Grand Tour
Tour Great Britain
York, Edinburgh, Oban, Chester, Wales, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury
by private Orient-Express Train
7 Days
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 (Friday): London - York - Edinburgh
A traditional Scottish piper escorts you to the gleaming carriages of the Northern Belle at London's Victoria Station. A champagne brunch is served as you journey north.
On arrival at York you visit the superb stately home of Castle Howard, home for 300 years to the Howard family. Afternoon tea in the Grecian Hall is followed by a private visit to the house, which includes artworks by Van Dyck and Gainsborough. Alternatively, you may take a guided tour of the historical city of York including the magnificent York Minster and the medieval Shambles with afternoon tea served at Betty’s Tea Rooms.
Reboard the train for dinner, served amid fine views of the historic cities of Durham and Newcastle. Upon arriving in Edinburgh transfer to your hotel for three nights.
Day 2 (Saturday): Edinburgh
After breakfast at the hotel a guided tour explores Scotland’s capital, a city of striking contrasts from the tall, dark buildings in medieval Old Town to classical architecture in Georgian New Town.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to take in such sights as Edinburgh Castle, the National Gallery and the Palace of Holyroodhouse or enjoy Edinburgh’s variety of shops and boutiques.
The evening is spent aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating home to Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family and host to many prestigious State and official occasions. You are invited to dine in style in the State Apartments.
Northern Belle Grand Tour Map Day 3 (Sunday): Oban & Isle of Mull
Your Scottish adventure continues as the Northern Belle journeys through the Scottish Highlands to Oban while brunch is served en-route. Sail across to the Isle of Mull where you’ll be welcomed at Duart Castle, ancestral home of the Laird of Lachalan, head of the McLean clan. This 13th century castle, set high atop a cliff, offers remarkable views of three intersecting sea lochs and serves as the ideal backdrop for a display of falconry.
If you wish to remain in Oban a local guide is on hand to introduce you to the delights of this Scottish seaside town. A visit to a local distillery allows you to experience the age-old craft of whisky making first hand. Partake in a gourmet Scottish dinner aboard the Northern Belle as you travel back to Edinburgh.
Alternatively, you may prefer to sample one of the many golf courses for which Scotland is renowned. A private car takes you to a course close to Edinburgh and returns you later the same day. Dinner is provided at your hotel. (Pre-booking essential.)
Day 4 (Monday): Edinburgh / Chester
Departing Edinburgh after breakfast at the hotel, the train returns to England via the spectacular Scottish Borders. Lunch is served on board as you travel along the edge of the Cumbrian Fells, through the county of Lancashire and finally into Cheshire arriving at the walled city of Chester in the afternoon.
Chester is the historic gem of North West England and is the most complete walled city in Britain. There is plenty of time for a guided tour and to soak up the atmosphere. Dinner is served at your hotel where you will stay for three nights.
Day 5 (Tuesday): Wales / Portmeirion / Chester
This morning you enjoy brunch on board Northern Belle as you travel into Wales - the land of song. Travel through the breathtaking scenery of the Vale of Conway, Gwydyr Forest, past Dolwyddeland Castle high on a crag, and down to the former slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. A coach transfers you to the fascinating Italianate "village of Portmeirion, created by Clough Williams-Ellis, which is a remarkable example of architectural imagination built on the shores of Cardigan Bay.
Later in the afternoon tea is taken at Castell Deudraeth Hotel. Here you may admire the skilled teamwork between shepherd and his dogs as Aled Owen, one of the Welsh national champions at Sheep Dog Trials, puts his dogs through their paces. You’re certain to find this a fascinating event.
A delicious dinner is served on Northern Belle as you journey back through Wales to Chester. The finale to this wonderful day is an uplifting choral recital from Chester Male Voice Choir in the impressive sandstone Cathedral. Enjoy a nightcap in the tranquil Chapter House of the Cathedral before returning to your hotel.
Dining on Northern Belle Day 6 (Wednesday): Bath
After breakfast join the Northern Belle for a journey through the scenic heart of England, enjoying a light lunch en route to the golden city of Bath. Founded by the Romans as Aqua Sulis, Bath was made fashionable in the 18th century by the likes of "Beau Nash and "Beau Brummel". Today, Bath is Britain’s best preserved Georgian city. Your guide conducts you on a tour of this beautiful city including the splendid Abbey and Georgian terraces, culminating in a visit to the fascinating Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room.
Enjoy some last minute shopping before rejoining the Northern Belle. A sumptuous dinner is served on board as the train journeys back to Chester.
Day 7 (Thursday): Chester / London
Breakfast at the hotel before boarding the Northern Belle for your final day of the Grand Tour. Your journey takes you through the "Black Country", so named as the area was transformed by the industrial revolution of the 19th century. Today the many canals are an attractive reminder of its proud heritage. Rural Oxfordshire follows with its gentle rolling hills and pretty sandstone villages.
Enjoy lunch on board the train as countryside slowly gives way to metropolis. Sit back and reflect on the places you have visited, the people you have met, and the friends you have made All too soon, you arrive in London and it’s time to say farewell to new-found friends and the attentive staff of the Northern Belle or is it only "see you soon".
Includes:
* All travel on board the Northern Belle
* Three nights accommodation at The Caledonian, Edinburgh in a deluxe double/twin
* Three nights acccommodation at the Chester Grosvenor, Chester, in a superior queen double/twin
* Sightseeing visits and entertainment as described in the itinerary
* Table d’hôte meals and all drinks on board (house brands)
* Other meals as described in the itinerary
* Baggage handling
* Orient-Express Tour Guides throughout
Cities & Hotels Featured On Tour
Passengers aboard the Northern Belle will stay in three historic hotels in three of Britain's most fascinating cities
Edinburgh
The historic city of Edinburgh sits on a cluster of craggy hills, surrounded by spectacular countryside and coastal scenery. There has never been a better time to visit - with its vibrant cultural, shopping and entertainment scene, things are really buzzing. Put on comfortable shoes and explore the city's compact center by foot. Don't miss the ancient castle, a walk along the Royal Mile, past medieval buildings, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the New Town - home to stylish shops and lively bars.
Chester
Chester has been welcoming visitors to its fair city for some 2,000 years, ever since the Romans built city walls in Britain. Test 18th-century biographer James Boswell's observation that "Chester pleases my fancy more than any town I ever saw" by walking all or part of the spectacular two-mile stroll along the city wall, looking down over a host of ancient buildings. These include the 900-year-old cathedral and the galleried "Rows", a Mecca for antiques lovers.
Bath
Renowned since Roman times for its natural hot-water springs, Bath's second flowering came in the 18th century when the Georgians turned the city into a fashionable spa resort. Their architectural legacy of grand buildings and sweeping crescents makes this one of Britain's most spectacular cities. Visiting the Pump Room conjures up images of former residents Jane Austen and Thomas Gainsborough. Other must-sees include the Roman Baths, the Costume Museum and the elegant 18th-century house: No. 1, Royal Crescent.
The Chester Grosvenor
The Glasshouse
Located at the foot of Calton Hill in the heart of the city centre, The Glasshouse is next door to the Edinburgh Playhouse and just a few steps from Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. The modern glass architecture of this delightful hotel incorporates the façade of the 150 year old Lady Glenorchy Church, creating a perfect balance between modern luxury and the historic city of Edinburgh. The 65 contemporary designed rooms at The Glasshouse take full advantage of the hotel's ideal location. With floor to ceiling windows, guests are offered the best views of the city and the Firth of Forth or Calton Hill. Most rooms have private terraces, and create a feeling of both privacy and freedom in a modern, chic setting.
The Chester Grosvenor
Built in 1865, The Chester Grosvenor is a magnificent, black-and-white building set beside Chester's Roman walls. On its doorstep are the city's famous Rows - the medieval streets that house a wealth of specialty shops. The hotel has been showered with awards, including five stars by both the AA and RAC, and the ETC Five Star and Golf Award.
Bath Spa House
Once an elegant private house dating back to the 1830’s, the Bath Spa Hotel nestles among cedars, fountains and ponds within seven acres of landscaped gardens and close to the Roman Baths and Pump Room. The hotel is an elegant Georgian façade offering two restaurants; The Vellore Restaurant occupies the former ballroom, a stately domed room of Doric columns and Georgian elegance and the Alfresco Restaurant is the bustling colonnade restaurant, with views out across the formal garden. The 102 bedrooms are furnished with a subtle blend of colours and maintain the atmosphere and appearance of a private house. The Vital Health Fitness & Beauty Club offers an Indoor Pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, Tennis Court, Croquet Lawn, three Treatment Rooms and a hair salon.
Upgrade to
The Balmoral
Located at the most prestigious address in Edinburgh, Number 1 Princes Street, the five-star Balmoral Hotel combines the noble character of a Scottish baronial home and the classic sophistication of an international hotel. This elegant hotel offers two bars and restaurants; Number one, The Balmoral's Michelin Star restaurant and Hadrian's, a stylish brasserie. The hotel also boasts the largest city centre hotel swimming pool in Edinburgh, a fully-equipped gym for both aerobic exercise and weight training, a steam room and sauna, and a wide array of beauty therapy treatments. The 168 guest bedrooms and 20 suites have been individually designed using neutral and pastel colours inspired from the Scottish landscape, blended with contemporary and elegant furnishings. Each bedroom has its own characteristics borrowed from the original Edwardian design and Scottish heritage.
Upgrade to
The Royal Crescent Hotel
additional information
can be found at
http://www.royalcrescent.co.uk/
The Royal Crescent Hotel
