Spirit of England
Cities : London, Manchester and York
Day 1
Arrive in London
Arrive in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. After you check in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city. The metro is the best mode of transport. We recommend you buy the Oyster Card which is available at any of the Underground metro stations. It is the cheapest way to pay for single journeys on bus, tube, tram and rail services in London. Later in the evening, enjoy a classy play or a mesmerizing musical at a West End theatre. Overnight in London.
Day 2
London
Discover the city at your own pace by hitching a ride on the open-top Hop-On Hop-Off bus that takes you to all the must-see spots. The ticket is valid on three interesting routes - the Yellow route which is the Grand Tour of the best of Londons sights with entertaining live commentary, the Red route which covers major sights including must-visit attractions like Madame Tussauds, St Pauls Cathedral and the London Eye and the Blue Tour, a Museum tour which leads you to Londons famous museums, like the Natural History Museum with its enormous collection of over 70 million artifacts and specimens covering life on earth. In the evening, see the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St. Pauls Cathedral, the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, Madam Tussauds, Canary Wharf, the O2 Millennium Dome, the Thames Flood Barrier and many more London landmarks, resplendent against the glittering night sky. The ticket also includes a Thames River Cruise and walking tours at no extra cost. Overnight in London.
Day 3
London - Oxford / Stratford
This morning, visit the University towns of Oxford and Stratford en route to the historic Warwick Castle, as you make your way past the gently rolling hills of Cotswolds, completely surreal and quintessentially English. Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town at the edge of the Forest of Arden, and the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Gain fascinating insights into the playwrights childhood as your visit his Tudor-style home with its typical parlour, bedrooms, kitchen, buttery and ancestral glove-making workshop. A short drive away is the medieval Warwick Castle, with its magnificent towers and ramparts still intact. Go back 1000 years as you take a footbridge into a bygone world of banquets, battles and ceremonies. Be startled by Tussauds waxwork collection, brave the spine-chilling dungeons where prisoners were tortured. Stroll through the Castles lovingly tended gardens, catch displays of archery, falconry and jousting. Head back through the verdant Warwickshire countryside to London. The evening is free at leisure. Overnight in London.
Day 4
London - Manchester
Make your way to the train station to board a train for a 2 hour 20 minute journey to Manchester. Check-in and the rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city and shop. You could visit the Manchester Art Gallery and enjoy the work of artists like Constable, Turner, Pissarro, Gauguin and Renoir. A trip to the Manchester Arndale and Market Street, where Topshop, Zara, H&M, Next and other top brand stores are located, is a must. Or discover Manchester on foot, by booking a guided walking tour which allows you to explore the splendid Victorian architecture against the backdrop of slick, modern buildings. After freshening up at your hotel, head out to dine at one of the citys many fantastic restaurants. Overnight in Manchester.
Day 5
Manchester - Peak District
This morning you can opt for a full day tour of the Peak District. From rugged moorland to rolling hills and dales, from lush meadows to leafy forests, Peak District has arguably the countrys finest scenery. Or, choose to spend the day at The Quays, 15 minutes away from the Manchester City Centre. Explore The Lowry with its houses, theatres, galleries, family attractions and a range of cafes, bars and restaurants. The Quay is also home to Manchester Uniteds legendary Old Trafford football ground, where a tour of the stadium to discover what happens behind the scenes, and a sneak peek into the museum to explore the clubs fascinating history, is highly recommended. Come evening, take your pick from the performances at the Palace Theatre and Opera House, The Lowry or Royal Exchange Theatre, Library Theatre, Contact Theatre or Bridgewater Hall. Famous faces, West-End favourites, world-class performers, musicians and conductors are on stage every single night in Manchester. A traditional English dinner later, return to your hotel. Overnight in Manchester.
Day 6
Manchester - York
Make your way to the train station for a pleasant train journey to York. The day is free for you to explore York, a city with a rich heritage and numerous attractions. Visit the National Railway Museum of York with over 300 exhibits. A must-do is a visit to the York Dungeon where you can enjoy shows that present the history of the dungeon through actor-led shows, special effects and exhibits. Overnight in York.
Day 7
Depart York
Its time to say goodbye to York as you board your train to London for your onward flight.