Focus Travel Club Presents
Scotland, England & Wales
An Exclusive 18 day Custom FTC Adventure
$7,399 per person double occupancy
September 15 - October 3, 2019
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Included Features
Round trip airfare from Denver
Expert Guides and Local Tour Manager
Private bagpipe welcome
Air conditioned, high quality motor coach transportation
Great Accommodations
Breakfast each day while on tour
The special FTC memorable meals that help make our trips special - 4 Lunches, 2 Afternoon Teas & 8 Dinners
Porterage included
Gratuities to our Tour Manager and Long Distance Coach Driver
Exclusive touring itinerary with unique inclusions, cooking class, salmon tasting, and More!
Ride three famous railways:
The Jacobite Train; Snowdon Mountain Railway; Brecon Mountain Railway.
COST OF TOUR FROM DENVER $7,399 pp double occupancy
RESERVATION DEPOSIT $600 PP
FINAL PAYMENT DUE JUNE 1st 2019 $6799 PP
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT** $2,570 PP
Optional: Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour (private tour) $70 PP
**Payment for single room does not guarantee a superior room, only ensures privacy.
Day to Day Intinerary below pictures
Day 1 - Sept. 15, 2019: Depart Denver Iceland Air 674 Denver - Reykjavik 7:50pm-9:15am +1
Our “Scotland, England & Wales” adventure begins as we board our jetliner. Time en route to enjoy the friendly service and excellent food while we become acquainted with our fellow travelers and read up on the fascinating areas we will soon be visiting.
Day 2 - Sept. 16, 2019: Arrive Edinburgh (D) Iceland Air 430 Reykjavik - Glasgow 10:30am - 1:50pm
We arrive at Glasgow airport around 1:50pm. Upon arrival, we gather our luggage, meet our tour manager and board our private air-conditioned motor coach for the approximately 1 hour and 30 minute transfer to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. Enjoy a short panoramic sightseeing tour of the city en route to your hotel. Admire the the way the architecture of the medieval Old Town contrasts sharply with the Georgian splendor of the New Town. You will be welcomed to your hotel with a traditional bagpipe performance. Following check-in, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Edinburgh: Principal George 4*
Day 3 - Sept. 17, 2019: Edinburgh (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
Embark on a full day tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town with coach and local guide. Begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh that marks one end of the famed Royal Mile. Admire the impressive exterior and continue through Old Town along the Royal Mile, stopping at notable sites along the way including St. Giles Cathedral, The Real May Kings Close and Edinburgh Castle. Today also includes a lovely meal at a local restaurant in Old Town and a whiskey tasting at The Scottish Whiskey Experience. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful Dean’s Village, a charming village right in the middle of the city. Some of the houses in this historic settlement date back to the 16th century! Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the many restaurants and pubs that Edinburgh has to offer.
Optional: If you would like, you can join an optional Literary pub tour this evening. Join two professional actors as they take you on a journey through Scottish literature and the pubs of Old and
A fine custom travel experience offered by Tumlare Corporation, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 For Focus Travel Club
New Town that were the favorites of some of Scotland’s most famous authors. (please advise in advance if you would like to participate. $70 pp)
Overnight in Edinburgh: Principal George 4*
Day 4 - Sept. 18, 2019: Edinburgh - Fort William (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Depart Edinburgh this morning with your tour manager and through coach for transfer to Fort William, with touring en route. Your first stop is Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. You will also see views of the National Wallace Monument, which commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero. After touring the castle, you will have some time to explore and have lunch on your own the town of Stirling. Then you will continue your drive into the beautiful Scottish highlands and through Glencoe. In late afternoon you will make your way to your hotel for the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Fort William area: Kilcamb Lodge 4*
Day 5 - Sept. 19, 2019: Fort William - Isle of Skye (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Following breakfast, we will make our way to the town of Fort William to board the Jacobite train, considered one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. You may also recognize this train from the Harry Potter movies as it was features as the Hogwarts Express. The approximately 2 hour journey starts near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, passing by Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving in the town of Mallig next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. Once in Mallig you will transfer to the ferry station and board the ferry to Isle of Skye. Enjoy the views and some time for lunch on your own during the crossing. Upon arrival to Isle of Skye, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Isle of Skye: Kinloch Lodge 4*
Day 6 - Sept. 20, 2019: Isle of Skye (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
This morning you have the opportunity to participate in a 45-minute express cooking class at Kinloch lodge to learn how to make both sweet and savory scones, and of course you will enjoy your creations as well! After your cooking class, embark on a full day tour to explore the incredible Isle of Skye. Today you will have the chance to visit Dunvegan Castle, which is one the greatest Hebridean castles and the only one which has been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years. Architecturally it is a building of high importance, containing the work of at least ten building periods ranging from the 1200s to the 1850s. Spend much of the day exploring the many scenic outlooks around the Isle of Skye, admiring the sea views and wildlife. Also stop for a short easy hike if you wish. During today’s tour you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. You will also have the chance to visit Taliskers Distillery for a tour and whiskey tasting. Taliskers is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye and is set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Isle of Skye: Kinloch Lodge 4*
Day 7 - Sept. 21, 2019: Isle of Skye - Loch Lomond (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
Following breakfast, you will depart the Isle of Skye and take the ferry back to the mainland. You will spend today driving through more of Scotland’s beautiful highlands to the Loch Lomond area. Along the way stop at Inerawe Smokehouse for a short tour and a tasting of the famous Scottish smoked salmon. Continue your drive to Loch Lomond for a lunch cruise. Loch Lomond is a fresh water loch and is considered the boundary between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands. This afternoon drive through and visit Trossauchs National Park, Scotland’s first national park. 'Trossachs' is a unique word, for a unique place. It refers to the romantic area of sparkling lochs, crumpled hills, sleepy forests and welcoming villages east of Loch Lomond and west of Stirling. You might hear it called 'The Highlands in miniature' and that's a good description. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights. Tonight, you have the evening at leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Loch Lomond: Macdonalds Forest Hills 4*
Day 8 - Sept. 22, 2019: Loch Lomond (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Today enjoy a morning at leisure to unwind a bit, relax at your hotels pool and spa or walk through the surrounding countryside. Depart this afternoon for transfer to Glasgow for a half day panoramic sightseeing tour. Glasgow, a cosmopolitan city churning with enterprise, celebrated its reign as “Cultural Capital of Europe” in 1990. No other Scottish city can rival Glasgow for its rich diversity of culture and entertainment. It is home to the Scottish Opera, the Royal Scottish Orchestra, the Scottish Ballet and the Burrell Collection, which draws art enthusiasts from the world over. St. Mungo’s Cathedral (13th century) will be one of the highlights on our city tour. Tonight, dinner will be at a local restaurant in Glasgow before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Loch Lomond: Macdonalds Forest Hills 4*
Day 9 - Sept. 23, 2019: Loch Lomond - Lake District (B) Breakfast at hotel
Following breakfast depart this morning for your transfer to England’s famed Lake District. First stop at the Aira Fore waterfall. For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Then continue to Ullswater for a cruise on the Ullswater Steamers. Ullswater runs a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of Lakeland’s highest mountains. After your cruise concludes, you will continue to Grasmere for a visit to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum. In 1799, William Wordsworth fell in love with Dove Cottage and Grasmere while on a walking tour of the Lake District. Within a few months, he had set up home here in the hamlet of Town End with his sister Dorothy. It was while living here that Wordsworth produced the most famous and best-loved of his poems and Dorothy wrote her fascinating Grasmere journal. Continue to your hotel where you will spend the next three nights and enjoy the evening at leisure. Dinner on own.
Overnight in Lake District: Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa 4*
Day 10 - Sept. 24, 2019: Lake District (B, Afternoon Tea) Breakfast at hotel
Today you will depart for a second full day tour of the Lake District. Begin your day in the Village of Cockermouth. First visit the Wordsworth House and Gardens. This Georgian townhouse was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy and it is presented as they would have lived in the 1770s. Also explore the lovely riverside garden that gave him lifelong inspiration. Continue to The Lingholm Estate Kitchen & Garden for afternoon tea. The walled garden sits on the same spot as the old Lingholm kitchen gardens which Beatrix Potter credited as her original inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Conclude your tour with a visit to Castlerigg, one of the most important British stone circles. Thought to have been constructed about 3000 BC, it is potentially one of the earliest in the country. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Dinner on own.
Overnight in Lake District: Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa 4*
A fine custom travel experience offered by Tumlare Corporation, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 For Focus Travel Club
Day 11 - Sept 25, 2019: Lake District (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast, begin another delightful day of touring in the Lake District. Begin the day with a sightseeing cruise on Bowness-on-Windemere. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep. Disembark your cruise and continue to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books. The house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'. The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Continue this afternoon to Hawkshead from time to enjoy lunch on your own. After lunch see the see the school William Wordsworth went to and visit the Beatrix Potter gallery. En route back to your hotel stop to enjoy the views from Tarn Hows. Tonight, you will have dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Lake District: Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa 4*
Day 12 - Sept 26, 2019: Lake District - Ruthin (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
Depart this morning for a transfer through the countryside to Ruthin. En route, stop in in the village of Chester for a guided sightseeing tour and lunch at a local restaurant. Chester is a walled city in Cheshire, England, on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales and is one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain. The city is home to the oldest still in use racecourse in the country, a Roman Amphitheatre and the 1,000-yearold Chester Cathedral. Continue to Ruthin Castle for an evening at leisure and overnight stay. Dinner on own. Overnight in Ruthin: Ruthin Castle 4*
Day 13 - Sept. 27, 2019: Ruthin (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Today embark on a full day tour of northern Wales. Begin with a visit to Snowdonia National Park, a mountainous region in northwestern Wales and a national park of 823 square miles. It was the first of Wales’ national parks, designated in 1951.Next board the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a 2 hour round trip to the top of Mount Snowdon. Trains depart from Llanberis station and begin their climb 1085m to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by some 12 million travelers since 1896. This afternoon you will visit Caernarfon Castle. This castle was instead intended as a seat of power - and as a symbol of English dominance over the subdued Welsh and is architecturally one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with a Welsh family.
Overnight in Ruthin: Ruthin Castle 4*
A fine custom travel experience offered by Tumlare Corporation, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 For Focus Travel Club
Day 14 - Sept. 28, 2019: Ruthin (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Begin today with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy, including Conwy Castle. Perched on a rock against the backdrop of Snowdonia, Conwy has an indisputably magical feel. Some consider it the finest castle Edward I built, and the mesmerising views from the battlements are particularly famed within the walled town. Continue to the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre for a visit and lunch. Wales’ growing reputation as a nation of passionate producers and fanatical foodies is nowhere more apparent than at the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre. This afternoon enjoy visits to Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard and Bodnant Gardens. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant. Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia is a delight for the senses. Tonight, experience history with a Medieval banquet at Ruthin Castle, modeled upon the legendary feasts the Earl of Warwick held at The Castle in the 16th century.
Overnight in Ruthin: Ruthin Castle 4*
Day 15 - Sept. 29, 2019: Ruthin - Cardiff (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Depart this morning for transfer to Cardiff in southern Wales. En route, stop in the town of Ironbridge. The area around Ironbridge is described by those promoting it as a tourist destination as the "Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution". Tahe the opportunity to try Eley’s Famous Pork Pies and enjoy lunch on own there or at a local restaurant nearby. Continue to Hay on Wye for a brief sightseeing tour. This small market town on the border of England and Wales is world renowned for books and bookshops. Continue on to Cardiff for dinner at a local restaurant and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight in Cardiff: Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa 4*
Day 16 – September 30, 2019: Cardiff (B) Breakfast at hotel
Embark this morning on a day trip to Brecon Beacons, mountain range in South Wales. Take a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, which is a 1 ft 11 3⁄4 in (603 mm) narrow gauge tourist railway on the south side of the Brecon Beacons. It climbs northwards from Pant along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir (also called 'Taf Fechan' reservoir by Welsh Water) and continues past the adjoining Pentwyn reservoir to Torpantau. This afternoon, visit the Blaenafon Cheddar Company, ab specialist cheddar company for a guided tour and tasting. Then visit Caerphilly Castle, the largest in Britain after Windsor. Tonight enjoy dinner on own and evening at leisure in Cardiff.
Overnight in Cardiff: Mercure Cardiff Holland House hotel & spa 4*
Day 17 – Oct 1 2019: Cardiff - London (B, Afternoon Tea) Breakfast at hotel
Depart today for transfer to London. En route, stope at the iconic Cliveden House for afternoon tea and time to explore the grounds of the National Trust. Cliveden has been home to an earl, three countesses, two dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor. As home of Nancy Astor, Cliveden was the meeting place of the Cliveden Set of the 1920s and '30s — a group of political intellectuals. Later, during the early 1960s, it became the setting for key events of the notorious Profumo Affair. Continue to London and bid farewell to your tour manager and through coach. Enjoy an evening at leisure in London tonight.
Overnight in London: The Hari Hotel 5*
Day 18 - Oct 2, 2019: London (B) Breakfast at hotel
Today on the final day of your wonderful tour enjoy a free day at leisure to explore all that London has to offer. Perhaps visit some of the ionic sites such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Place. You may want to visit one of the world class museums such as the British Museum, Natural History Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Or maybe you prefer to take advantage of the amazing shopping opportunities at department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty of London.
Overnight in London: The Hari Hotel 5*
Day 19: October 3, 2019 Depart London Breakfast at hotel
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home, filled with a new appreciation for the beautiful landscapes and interesting cultures of Scotland England and Wales. Our memories will last a lifetime!
Iceland Air 451 to Reykjavik 1:05pm - 3:10pm
Our “Scotland, England & Wales” adventure begins as we board our jetliner. Time en route to enjoy the friendly service and excellent food while we become acquainted with our fellow travelers and read up on the fascinating areas we will soon be visiting.
Day 2 - Sept. 16, 2019: Arrive Edinburgh (D) Iceland Air 430 Reykjavik - Glasgow 10:30am - 1:50pm
We arrive at Glasgow airport around 1:50pm. Upon arrival, we gather our luggage, meet our tour manager and board our private air-conditioned motor coach for the approximately 1 hour and 30 minute transfer to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and was named a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. Enjoy a short panoramic sightseeing tour of the city en route to your hotel. Admire the the way the architecture of the medieval Old Town contrasts sharply with the Georgian splendor of the New Town. You will be welcomed to your hotel with a traditional bagpipe performance. Following check-in, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Edinburgh: Principal George 4*
Day 3 - Sept. 17, 2019: Edinburgh (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
Embark on a full day tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town with coach and local guide. Begin at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh that marks one end of the famed Royal Mile. Admire the impressive exterior and continue through Old Town along the Royal Mile, stopping at notable sites along the way including St. Giles Cathedral, The Real May Kings Close and Edinburgh Castle. Today also includes a lovely meal at a local restaurant in Old Town and a whiskey tasting at The Scottish Whiskey Experience. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful Dean’s Village, a charming village right in the middle of the city. Some of the houses in this historic settlement date back to the 16th century! Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the many restaurants and pubs that Edinburgh has to offer.
Optional: If you would like, you can join an optional Literary pub tour this evening. Join two professional actors as they take you on a journey through Scottish literature and the pubs of Old and
A fine custom travel experience offered by Tumlare Corporation, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 For Focus Travel Club
New Town that were the favorites of some of Scotland’s most famous authors. (please advise in advance if you would like to participate. $70 pp)
Overnight in Edinburgh: Principal George 4*
Day 4 - Sept. 18, 2019: Edinburgh - Fort William (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Depart Edinburgh this morning with your tour manager and through coach for transfer to Fort William, with touring en route. Your first stop is Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. You will also see views of the National Wallace Monument, which commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero. After touring the castle, you will have some time to explore and have lunch on your own the town of Stirling. Then you will continue your drive into the beautiful Scottish highlands and through Glencoe. In late afternoon you will make your way to your hotel for the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Fort William area: Kilcamb Lodge 4*
Day 5 - Sept. 19, 2019: Fort William - Isle of Skye (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Following breakfast, we will make our way to the town of Fort William to board the Jacobite train, considered one of the greatest railway journeys in the world. You may also recognize this train from the Harry Potter movies as it was features as the Hogwarts Express. The approximately 2 hour journey starts near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, passing by Britain’s most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig, the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving in the town of Mallig next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis. Once in Mallig you will transfer to the ferry station and board the ferry to Isle of Skye. Enjoy the views and some time for lunch on your own during the crossing. Upon arrival to Isle of Skye, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight in Isle of Skye: Kinloch Lodge 4*
Day 6 - Sept. 20, 2019: Isle of Skye (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
This morning you have the opportunity to participate in a 45-minute express cooking class at Kinloch lodge to learn how to make both sweet and savory scones, and of course you will enjoy your creations as well! After your cooking class, embark on a full day tour to explore the incredible Isle of Skye. Today you will have the chance to visit Dunvegan Castle, which is one the greatest Hebridean castles and the only one which has been continuously occupied by the same family for 800 years. Architecturally it is a building of high importance, containing the work of at least ten building periods ranging from the 1200s to the 1850s. Spend much of the day exploring the many scenic outlooks around the Isle of Skye, admiring the sea views and wildlife. Also stop for a short easy hike if you wish. During today’s tour you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. You will also have the chance to visit Taliskers Distillery for a tour and whiskey tasting. Taliskers is the oldest working distillery on the Isle of Skye and is set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. Tonight, enjoy the evening at leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Isle of Skye: Kinloch Lodge 4*
Day 7 - Sept. 21, 2019: Isle of Skye - Loch Lomond (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
Following breakfast, you will depart the Isle of Skye and take the ferry back to the mainland. You will spend today driving through more of Scotland’s beautiful highlands to the Loch Lomond area. Along the way stop at Inerawe Smokehouse for a short tour and a tasting of the famous Scottish smoked salmon. Continue your drive to Loch Lomond for a lunch cruise. Loch Lomond is a fresh water loch and is considered the boundary between the lowlands of Central Scotland and the Highlands. This afternoon drive through and visit Trossauchs National Park, Scotland’s first national park. 'Trossachs' is a unique word, for a unique place. It refers to the romantic area of sparkling lochs, crumpled hills, sleepy forests and welcoming villages east of Loch Lomond and west of Stirling. You might hear it called 'The Highlands in miniature' and that's a good description. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights. Tonight, you have the evening at leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Loch Lomond: Macdonalds Forest Hills 4*
Day 8 - Sept. 22, 2019: Loch Lomond (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Today enjoy a morning at leisure to unwind a bit, relax at your hotels pool and spa or walk through the surrounding countryside. Depart this afternoon for transfer to Glasgow for a half day panoramic sightseeing tour. Glasgow, a cosmopolitan city churning with enterprise, celebrated its reign as “Cultural Capital of Europe” in 1990. No other Scottish city can rival Glasgow for its rich diversity of culture and entertainment. It is home to the Scottish Opera, the Royal Scottish Orchestra, the Scottish Ballet and the Burrell Collection, which draws art enthusiasts from the world over. St. Mungo’s Cathedral (13th century) will be one of the highlights on our city tour. Tonight, dinner will be at a local restaurant in Glasgow before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Loch Lomond: Macdonalds Forest Hills 4*
Day 9 - Sept. 23, 2019: Loch Lomond - Lake District (B) Breakfast at hotel
Following breakfast depart this morning for your transfer to England’s famed Lake District. First stop at the Aira Fore waterfall. For 300 years visitors have been drawn here, where rainwater runs from the fells into Aira Beck and thunders in one 65-foot leap over the falls. Then continue to Ullswater for a cruise on the Ullswater Steamers. Ullswater runs a serpentine course for eight miles through expansive vistas of Lakeland’s highest mountains. After your cruise concludes, you will continue to Grasmere for a visit to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum. In 1799, William Wordsworth fell in love with Dove Cottage and Grasmere while on a walking tour of the Lake District. Within a few months, he had set up home here in the hamlet of Town End with his sister Dorothy. It was while living here that Wordsworth produced the most famous and best-loved of his poems and Dorothy wrote her fascinating Grasmere journal. Continue to your hotel where you will spend the next three nights and enjoy the evening at leisure. Dinner on own.
Overnight in Lake District: Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa 4*
Day 10 - Sept. 24, 2019: Lake District (B, Afternoon Tea) Breakfast at hotel
Today you will depart for a second full day tour of the Lake District. Begin your day in the Village of Cockermouth. First visit the Wordsworth House and Gardens. This Georgian townhouse was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy and it is presented as they would have lived in the 1770s. Also explore the lovely riverside garden that gave him lifelong inspiration. Continue to The Lingholm Estate Kitchen & Garden for afternoon tea. The walled garden sits on the same spot as the old Lingholm kitchen gardens which Beatrix Potter credited as her original inspiration for Mr McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Conclude your tour with a visit to Castlerigg, one of the most important British stone circles. Thought to have been constructed about 3000 BC, it is potentially one of the earliest in the country. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Dinner on own.
Overnight in Lake District: Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa 4*
A fine custom travel experience offered by Tumlare Corporation, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 For Focus Travel Club
Day 11 - Sept 25, 2019: Lake District (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast, begin another delightful day of touring in the Lake District. Begin the day with a sightseeing cruise on Bowness-on-Windemere. Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep. Disembark your cruise and continue to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top. Bought in 1905 with proceeds from her first book, the Tale of Peter Rabbit, she used Hill Top itself and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her subsequent books. The house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'tale'. The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Continue this afternoon to Hawkshead from time to enjoy lunch on your own. After lunch see the see the school William Wordsworth went to and visit the Beatrix Potter gallery. En route back to your hotel stop to enjoy the views from Tarn Hows. Tonight, you will have dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Lake District: Macdonald Old England Hotel and Spa 4*
Day 12 - Sept 26, 2019: Lake District - Ruthin (B,L) Breakfast at hotel
Depart this morning for a transfer through the countryside to Ruthin. En route, stop in in the village of Chester for a guided sightseeing tour and lunch at a local restaurant. Chester is a walled city in Cheshire, England, on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales and is one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain. The city is home to the oldest still in use racecourse in the country, a Roman Amphitheatre and the 1,000-yearold Chester Cathedral. Continue to Ruthin Castle for an evening at leisure and overnight stay. Dinner on own. Overnight in Ruthin: Ruthin Castle 4*
Day 13 - Sept. 27, 2019: Ruthin (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Today embark on a full day tour of northern Wales. Begin with a visit to Snowdonia National Park, a mountainous region in northwestern Wales and a national park of 823 square miles. It was the first of Wales’ national parks, designated in 1951.Next board the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a 2 hour round trip to the top of Mount Snowdon. Trains depart from Llanberis station and begin their climb 1085m to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by some 12 million travelers since 1896. This afternoon you will visit Caernarfon Castle. This castle was instead intended as a seat of power - and as a symbol of English dominance over the subdued Welsh and is architecturally one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with a Welsh family.
Overnight in Ruthin: Ruthin Castle 4*
A fine custom travel experience offered by Tumlare Corporation, 271 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 For Focus Travel Club
Day 14 - Sept. 28, 2019: Ruthin (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Begin today with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy, including Conwy Castle. Perched on a rock against the backdrop of Snowdonia, Conwy has an indisputably magical feel. Some consider it the finest castle Edward I built, and the mesmerising views from the battlements are particularly famed within the walled town. Continue to the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre for a visit and lunch. Wales’ growing reputation as a nation of passionate producers and fanatical foodies is nowhere more apparent than at the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre. This afternoon enjoy visits to Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard and Bodnant Gardens. With intimate corners, sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland, there are many gardens in one at Bodnant. Created over 150 years, with plants collected and brought to Britain from far afield, and the incredible vision of generations of the McLaren family and Puddle head gardeners, this haven of rarity and beauty with a stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains of Snowdonia is a delight for the senses. Tonight, experience history with a Medieval banquet at Ruthin Castle, modeled upon the legendary feasts the Earl of Warwick held at The Castle in the 16th century.
Overnight in Ruthin: Ruthin Castle 4*
Day 15 - Sept. 29, 2019: Ruthin - Cardiff (B,D) Breakfast at hotel
Depart this morning for transfer to Cardiff in southern Wales. En route, stop in the town of Ironbridge. The area around Ironbridge is described by those promoting it as a tourist destination as the "Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution". Tahe the opportunity to try Eley’s Famous Pork Pies and enjoy lunch on own there or at a local restaurant nearby. Continue to Hay on Wye for a brief sightseeing tour. This small market town on the border of England and Wales is world renowned for books and bookshops. Continue on to Cardiff for dinner at a local restaurant and check-in to your hotel.
Overnight in Cardiff: Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa 4*
Day 16 – September 30, 2019: Cardiff (B) Breakfast at hotel
Embark this morning on a day trip to Brecon Beacons, mountain range in South Wales. Take a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, which is a 1 ft 11 3⁄4 in (603 mm) narrow gauge tourist railway on the south side of the Brecon Beacons. It climbs northwards from Pant along the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir (also called 'Taf Fechan' reservoir by Welsh Water) and continues past the adjoining Pentwyn reservoir to Torpantau. This afternoon, visit the Blaenafon Cheddar Company, ab specialist cheddar company for a guided tour and tasting. Then visit Caerphilly Castle, the largest in Britain after Windsor. Tonight enjoy dinner on own and evening at leisure in Cardiff.
Overnight in Cardiff: Mercure Cardiff Holland House hotel & spa 4*
Day 17 – Oct 1 2019: Cardiff - London (B, Afternoon Tea) Breakfast at hotel
Depart today for transfer to London. En route, stope at the iconic Cliveden House for afternoon tea and time to explore the grounds of the National Trust. Cliveden has been home to an earl, three countesses, two dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor. As home of Nancy Astor, Cliveden was the meeting place of the Cliveden Set of the 1920s and '30s — a group of political intellectuals. Later, during the early 1960s, it became the setting for key events of the notorious Profumo Affair. Continue to London and bid farewell to your tour manager and through coach. Enjoy an evening at leisure in London tonight.
Overnight in London: The Hari Hotel 5*
Day 18 - Oct 2, 2019: London (B) Breakfast at hotel
Today on the final day of your wonderful tour enjoy a free day at leisure to explore all that London has to offer. Perhaps visit some of the ionic sites such as the Tower of London and Buckingham Place. You may want to visit one of the world class museums such as the British Museum, Natural History Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Or maybe you prefer to take advantage of the amazing shopping opportunities at department stores such as Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty of London.
Overnight in London: The Hari Hotel 5*
Day 19: October 3, 2019 Depart London Breakfast at hotel
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home, filled with a new appreciation for the beautiful landscapes and interesting cultures of Scotland England and Wales. Our memories will last a lifetime!
Iceland Air 451 to Reykjavik 1:05pm - 3:10pm