Embark on an unforgettable journey where you will you travel back in time over 2000 years of British history… Trace the paths of pilgrims, walk the crags of Hadrian’s Wall, explore the sites of the Viking-landings & the castles that defended Northumberland, take in the majesty of Edinburgh & the puffins of the Farne Islands, and visit the sanctuary of Holy Island & Lindisfarne Abbey.
This trip is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty, promising memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1 – Thursday, August 14
Today, our adventure begins! Board the flight from Toronto, ON to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Day 2 – Friday, August 15 (B/D)
Begin your journey with a convenient transfer from Edinburgh Airport into the city, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Edinburgh and free time to explore and purchase lunch. Then, travel to the charming town of Hexham and settle in for a 5-night stay at the cozy Twice Brewed Inn. Your first evening concludes with a delightful dinner at the hotel, setting the tone for a memorable trip.
Day 3 – Saturday, August 16 (B)
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day of exploration with a knowledgeable local guide. Enjoy convenient coach transfers to and from the walking tour starting points, a packed lunch, and a guided walk from Housesteads to Steel Rigg. Highlights include admission to Housesteads Roman Fort and a visit to the iconic Sycamore Gap, making for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 4 – Sunday, August 17 (B)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a full day with a local guide. Enjoy comfortable coach transfers to Carlisle, where you’ll take a guided walking tour and then have time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 5 – Monday, August 18 (B)
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting off for a full day of discovery with a local guide. We will have coach transfers to and from the walking tour starting points, a packed lunch, and visits to fascinating historical sites, including Lanercost Priory and Birdoswald Roman Fort. End the day with a stop in the charming village of Gilsland, rounding out a day rich in history and natural beauty.
Day 6 – Tuesday, August 19 (B/PL/D)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a full day of exploration with a local guide. Travel by coach to the start of your walking tours, with a packed lunch provided for the journey. Highlights include visiting the Mithraic Temple and Coventina’s Well, as well as admission to Chester’s Roman Fort and Museum, where history comes to life. This evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 – Wednesday, August 20 (B)
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to Vindolanda, a fascinating historical site. Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful Northumberland countryside on a full-day coach journey to Seahouses. Upon arrival, check in at the Bamburgh Castle Inn, your home for the next five nights, and settle in for the next leg of your adventure.
Day 8 – Thursday, August 21 (B)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by an optional boat trip to the Farne Islands. Experience incredible wildlife, including seabirds and seals, for approximately $115 CAD per person (note: puffins have already departed for the season). Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Seahouses or simply relaxing.
Day 9 – Friday, August 22 (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a full day with a local guide. Travel to Holy Island for a day rich in history and beauty, featuring visits to Lindisfarne Castle and Lindisfarne Priory, both included with your admission. Comfortable return transfers ensure a seamless and memorable experience.
Day 10 – Saturday, August 23 (B)
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before joining a local guide for a full day of exploration. Enjoy a scenic coastal walk from Seahouses to Bamburgh Castle, taking in stunning views of the North Sea along the way. The day concludes with admission to Bamburgh Castle, where you can immerse yourself in its fascinating history and breathtaking surroundings.
Day 11 – Sunday, August 24 (B)
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off with a local guide for a full day of exploration. Travel to Alnwick for an enchanting visit to Alnwick Castle and Gardens. Later, head to the charming fishing village of Craster and enjoy a picturesque walk to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, blending history and scenic beauty in a perfect day out.
Day 12 – Monday, August 25 (B)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before checking out. Today, we embark for the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh. Upon arrival, we will check in for a 2-night stay at Four Points by Sheraton. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to sightsee and explore the city. Pending availability, there will be optional Edinburugh Tattoo tickets for $225 CAD.
Day 13 – Tuesday, August 26 (B/D)
Start your morning with breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will have free time in the city of Edinburgh to continue explorations. Relax at a cafe, stroll the cobblestone streets, or visit any of the fascinating museums the city has to offer. Tonight, we will reflect on our time spent together at a farewell dinner.
Day 14 – Wednesday, August 27 (B)
Today, we say goodbye to Scotland as we check out of the hotel and board our flight from Edinburgh, Scotland to Toronto, ON.
B – Breakfast / PL – Packed Lunch / D – Dinner
COST INCLUDES:
- Return airfare from Toronto, ON to Edinburgh, Scotland, including 1 piece of checked luggage per person (within airline size & weight restrictions) all applicable airline, airport and security fees as of this contract date
- Transportation via private motor coach(s) as per the itinerary, including driver accommodations and tolls/parking (number and size of coach to be determined when numbers confirmed)
- 12 nights’ accommodation – 5 in Hexham, 5 in Seahouses and 2 in Edinburgh (based on twin/double accommodations)
- Buffet breakfast daily, 3 packed lunches and 3 dinners
- guided tour in Edinburgh
- 5 days with a local guide from Hexham (guided walks along Hadrians Wall)
- 3 days with a local guide on Northumbrian Coast
- Visits and admission prices (where fees exist) to the following: Housesteads Roman Fort, Sycamore Gap, Chesters Fort, Birdoswalkd Roman fort, Gilsland, Mithraic Timple and the site of Coventina’s Well, Vindolanda, Lindisfarne Castle, Lindisfarne Priory, Bamburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle and the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle
- Visits to the town of Carlisle and the fishing village of Craster
- Ellison Travel Tour Manager for the duration of your trip
- Includes all applicable taxes and service charges as of this contract date (HST/GST does not apply)
- 24-hour Ellison Travel & Tours emergency contact number while on tour
- Comprehensive Tour Leader documents that include, confirmation details, travel tips and more
NOT INCLUDED:
- Insurance has not been included as part of your tour package. Ellison Tours highly recommends that all travellers ensure they have Travel Insurance. These products, including Cancellation and Medical coverage, can be purchased through Ellison Tours – see insurance information sheet for details
- Costs associated with vaccination, testing and other entry/exit requirements for your itinerary (unless noted under included above)
- Costs associated with visa or passport processing, passport photos and other government processing fees
- Fees associated with the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA – effective January 2025, cost of £10GBP). ellisontravel.com/uk-eu-entry
- Meals other than mentioned above
- Wi-Fi services on motorcoach
- Hotel luggage handling
- Drinks with group lunches or dinners (other than tap water on the tables) are available for purchase
- Driver and local guide gratuities: suggested total amount of gratuities for the trip is approx. $120.00 – $150.00 per person travelling on the trip (details/guidelines to be provided)
- Additional taxes, fuel surcharges or service charges levied by the governments or our suppliers
- Charges by the airline for oversize/overweight luggage/musical instruments, over and above the amount listed under the price includes section above
- Any luggage fees introduced or altered prior to travel
ALTERNATE TOUR OPTIONS (additional charges/minimum # of passengers may apply):
- A limited number of deviations are allowed at an extra cost of $150.00 + other airline fees
$8,470 – $8,570 (15-20 paying travellers)
PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES:
- Online Tour Registration Deadline – January 31, 2025
- Online Payment Registration Deadline – February 10, 2025
- 1st payment of $1,500 + optional insurance per person is due – February 18, 2025
- Event tickets cannot be purchased until first per person deposit is received
- Deviation Request and Booking Deadline – April 1, 2025
- 2nd payment of $3000 per person is due – April 18, 2025
- Final Payment is due – June 1, 2025
Neil Orford, President & Co-Founder of Defining Moments
Neil is a retired History Teacher, from Dufferin County, Ontario. A winner of both the Governor General’s and Ontario Premier’s Award for History Teaching, his Digital Historian Project© won the 2015 Government of Canada History Award. He has been featured on CBC’s “The National”, TVO’s “The Agenda”, and in numerous articles across Canada. He has written for major Canadian publications and is a regular presenter at Conferences and workshops. He has worked extensively with the Juno Beach Centre and has led a Summer Institute for History teachers in Normandy. Neil is the owner and president of Defining Moments Canada, Ltd.
