• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Hosted or escorted on Days 2,3,4,6 & 8
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Welcome Drink & informative meeting

Quality Dining

• 6 full Breakfasts (B)

8 Days ~ England

A locally hosted week in London that combines the freedom of the city with the convenience of a coach tour. You’ll enjoy the finest sightseeing the capital has to offer, as well as day trips to places like Stonehenge, Bath, Leeds Castle and Canterbury. Spend your spare time taking in London’s pomp and pageantry, restaurants, museums, galleries, shops and theatres.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After transferring from the airport and checking into the tour hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax, shop or explore. In the evening you are invited to an informative meeting and Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.

DAY 3 – MON – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
On your London sightseeing tour, stop in Parliament Square for a guided walking tour to observe the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Continue along Whitehall past Downing Street to Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. Another guided walk takes you along The Mall, to see Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard. Lastly, drive along Piccadilly, past Green Park and the Ritz, to finish in the heart of the West End. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. (B)

DAY 4 – TUE – LEEDS CASTLE & CANTERBURY EXCURSION
Head out into the peaceful Kent countryside to visit fairytale Leeds Castle, which rises like a jewel from its own lake. Originally built as a stronghold but converted into a royal palace by Henry VIII, Leeds remains one of the loveliest castles in the world. After time to explore the castle and its grounds, depart for the medieval city of Canterbury, whose cathedral has been a focal point for Anglicans for centuries. It was here that Chaucer found inspiration for his ‘Canterbury Tales’ and also where Thomas a Becket was murdered, achieving martyrdom in 1170. See 12th century Dover Castle, overlooking the English Channel, and also the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Finally to Greenwich with it’s long maritime history, to join a Thames cruise back to the centre of London. (B)

DAY 5 – WED – LONDON AT LEISURE
Spend the day exploring London’s green parks, exquisite shops, museums and art galleries, and discover why London is Europe’s most popular tourist centre. Why not devote part of the day to the ancient treasures of the British Museum, or the Old Masters in the National Gallery? Or perhaps visit St Paul’s Cathedral, baroque masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren. Once night falls, consider taking in a show in the heart of London’s famous West End. (B)

DAY 6 – THU – WINCHESTER, STONEHENGE & BATH EXCURSION
Leaving London, head west to the city of Winchester, with it’s magnificent 11th century Cathedral. Then to pre-historic Stonehenge, whose strange and awe-inspiring monoliths are reputed to be over 4,000 years old. After visiting this mysterious stone circle, continue to the fine city of Bath, famous for its Roman and Georgian aspects. Bath is the most celebrated of British spas and is the site of Britain’s only hot, mineral springs. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Roman Baths and Pump Room, and a panoramic coach and walking tour of the elegant Georgian buildings. (B)

DAY 7 – FRI – LONDON AT LEISURE
Spend your last full day in the British capital exploring the city at your own pace. Why not see the fabulous Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, (for savings on additional London sightseeing see page 21). If shopping is your thing, try world-famous Harrods, or the smaller boutiques of the Knightsbridge area. The department stores on Oxford Street and the local street markets offer great alternatives. (B)

DAY 8 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast when you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Travel by standard Eurostar Express train from London to Paris
• Porterage included on Eurostar
• Escorted from London to Paris (Days 6-9)
• Arrival and departure transfers (see page 21)
• Welcome Drink & informative meeting

Quality Dining

• 4 full Breakfasts (B) and 3 enhanced or Buffet Breakfasts (BB)

9 Days ~ England ~ France

DAY 1
DEPART USA. Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2
ARRIVE LONDON. Welcome to London, an immense metropolis steeped in history and tradition. After checking into your hotel, join an informative meeting and enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.

DAYS 3, 4 & 5
LONDON AT LEISURE. Soak up the city sights with an included sightseeing tour. Firstly, admire Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and historic Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned since 1065. Then drive through the West End, seeing Downing Street, Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. Now walk with your guide to Buckingham Palace to witness the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard. Lastly, drive along Piccadilly, past Green Park and the Ritz, to finish in the heart of the West End. Why not complete your stay with a visit to one of the magnificent museums? Harrods is a must for shoppers, and don’t forget to visit London’s Theatreland. Perhaps take a day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath, or Shakespeare’s Stratford? Great savings on additional London sightseeing and day tours are available. (B)

DAY 6
LONDON – PARIS. Meet your Tour Director who will escort you to St Pancras Station to take the Eurostar to Paris. In just two-and-a-half hours, and after passing through the Channel Tunnel, you arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The evening is yours to explore this romantic city; consider taking an optional tour of the Paris illuminations. (B)

DAYS 7 & 8
PARIS AT LEISURE. A half-day sightseeing tour includes the Opera House, the Place Vendome, the Madeleine, the Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Also see the instantly recognisable Eiffel Tower and the enchanting Notre Dame Cathedral. Relax in an al fresco café, ascend the Eiffel Tower or go shopping at the Galleries Lafayette: the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Evening options include dinner in a Parisian bistro or a dazzling cabaret show. (BB)

DAY 9 – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast. (BB)

• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Travel by standard Eurostar Express train London to Paris
• Porterage included on Eurostar in London and Paris
• Overnight Sleeper train between Paris & Rome
• Escorted from London to Paris (Days 5-8)
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Welcome Drink & informative meeting

Quality Dining

• 3 full Breakfasts (B) & 6 Continental Breakfasts with fruit juice (CB)

11 Days ~ England ~ France ~ Italy

This tour is for the independent traveler who wants to spend time in three of Europe’s most renowned capital cities: London, Paris & Rome. A comprehensive half-day sightseeing tour of each city is included to introduce you to the famous sights and attractions, and there is also ample time to explore at your leisure. You will also enjoy the added benefit of travelling by Eurostar – the high-speed train service between London and Paris – and overnight sleeper train from Paris to Rome.

DAY 1 – SUN – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – MON – ARRIVE LONDON
After checking in to your hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore this immense metropolis steeped in history and tradition. Spend the evening at an informative meeting and enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Insight local host.

DAY 3 – TUE – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your first full day includes a sightseeing tour of London’s West End. See Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, then drive past Downing Street to Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column. Finally, witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Your city tour ends in the heart of the West End where the afternoon is yours to visit the museums, shop in the department stores or see a show at one of London’s theatres. (B)

DAY 4 – WED – LONDON AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure to further explore London or for sightseeing further afield. Maybe enjoy a half-day tour to Royal Windsor Castle or a full day excursion to Stonehenge and Bath – see page 21 for more details on these excursions and great savings on additional London sightseeing. (B)

DAY 5 – THU – LONDON – PARIS
Meet your Tour Director who will escort you to St Pancras Station to take the Eurostar to Paris. After a journey of just two-and-a-half hours, passing through the famous Channel Tunnel en route, arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore this romantic city. Consider taking an optional tour of the sparkling Paris illuminations at night. (B)

DAY 6 – FRI – PARIS SIGHTSEEING
An included sightseeing tour shows you the highlights of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Opera House, the immense facades of the Louvre and the captivating 13th century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. The afternoon is set aside for you to explore Paris at your own pace. Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the world-famous cabaret shows for an evening of excitement and glamour. (CB)

DAY 7 – SAT – PARIS AT LEISURE
The riches of this great capital are yours to discover today: take the funicular up to the bohemian painters’ quarter of Montmartre and to Sacré-Coeur Basilica. Or dedicate the day to the huge collections of the Louvre or a tour to magnificent Versailles. Don’t forget to buy last-minute presents and souvenirs in the grand department stores. (CB)

DAY 8 – SUN – OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO ROME
Another free day in Paris. Why not visit impressionist painter, Claude Monet’s house and gardens? This evening we bid farewell to our Tour Director and depart for Rome on our comfortable overnight train with sleeper compartment. (CB)

DAY 9 – MON – ROME SIGHTSEEING
On arrival, meet your local Insight host for a guided tour of Rome: see St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, the Forum and Colosseum. Then there’s time for you to explore Rome at leisure. A must for art lovers are the treasures of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. (CB)

DAY 10 – TUE – ROME AT LEISURE
A day for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Spend some time in the designer stores near the Spanish Steps. Perhaps visit hilltop Tivoli to see the water-gardens of the Villa d’Este. Or sip a cappuccino at a sidewalk café in the Piazza Navona and watch life go by. (CB)

DAY 11 – WED – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast. (CB)

These great tour features are also Included

Excursions & Sights

• See King’s College, Cambridge
• See the ‘Shambles’ & York Minster
• See Jedburgh Abbey
• Drive down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile past St Giles’ Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace
• Walk by Chester’s ‘Rows’ and see the Cathedral & Roman Amphitheatre
• Visit the Wedgwood China Factory
• See the sights of London’s West End
• Scenic drives in the CotswoldsLake District, Northumberland Moors

Guided City Tours

• In-depth sightseeing tours of London & Edinburgh Orientation tours in York, Chester
• Insight's First Class Services
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• London Airport and arrival transfers

Quality Dining

• 2 Continental Breakfasts, 4 full Breakfasts (B), 2 three-course evening meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

8 Days ~ England ~ Scotland

This fabulous eight-day tour is suitable for passengers with limited time who would like to see the very best of Britain. It includes everything you would expect: Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, the Lake District, Chester and Stratford-upon-Avon.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to London.

DAY 2 – SUN – ARRIVE LONDON
Welcome to London! After checking in to your hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.

DAY 3 – MON – LONDON – DARLINGTON
Meet your Tour Director this morning and drive to Cambridge. Stroll by some of the colleges, including King’s College, before continuing to York. Inside the ancient city walls, you come to York Minster, England’s largest medieval cathedral. Then walk through the narrow cobbled streets to the Tudor ‘Shambles’. There is time to shop before continuing to your hotel.
Hotel: Blackwell Grange. (CB,D)

DAY 4 – TUE – DARLINGTON – EDINBURGH
Cross the wild Northumberland Moors and pass the romantic ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, cross the Borders and head on to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. On a guided city tour, drive down the Royal Mile, past St Giles’ Cathedral to Holyroodhouse Palace – the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh – and on to the 18th century New Town. Visit the Castle, set high on a rocky crag. Why not spend the evening eating haggis and listening to the sound of bagpipes? (May-Oct).
Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor. (B)

DAY 5 – WED – EDINBURGH – LIVERPOOL
Drive through the Southern Uplands to Gretna Green, before crossing the border back into England. Enjoy a drive through the Lake District where there is time to wander in Wordsworth’s footsteps. Continue to your hotel on Liverpool's famous waterfront.
Hotel: Thistle. (B,D)

DAY 6 – THU – LIVERPOOL – LONDON
Visit the former Roman fortress town of Chester, still standing within its well preserved walls. See the Cathedral, the black and white ‘Rows’ (shopping arcades) and the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre, before continuing to the Wedgwood China factory. Now to Stratford-upon-Avon where you visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. Return to London through the flower-trimmed villages of the Cotswolds.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch. (B)

DAY 7 – FRI – LONDON SIGHTSEEING
Your half day sightseeing tour shows you Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)

DAY 8 – SAT – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast. (CB)