Heart of England, North Wales and York 4 Day Tour

Day 1 Takes you to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford on Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway. Following lunch in Stratford you will have the opportunity to explore the stunning gorge and World Heritage site of Ironbridge on the River Severn, before staying in the beautiful medieval/Roman town of Chester for 2 nights.

Day 2 is a day of contrasts as you are free to spend the morning exploring Chester's ancient walls and cathedral, before travelling west to the fairytale medieval Castle of Conwy for a visit and lunch. The afternoon is spent exploring the wild mountains of Snowdonia in Wales's most beautiful National Park.

Day 3 takes you through the rolling hills of the Peak District and the Victorian Spa town of Buxton, before visiting UK's favourite country house, Chatsworth, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, and famous for its house and gardens. From here you will travel east to finish the day in the wonderful city of York where you will stay the night.

Day 4 starts with a free morning in York before you begin your return journey south. Visit the amazing York Minster or just explore the maze of mediaeval streets and ancient city walls. On the way back to London you will make a stop in the University City of Cambridge.

Departure Point
All our London departures leave from Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, SW1W 9SH.
If coming on foot access is through the building at 4 Fountain Square, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 9SH. See Map.

Return
as above

Inclusions:
Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour.
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Air Conditioning as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide

Exclusions:
Meals and refreshments.
All Visitor Attractions.

Accommodation
Your tour does not include accommodation in the price. By giving you a choice of accommodation it allows you to choose your budget, stay in smaller places and get closer to the local people. This also means you help to sustain the communities you visit in the long term. Choose a hotel, B&B or a hostel and we will book it for you.
For more information on accommodation and prices click here

*NB On occasions, when towns we stay in have events on, accommodation can be scarce and expensive so we may use other locations for your accommodation on the tour. We will always inform you of this when this is necessary.

Discount Price
Students, Seniors over 60 and Children between 5 and 16 (we regret we do not carry children under 5 years old)

Important Information
Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to take nature walks we recommend you bring suitable clothing and footwear for your tour. Accommodation on this tour is dispersed around Chester and York. If you have mobility problems or special requirements please let us know when booking.

Day 2
You will have some spare time in the morning to explore the ancient walls of Chester, the stunning cathedral with a history spanning almost 2000 years, built on an ancient druidic temple site, with the monastic cloisters present today dating from the late 11th century. The cathedral itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
In the late morning your day will take you into the heart of northern Wales, with a visit to the picture book medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward 1 in the late 13th century. You can enjoy lunch here before exploring the dramatic mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries, the Pass of Llanberis below Snowdon - Wales’ highest peak and historic Trefriw - a spa town since Roman times.
You return to Chester in the early evening.

Day 3 
Immediately east of Chester lie the beautiful hills of the Peak District with historic spa towns very popular in Victorian times, including the stunning town of Buxton, famous for its mineral waters and its Opera House. From here you will explore some of the National Park and stop for lunch in one of the
beautiful little villages. In the afternoon you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth, home to the Cavendish family, Duke of Devonshire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s
favourite country house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paintings, Old Master drawings and neo-classical sculptures. From here you will travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of York where you will spend the night.

Day 4
Today starts with a leisurely morning that gives you some free time to spend exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings and Normans. Visit the amazing York Minster or just explore the maze of narrow streets and ancient city walls. After an early lunch it will be time to start the return journey south. On the way back to London you will make a stop in the famous University City of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. See the world famous Kings College Chapel and take a stroll along the river Cam before arriving back in London around 19.30.

Photography Credits:
Visit Britain.
Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales.
Britainonview.
Mike Hasted, Luke Sheppard, Ingrid Rasmussen, Pawel Libera, Tony Pleavin, Craig Easton, David Angel, Martin Brent, Bob Berry, Paul Watts, Andrew Dunn (Cambridge)