A Blend of History and Pop Culture in England and Wales

11 days, 10 nights total

 

 

Explore the history and pop culture of England and Wales. See Liverpool’s beating heart, the birthplace of British pop music, and a hidden gem with so much more to discover. Experience the Celtic Welsh nation with its amazing castles and coastlines before continuing onto the historic university city of Oxford and the famous landmarks of London.

 

Highlights

• See where the Beatles started their journey and explore the maritime history of Liverpool.
• Stroll among the awe-inspiring castles and fortresses on the Welsh coastline.
• Take a tram ride to a spectacular summit with panoramic views stretching from Wales into England.
• Relax as the Romans did in the hot spring waters in the city of Bath.
• Marvel at the city of Oxford – with a university reputed to be the second oldest in the world, and a city that holds many Harry Potter filming locations!
• Finish with two nights in spectacular London.

 

Overnight Stops

10 nights total

Liverpool (2) – Llandudno (2) – Pembrokeshire (1) – Bath (2) – Oxford (1) – London (2)

Why not spend a night or two in Dublin at the beginning or end of your trip?

 

Sample Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrive in England – Manchester

Welcome to England! Start your trip today in the Merseyside city of Liverpool, just over an hour’s drive from Manchester. Noted for its arts, culture, sport, architectural and maritime connections, this city is one you’ll want to discover! The people in Liverpool, known as Scousers, are among the friendliest you will ever meet.

Highlights (included): The Beatles Story, British Music Experience, Mersey Cruise
Highlights (optional): Liverpool Cathedral, Royal Liver Building 360

Overnight in Liverpool
Tenon Recommends: Malmaison Hotel

 

Day 2: Liverpool
Ride in a replica of John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce Phantom on a tour of Historic and Beatles Liverpool. Visit sites particular to the Fab Four, including their statues on Pier Head, Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields Gate and the Eleanor Rigby statue.

Highlights (included ): Beatles Car Tour, Liverpool Cathedral
Highlights (optional): Anfield Stadium Tour

Overnight in Liverpool
Tenon Recommends: Malmaison Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 3: Liverpool to Llandudno

You will leave Liverpool today and head to Wales, one of Britain’s Celtic nations. As a country filled with impressive castles and wide-open spaces, Wales is an epic place to discover. Marvel at the magnificent medieval fortress of Conwy Castle that still towers over the town after 700 years! You will then head to Llandudno, known as the “Queen of Welsh resorts,” the ever-popular seaside town is a mining settlement turned thriving tourist hotspot famous for its Victorian architecture.

Highlights (included): Conwy Castle
Highlights (optional): Chester Cathedral, Walking tour of Roman Chester with Roman guard

Overnight in Llandudno
Tenon Recommends: St Georges Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 4: Llandudno

Appreciate Britain’s only remaining cable-operated street tramway and one of the few left in the world. At the Great Orme summit, take in the spectacular views out from Snowdonia and Anglesey all the way over to Blackpool and the Lake District.

Highlights (included): Great Orme Tramway
Highlights (optional): Aber Falls Distillery

Overnight in Llandudno
Tenon Recommends: St Georges Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 5: Llandudno to Pembrokeshire

Drive along the stunning west coast today through Snowdonia National Park, which boasts the highest mountain in Wales and the largest natural lake. This area is steeped in culture, and more than half of the population in Snowdonia speak Welsh. Visit the castle where Prince Charles was crowned Prince of Wales in 1969, or stop in the pretty village of Portmeirion.

Highlights (included): Portmeirion Village
Highlights (Optional): Caernarfon Castle

Overnight in Pembrokeshire
Tenon Recommends: Twr y Felin
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 6: Pembrokeshire to Bath

Travel from Celtic Wales to Roman Bath. Sample the hot springs from which the city gets its name. These days the experience is a little more modern, but you can see the original baths and feel the warmth of the water that comes from the hot springs. Enjoy lunch in the Pump Room Restaurant, located just above the Roman baths.

Highlights (included): Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Twilight Spa Experience
Highlights (optional): The Royal Crescent

Overnight in Bath
Tenon Recommends: Queensberry Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 7: Bath

Leave Bath and travel into the wonderful Cotswolds region, which is just a half hour’s drive from Bath. This area is filled with quintessentially quaint English villages and is a must-see. The rolling hills and thatched medieval villages, churches and stately homes built of local yellow limestone are a joy to behold.

Highlights (included): Jane Austen Centre, Bath food tour
Highlights (optional): Half-day tour from Bath to Cotswolds

Overnight in Bath
Tenon Recommends: Queensberry Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 8: Bath to Oxford

Visit the birthplace of one of the most famous men in British history, Sir Winston Churchill. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, although not a full Royal Palace, is the only private residence in England allowed to use that name. Then head back toward Oxford and learn all about this prestigious university city.

Highlights (optional): Blenheim Palace, Oxford City and University walking tour
Highlights (optional): Oxford Castle and Prison, Stonehenge

Overnight in Oxford
Tenon Recommends: Malmaison Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 9: Oxford to London

Stroll through the grounds of Windsor Castle on your way to the country’s capital. Windsor’s British royal residence was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. See the state apartments and St George’s Chapel, the location for some recent royal weddings. Wander around the quaint town with its many cafes, restaurants and shops before you continue on to London!

Highlights (included): Windsor Castle, See London by Night bus tour, afternoon tea in Mayfair
Highlights (optional): Jack the Ripper walking tour, Bustronome gourmet dinner bus

Overnight in London
Tenon Recommends: Melia White House Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 10: London

Admire the best of British design with a trip to some of the free museums in the city. You can stop by the Victoria and Albert Museum, which houses a collection of more than 2.3 million items and showcases the area’s creativity through fashion, furniture, sculpture, jewelry and more. Wander around Mayfair and see one of the oldest department stores, Liberty of London, a heritage-listed London icon.

Highlights (included): London Bridge food tour, Churchill War Rooms
Highlights (optional): Afternoon tea at The Goring Cocktail Bar, The Food Lover’s Market Walk, V&A Museum, Kensington Palace

Overnight in London
Tenon Recommends: Melia White House Hotel
(Breakfast included)

 

Day 11: Departure

Say goodbye to England today. Fly home with memories that will last a lifetime and a desire to return and see more of what the British Isles have to offer.
(Breakfast included)

 

Pricing

From $2,597 person based on double occupancy*
*Price shown is an example of what to expect for a self-drive vacation. Each itinerary is customized and can change depending on seasonality, availability, etc.

This trip can be booked as a self-drive tour or chauffeur tour.

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