Day 1- December 4th - We will meet at our London Heathrow accommodation and after a brief orientation we will start this magical journey that will end in Edinburgh, Scotland. Our first stop of the day is in Winchester for Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market. The Cathedral’s historic Close is the unique setting for this German-inspired market which has more than 100 wooden chalets with hand-picked traders such as Boardnbread, which specialises in oak chopping boards and cheese boards, and Artifactually, renowned for its handblown Victorian baubles and tree decorations. An open-air performance stage, a nativity scene and foodie favourites such as creamy Comté cheeses and bratwurst complete the festive cheer. If you want to escape the crowds, head to the Refectory, sheltered behind ancient flint walls opposite the cathedral, for a cranberry sausage roll. Our next stop is Bradford-on-Avon for a Festive Afternoon Tea at the Bridge Tearooms. Bradford is absolutely magical during the holidays with a magical display of around 70 Christmas Trees staged by local businesses and community groups. We then make our way to just north of Bristol to get settled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Bristol. (B,L,D)

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Day 2 - December 5th - This morning will be spent in Bath where the cobbled streets around the Roman Baths are the gorgeous setting for a wonderful 260-strong stall market. The majority of what’s for sale, from jewellery to homeware and artwork, is made in the southwest, so if you shop here, local really means shopping local. Keep an eye out for colourful children’s clothing by HDMini, hand-forged metal ornaments from Flint and Rankine Ironworks and Heirloom Puzzles. Don’t leave without picking up a Christmas pudding from Georgie Porgie’s Puddings! We then make our way to Bristol and to the SS Great Britain for a spectacular Festive Afternoon Tea in the ship’s First Class Dining Saloon during their magical Christmas offerings. Then we make our into the heart of the city where we find this special Christmas Market where you will find over 35 festive stalls selling an array of unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. Grab yourself a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine and wander through the market soaking up the holiday atmosphere. With a variety of offerings such as traditional German bratwurst, ingenious Yorkshire pudding wraps, crêpes and other tempting sweet treats, there really is something for everyone. The we return home where you will have the evening free to explore and find some dinner. Overnight near Bristol. (B,L)

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Day 3 - December 6th - As we make our way further north we take a detour to Cardiff, Wales to explore their Christmas Market which has been operating in the city centre for over 30 years! It is a unique visitor attraction and offers an alternative shopping experience as you are buying original work directly from the makers themselves. Each year they have 70 stalls showcasing an extensive rolling programme of over 200 individual businesses selling a wide variety of diverse arts and crafts, interspersed with seasonal food and drink. Cardiff has the added benefit of being very central with wide streets. The vast majority of amazing shops, quaint Edwardian and Victorian arcades, restaurants and attractions are within a 5 minute walk of the Cardiff Christmas Market. You can also take in the beauty of Bute Park, Cardiff Castle and many other sights all just a stroll away from the market. This afternoon as we are so near, we will have a Guided Tour of Cardiff Castle. This essential tour takes in the Castle’s spectacular Victorian interiors, where we will learn more about the lavish decorations and the visionary people who created them. As well as the large and impressive rooms our guide will also show us more incredible spaces that are not open to the public, including the Winter Smoking Room, Nursery, Lord Bute’s Bedroom and the Roof Garden. We then make our way to our way to our accommodation to get settled in before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Cardiff. (B,D)

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Day 4 - December 7th - This morning we make our way to our Cotswolds home with a few stops along the way. The first stop is Ross-on-Wye voted the UK's best loved market town. Embraced by the it is an inviting place to potter. When William Gilpin wrote Britain’s first travel guidebook about the Wye Valley in 1782, he sparked a trend for ‘picturesque tourism’. Today, as well as enjoying that same scenic beauty, you can browse independent shops, stroll alongside the town’s 19th-century mock-Gothic walls and Gazebo Tower folly and admire pastel-hued dwellings tumbling down the hillside to the river. Our second stop will be in Tewkesbury to have a Festive Afternoon Tea in a lovely countryside estate. Then we make our way to Bourton-on-the-Water, described as the 'Little Venice' of the Cotswolds as numerous stone bridges climb over the River Windrush.With plenty to see and do, Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms, or simply the space for you to enjoy being outdoors and be captivated by watching the local ducks or looking out for the several species of fish that call the River Windrush home. You will have plenty of time to explore before we get seetled into our accommodation before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L,D)

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Day 5 - December 8th - We will explore some lovely Cotswolds villages today with our first being Chipping Norton. Chippy’, as it is affectionately known by locals, is a real, working Cotswold Market Town. Renowned for its antique shops and diverse shopping offer, including a regular market, the lively town centre is always bustling with shoppers and visitors. There is plenty of historical interest too, including the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church, the impressive Bliss Mill and the grand Town Hall. We will do some exploring here before making our way to Blockley, a main centre of the silk industry in the 18th and 19th centuries with the silk mills using the waters of the brook which runs through the centre of the village. Blockley was regularly featured in the television series of Father Brown: the late Norman church, St Peter and St Paul's, was used as the fictional St Mary's Church and the vicarage as Father Brown's residence. Next we visit the beautiful Old Cotswolds Market Town of Chipping Campden, where our first stop is Badger's Tearoom for a Festive Afternoon Tea. The we will have some time for exploring Chipping Campden, the centre for wool trade during the 14th and 15th centuries and retaining its feel of a place stepped back in time making it a lovely town to explore. Our final stop before returning home is Broadway, often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds'. The village lies beneath Fish Hill on the western Cotswold escarpment, in the county of Worcestershire and close to the border of Gloucestershire. The pretty High Street is lined with horse chestnut trees and includes a mixture of period houses & picturesque honey coloured Cotswold stone cottages which have lured visitors for centuries. Dinner and Overnight Cotswolds. B,L,D)

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Day 6 - December 9th - Our first stop is Stow-on-the-Wold, the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way. The Market Square is large and impressive and testifies to the town’s former importance. It is surrounded by town houses, independent shops, antique centres, cosy cafes and inns all built in the mellow local stone, and it has been the focus of town life over many centuries, with the medieval market stocks at one end, the ancient market cross at the other and the impressive St Edwards Hall standing in the centre. The one thing everyone looks for in Stow is the entrance to St Edward's Church which is particularly enchanting with a creaky wooden door framed by climbing tree trunks. Burford, where the famous High Street sweeps downhill towards the River Windrush, its three-arched medieval bridge and its impressive church, both sides of the street flanked by an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops. Little has changed over the centuries, Burford is popular with visitors, both for its beauty and history but also for its shopping, especially antiques, and for the wide variety of places to eat, with restaurants, pubs and teashops. Here you can stay in a hotel frequented by King Charles and Nell Gwynn, dine where Nelson dined or visit England’s oldest pharmacy, a chemists since 1734. Our final stop is at Sudely Castle where the castle and its gardens will be illuminated by a spectacular lighting display 'Spectacle of Light'. You can follow the white rabbit along a breath-taking illuminated trail and meet some of the fabulous characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Also marvel at the glorious lighting displays of meteors, Moroccan lanterns, a field of poppies and much more. A highlight for visitors is an exhibition showcasing the great British dinner party. Dinner on your own this evening. Overnight Cotswolds. (B,L)

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Day 7 - December 10th - Today we will end up just north of Birmingham. On the way we will stop in Moreton-in-Marsh, a thriving market town with a broad High Street which is lined with elegant 17th and 18th Century buildings, among them the White Hart Royal, a former manor house in which King Charles I sheltered during the Civil War and the rare Curfew Tower with its original clock and bell. In the centre is the Redesdale Hall, the town’s main public hall, which regularly holds antiques and craft fairs. Our next stop is  Birmingham for the Frankfurt Christmas Market. In the town centre, a huge tree and festive huts take over Victoria Square, selling everything from schnitzel and strudel to Berliner doughnuts. For a glass of Glühwein or Weissbier pop into one of several themed bars: one famously has an animated singing moose above the service area; another, a Glockenspiel of bells on the roof that plays Christmas tunes at different times of the day. You’ll also find several stalls selling handcrafted wooden decorations and paper star lights for the tree. Then we make our just a short way further to Frogham for the Polar Express Train Ride. From Staffordshire we head directly towards the Frozen North to pick Santa Claus up for the return journey. Onboard, we are treated to a festive polar extravaganza true to the book and movie, down to the very last drop of hot chocolate. This annual trip to the North Pole makes an ideal early Christmas surprise groups of friends travelling together and anyone else ready to believe in the magic of Christmas. We then make our way further north to get settled into our accommodation before gathering for dinner. Dinner and Overnight Chester. (B,D)

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Day 8 - December 11th - As we are about half way through the tour, the entire day will be spent at your leisure. Chester is an ancient city offering a breathtaking experience with each chapter of Chester's history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings - and of course the one and only 700 year old Rows galleries where shopping is a double delight. And you will not find a more Delightful Christmas than in Chester. A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you with 70 traders situated in the square around the town hall, the new arcade and the forum surrounding the iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre. Discover unique, locally made produce and with handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories and stocking fillers. Enjoy your day and get all rested up for the second half of the adventure. Overnight Chester. (B)

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Day 9 - December 12th - As we make our way into Yorkshire we will make a few stops including Knutsford, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Cheshire! This enchanting market town is steeped in history and the quaint streets have distinctive boutiques from an independent home interior shop that’s been part of our fabric for over a century to a charming specialist perfumery. Discover everything from an independent toy store and art shop to fashionable boutiques and an independent wine merchant, offering a shopping adventure that’s a world away from your everyday retail. Our next stop is Haworth, in the heart of Bronte Country and in December, a magical festive experience. Haworth will be lit by twinkling fairy lights and pretty shop windows. The cobbled streets are home to wonderful independent shops, bars and restaurants, cafes, hotels and pubs, and provides an olde-worlde Christmas shopping experience that support the small businesses of this beautiful village in Yorkshire. We will stop for Afternoon Tea before heading further into Yorkshire to our accommodation to get settled in before you find some dinner on your own. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L)

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Day 10 - December 13th - We will have a later start this morning after our long day yesterday and then visit Harrogate's Famous Christmas Market complete with festive shopping opportunities from an eclectic mix of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls. Among the many stalls and entertainments will be arts and crafts from artisan creators, mouth-watering treats for customers to sample or purchase, festive decorations for your home and a range of unique gift ideas for you to choose from, or just treat yourself amid the busy Christmas preparations. In addition to the chance to enjoy a truly Harrogate Christmas shopping experience, there will be music and entertainment to add to the perfect Christmas atmosphere. We then stop for a late afternoon Gin and Tonic Afternoon Tea at our favourite tearoom in Yorkshire! We then prepare for an evening journey on the Polar Express to take us to the North Pole! We will get to meet all the characters from the film including the Conductor, the Singing Chefs, the Hobo and of course Father Christmas. Throughout the journey you will tangle with the Caribou, see the magic of the Northern Lights and have the story of the Polar Express told you by the Singing Chefs. Cookies and Hot Chocolate before arriving at the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Then we make our way back home. Dinner and Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L,D)

 

Day 11 - December 14th - Today we will head to the Walled City of York and soak up the City’s Medieval Charm and scents of spiced mulled wine this season, as fairs, family fun and festival flavours transform York into a Festive Fairytale. You can take a leisurely stroll along St Nicholas Fair and take in all of the festive atmosphere, as you discover Fine Yorkshire Produce from Crafters and Makers showcased at the Made in Yorkshire Yuletide Village. More traditional Christmas gifts can be found as you wander amongst the many Alpine Chalets on Parliament Street. You can then head down to Kings Square and experience all the fun of the fair while Sampling Festive Food and Drink at the St Sampson’s Square Rustic Yorkshire Barn with delicious treats including Hot Chestnuts and glasses of Warming Mulled Wine. We will stop for Afternoon Tea and then visit Fairfax Georgian House for their Townhouse Christmas. Get ready for an enchanting Christmas experience that's bigger and better than ever before – with hundreds of merry mice taking over Fairfax House! A Christmas wonderland like no other, you’ll find mousey guests swinging from the ceiling, bursting out of drawers, and causing general havoc whilst they play amongst the festive Georgian decor. This evening we take in Mother Shipton's Winter Wonderland. As you wander through the winter woodland, the Christmas Village awaits, a place where enchantment and holiday spirit intertwine. Gaze upon the merry displays and festive delights that fill the air with joy. While here we will enjoy delicious treats like mince pies, hot chocolate and gingerbread biscuits. The quirky refreshment cabins, snug log gazebos, and inviting picnic benches are waiting to embrace you. Overnight Yorkshire. (B,L)

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Day 12 - December 15th - We make our way further north this morning with a first stop at Castle Howard. Each year Castle Howard puts on a themed tour of the castle that in the past has included Christmas in Neverland, Alice's Christmas Wonderland and a festive take on L. Frank Baum's much-loved story, the Wizard of Oz. Visiting the castle at any time of year is an absolute delight, but visiting at Christmas is and magical adventure you will never forget. Although building work began in 1699, the construction of Castle Howard took over 100 years to complete, spanning the lifetimes of three Earls, the end result is breathtaking! After our visit we will stop in Helmsley for Afternoon Tea at the Feathers Hotel and then make our way to Thirsk, the home of James Herriot. We will explore Thirsk for a bit before a stop at Skeldale House at 23 Kirkgate, the actual residence and surgery in James Herriot's Darrowby which now houses The World of James Herriot Museum. The museum encompasses the very essence of the world renowned vet James Herriot. It offers visitors an unforgettable interactive experience of the life and times of a man, who became a national celebrity after the airing of the BBC drama "All Creatures Great and Small". We then make our way further north to our accommodation. Dinner and Overnight Hexham. (B,L,D)

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Day 13 - December 16th - We will make our way along the coast on our way to Scotland's Capitol City, Edinburgh. Our first stop of the day will be Newcastle-upon-Tyne for their Christmas Markets. At Monument and Grey Street, the bustling market stalls are offering a brilliant range of unique gifts and seasonal treats. Look out for the iconic North Pole Igloo Pods perched above the market, where you can cosy up with food and drinks while taking in the stunning views of Grey Street. And don’t miss the return of the ever-popular Moosenwirt Alpine Bar, nestled in the heart of Grey Street, adding a warming touch to Newcastle’s food and drink scene. Wander through Old Eldon Square’s Winter Wonderland, complete with a traditional carousel, a towering illuminated Christmas tree, and a mix of local food operators bringing festive flavours to life. Then we are on our way further north to take a Santa Train Journey with Heatherslaw Light Railway, the most northerly steam railway in England. This fifteen-inch gauge railway runs through beautiful countryside alongside the River Till between Heatherslaw and Etal Castle, a return journey of 6.4km that takes 20-25 minutes each way. Carriages are pulled by the steam locomotives ‘Bunty’ and ‘Lady Augusta’, or by the diesel engine ‘Binky’. Then we finally make it to just south of Edinburgh and to our home for the next 3 night. Dinner and Overnight near Edinburgh. (B,D)

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Day 14 - December 17th - After our long day yesterday we will have a more leisurely start to our and then make our way into the heart of the city today, where after some free time on the Royal Mile we join The Red Bus Bistro for an Indulgent Festive Afternoon of taking in the Breathtaking Sights of Scotland’s Capital combined with two Quintessentially British Classics with Afternoon Tea Aboard a Vintage Routemaster Bus! Step aboard the enchanting Red Bus Bistro for an afternoon tea like no other. After our lovely afternoon tea we take a very short stroll to the East Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Christmas Market. Set in the heart of Edinburgh, the popular Christmas Market is held in its picturesque setting below the Mound. The Christmas Market stretches from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument. Here you will find traditional stalls, artisan gifts, mulled wine, hot chocolate, the big wheel, and fairground rides. The whole of Edinburgh will be decked out in all its Christmas finery and you can experience much of it today. Then we make our way home for our Christmas Eve Festive Dinner. Dinner and Overnight near Edinburgh. (B,L,D)

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Day 15 - December 18th - We will get a later start today before we start our Christmas Day celebration, so you can have breakfast at your leisure and enjoy your morning and see what Santa has put into your stockings. Later in the morning we gather together to exchange gifts and have our 'Secret Santa' party. Don't forget to wear your Ugly Christmas Jumper so that you can be included in the contest for the ugliest sweater! Following our get together we indulge in exquisite festive dining in a relaxed, merry environment as we settle in for our a grand sit down Traditional Christmas Day Dinner. A Christmas feast is one of the most wonderful experiences of the festive season! We will start with a refreshing glass of Prosecco on arrival and then sit back, relax and embark on a joyful culinary
journey with friends and family. After dinner together you may want to journey outside and visit the Walled Garden, a listed garden which dates back to 1666, the time of the estate’s original development. The Yew Tree hedges are said to be among the oldest in Scotland. As well as floral displays and fruit trees, the kitchen garden provides produce for use in the hotel’s kitchen. A boules pitch and outdoor chess board are featured in the Walled Garden. After a full day of eating, reminiscing and just enjoying each others company, we will gather together one last time for one last meal together as we have a Gin and Tonic Afternoon Tea. Indulge in a decadent tea experience amidst festive ambiance in a luxurious setting with a generous portion of holiday cheer, Dinner and Overnight near Edinburgh. (B,L,D)

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Day 16 - December 19th - This morning we make our way to just outside of Edinburgh Airport for our last night together. We will stop in the lovely Borders town of Peebles on the way. Nestled amongst the rolling Border hills in an area of outstanding natural beauty the  town straddles the glorious River Tweed - world renowned for its salmon fishing. Made a Royal Burgh in 1152 by King David I of Scotland, Peebles has for many years been a market town cherished by locals and visitors alike, valued for its picturesque and unspoilt character. Then we make our way further north toward Edinburgh and to the area of Leith for a  last Festive Farewell Afternoon Tea together aboard the floating ship hotel and restaurant, the Fingal. Full of sugar and spice and all things nice, Fingal’s Festive Afternoon Tea is a sight to behold with perfectly crafted savoury bites, light buttermilk scones and sweet delicacies. We then make our way to get checked into our accommodation before our last last night together. We will spend the last of the afternoon gathering together to reminisce over our favorite parts of the tour. In the evening we will gather once again for our Farewell Dinner. Dinner and Overnight Edinburgh. (B,L,D)

 

Day 17 - December 20th - This morning we make our way to the Edinburgh International Airport for the journey home.

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