Taste of British Classics

taste of british classics

London, York & Edinburgh

Visit three of Great Britain’s most historic and beautiful cities—London, York and Edinburgh—and walk through some of their oldest neighborhoods, sampling and learning about the highlights of English and Scottish food and drink.

Day 1 - Arrive in London

Claim your bags and make your way to your transfer to your hotel. You have the rest of the day to explore London on your own.

(Accommodations, London)

Day 2 - London

Today you’ll explore one of the oldest parts of London by taking a 4-hour guided tour of the London Docklands. Use your Oyster Card to get yourself to the Rotherhithe Tube Station in East London, where the tour begins. You’ll visit some historic pubs that used to be hangouts for sailors, pirates, and even thieves. Today this former bustling port is a quiet residential area with cobblestone streets and old warehouses with breathtaking views of the Thames River. You’ll sample local craft brews, ciders, and pub food as this tour takes you back in time. You’ll finish near the Tower of London, and you have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

(Breakfast, Light Lunch on Tour, & Accommodations, London)

Historic pubs are famous in London

Day 3 - London

Borough Market Food Walking Tour:

Today you’ll explore one of London’s oldest and largest food markets, located in the historic district of Southwark on the south side of the Thames. Using your Oyster Card, travel to London Bridge Tube Station, then walk across the bridge to the Market, only a few blocks away. Start with drinks and pastries at one of the chic restaurants in the Market, where you’ll meet your guide Celia. She will take you on an exclusive tasting tour of the Market, showing you the best of the food and wines—including fine cheeses and fresh seafood—as you hear the rich history of this fascinating Marketplace. After your 3-hour tour you have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

(Breakfast, Light Lunch on Tour, & Accommodations, London)

What an array of food choices!

Day 4 - London to York

This morning, travel by Underground to Kings Cross Station, where you’ll board your first-class train coach for the two-hour journey to York. After finding your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore this fascinating walled city. Walk the narrow lanes of the medieval city center, and don’t miss York Minster, one of the largest and most beautiful cathedrals in England. If time permits, the National Railway Museum is an attractive option.

(Breakfast, London; Accommodations, York)

The York Minister is magnificent!

Day 5 - York

This morning, take the short train ride from York to the spa city of Harrogate, where you’ll have a Food Tour.

Meet your guide at the Starling Independent Beer and Coffee House, where the tasting begins! During your 3-hour tour you’ll visit: Hales Bar, the oldest pub in Harrogate; Farrahs, a sweet shop that’s home to the famous Harrogate toffee; Oliver’s Fish & Chips; Vanilli’s artisan ice cream shop; and Yorkshire Tapas, for small plates done in the British style. You’re guaranteed to be full at the end of this tour! Take the train back to York to further explore the city.

(Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, & Accommodations, York)

British style food...Yum!

Day 6 - York to Edinburgh

This morning, take your first-class train coach on the 2¾-hour journey to Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has offers a mixture of old and new, along with many historic sites such as Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood House and Arthur’s Seat. After finding your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.

(Breakfast, York; Accommodations, Edinburgh)

The architecture is outstanding!

Day 7 - Edinburgh

You have the morning free for exploration on your own. In the afternoon, find your way to the Royal Dick Pub, situated in the middle of an arts venue named Summerhall. Next door to the pub is Pickering’s Gin the first gin distillery in Edinburgh in over 150 years, where small batches of handcrafted gin are now produced. Your tour starts with a complementary gin and tonic, followed by a visit to the small distillery. Here your guide will explain the history of gin and how it is produced here in the land of scotch. Your tour ends with a sampling of three different gins crafted on the premises (tour time is ¼ hours). The rest of the day is at leisure.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Edinburgh)

Do you enjoy Gin?

Day 8 - Edinburgh

Scotch and Seafood in a Day:

This full-day tour starts in the morning from your hotel. Your driving guide will meet you at 9:30 and take you to the pretty lochside village of Balmatha, on the shores of Loch Lomond, one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Great Britain. You’ll board the motor vessel Luss Explorer for a short cruise across the lake to the picturesque village of Luss. Stroll through the village and perhaps do some shopping at the handicraft or clothing stores. Then head for the Luss Seafood Bar where a Seafood Platter awaits, featuring a fine selection of Scottish seafood, including local smoked seafood (drinks not included).

After lunch, your driving guide will take you to the beautiful Glengoyne Distillery, where you will see how single malt whisky is made—and you’ll have the opportunity to sample a wee dram. Following this tour, your driving guide will return you to your Edinburgh hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch on Tour, & Accommodations, Edinburgh)