Gems of Northern England

Your day is free to explore the many delights of London as you wish. Your tour begins in the evening, when you meet your group for a welcome drink and dinner at your hotel. (D)

Visit Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the home of young royals for 300 years – including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate. Walk in the footsteps of royalty, exploring the lavish rooms of the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments. Savor a light lunch with your group before spending the rest of the day exploring London as you please. (B,L)

Depart London and head to the Roman city of St Albans or 17th-century Hatfield House, depending on your departure date. Next, visit the Cambridge American Cemetery, honoring the thousands of American soldiers who gave their lives in World War II. Continue on to Cambridge for a sightseeing trip on the River Cam, as you go punting on a traditional flat-bottomed boat. Your evening is free to explore as you wish. . (B)

Head to Lincoln, with its towering cathedral and castle overlooking the city. Stop in a pub for a traditional Sunday roast lunch. Arrive in York, an ancient city of narrow cobbled streets, charming tearooms, quaint old pubs, and intriguing medieval churches. Your tour director will bring you on a walking tour, then enjoy the rest of the day free for exploring. (B,L)

Visit the old fishing town of Whitby. Tour its pretty harbor and cobbled streets with your director before departing for Castle Howard, a 300-year-old stately home that has been the setting for numerous film and TV productions, including the hit show "Bridgerton." Return to York and visit York Minster, a Gothic cathedral resplendent with medieval stained glass. (B, D)

Take a scenic drive through the lush green splendor of the Yorkshire Dales, pausing in the romantic market town of Richmond. Head on to Keswick, in the famously beautiful Lake District, where you’ll have some free time for lunch. The Lake District has inspired writers and painters for centuries. Head on to your hotel near the banks of Lake Windermere, where you’ll have dinner with your group. (B,D)

Take a short scenic cruise on England's largest lake, Windermere, seeing mountain vistas, wooded isles, and lakeside villages. Head on to Liverpool, birthplace of the Beatles. Tour this fun, friendly city on foot with your tour director - and you are free to explore for the rest of the day. You might check out the many attractions around the Albert Dock, including the Beatles Story, the Tate Liverpool, and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. (B)

Head to Stratford-upon-Avon, William Shakespeare's hometown. Visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the 500-year-old thatched house, surrounded by gardens, where The Bard's wife was born. Drive to Oxford to discover this storied university city on a walking tour with your tour director. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your group (B,D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>