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While you might not meet Mr Darcy, this tour certainly evokes a bygone age, imbued with archetypal villages, stately homes, historic castles and gardens.

11 days, Priced from A$2699

Elegance Tour, Departs from & returns to London

Tour code B917

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Itinerary

Day 1 – LONDON – HAMPSHIRE

After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, make your way into the Kent countryside. At the pretty village of Westerham, Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green & you visit his nearby residence of Chartwell next. Continue through brilliant yellow & green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn & Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house & stroll in the delightful gardens. Move on to your country style hotel for a Welcome Drink before dinner.

Hotel: Botley Park Golf & Country Club (D)

Day 2 – NEW FOREST EXCURSION

A scenic drive through the woods & glades of the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu Abbey, once a Cistercian Abbey, now the stately home of Lord Montagu. Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins & visit his lordship’s collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Travel on to Salisbury to see the tallest spire in the land atop the 13th century cathedral. Return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 3 – HAMPSHIRE – STRATFORD

Visit the cathedral town of Winchester this morning, where King Alfred stands guard in the High Street. The country roads lead you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, full of memorabilia & artefacts relating to his life.

Hotel: Swans Nest (B)

Day 4 – COTSWOLDS EXCURSION

An enchanting day takes you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque. After touring the house & gardens, visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King Henry VIII’s wives, Katherine Parr. Tonight, you are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure. (B,DA)

Day 5 – STRATFORD – LAKE DISTRICT

Travel through the orchards of Worcestershire to elegant Ludlow, where 18C mansions rub shoulders with half-timbered Tudor buildings. The town is dominated by its castle, rich in tragic royal history. Explore the lanes & hidden courtyards, before continuing through the remote Shropshire hills. Pass by Wenlock Edge, as celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman, to reach Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. From the eponymous 200-year-old bridge the smooth motorway carries you north to the English Lake District.

Hotel: Hydro (B,D)

Day 6 – LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION

A whole DAY is devoted to this scenic wonderland; of rugged mountains & tranquil waters – an inspiration to a host of English poets. Visit Wordsworth’s grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire thevast expanse of Windermere, largest of the lakes. Perhaps even consider a cruise on its peaceful waters? (B,D)

Day 7 – LAKE DISTRICT – EDINBURGH

Cross the Scottish border at Gretna – for years the destination of eloping English lovers, before continuing to Edinburgh. Discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens, a remarkable haven of tranquillity in the south of the city, as well as a world-renowned centre for botanical science.

Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor (B)

Day 8 – EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING

Today a local guide shows you around Edinburgh Castle containing the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Royal regalia in the British Isles. Follow the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse where Mary Queen of Scots lived. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century ‘New Town’ with its classical Adam facades. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, selected departures attend the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (B)

Day 9 – EDINBURGH – BRONTË COUNTRY

Travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th century estate of Sir Walter Scott, which now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia & artefacts collected throughout his lifetime. Headsouth past Jedburgh Abbey & over the border to visit Hadrian’s Wall, boundary of the civilised world in Roman times! Stay for the next two nights in an historic, grand Victorian hotel, set amidst a landscape that fuelled the imagination of the Brontë sisters in writing their classic novels.

Hotel: Marriott Hollins Hall (B,D)

Day 10 – YORKSHIRE EXCURSION

After breakfast, drive to the walled city of York, one of the most historic cities in Britain. See the huge Minster, Britain’s largest medieval cathedral, & explore the maze of narrow streets, including the Shambles. Head out now through rich farmland to visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, one of Britain’s Grandest historic houses with its fine furniture, paintings, tapestries & extensive gardens. Enjoy traditional Yorkshire hospitality at your highlight dinner tonight. (B,HD)

Day 11 – – BRONTË COUNTRY – STAMFORD – LONDON

Hear legendary tales as you journey towards ‘Robin Hood Country’ even though little remains of his beloved Sherwood Forest. Visit the quintessential English town of Stamford, an attractive mix of narrow passageways & cobbled streets, medieval churches & Georgian buildings. Your tour concludes on return to London. (B)

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Tour Dates & Total Prices 2012

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