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PRIVATE TOUR ITINERARY

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Yorkshire, the Lake District & Scotland — see the best of northern England and dip your toe in Scotland with your very own driver-guide! This beautifully guided journey starts in York and ends in Edinburgh. Visit northern England’s must-see historical sites, and charming towns, and witness spectacular scenery in both countries. Tour the Scottish Borders, where turbulent stories in Scotland’s long history were played out in the disputed lands, Enjoy visits to York, Edinburgh, the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park. Just a few of the highlights on this wonderful tour!

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Day 1: Depart London or Manchester for York

Arrive London or Manchester Airport where you will be met by your chauffeur-guide and taken to your hotel in the ancient walled-city of York for a two-night stay. Some free time to relax and settle in to your accommodation. Welcome dinner in York.

 

Day 2: York

Whole-day exploring York, a former Roman and Viking capital, of cobbled streets, and narrow lanes. Walking tour including York Minster, England's finest Gothic church, the Shambles, York's wonderfully preserved medieval quarter, and visits to one or more of York's award winning museums such as the world's greatest railway museum, the 1800s at York Castle Museum, or heading back 1,000 years to Viking times at the Jorvik Viking Centre. Luxury afternoon tea in York.

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Day 3: North Yorkshire Moors Steam Train & Castle Howard

Whole-day excursion into the beautiful heather-covered expanse of the North Yorkshire Moors.  Visit Castle Howard, setting of Brideshead and Brideshead Revisted. Catch the North Yorkshire Moors steam train from Pickering to Grosmount, passing through some of the best scenery of the Moors, and continue to the seaside town of Whitby to admire the dramatic coastline, from the ruins of the 11th century abbey.

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Day 4: Yorkshire Dales: Studley Royal & Fountains Abbey

Depart York for Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey, magnificent elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park, and ruined Cistercian abbey. Continue along the Yorkshire Dales on a scenic back road route, some of the finest scenery in the UK. Pause at Bolton Castle for expansive views, before continuing to the spectacular Lake District for a two-night stay.

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Day 5: The Lake District

Scenic backroad tour taking in the best of the Lake District, the most mountainous region of England. Visit Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, the poet's remarkable humble home, the evocative Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circles, enjoy a cruise on Coniston Water, and visit Hilltop Farm, home of Beatrix Potter.

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Day 6: Hadrian's Wall & Alnwick Castle & Gardens

Depart the Lake District for Hadrian’s Wall, built on the orders of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Visit Housesteads Roman Fort, perched high on a ridge, and hike (optional) a 3-mile section of the wall. Arrive in the charming Northumbrian town of Alnwick. Visit Alnwick Castle and Gardens, a stately home of the Duke of Northumberland, and stay in Alnwick for two nights.

 

Day 7: Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland

Today explore the wonderfully unspoiled Northumbrian coast of rocky headlands and sweeping sandy bays backed by dunes with visits to Bamburgh Castle, sited on a rocky plateau above a long sandy beach, mystical Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, reached by causeway at low tide. Visit Lindisfarne Priory, and Lindisfarne Castle.

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Day 8: Arrive in Scotland: Melrose & Rosslyn Chapel

Depart Alnwick for the Scottish Borders, where turbulent stories in

Scotland’s long history were played out in the disputed lands where Scotland and England meet. Admire the vista from Scott’s View; visit Melrose Abbey, the most complete of the great Border Abbeys, and resting place of Robert the Bruce's Heart; the the library and home of Sir Walter Scott (it’s from his work “The Lady of the Lake” that the presidential anthem, “Hail to the Chief” is derived); and visit Rosslyn Chapel, a fifteenth chapel of countless theories, myths and legends. Arrive in Edinburgh for a two-night stay.

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Day 9: Edinburgh

Today, enjoy a private-guided tour learning about Edinburgh’s long history. You’ll see how the medieval townhouses along the Royal Mile contrast with the fine Georgian architecture of the 200-year old New Town and learn about many prominent Scottish inventors, doctors and writers for whom Edinburgh is famous. Then climb up to the imposing Edinburgh Castle, to tour this historic military stronghold, the birthplace of the city, and soak up the dramatic views. In the afternoon, wind your way through the medieval streets, ending at the impressive Palace of Holyrood, the Scottish residence of The Queen.

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Day 10: Edinburgh

Today, leave on a short drive outside of Edinburgh to one of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds: Blackness Castle, built in the 15th century on the south shore of the Firth of Forth by one of Scotland's most powerful families.  This afternoon, visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former yacht of the Royal Family, and arrive Edinburgh Railway Station or Edinburgh Airport for your onward journey.