Towns and Cities 2008

The popularity of Bath as an exclusive retreat has remained for centuries; an elegant city where ancient treasures and modern fashions combine. Immerse yourself in this glorious destination famous for the Roman Baths, museums and antique shops.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Bath).

Situated within the scenic borders, Carlisle's strategic position has influenced the destinies of both England and Scotland and created a history of feuds and bloody battles. Uncover the city's past for yourself and let history come alive.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Carlisle).

The appeal of Chester, one of the oldest and most complete Roman walled cities, is as unique and memorable as the medieval black and white timbered 'Rows' that overlook the central 'cross'. With individual shops nestling within historic buildings and a cathedral, this is a destination of universal appeal.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time in Chester).

A treasure trove of quaint hamlets built from apricot-coloured stone, the cotswolds gentle appearance belies its ancient history. Enjoy a coach tour of this picturesque region, known for gentle hillsides and sleepy villages, with some time to explore Stow-on-the-Wold with its antiques and art shops.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst visiting the Cotswold villages).

For over 900 years the magnificent Norman cathedral and castle have dominated the city of Durham's skyline. Today the shops and restaurants live happily with the Victorian market and street entertainment to make this a great destination to suit all tastes.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst visiting the Cotswold villages).

Uncover the secrets of daily life on board the former floating home of Her Majesty The Queen. The Royal Yacht Britannia, now moored in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith, is one of the world's most famous and elegant ships. Follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers, as you explore her four main decks.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

Edinburgh is home to a wealth of fine historic buildings from Edinburgh Castle, perched dramatically on its crag of volcanic rock and the Scott Monument, a tribute to the Edinburgh writer Sir Walter Scott, to the 17th-century Palace of Holyrood House at one end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The shopping is great too, from big name stores to small specialist shops.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Edinburgh).

With its well preserved architecture and glorious public gardens, the elegant Victorian spa town of harrogate became famous as the first and only true European spa in England. The Royal Pump Rooms were built in 1842 to enclose the Old Sulphur Well that was increasingly sought after. Explore the rooms and learn more about why people came to take the 'cure'; perhaps you may even wish to sample the waters for yourself!

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember that you will be outdoors for part of time whilst in Harrogate).

Discover the beauty of Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of freshwater in Great Britain, and the wild glens and sparkling lochs of The Trossachs - the homelands of Rob Roy MacGregor.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time on your excursion).

Within this most distinguished region of England's capital the air of exclusivity continues to reign supreme. What better way to match the sumptuous decadence of a journey on board the Northern Belle than with time spent at London's most illustrious stores in famous Knightsbridge and Oxford Street.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in London).

London is a tireless metropolis of diversity; a vibrant and exciting city, staunchly proud of its history, culture and ground-breaking architecture. Then embark upon a cruise on the Thames, the best and most relaxed way to see the sights and splendour of this great capital city. Allow the soaring London Eye, the world's largest observation wheel, to plan your itinerary for you as the breathtaking sights of London appear before your eyes.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in London).

Embrace the sheer glamour of London's West End and, in combination with your journey onboard the Orient-Express train, you will truly feel like a star! A profusion of cinemas, restaurants and theatres flood the Leicester Square area with an infectious energy, heightened by the extraordinary experience that is live theatre. With more shows and larger audiences than anywhere else in the world (including the illustrious Broadway), London is the perfect place to immerse yourself in a show.

(Smart day wear is appropriate for this journey. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers).

Lying off the west coast of Scotland, the history of the second largest of the Hebridean islands is emphasised by its breathtaking scenery. From the mountain of Ben More, standing at a majestic 3000 ft to the main village of Tobermory - famed for its brightly painted buildings. Standing stones, duns, brochs and castles, all combine to create a mystical atmosphere within an environment ruled by nature.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time at Oban and on the Isle of Mull).

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Home to Royalty and scholars. “The City of Dreaming Spires” is famous the world over for its University and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and an established town since the 9th century.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Oxford).

Built by Clough William-Ellis on his own private peninsula off the coast of Snowdonia, his lifelong concern was with 'Architecture and Landscape Design'. Portmeirion village allowed him to fight for beauty and to give his ideas a gloriously unique, physical expression. This eclectic village was famously used for the filming of the cult 1960's television show 'The Prisoner'.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Portmeirion).

At an impressive twelve miles long lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. Set amongst emerald coloured hills, Windermere lies in a beautiful location, offering pure tranquility and stunning scenery. The lake has fourteen islands, the largest of which is 'Belle Isle' at 38 acres, which can be clearly seen from the promenade. Explore the lake-side town of Bowness, with its Victorian history, plus the ancient St Martin's Church with the delightful web of narrow streets, known locally as Lowside, directly behind it. A cruise on the lake is a perfect conclusion before you return home.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in Windermere).

York, surrounded by ancient stone walls, is yours to explore and to enjoy. Experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of Viking life at the Jorvic centre situated in the heart of the city. York is the perfect place for shopping. With its historic city centre and quaint narrow lanes you’re sure to find that perfect item or gift amongst the many shops and boutiques.

(Smart day wear is appropriate. You are asked not to wear jeans or trainers. Please remember you will be outdoors for part of your time in York).