hotel Glasgow, 2 nights at the 4-Star Hallmark Hotel the Queen in Chester, 2 nights in Bristol and 2 nights at the 4-Star Ambassadors Bloomsbury Hotel in London
• 20 meals including 13 breakfasts and 7 dinners, including 1 farewell dinner in London

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.