Concierge please can you help me find a good value – Small Group Multi-Day England & Wales Tour?

This is a question we are asked often and in previous years we have drawn a blank. However for the summer of 2014 we have rather good news. We have found a brand new small group (max 16) tour, that you can take luggage with you, that is great value and of an excellent standard. This one is ticking all the boxes and please find further details below

For great unbiased information on locations to visit in England and Wales why not visit the official tourist information sites?

Here are the links:

 Visit Britain

Here is the brand new small group (max 16) tour of England & Wales we found starting in 2014:

5 Day Tour Including Best of Heart of England, Yorkshire and Wales

£269 is a from price

Brand New for Summer 2014

With extended visit to York

5 Days exploring Shakespeare country, the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, the mountains and Crusader castles of northern Wales, the refined elegance of Chatsworth House, the scenic beauty of the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales with time to discover the historic cities of York and Cambridge

Highlights

Shakespeare country and Stratford on Avon

Ironbridge World Heritage Site

The mountains of Snowdonia

Conwy Castle

Peak District National Park

Chatsworth House

York and the Dales

Cambridge

Description

Travel to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford on Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway

Following lunch in Stratford you will have the opportunity to explore the stunning gorge and World Heritage site of Ironbridge on the River Severn, before staying in the beautiful riverside town of Shrewsbury for 2 nights

Next is a day of contrasts as you travel west into the heart of North Wales You will travel through beautiful green valleys, visit the fairy-tale medieval Castle of Conwy and discover the wild mountains of the Snowdonia National Park before returning back across the border into England

By day 3 we are enjoying the rolling hills of the Peak District to the village of Castleton before visiting,Chatsworth Estate, owned by the Duke of Devonshire, and famous for its house and gardens. From here you will travel east to the wonderful city of York where you will stay for the next 2 nights

Then you have two choices – you can take of a full day to explore this fascinating city on your own – including some of the museums, York Minster, the ancient city walls and historic mediaeval streets

Alternatively you could join your guide on a half day excursion into the Yorkshire dales visiting Knaresborough or Ripon and the remote valleys and rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales followed by a free afternoon in York

On your last day we leave York in the morning you begin your return journey south stopping in the town of Stamford with its fine collection of historic stone buildings before continuing on to the University City of Cambridge for the final visit of your tour

Schedule

Day 1

Depart from London and make your way to William Shakespeare’s birthplace Stratford on Avon, home to the Tudor thatched cottage and gardens of his wife, Anne Hathaway. You will have time to explore the magnificent village of Stratford and enjoy lunch, before continuing to the World Heritage site of Ironbridge

Set in a stunning forested gorge on the river Severn this historic valley boast the world’s first ever iron bridge and a host of attractions to choose from. It was once described as the most extraordinary district in the world! From here you travel to the beautiful riverside town of Shrewsbury for the next 2 nights

Day 2

This morning your tour will take you into the heart of North Wales You will travel through beautiful green valleys and lovely little towns and villages then visit the picture book medieval castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th century. You will also explore the impressive mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of Snowdon – Wales’ highest peak

You will hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before travelling back through the borderlands into England

Day 3

To the northeast of Shrewsbury lie the hills of the Peak District National Park with a mixture of stunning scenery and beautiful little villages

You will take a scenic route through the Park to the village of Castleton then in the afternoon you can visit the famous mansion house and gardens of Chatsworth, home to the Cavendish family, Duke of Devonshire. Chatsworth is often named the UK’s favourite country house and a visit will reveal some of the finest collections of furniture, priceless paintings, Old Master drawings and neo-classical sculptures. From here you will travel east out of the hills to the wonderful historic city of York where you will spend the next 2 nights

Day 4

Today you have a choice of things to do. You can spend the whole day at leisure exploring the medieval heart of York, a city whose rich history goes back to the time of the Romans, Vikings and Normans

Visit some of the fascinating museums, the amazing York Minster or just lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and ancient city walls. Alternatively you could join your guide on a half day excursion into the Yorkshire dales visiting the pretty market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon and some of the remote valleys and rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales, followed by a free afternoon in York

Day 5

Leaving York in the morning you begin your return journey south to London stopping off in the town of Stamford, with its fine collection of historic stone buildings, and the famous University City of Cambridge with its ancient colleges, stunning architecture and medieval streets. See the world famous Kings College Chapel and take a stroll along the river Cam before arriving back in London around 19.30

Additional Information

Departs London Victoria area 9am Returns 7pm

Every Friday, May to October 2014

Children 5 and over only

We found this tour and many thanks to them at www.bestvaluetours.co.uk