BEST OF ENGLAND

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Fully escorted small group tour with a maximum of 12 passengers

22 July to 18 August 2020 – 28 days

Come along with us on a journey through beautiful and charming England.  Filled with historic towns, quaint and picturesque villages, iconic green countryside, castles, mansions, lakes, iconic natural wonders, impressive gardens, magnificent cathedrals, stunning coastlines and so much more.

Our tours are exclusively for solo travellers 50+ so come and share the joy of travel with people just like you.

$20,950 per person twin

$26,650 per person single

Enquire for costs to upgrade to Business Class

 

SAVINGS

EARLYBIRD - BOOK AND DEPOSIT BY 12 DECEMBER 2019 AND SAVE $250

PAST PASSENGER DISCOUNT - IF YOU HAVE TRAVELLED WITH US BEFORE SAVE $150

2ND TOUR DISCOUNT - FOR YOUR 2ND TOUR IN ONE YEAR SAVE $250

 

Tour inclusions:

Return economy class airfares from Auckland on Emirates

All taxes and levies

Mix of 4 and 5 star accommodation

Sightseeing as specified

Travel in luxury minibus

Breakfast Daily

2 Dinners

Gratuities

Services of a Tour Leader

 

 

Itinerary

Wednesday 22 July

After checking in at Auckland International Airport enjoy some relaxing time at the Emperors Lounge.  Tonight we depart Auckland at 8.30 pm and fly to Dubai. 

 

Thursday 23 July

Early this morning we arrive in Dubai and are transferred to our hotel for immediate check-in.  Rest of the day at leisure.  One night Palace Hotel Downtown (Palace Lakeview Room), overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake and adjacent to Dubai Mall.

 

Friday 24 July

Early this morning we are transferred to the airport for our 7.25 am flight to Manchester.  On arrival at 12.05 pm we are transferred to our hotel.  One night Midland Hotel (Superior Rooms), located in the heart of Manchester, this Grade II listed Edwardian building exudes elegance and style.

 

Saturday 25 July

This morning we are hoping to take a guided tour of the Coronation Street set, however, as this is a working set, tours are subject to ITV filming commitments so we will not know until closer to the time. This afternoon we head to Ambleside, located in Cumbria within the Lake District National Park at the head of Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. The Lakes District is filled with tranquil lakes, beautiful mountain ranges and lots of tiny villages. Three nights The Waterhead (Lakeview Rooms), located on the lakeside near Ambleside.

 

Sunday 26 July

This morning we visit Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farmhouse – Hill Top.  Full of her favourite things, the house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk.  Every room contains a reference to a picture in a tale.  The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables.  Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books.  We then take a short ferry ride to the tiny village of Bowness-on-Windermere, on the shore of Lake Windermere, home to traditional stone cottages, lakefront pubs and a lively fishing harbour. We then enjoy a 30 minute ride on a traditional steamer boat back to our hotel in Ambleside.  Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.

 

Monday 27 July

This morning we visit Rydal Mount and Gardens, in the heart of the English Lake District, it commands glorious views of Windermere, Rydal Water and the surrounding fells.  This was William Wordsworth’s best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80.  The house, which was a focus for romantic literature, continues to be owned by the Wordsworth family and retain the feel of a lived in family home.  We then make our way to the pretty market town of Keswick to enjoy the towns shops, restaurants and museums.  Our final stop for the day will be in Grasmere, which sits like a jewel in a bowl of hills, bounded on one side by the sparkling waters of Grasmere Lake.  The village is one of the most popular in the Lake District National Park.  That’s no surprise when you see its picturesque mix of rustic cottages roofed with blue slate jostling for space with large Victorian villas.  You may like to visit Dove Cottage where William Wordsworth lived from 1799 to 1813 or a modern museum next door dedicated to Wordsworth’s life and works.  The poet and his beloved sister Dorothy are buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s church in Grasmere, along with several other family members.  A few steps from the churchyard is a historic little building that once served as the village school.  It is now home to Grasmere Gingerbread, a scrumptious treat whose tasty fame has spread across Britain. 

 

Tuesday 28 July

Today we say goodbye to the Lake District and make our way to the historic city of York, with its overhanging timber-framed houses and traditional shopfronts it’s like stepping back into the middle ages.  On the way we will visit Levens Hall, a stunning family home with exceptional Elizabethan interiors and the finest furniture, clocks and paintings.  Explore the fascinating artefacts linking the Hall to the Duke of Wellington and marvel at the world’s largest and oldest topiary gardens.  Two nights The Grand Hotel (Classic Rooms), a Grade II listed Edwardian building in the centre of the city.  Dinner is included tonight at the hotel.

 

Wednesday 29 July

This morning enjoy a half day guided walking tour of York.  Visit York Minster, the largest cathedral of its age in England, wind our way through the labyrinthine of old streets, see ruined abbeys and ancient parish churches and get a feel for this historic city.  Afternoon free to explore York.

 

Thursday 30 July

This morning we depart York and make our way to Broadway in the beautiful Cotswolds.  On the way we will stop in Stratford-upon-Avon and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.   Shakespeare’s birthplace was bought by Shakespeare’s father John in 1556 and is the house that William and his brothers and sisters were born and brought up.  The house contains an acclaimed exhibition of the poet’s life and background.  We then visit Anne Hathaway’ Cottage, the beautiful 500 year old cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be.  See original furniture including the Hathaway bed and uncover five centuries of stories in this picturesque cottage and 13 generations of the family who lived there.  Four nights Lygon Arms (Deluxe Rooms), situated in the heart of Broadway Village

 

Friday 31 July

Today is free to enjoy the village of Broadway

 

Saturday 1 August

Today is all about villages of the Cotswolds – Chipping Campden, Stow on the Wold and Lower Slaughter.  Chipping Campden is quite simply one of the finest towns in the Cotswolds – well-preserved and full of history, but also full of life and bustle.  Its elegant High Street is a delight, described by the historian, G.M. Trevelyan, as “the most beautiful village street now left in the island”.  Stow-on-the-Wold is one of the prettiest towns in Gloucestershire.  Think honey-coloured buildings, cosy pubs, tiny tearooms and narrow streets.  Lower Slaughter is a settlement which dates back over a thousand years.  With pretty stone cottages, rose flower gardens and gently flowing streams it’s another beauty.

 

Sunday 2 August

Today we head to Oxford to enjoy a walking tour of the city including a visit to a college and seeing settings for famous fictional characters such as Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and Inspector Morse.  This afternoon we will then visit Blenheim Palace, home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.  Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that boasts over 300 years of history, set within more than 2000 acres of Parkland.

 

Monday 3 August

Today we make our way to the ancient city of Bath, famous for Roman Baths dating back to AD43 where mineral springs percolate through limestone from depths of 4,800 metres.  One the way we will visit two more Cotswolds villages – Cirencester and Castle Combe. Cirencester, often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds is a lively market town with a fascinating history.  It was the second largest town in Britain during Roman times and is a beautiful quintessential town of the Cotwolds.  We then make our way to Castle Combe. If you get the feeling that Castle Combe has been frozen in time, you’d be right. No new houses have been built in this tiny Wiltshire village since the 1600s, and its ancient, honey-hued Cotswold stone cottages remain its standout feature. Factor in valley views and a meandering river and it’s no wonder it’s a regular on lists of the UK’s prettiest villages.  Three nights The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel (Classic Rooms).  Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian façades in the heart of the World Heritage Site. Named after the artist, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the luxury hotel is centred around Spa Village Bath and has the exclusive privilege of having access to the natural thermal, mineral-rich waters.

 

Tuesday 4 August

This morning we enjoy a walking tour of the city of Bath including  Bath's longest and grandest Georgian street, film locations, Jane Austen's house, Sydney Gardens, the Holburne Museum, the picturesque Kennett and Avon Canal and its houseboats and locks, a stunning view of Bath, the River Avon, Pulteney Bridge, the Abbey, the oldest house in Bath, and Bath's smallest pub!  After the tour you may like to have lunch at the elegant Pump Room, located in the ancient Roman Bath House and be entertained by classical musicians.  After lunch you may like to discover the Bath House, one of the greatest religious spas of the ancient world or simply go back to the hotel to enjoy the natural thermal pools at the hotel

 

Wednesday 5 August

Today we visit prehistoric Stonehenge and Avebury.  From about 2500BC Neolithic and Bronze Age man started to bring gigantic stones from Wales and Marlborough Downs.  It was not until 1600BC that Stonehenge was completed.  We will also visit Avebury, which has an even bigger stone circle with fewer restrictions and fewer tourists.

 

Thursday 6 August

This morning we make our way to Cornwall.  On the way enjoy a visit to Hestercombe House and Gardens in Somerset as well as the beautiful village of Clovelly in Devon.  Hestercombe House and Gardens is set in an eighteenth century park, complete with lakes, temples and woods, with a nineteenth century house and a great twentieth century garden.  Clovelly is world famous for its cobbled traffic-free streets, donkeys, sledges and historic harbour and along with its stunning views and peaceful tranquillity is often referred to as the prettiest village in Devon.  Three nights Carlyon Bay Hotel and Spa (Seafacing rooms), with an amazing cliff top setting overlooking St Austell Bay.
 

Friday 7 August

Today is devoted to West Cornwall.  We begin our day with a visit to St Michael’s Mount, a small tidal island in Mount’s Bay.  Historically, St Michael’s Mount was a Cornish counterpart of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy France, which shares the same tidal island characteristics and the same conical shape.  The castle on the island started as a priory then fort, iconic castle and finally a family home.  You can choose to visit the castle or gardens or the village and harbour.  We then make way to Minack Theatre.  Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world famous open-air theatre, carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.  We finish the day with a visit to the gorgeous town of St Ives.  St Ives is a little slice of the Mediterranean dropped into the far west of Britain.  It has a film-set quality - a jumble of whitewashed, slate-hung cottages and Victorian villas climbing away from the fishing harbour, wide beaches of soft white sand and a thriving artistic community that keeps the town alive year-round. 

 

Saturday 8 August

Today is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or you may like to investigate the nearby towns of Fowey, Charlestown or St Austell.

 

Sunday 9 August

Today we leave Cornwall and make our way to the adjacent county of Devon.  Our first stop on the way is the beautiful Devon coastal town of Salcombe which sits on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary and is one of the prettiest towns in South Devon.  Salcombe is known for its outstanding coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside, as well as a centre for sailing.  After spending time in Salcombe we then carry on to Ashburton, a lively historical rural town nestled on the southern side of the Dartmoor National Park. Two nights Bovey Castle (Castle Rooms), located in North Bovey in the Dartmoor National Park.

 

Monday 10 August

Today we explore the English Riviera.  Our first stop is the picturesque village of Cockington.  Take a walk back in time along Cockington’s narrow lanes, lined with thatched houses with their colour washed walls of stone and cobb and you’ll experience a quiet charm that is a quintessentially English.
Everything about Cockington oozes history with many of the cottages dating back to the 16th Century.  We then carry on to the seaside resort of Torquay.  With its iconic palm trees, busy harbour, international marina, sandy beach, spectacular coastline and outstanding natural beauty you’re sure to enjoy your day.

 

Tuesday 11 August

This morning we leave Devon and make our way to historic Canterbury.  On the way we will follow the strikingly scenic Jurassic Coast, making stops in villages on the way.  Two nights Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, set within the grounds of the Canterbury Cathedral and in the heart of the city of  Canterbury.

 

Wednesday 12 August

This morning enjoy a guided tour of historic Canterbury Cathedral, the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Cathedral is both a holy place and part of a World Heritage Site and houses the most important collection of early medieval stained glass in UK.  The rest of the day is free is enjoy the pretty town of Canterbury.

 

Thursday 13 August

This morning we leave Canterbury and make our way to London.  Our first stop is at Chartwell, the house that Churchill called home and where he brought up his young family. Decorated as it was in the 1930s, we make our way through rooms like the library, study, sitting room and dining room displayed as if the family have only just left the room.  Explore the museum rooms filled with gifts that Churchill received and see the original collection that Churchill and the family kept at Chartwell.  As you make your way around the house uncover the home and family man behind the statesman.  Also discover the gardens of Chartwell, born from the keen amateur but creative minds of both Winston and Clementine Churchill.  History and nature merge seamlessly across the estate from the distinctive pastel colour of pink and white roses favoured by Lady Churchill, fruit and vegetables framed by the walls Sir Winston Churchill helped build, to acres of woodland and wider meadows.  After exploring Chartwell we then make our way to Hever Castle and Gardens.  Explore 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.  The splendid rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, and important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself.  Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds.  We then make our way to London.  Three nights Royal Horseguards Hotel (Gardenview Rooms*) overlooking the River Thames on the Embankment near Trafalgar Square and within easy walking distance of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye (*Deluxe Room if sharing twin).

 

Friday 14 and Saturday 15 August

These two days are free to enjoy London at your own pace.

 

Sunday 16 August

This morning we are transferred to Gatwick Airport for our flight to Dubai.  Depart London at 2.30 pm and arrive Dubai at 12.35 am  Overnight at the Dubai International Hotel (Executive Rooms) located inside the terminal building

 

Monday 17 August

Depart Dubai this morning at 10.05 am to Auckland

 

Tuesday 18 August

Arrive Auckland 9.50 am

 

All prices are in New Zealand dollars.  Prices are  based on payment by cash, eftpos, cheque or direct deposit only.  A surcharge of 2% applies for payment by Visa or Mastercard.  If you would prefer to share a room we will endeavour to match you up with someone of the same gender.  If we cannot, you would be required to pay the single price.  A non-refundable deposit of $3,500 per person is due at time of booking.  Balance due 13 April 2020.  Costs are based on a group of 12 passengers.  If the group falls below this number World Travellers Remuera reserves the right to cancel the tour in which case a full refund would be given.  This would be known at least 3 months prior to departure.  Once paid the full amount is non-refundable.

Please note:  A reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour