The Best of England and Wales

This morning, your group will set out to explore some of Cardiff's history with a guided tour of the magnificent Cardiff Castle. A stunning blend of Roman and Victorian Gothic architecture, the castle has played a key role in the region's history through the centuries. Your group will enjoy a fascinating tour of the castle's ground, interiors and tunnels, and then return to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for guests to explore more of the city. In the evening, guests will gather for a Welsh Banquet at Cardiff Castle.

This tour begins at the magnificent Cardiff Castle. Situated in the very heart of the capital, alongside city-center shopping and the magnificent Bute Park, the castle's fairytale-like towers conceal an elaborate and splendid interior. Contained within its mighty walls is history spanning nearly 2,000 years, dating back to the Romans in the first century AD, as guests will discover. Interiors include Castle Apartments and a beautiful Summer Smoking Room offering panoramic views from the Clock Tower. The castle played an important role in medieval battles and in WWII, when its sheltered people in its underground tunnels which guests will visit. After the tour, your group will return to the hotel.

This morning, your group will head to the Isle of Anglesey, where stunning coastal views and a rich cultural heritage await them. There are picturesque villages awaiting exploration, such as Beaumaris, and breathtaking landscapes such as the Anglesey Coastal Path. In the afternoon, guests will re-board the private coach and return to their hotel in Colwyn Bay. The rest of the day is at leisure for guests to simply relax or explore further.

This morning starts with a visit to the Isle of Anglesey, at a little village with a big name! Commonly known as "Llanfairpwllgwyngyll", and officially named "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch", this village has the longest recognized destination name in the UK, and also one of the longest in the world at 58 letters in length (51 in the Welsh alphabet). Guests will visit the quaint train station in this town where they can have their picture taken with the station sign, or visit the nearby Visitors Center. While in Anglesey, your group may want to keep a close eye on the locals to see if they can spot HRH Prince William or the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Katherine, who now call it home. Afterward, guests will head to Conwy to visit Conwy Castle, a masterpiece of medieval military architecture with walls that are over 700 years old.

This morning, your group will explore Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The most noteworthy landmark in this city is the house where Shakespeare lived, which now houses more than 400 items related to his life and works. Afterward, guests will travel to the picturesque Cotswolds to discover this quintessential English countryside, before returning to the hotel. After an early dinner, your group will attend a performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre.

Set in the beautiful, rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon is one of the most historic destinations in the United Kingdom. The house was owned by the Shakespeare family from the time of Shakespeare's father, John Shakespeare. Today, it belongs to The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. The house holds over 400 treasures in 8 rooms, including documents, portraits, pictures and old coins, all pertinent to the life and works of Shakespeare. Accompanied by a guide, your group will explore this historic place in-depth before the tour ends. There will be time for lunch, and in the afternoon, guests will enjoy a tour of the Cotswolds, enjoying the charm, scenery and picturesque houses that this region has to offer. They will visit some of the best-known villages, such as Castle Combe, as well as hidden gems like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, and even enjoy a pint at a local pub if they so wish! Afterward, guests will return to the hotel in time for dinner.

This morning, guests will board the coach for a full-day tour of this exciting city. On the itinerary are bucket-list sites such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the intriguing Tower of London. Afterward, guests will return to their hotel and have the evening free to explore the multitude of restaurants and bars in this cosmopolitan city, where every taste under the sun is catered to.

On this guided tour of London, your group will discover some of the city's most iconic sights such as Buckingham Palace, the colorful pageantry of the "Changing of the Guards", Westminster Abbey, where the Kings and Queens of England are crowned, and the Parliament. As they travel around town, their guide will share stories about these many landmarks. Guests will continue on to the Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, slowly making their way to Piccadilly, the traditional "Heart of London." Inside the massive Tower of London, they will discover a history of intrigue, treason and even torture lingering at every turn. Anne Boleyn was executed at the Tower, and legend has it that the Little Princes (Edward V and his brother, the Duke of York) were murdered inside as well. The Jewel House with its priceless treasures of the Royal Regalia and the Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters) in their Tudor uniform, provide a contrast to the grim, yet fascinating interior of The Tower of London.

This morning, your group will be transferred by private coach to one of the London airport's for their return flight home.