| Scottish Dream Tours An English, Welsh and Scottish Castles, Tearooms and Pubs Affair June 3rd - 16th, 2009 Stratford-upon-Avon, Chipping Campden, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Broadway Tower, Worcester Cathedral, Leominster, Aberystwyth, Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle, White Lion Pub, Conwy Castle, Betws-y-coed, Wales River Cruise, Chirk Castle, Chester Rows, Lancaster Castle, Ambleside on Lake Windermere, Black Swan Inn, Carlisle Castle, Globe Pub, Robert Burn's House, Traquair House, Abbotsford House, Rosslyn Chapel, Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Bus Tour of Edinburgh, Highland Dinner and Show and more! 14 Days on a small intimate tour of England, Wales and Scotland. No place on earth is tea more a way of life than in Great Britain. We have attempted to include every type of tearoom and teatime opportunity to give a full experience of this wonderful and fascinating ritual. There is much more about Britain than just tea and so we have included that as well but you have to eat somewhere! This tour is limited to 8-10 people in order to provide a more personal experience. In keeping the tour size small we are able to take advantage of accommodation, restaurant and sightseeing options that would not be available to a larger group. We will not rush you from venue to venue and each tour is designed to spend as little time on the minibus as possible. We will stay in delightful and elegant city guest houses and fine country house hotels. Includes all accommodation, breakfast daily, all listed meals, all entrance fees and admissions, all taxes and guided minibus travel. $3795US per person. $795US single supplement. $500 per person deposit to reserve your spot on the tour. Deposit here |
Day 1 - June 3rd Depart for London, England.
Day 2 - Arrive London Heathrow but our adventure begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William
Shakespeare. Steeped in culture and history in the beautiful rural Warwickshire Countryside, Stratford sits on the
banks of the River Avon. First things first so we stop for Afternoon Tea at Benson's in Stratford. After tea we visit
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens. The beautiful thatched farmhouse was occupied by descendants of the
Hathaway family until it's purchase by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1892 and still contains many rare family
items of furniture that date back to Anne's time. Welcoming Pub Dinner at the Shakespeare Tavern. Overnight
Stratford-Upon-Avon. (L,D)
Day 3 - After some free time in Stratford we will visit the beautiful Old Cotswolds Market Town of Chipping
Campden. First things first so we visit Badger's Hall for Afternoon Tea in their quintessential English Tea Room.
Chipping Campden was the centre for wool trade during the 14th and 15th centuries and has retained its feel of a place
stepped back in time. After tea we visit Broadway and the Broadway Tower. Built in 1799, it is a perfect example of an
18th century Gothic folly. At 1024 feet above sea level you can see 13 counties! Back in Chipping Campden we will have
Dinner at The Eight Bells, a traditional 14th century Cotswolds Inn. Overnight back in
Stratford-Upon-Avon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - First stop today will be Worcester Cathedral. Worcester Cathedral is a magnificent sight as it rises majestically
above the River Severn. Worcester has been the seat of a Bishopric since the Seventh Century, and the Cathedral
was served by monks until the Reformation. Our next stop is Leominster a 7th century Herefordshire Market Town.
After exploring the many shops and antique stores we will meet for a Pub Lunch at the Grapes. As we travel into Wales
we visit Hay-on-Wye and Llanthony Priory. Llanthony was one of the earliest houses of Augustinian Canons to be
founded in Britain and is famous for its wild and beautiful setting. Hay-on-Wye is also is world renowned for its many
Second Hand Bookstores. Then we are of to Aberystwyth where you will have the Evening Free in this delightful
university town. Overnight Aberystwyth. (B,L)
Day 5 - We will take some time this morning to enjoy the lovely village of Aberystwyth, home to the University of
Wales Aberystwyth and the National Library. The town is nestled between three hills, two beaches, and hosts some
castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of a iron age fort and also a monument to
the Duke of Wellington that offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay. We will take Afternoon Tea in Barmouth
before we head further north to Harlech and Harlech Castle. As if its spectacular situation, foreboding might, and great
power were not sufficient to ensure the fame of this magnificent castle, Harlech is also inseparably linked in Welsh myth with
the tragic heroine of Branwen, the daughter of Llyr, of the Mabinogion. We then travel through the beautiful
Snowdonia Region of Wales on our way to Betws-y-Coed. Dinner Ty Gwyn Hotel in Betws-y-Coed tonight.
Overnight Betws-y-Coed. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Following breakfast our first visit of the day is Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is architecturally one of the most
impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Most impressive of all is the Eagle Tower crowned by its triple cluster of turrets.
We will stop in Llandudno for Afternoon Tea at Bodysgallen Hall before we visit Conwy Castle. Words cannot do
justice to Conwy Castle it is by any standards one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle
wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Dinner at the White
Lion Inn in Llanelian. Ale has been served on the site of the White Lion Inn since the year 722!
Overnight Betws-y-Coed. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - After breakfast this morning we visit Chirk Castle, occupied virtually continuously as a castle and stately home
for almost 700 years. It sits on a hilltop with its best views over the Ceiriog Valley to the south. Then on to Llangollen, a
lovely village nestled along side the River Dee. Tea in Llangollen at the Cottage Tea Rooms before we depart from
picturesque Llangollen Wharf on the canal boat "Thomas Telford" and enjoy two hours of peaceful cruising along
the stunning Dee Valley. A live commentary from the skipper gives the history, local knowledge and up to date gossip along
the way. Pub Dinner at the Corn Mill. Overnight Llangollen. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - We leave Wales behind this morning as we enter into England. Our first stop today is at Chester, first settled by
the Romans in AD 79. The main street is lined with timber buildings called the Chester Rows first built in the 13th & 14th
centuries. Next stop is Lancaster and Lancaster Castle sighted on a city centre hilltop. The castle includes a 12th
century Keep and a 14th century Witch's Tower. As we head further north we stop for Lunch at Deerslet Tea
Room before we continue to the lovely village of Ambleside upon the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere.
Ambleside we continue on to Penrith for Pub Dinner at the Black Swan Inn. Overnight Penrith. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Before leaving Penrith behind this morning we will visit Hutton-in-the-Forrest, reflecting centuries of history
and change in a North Country Home. The house is of six periods between the 14th and 19th centuries. We will also stop
in Carlisle at Carlisle Castle, a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine
centuries. Visitors can explore fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking
stones'. This afternoon will find us in Dumfries which will be our home for the next two nights. We will have some time to
explore before a visit to the Globe Inn, established in 1610 and a frequent haunt of Robert Burns. The Globe today is a
treasure trove of Robert Burns history and an excellent pub. Globe Pub Dinner and Overnight Dumfries. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we will visit Burns House before a drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the
Provost of Kirkcudbright. Tea at the Solway Tearoom before visiting Dundrennan Abbey founded in the 12th
century and where Mary Queen Of Scots spent her last night before fleeing to England in May 1568. We will return to
Dumfries where you will have the Evening Free for Dinner. Overnight Dumfries. (B,L)
Day 11 - Today we journey to The Borders with our first stop at Moffat and the Moffat Woollen Mills. Our next stop
will be Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited house with history stretching over 900 years. We will
Visit the Tearoom before taking a tour of the house. We next visit one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home
to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford houses many of Scott's collection including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he
immortalized in word. Pub Dinner and Overnight Scottish Borders. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - On our way to Edinburgh today we visit the 15th century medieval Rosslyn Chapel rich in unusual carvings
and masonic symbolism. The Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew as it was to have been called, was founded in 1446 by Sir
William St Clair. Just outside of Edinburgh we visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and
just 3 miles from Edinburgh. It was begun in the early 15th century by the Preston family and the top of Craigmillar Castle
ranks strongly as one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh we stop at Prestonfield House for
Afternoon Tea. Afternoon and Evening Free to explore. Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 13 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour Bus where
on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie's. Get on and off
at your own pace. Make sure you leave time to visit Edinburgh Castle which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and
the Stone of Destiny. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and the Royal Mile we will gather for a
Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the Ceremony of the
Haggis! Overnight Edinburgh, Scotland. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Edinburgh International Airport for your journey home. (B)
Day 2 - Arrive London Heathrow but our adventure begins in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William
Shakespeare. Steeped in culture and history in the beautiful rural Warwickshire Countryside, Stratford sits on the
banks of the River Avon. First things first so we stop for Afternoon Tea at Benson's in Stratford. After tea we visit
Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Gardens. The beautiful thatched farmhouse was occupied by descendants of the
Hathaway family until it's purchase by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in 1892 and still contains many rare family
items of furniture that date back to Anne's time. Welcoming Pub Dinner at the Shakespeare Tavern. Overnight
Stratford-Upon-Avon. (L,D)
Day 3 - After some free time in Stratford we will visit the beautiful Old Cotswolds Market Town of Chipping
Campden. First things first so we visit Badger's Hall for Afternoon Tea in their quintessential English Tea Room.
Chipping Campden was the centre for wool trade during the 14th and 15th centuries and has retained its feel of a place
stepped back in time. After tea we visit Broadway and the Broadway Tower. Built in 1799, it is a perfect example of an
18th century Gothic folly. At 1024 feet above sea level you can see 13 counties! Back in Chipping Campden we will have
Dinner at The Eight Bells, a traditional 14th century Cotswolds Inn. Overnight back in
Stratford-Upon-Avon. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - First stop today will be Worcester Cathedral. Worcester Cathedral is a magnificent sight as it rises majestically
above the River Severn. Worcester has been the seat of a Bishopric since the Seventh Century, and the Cathedral
was served by monks until the Reformation. Our next stop is Leominster a 7th century Herefordshire Market Town.
After exploring the many shops and antique stores we will meet for a Pub Lunch at the Grapes. As we travel into Wales
we visit Hay-on-Wye and Llanthony Priory. Llanthony was one of the earliest houses of Augustinian Canons to be
founded in Britain and is famous for its wild and beautiful setting. Hay-on-Wye is also is world renowned for its many
Second Hand Bookstores. Then we are of to Aberystwyth where you will have the Evening Free in this delightful
university town. Overnight Aberystwyth. (B,L)
Day 5 - We will take some time this morning to enjoy the lovely village of Aberystwyth, home to the University of
Wales Aberystwyth and the National Library. The town is nestled between three hills, two beaches, and hosts some
castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of a iron age fort and also a monument to
the Duke of Wellington that offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay. We will take Afternoon Tea in Barmouth
before we head further north to Harlech and Harlech Castle. As if its spectacular situation, foreboding might, and great
power were not sufficient to ensure the fame of this magnificent castle, Harlech is also inseparably linked in Welsh myth with
the tragic heroine of Branwen, the daughter of Llyr, of the Mabinogion. We then travel through the beautiful
Snowdonia Region of Wales on our way to Betws-y-Coed. Dinner Ty Gwyn Hotel in Betws-y-Coed tonight.
Overnight Betws-y-Coed. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Following breakfast our first visit of the day is Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is architecturally one of the most
impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Most impressive of all is the Eagle Tower crowned by its triple cluster of turrets.
We will stop in Llandudno for Afternoon Tea at Bodysgallen Hall before we visit Conwy Castle. Words cannot do
justice to Conwy Castle it is by any standards one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle
wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Dinner at the White
Lion Inn in Llanelian. Ale has been served on the site of the White Lion Inn since the year 722!
Overnight Betws-y-Coed. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - After breakfast this morning we visit Chirk Castle, occupied virtually continuously as a castle and stately home
for almost 700 years. It sits on a hilltop with its best views over the Ceiriog Valley to the south. Then on to Llangollen, a
lovely village nestled along side the River Dee. Tea in Llangollen at the Cottage Tea Rooms before we depart from
picturesque Llangollen Wharf on the canal boat "Thomas Telford" and enjoy two hours of peaceful cruising along
the stunning Dee Valley. A live commentary from the skipper gives the history, local knowledge and up to date gossip along
the way. Pub Dinner at the Corn Mill. Overnight Llangollen. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - We leave Wales behind this morning as we enter into England. Our first stop today is at Chester, first settled by
the Romans in AD 79. The main street is lined with timber buildings called the Chester Rows first built in the 13th & 14th
centuries. Next stop is Lancaster and Lancaster Castle sighted on a city centre hilltop. The castle includes a 12th
century Keep and a 14th century Witch's Tower. As we head further north we stop for Lunch at Deerslet Tea
Room before we continue to the lovely village of Ambleside upon the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere.
Ambleside we continue on to Penrith for Pub Dinner at the Black Swan Inn. Overnight Penrith. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Before leaving Penrith behind this morning we will visit Hutton-in-the-Forrest, reflecting centuries of history
and change in a North Country Home. The house is of six periods between the 14th and 19th centuries. We will also stop
in Carlisle at Carlisle Castle, a great medieval fortress that has watched over the City of Carlisle for over nine
centuries. Visitors can explore fascinating and ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking
stones'. This afternoon will find us in Dumfries which will be our home for the next two nights. We will have some time to
explore before a visit to the Globe Inn, established in 1610 and a frequent haunt of Robert Burns. The Globe today is a
treasure trove of Robert Burns history and an excellent pub. Globe Pub Dinner and Overnight Dumfries. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we will visit Burns House before a drive to the wee seaside village of Kirkcudbright.
Kirkcudbright is a delightful artist community and home to MacLellan's Castle built in the town centre in 1582 by the
Provost of Kirkcudbright. Tea at the Solway Tearoom before visiting Dundrennan Abbey founded in the 12th
century and where Mary Queen Of Scots spent her last night before fleeing to England in May 1568. We will return to
Dumfries where you will have the Evening Free for Dinner. Overnight Dumfries. (B,L)
Day 11 - Today we journey to The Borders with our first stop at Moffat and the Moffat Woollen Mills. Our next stop
will be Traquair House, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited house with history stretching over 900 years. We will
Visit the Tearoom before taking a tour of the house. We next visit one of my favorite places, Abbotsford House, home
to Sir Walter Scott. Abbotsford houses many of Scott's collection including items of Rob Roy MacGregor who he
immortalized in word. Pub Dinner and Overnight Scottish Borders. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - On our way to Edinburgh today we visit the 15th century medieval Rosslyn Chapel rich in unusual carvings
and masonic symbolism. The Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew as it was to have been called, was founded in 1446 by Sir
William St Clair. Just outside of Edinburgh we visit Craigmillar Castle, one of the best preserved castles in Scotland and
just 3 miles from Edinburgh. It was begun in the early 15th century by the Preston family and the top of Craigmillar Castle
ranks strongly as one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh. Once in Edinburgh we stop at Prestonfield House for
Afternoon Tea. Afternoon and Evening Free to explore. Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L)
Day 13 - After breakfast you will take in the sights of Scotland's Capitol City aboard an Open Top Tour Bus where
on your way about the city you will see Holyrood Palace, Grey Friar's Bobby and Deacon Brodie's. Get on and off
at your own pace. Make sure you leave time to visit Edinburgh Castle which houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and
the Stone of Destiny. After an afternoon of taking in Princes Street and the Royal Mile we will gather for a
Farewell Dinner and Scottish Evening complete with Bagpipes, Song, Dance and the Ceremony of the
Haggis! Overnight Edinburgh, Scotland. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Edinburgh International Airport for your journey home. (B)
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