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Air Canada Vacations

Historic Cities of England

Overview

England is home to many historic cities that are perfect for self-drive exploration. With this itinerary, you’ll spend nights in: 

Bath, a city famed for its Roman and Georgian heritage.

Cheltenham, located in Gloucestershire, England, a charming Regency town known for its beautiful architecture, cultural festivals and proximity to the Cotswolds.

Stratford-upon-Avon, the charming birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Nottingham, located in the East Midlands of England, a city steeped in history, legend and culture. Known worldwide for its association with the legendary Robin Hood, the city offers a variety of historic sites, vibrant culture and green spaces.

York, a historic city packed with medieval charm and Roman history.

Cambridge, a historic university city in East Anglia, renowned for its prestigious university, beautiful architecture and scenic setting along the River Cam.

London, one of the most iconic cities in the world, with world-class museums, historic landmarks, green spaces, diverse neighbourhoods and cultural events.

Format

Self-guided tour

Locations

  • Bath
  • Cheltenham
  • Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Nottingham
  • York
  • Cambridge
  • London

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flights to London (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
  • 9 nights of accommodation in selected category, including breakfast daily
  • 7-day car rental in your selected category
  • Third-Party Liability Insurance / Vehicle Theft Protection / VAT / Airport location fees
  • Unlimited mileage for 7-day durations or longer
  • Entrance to Roman Baths
  • River Cruise in York
  • Entrance to Tower of London
  • Earn Aeroplan® points

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to London.


 

Day 2

Welcome to England, onwards to Bath

Arrive in London and collect your rental car, departing for the city of Bath. If you have time, make a stop in the royal town of Windsor, where you may wish to visit the Castle.

Enjoy an overnight in Bath.

(Approximately 160 km)    

Day 3

Bath

Today, you will spend time in the historic city of Bath. Enjoy a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour of the main sights, including Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge and the Roman Baths (entrance to Roman Baths included).

Enjoy an overnight in Bath

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Bath to Cheltenham

Continue your trip through the historic cities of Gloucester and Cheltenham. Gloucester was founded by the Romans and no visit is complete without stopping at the famous cathedral. Cheltenham is a spa town on the edge of the beautiful Cotswolds region.

Enjoy an overnight in Cheltenham

(Approximately 80 km)    

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5

Worcester & Stratford-upon-Avon

Worcester is a beautiful Cathedral town, once the site of the last battle in the English Civil War. Here you can visit the Tudor House Museum. Continue to Stratford-upon-Avon, most famously known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can visit many homes and attractions linked to England’s most famous playwright.

Enjoy an overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon

(Approximately 50 km)    

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Warwick to Nottingham

Make your way to Warwick Castle, a medieval Castle with its roots founded by William the Conqueror. Continue to the city of Nottingham, home to the legendary Robin Hood and renowned for its lacemaking.

 

Enjoy an overnight in Nottingham

(Approximately 90 km)    

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7

Nottingham to York

York is one of England’s most beautiful cities, with its city walls and minster which dominates the skyline. The city has many influences, from Roman to Viking, and you can see relics from past civilizations. Spend time exploring the city at your pace on a river cruise (river cruise included) or even join an evening ghost tour.

Enjoy an overnight in York

(Approximately 120 km)    

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8

York to Cambridge

Today’s drive will bring you to the university city of Cambridge. Along the way, you may wish to stop in at Lincoln, a historic cathedral city that was founded during the Iron Age. Cambridge is home to the world’s third oldest university and here you can join an alumni for a walking tour of the city and even a punt on the river Cam.

Enjoy an overnight in Cambridge

(Approximately 225 km)    

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9

Cambridge to London (end of car rental)

Today, you’ll make your way back to London Heathrow. Make a stop in St Albans, a city with a wealth of history linked to the Romans and Anglo-Saxons. This city has been featured in programs like Inspector Morse, Foyle’s War and the recent Wonka movie. Drop your car at Heathrow Airport and make your own way to your hotel. There are numerous transportation options from London Heathrow to Central London.

Enjoy an overnight in London

(Approximately 120 km)    

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10

Explore London

Enjoy a full day in England’s capital city. Pay a visit to the impressive Tower of London and witness the British Crown Jewels (entrance included). Why not savour a spot of afternoon tea or take a Hop-On Hop-Off tour to maximize your time in the city?

Enjoy an overnight in London

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 11

Return Home

After breakfast, make your own way to London Heathrow for your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Bath
BW Limpley Stoke Hotel (or similar)
3
Cheltenham
Royal George Hotel (or similar)
3
Stratford-upon-Avon
Premier Inn (or similar)
3
Nottingham
Express by Holiday Inn (or similar)
3
York
B+B York Hotel (or similar)
3
Cambridge
George Hotel (or similar)
3
London
Phoenix Hotel (or similar)
3

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds

Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people  

Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Bath
Hotel Indigo (or similar)
4
Cheltenham
Robinswood Hotel (or similar)
4
Stratford-upon-Avon
Hotel Indigo (or similar)
4
Nottingham
Leonardo Hotel (or similar)
4
York
Holiday Inn York City Centre (or similar)
4
Cambridge
Clayton Hotel (or similar)
4
London
H10 Waterloo (or similar)
4

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds

Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people  

Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Important Information

  • Jan 3, 2025 – Oct 31, 25

  • Not included

    • Meals and beverages, unless noted
    • GPS, Fuel, Parking fees, traffic violation tickets, car upgrades, inter-city toll fees, additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, late drop off fees, cross border fees
    • Damage to tires, damaged wheels, lost keys
    • Gratuities
    • Local city taxes (payable in Euro at destination)
    • Porterage

     

     

     

     

  • Car – Self Drive

    • Small Eco Manual 
    • Medium Compact Automatic  
  • Check in: 3:00 p.m.
    Check out: 12:00 p.m.

  • The order of the itinerary may change, and the sequence and consecutive number of overnights per city could vary. Accommodations are confirmed within each county or region. Kilometres are estimated and depends on the route selected. The itinerary above is for reference only.

  • If applicable, payable in destination in local currency