TICO Reg. #4023420
Wales

Journey through Wales and England

When:
September 9, 2024 – September 23, 2024 all day
2024-09-09T00:00:00-04:00
2024-09-24T00:00:00-04:00

Tentative Itinerary:

Day 1: Mon., Sept. 9 – The tour will depart from Midland, Orillia behind Zehrs, Barrie, Bayfield Mall behind Canadian Tire Store, and the Tour Office. (Departure times to be confirmed.) Overnight parking is available at our Tour Office. This evening, we begin our journey with a direct overnight flight to Manchester, England.

Day 2: Tues., Sept. 10 – We will arrive at Manchester airport in the early morning and meet our coach and driver from Dodds Coach Lines. We will travel to Chester for a two-night stay.  In this enchanting city, you can explore historic treasures, including the impressive cathedral, the distinctive ‘Rows’ of shops, and the iconic City Walls prior to checking in to our accommodation for the next two nights. (D)

Day 3: Wed., Sept. 11 – This morning, we head west to Liverpool, the City of Music. We will meet our local guide, who will show us the origins of the greatest band in the world and the legacy the Beatles left behind in Liverpool. See iconic locations from the band’s story including Penny Lane, and Strawberry Fields.  Visit the historic Royal Albert Dock, where we have an included entrance to The Beatles Story. Dinner tonight will be at our hotel. (B & D)

Day 4: Thurs., Sept. 12 – Today we cross the border into beautiful North Wales. Our day starts at the Victorian seaside town, Llandudno, renowned for its sweeping bay and Victorian era architecture. Here you will have free time to enjoy the shops or perhaps stroll along the seafront promenade. Next, we make our way to the picturesque Llangollen Wharf, where we board a canal boat, the Thomas Telford. Enjoy peaceful cruising through the stunning Dee Valley, which has rightfully been awarded World Heritage Status. Live commentary from your skipper will give us history and local knowledge. Afternoon Tea will be served during our cruise.  This evening is at leisure. Our home for the next three nights is the Royal Hotel in Llanberis.  (B & D)

Day 5: Fri., Sept. 13 – Snowdonia National Park is home to breathtaking peaks, spectacular lakes, and rich history.  We
have a leisurely day planned to enjoy the scenic area and small villages such as Betws-y-Coed and Newport that make this part of Wales a must see.  This afternoon we will travel by train to the summit on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. (B & D)

Day 6: Sat., Sept. 14 – Today is a free day to explore on your own. (B & D)

Day 7: Sun., Sept. 15 – This morning we begin our journey along the West coast of Wales and then travelling South we will visit the harbour town of New Quay, which has ties to Dylan Thomas, Wales’ most famous 20th century poet.   We will arrive in time for lunch in St. Davids, Britain’s smallest City and the home of a magnificent Cathedral. Travelling through Pembroke and the seaside town of Tenby we end our day in Cardiff, the Capital of Wales. (B & D)

Day 8: Mon., Sept. 16 – Today is a day to explore Cardiff including the Big Pit National Coal Mine Museum and a scenic boat cruise with commentary. (B & D)

Day 9: Tues., Sept. 17 – Today we will travel to Cheltenham for a 2 two-night stay.  This morning, our visits include the historic city of Stratford-Upon-Avon. We start our day with a walking tour which introduces us to over 800 years of history, and we will see many of the buildings that would have been familiar to Shakespeare himself. We will learn about the award-winning Shakespeare Distillery spirits and enjoy a tasting.  (B & D)

Day 10: Wed., Sept. 18 – Today is a full day touring the Cotswolds’ and its quintessentially English landscape. Visit honey-stone picturesque villages including Bourton-on-the-Water with its low bridges and tranquil river.  (B & D)

Day 11: Thurs, Sept. 19 – This morning we depart for London.  Upon arrival, we will be met by a local guide for a sightseeing tour of London including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Place, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.  We will check in to our hotel this evening for a two-night stay. (B & D)

Day 12: Fri., Sept. 20 – The full day is yours to explore all London has to offer using your Hop-On-Hop-Off pass.  Check out the famous streets, squares, magnificent buildings, beautiful parks & great shopping.  (B)

Day 13: Sat., Sept. 21 – As we start our journey North, our visits today will include Worcester, where historically fortunes were made on glove-making, pottery, salmon fisheries and the famous Worcester sauce.  Our destination and home for the next two nights will be in Stoke on Trent. (B & D)

Day 14:  Sun., Sept. 22- Today we will explore the Peak District, which is in the heart of England. It is a place of expansive moorlands and picturesque, medieval market towns including Bakewell, where legend has it that the town’s famous Bakewell tarts were created by mistake by a local cook in the mid-19th century. (B & D)

Day 15: Mon., Sept. 23 – Following breakfast we will return to Manchester airport, for our flight home. Upon arrival at Pearson Airport, we will be met by our Hammond Coach for our return to our original departure points. (B)

Tour includes: motor coach transportation with Hamilton Tours Director, 13 nights hotel & taxes, baggage handling for 1 large suitcase, attractions, admissions and guided tours as outlined in the itinerary, 13 breakfasts, 12 dinners, HST included on flights and transfers to airport.

Cost per person:  Twin $8330.00 & Single $9090.00

The tour is limited to a group size of 30 passengers. A valid Canadian Passport is required for this tour with the expiry date being a minimum of 6 months past the date of travel.

An initial deposit of $1500.00 is required at the time of booking. A second deposit of $ 2500.00 is required June 3, 2024

The balance is due in full by July 22, 2024

Travel insurance is available through our office at the time of booking and is strongly advised.