Best of Britain
Tours / Best of Britain
Explore London’s iconic sights, then tour England’s thatched roof-dotted villages, seaside towns and bustling cities. May add-on a visit to Scotland’s Loch Lomond and Edinburgh Castle.
DATE
Jun 4-15, 2025 (or 4-17)
BOARD
3-Star Hotels
DURATION
12 or 14 Days
TRANSPORT
Cars, Local Flight
GROUP SIZE
8 People
ACTIVITY
Leisure
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: Travel Day
International flights should be arranged to depart from the US on or before June 4th in order to arrive in London on the tour start date of June 5th.
DAY 2: Arrival in London
Tour participants should arrive at London Heathrow airport prior to 2 p.m. on day 2. Those who arrive in the morning may participate in a visit to Hampton Court Palace (additional fee). Visit the famous hedge maze, Tudor knot garden and the state apartments at this splendid red-brick palace that was home to Henry VIII and several of his ill-fated wives. Overnight in Buxted.
DAY 3: Brighton’s Beauties
In Brighton, explore the Royal Pavilion, known as the “Pleasure Palace” of the Prince Regent (later King George IV), one of the most iconic architectural and historical landmarks in the UK. Stroll the seaside and historic Brighton Pier. Dating back to the 14th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. Wander its rooms and gardens. Overnight in Buxted.
DAY 4: Weird and Wonderful
Travel to Ightham Mote, one of the oldest medieval manor houses to survive in England. Explore its quirky architecture and quaint gardens. The Secret Nuclear Bunker at Kelvedon Hatch is a large underground bunker used during the Cold War as a potential Regional Government Headquarters. Take a step back in time to the height of the Cold War where fears were rampant, and preparation was essential. Overnight in Cambridge
DAY 5: Cambridge – a Uni City
Explore Cambridge’s remarkable buildings dating back hundreds of years, punt on the Cam, wander the greens, stroll through its market, and admire the old colleges dotted about the city. Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, Cambridge boasts Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, John Maynard Keynes, Lord Byron, and Stephen Hawking amongst its distinguished alumni. Overnight in Cambridge.
DAY 6: Cathedral and Tea Shop
Set on the Isle of Ely, a rock island that rises above the rich-soiled Fens, Ely is a small historic cathedral city. Dominated by its Norman cathedral, known as “The Ship of the Fens”, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket-sized city. Climb the cathedral tower for an extraordinary view of the inside of the cathedral and the surrounding countryside. Pause for refreshments at a quintessentially British tea shop. Overnight in Market Harborough.
DAY 7: Contrasting Rich and Poor
Begin the day with a somber stroll through Southwell Workhouse, a place of last resort for the poor in the 1800s. Take in the grandeur of Chatsworth House, made famous for its portrayal as Darcy’s home in Pride and Prejudice. Wander the magnificent grounds, which include gardens, waterfalls, mazes and much more. Stroll through Bakewell, with its stone-faced shops and tall-steepled churches. Overnight in Congleton.
DAY 8: England thru Time
Discover the crooked walls, uneven floors and timber frame of Little Moreton Hall, a moated Tudor house built in the 1450s. Nestled in a spectacular wooded gorge, Iron Bridge is remarkable as the world’s first iron bridge and a symbol of the Industrial Revolution. Reach back in time to the late 19th century with a visit to Blists Hill Victorian Village, an open-air museum built on a former industrial complex. Overnight in Alcester.
DAY 9: Exploring the Cotswolds
Visit the Cotswolds, a region of England sprinkled with picturesque villages, thatched roof cottages, traditional churches, iconic English houses and beautiful green rolling hills. Enjoy the quintessential British village of Minster Lovell. Relax amid the golden yellow stone cottages and babbling stream that define Lower Slaughter. Climb Broadway Tower for a pleasant view of the surrounding countryside. Overnight in London.
DAY 10: Majestic London
Spend the day enjoying London’s top sights with visits to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millenium Bridge, the Great Fire of London Monument, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Shop and eat in Covent Garden. Finish the day viewing the sunset from the Sky Garden. Overnight in London.
DAY 11: Iconic London
Take in majestic Big Ben and the attached Palaces of Westminster from the middle of the River Thames for the best views of these iconic buildings. Wander through Westminster Abbey, where royal coronations, weddings and funerals are traditionally held. Stroll across St. James Park, a green oasis in the middle of the bustling city. Try to catch a glimpse of a royal as you eye Buckingham Palace. Choose from an amazing array of mouth-watering options at Borough Market. Get your fill of souvenirs on Oxford Street. End your visit with a fabulous London play (additional fee). Overnight in London.
DAY 12: Return Home
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to the airport will be made for those leaving prior to 9 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Scotland Add-On Days
DAY 12: Loch Lomond
Take an early flight from London to Edinburgh. Travel to Linlithgow Palace for a glimpse at the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Walk the ‘bonny banks’ of Loch Lomond with its fantastic views of the mountains. Stroll through the idyllic village of Luss, where you are sure to see Highland Cows. Head on to the Trossachs where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. Optional excursions include a bagpipe lesson and/or a visit to the mysterious Rosslyn chapel (additional fee). Overnight in a 4-poster bed at Melville Castle.
DAY 13: Edinburgh
Become familiar with Old Town Edinburgh by exploring The Royal Mile, a succession of streets forming the main thoroughfare of the city, teeming with a variety of shops, restaurants, pubs, and visitor attractions. Start at one end of the Royal Mile by discovering Edinburgh Castle’s rich history. Spend time shopping for tartans and kilts. End at the far side of the Royal Mile with a visit to the royal residence of Holyroodhouse. Evening return flight to London. Overnight near London Heathrow airport.
DAY 14: Return Home
The tour concludes with hotel check-out by 11 a.m. Arrangements to the airport will be made for those leaving prior to 9 a.m. Early departures or later departures should plan their own transportation to the airport.
Tour Pricing And Payment Schedule
The Best of Britain tour scheduled for June 2025 will be $3,450 per person, based on double occupancy. A $100 discount is given for payment in full at initial deposit; otherwise, the following payment schedule applies, per person:
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Non-refundable deposit of $600 reserves spot (deposits made prior to Dec 31st, 2024 will receive a $100 discount, making the deposit $500).
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Payment of $475 due on Dec 1st, 2024
Payment of $475 due on Jan 1st, 2025
Payment of $475 due on Feb 1st, 2025
Payment of $475 due on Mar 1st, 2025
Payment of $475 due on Apr 1st, 2025
Final payment of $475 due on May 1st, 2025
​Additional payment of $600 for Scotland add-on due on Mar 15th, 2025
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If signing up after any deposit deadline, payment for any previous deposits will be due upon sign-up. Prompt payment is appreciated. Late payments are assessed a $25 late fee.
Solo supplement (single occupancy hotel rooms): $800 pp
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Minimum Number of Participants: 6 for Best of Britain tour, 4 for Scotland add-on
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
Included in the tour cost:
Pre-tour information, such as what to pack and how to exchange currency
Expertise of a tour guide throughout the tour
All sight-seeing and visits, as noted in the itinerary
All on-tour transportation, including trains, ferries, rental vehicles, and buses
One carry-on suitcase and one personal item due to space restraints in rental vehicles
All accommodations, based on double occupancy; typically, 3-star hotels
For participants of Scotland add-on, local transit between England and Scotland up to $150 pp
Not included in the tour cost:
International airfare and any related expenses
Travel insurance
Expenses due to flight delays, strikes, inclement weather or other irregularities
Passport fees, visas and visa photos as required
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry services, beverages, snacks, and healthcare
Optional excursions as indicated in the itinerary
Meals as indicated in the tour itinerary
Checked baggage fees and excess baggage charges
Seat requests and seat upgrades
Solo traveler supplement
Refunds for tour services not utilized
Other items not specifically mentioned as included
Tour Information
Terms and Conditions
Please thoroughly review the Terms and Conditions on our website. Submitting a deposit for services constitutes a contractual agreement with Aticus Travel and represents your acceptance of the Aticus Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions.
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View Terms and Conditions >
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​Liability Waiver and Release Form
Please sign and return the Liability Waiver and Release Form for each tour participant. A parent or guardian must sign the form for any minor participants. A tour request is officially submitted when both the tour deposit and the Waiver and Release form are received by Aticus Travel, LLC for each tour participant.
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​Travel Insurance
Due to the strict cancellation policy, in order to protect your investment, and to provide you with peace of mind, we strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance. Many reputable companies exist and you can look into any of them, but here are a few recommendations to consider: Allianz Global Assistance, TravelEx, World Nomads and Travel Guard.
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​Packing Checklist and Tips
Please review the packing list for suggestions and tips on what to pack, how much you can take and what to leave at home.
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View / Download Packing Checklist and Tips >
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