Enchanting Eastern England

This morning, we’ll cross over into England to begin our tour of the fascinating and scenic eastern region of this enchanting country. Our first stop? Alnwick Castle – the majestic home of the Duke of Northumberland. Here, we’ll admire some of the rooms that took a starring role in Downton Abbey and enjoy some free time to wander the serene gardens. Tonight, we’ll come together once again for an included group dinner. Accommodation: The White Swan Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning we’ll move on to Durham, where we’ll step inside the Cathedral: a magnificent Norman-style monument now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our road will then carry us to the traditional seaside resort of Whitby – where a guided tour of the fascinating Captain Cook Museum awaits us. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious included dinner at our accommodation in the charming North York Moors district. Accommodation: Gisborough Hall Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
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  • Dinner

Today there’s a tipple or two in store for us at the quaint Ampleforth Cider Mill – where we’ll be lucky enough to enjoy a tour of the historic orchard. Boasting over 40 varieties of heritage apple trees, an employee will take us through the process of how their award-winning cider is made –before we indulge in a tasting. Then we’ll continue to our accommodation bordering the breathtaking Peak District – where the evening will be yours to enjoy as you please. Accommodation: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa (or similar)

• Meals
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This morning we’ll stretch our legs on a stroll around Chatsworth House, a grand stately home that is said to have inspired Jane Austen with its impressive architecture. In fact, Chatsworth featured in Pride and Prejudice as Pemberley, the home of Mr Darcy. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the lavish apartments and some free time to wander the exquisite gardens – before returning to the Peak District for an afternoon spent exploring at your leisure. Accommodation: Ringwood Hall Hotel & Spa (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today we’ll bid farewell to the picturesque Peak District as we journey onwards to the historic city of Lincoln – but before we get there, we’ve two stops to make. First: a visit to Eyam, where we’ll learn the tragic story of the villagers who fell victim to the plague in the 1600s. Then, we’ll raise a glass or two on a tour of a local brewery. This evening is ours to spend exploring Lincoln’s charming cobbled streets for some local fare or relaxing at our hand-picked accommodation. Accommodation: The White Hart Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
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This morning will see us touring the spectacular Lincoln Cathedral – one of the best examples of medieval architecture in England. After that, the afternoon will be yours to explore the Castle (which houses an original 1215 Magna Carta), seek out a quaint tea room for lunch, stroll the array of vintage boutiques and continue your discovery of the city’s rich history. For dinner tonight, choose from one of the many cosy pubs in the city’s old centre for a hearty English meal. Accommodation: The White Hart Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

Today, we’ve a date with royalty: Sandringham House is our next stop. The private residence of Her Majesty The Queen, Sandringham is a magnificent stately home with picturesque gardens – and even a museum. After our insightful visit, we’ll move on to Cambridge. An iconic city filled with history and tradition – we’ll have the evening free to admire the exquisite architecture and wander the cobbled passageways for some local cuisine. Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar)

• Meals
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After taking to the water for an iconic punting experience along the ‘Backs’ of Cambridge University, the day will be yours to spend spotting world-famous buildings such as The Wren Library and the Bridge of Sighs. Step inside colleges and chapels, museums and galleries – or simply indulge in a little retail therapy before relaxing in one of the many historic pubs. This evening, we’ll reconvene at the hotel and look back on our magnificent journey as we clink glasses over tonight’s farewell dinner. Accommodation: Clayton Hotel Cambridge (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

There’s time for one more behind-the-scenes tour today: prepare to delve into England’s sporting heritage at Newmarket National Stud. On a guided tour of this working Thoroughbred stud farm, we’ll gain a unique insight into Thoroughbred breeding and may have the opportunity to view some of the Stud’s robust stallions in the paddocks. After that, we’ll make tracks to London – where we’ll say our final goodbyes.

• Meals
  • Breakfast