Explore the Lakes and Dales of Northern England on a small group multi day tour. This itinerary is designed to introduce you to the countryside that so inspired William Wordsworth and other Lakeland poets and authors, including Beatrix Potter, John Ruskin and the landscapes of J W Turner. Explore the Lancashire and Yorkshire dales, specifically the area known universally as Bronte Country in memory of the three Bronte sisters. Spend time in tranquil Windemere - England's largest natural lake, visit the stately home of Levens Hall in Cumbria and the fortified city of York, soak in the stunning scenery and stay in idyllic, English style Inns throughout.

With a maximum group size of 16, you will benefit from the customised services of a knowledgeable driver/guide, shared guided tours at places of interest along the way and travel in style in a luxury mini-coach.

Small group tours depart every 2nd Wednesday from May 2nd, to September 19, 2012 and are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants. In general, the maximum group size is 16.

Consider adding additional days to your trip with the services of a private guide and/or driver to see more of the country - your time on either side of your small group tour can be customized to suit your needs (and private guided tours can be added throughout your small group experience as desired).

Manchester is one of the country's most influential population centres, constantly vying with Birmingham for the title of England's second city. It was at the heart of the industrial revolution that steam-powered Victorian Britain to the position of the number one country on earth. The city centre is a series of continental style plazas, designer developments and cutting edge architecture with structures such as The Bridgewater Hall, The Lowry Centre and the bizzarely brilliant Imperial War Museum building. The arts and culture are well represented in a series of galleries and museums. The future has never looked brighter for the city, with further development ongoing, tourists and locals alike are beginning to enjoy the city's vibrancy and famous nightlife like never before.

You will be picked up by private vehicle and driver at Manchester aiport upon your arrival and transferred to your hotel today.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

The Best Western Willow Bank Hotel is perched on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, minutes from motorway networks and within easy reach of the airport. In a truly cosmopolitan district of Manchester, this friendly hotel boasts good public transport links, charming rooms and excellent value for money.

Overnight at Best Western Willowbanks 3*.

Meet up with your Tour Leader and fellow travellers this morning in the Willowbank Hotel in Manchester.

Departing the world’s first industrial city of Manchester, head north to the Lake District - a treasured corner of England with sweeping vistas and idyllic glades. Travel through this stunning scenery to one of the finest stately homes in Cumbria, Levens Hall. Converted from a medieval pele tower to a gentleman’s home in the 1590s this house offers a fantastic insight into aristocratic life. Enjoy roaming through its grade I listed garden dating from 1694, incorporating a small orchard of apple trees, a nuttery and herb garden, a rose garden, herbaceous borders and a fountain garden before enjoying a a tour of the house to view its luxurious rooms.

This afternoon the first port of call is Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top Farm, which remains as she had left it and is where she invented some of her best loved characters, references to whom can be found in every room. Be sure to check out the lovely cottage garden, a delightful mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables before departing. 

More of the region unfolds as you travel through to the nearby town of Hawkshead where you might choose to visit Beatrix Potter’s Gallery and the Old Grammar School Wordsworth once attended. The school’s museum retains much of its original character and the ground floor classroom still has the original desk where this great poet once sat. It’s a slight change of scenery as you travel to the heart of the Lake District and visit England’s largest natural lake, Lake Windermere, your home for two nights.

Enjoy a great 3 course dinner this evening with your fellow travellers. Head Chef Marc Sanders of The Wild Boar is commited to serving best locally produced seasonal ingredients, often best experienced whilst relaxing by the open fire.

The Wild Boar Inn, Grill & Smokehouse offers comfortable, classic country style accommodation in the  heart of the Lake District. Set in the ancient beauty of the Gilpin Valley, this Coaching Inn takes its name from the local legend of Sir Richard de Gilpin who bravely fought and killed a particularly ferocious wild boar close by. However its fame these days has much more to do with the warmest of welcomes and standard of service complemented by new, individually designed rooms, and the new Grill & Smokehouse and open kitchen offering more theatre to the overall dining experience.

Overnight at The Wild Boar Hotel (B) or similar.

Begin your adventurous day by calling in at Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, where the famous poet spent some time here during his most productive years (it was here that he was inspired to write "Daffodils"). Gain a fascinating insight into his life as we explore both the house and adjoining museum.

Enjoy a relaxing drive through some of England’s most rugged landscape and really immerse yourselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Lake District. Travel past Ullswater Lake and over the Kirkstone Pass where you may visit the second highest pub in England. At the end of another wonderful day, stop in the market town of Keswick nestled on the shores of Derwentwater, where you can explore its wide array of local shops, galleries and unique museums at leisure. Visit the nearby mystical Neolithic stone circle at Castlerigg before returning to your accommodation.

Overnight at The Wild Boar Hotel (B) or similar.

Today’s journey takes you from the drama of the Lakes to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales landscape. Pass through ancient villages wrapped in rolling hills and the moorland wilderness of the Pennines. This landscape is rich in monastic heritage and your stop at the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal will offer plenty of opportunity for you to explore its impressive grounds, which boast the largest abbey ruins in England and the magnificent Georgian Water Gardens.

If time permits you should be able to pass through the old fashioned town of Thirsk which inspired James Herriot’s popular veterinary tales. Then it is on to your charming accommodation before enjoying a delicious local evening meal.

Overnight at Solberge Hall Hotel (3*)or similar.

Truly a day of contrasts, you start by making the trip over the heather-carpeted North York Moors to the coastal town of Whitby and Captain Cook country. As well as being famous for its picturesque harbour, fine beaches and brooding abbey, this is where Bram Stoker’s COunt Dracula came ashore and where the author derived inspiration for his famous character.

Continue your journey to decorous Castle Howard
where the famous TV adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s “Brideshead Revisited” was set to and meander amongst the sumptuous 18th century stately home complete with dramatic 18th century interiors and magnificent collections on display.

Overnight at Solberge Hall Hotel (3*)or similar.

The final day in Yorkshire is dominated by the splendours of York. This magnificent yet compact city encapsulates the whole of England’s history within its stone ramparts. York offers a feast of sights for all ages and interests, including England’s greatest cathedral and well preserved medieval streets. Following a walking and orientation tour with your guide, you will have some time at leisure  to sample this city’s highlights.

Crossing the moorland heights you enter more rugged landscape on your way to Hawarth, once home of the Bronte sisters. Here spend your remaining time together exploring the lives and surroundings of Anne, Emily and Charlotte as well as discovering a little more about the talented yet tragic life of their brother Branwell. The tour then concludes in Manchester.

You will be returned to Manchester at 1approximately 7.30h at Willowbanks Hotel where you can bid farewell to your fellow travellers.

The MacDonald Hotel & Resort (4*) is a luxury hotel in the heart of Manchester. The hotel is located within walking distance of Piccadilly train station and within easy reach of major motorways, making it a convenient choice for a comfortable stay in Manchester city centre. The landmark Manchester hotel sets a new standard in luxury accommodation in the cosmopolitan city, putting Manchester's top attractions on your doorstep as well as boasting sophisticated conference and meeting facilities that make it a great choice for hosting business events in one of Europe's major commercial centres.

Overnight at MacDonald Hotel & Resort (4*).

You will be transferred by private driver and vehicle to Manchester airport today in time for your onward travels.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).