Wednesday September 14 to Tuesday, September 27, 2011
England and Wales featuring Cities, Countryside & Castles and take the train to Paris, France

Tentative Itinerary:
Day 1: Wed., Sept. 14 - Our coach will transfer us from Barrie and the Tour Office to Pearson International Airport for our overnight flight to Manchester. (Departure times to be confirmed)
Day 2: Thurs., Sept. 15 - Manchester to Caernarfon, North Wales (100 miles) This morning we arrive at Manchester Airport and travel to historic Caernarfon. In 1969, Prince Charles was invested, by Her Majesty the Queen, as the Prince of Wales, at a ceremony in the castle. On route we visit Chester, considered to be the best-preserved, medieval walled city in England. (D)
Day 3: Fri., Sept. 16 - Caernarfon to Newport (180 miles) Today we continue to explore the beautiful countryside of Wales including a city tour of Cardiff enroute to Stratford. We will visit the Wedgewood Centre and have a unique chance to see Britain's greatest luxury ceramics company while experiencing the sublime skill and craftsmanship still alive in today's modern factory. Leaving Stoke we travel to the ancient market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of England's greatest poet and playwright William Shakespeare and visit Anne Hathaway’s cottage. A step on guide tour will provide a historic tour. (B &D)
Day 4: Sat., Sept. 17 - Stratford to Plymouth (250 miles) Travelling south we visit the City of Bath where we will see some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge. It is a compact city centre with its grand Georgian streets and small picturesque passageways to explore. We continue our journey to Plymouth via Glastonbury, the ancient Isle of Avalon with Arthurian connections, and a centre of pilgrimage for Christians. (B & D)
Day 5: Sun., Sept. 18 - Day tour to Land’s End (180 miles) Today’s tour is to the legendary Land's End, situated in one of Britain's most spectacularly beautiful locations. Visit the First and Last House and have your photo taken next to the famous Land's End signpost. Listen to the tales of the people who have travelled from Land's End to John O'Groats. You can even take the journey for yourself at an amazing speed of 6,000 mph. A multi-sensory theatre show, "Return to the Last Labyrinth" is full of the myths and legends associated with the local area. (B & D)
Day 6: Mon., Sept. 19 - Plymouth via Stonehenge and Brighton to Hastings (280 miles) On our journey today we visit Stonehenge, the world-famous circle renowned for its remarkable and uniquely carved rings of standing stones, and the most important surviving prehistoric construction in the country. We continue on to Brighton, one of the most vibrant, colourful and creative cities in Europe, offering the freedom of the sea and the energy of the city. From Brighton we travel along the south coast to Hastings. (B & D)
Day 7: Tues., Sept. 20 - Free time to relax in Hastings Today there is free time in this coastal town which lies between the rugged beauty of the East and West Hills. Home to Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet, Hastings has recently been at the heart of the smash hit ITV wartime drama series 'Foyle's War' which is both set and shot in the town. (B & D)
Day 8: Tues., Sept. 21 - Hastings to London (160 miles) On our journey today, we visit Dover, the bustling ferry port known throughout the western world for the chalk white cliffs facing the English Channel. The Straits of Dover have been both Britain’s frontline and her gateway for thousands of years. We continue on to Canterbury - for those seeking history and heritage Canterbury has two castles, six museums and an attraction that lets the visitor step back in time to the Middle Ages and witness the pilgrims on their journey from London to Canterbury Cathedral. (B & D)
Day 9: Wed., Sept. 22 - London Today is a full day of touring with our guide to see many of London’s unique landmarks including Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. We will experience the London Eye, a unique and versatile structure, comprising the best of British architecture and design. It is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world. There will even be time to visit the famous Harrods. (B & D)
Day 10: Thurs., Sept. 23 - Today is a free day to enjoy London on your own. You may choose to visit one of the many museums, take the hop on hop off bus or travel by way of the underground. A group dinner and evening performance of a West end London theatre production is arranged for this evening as we say farewell to England and start our journey to Paris in the morning through the Chunnel. (D)
Day 11: Fri., Sept. 24 - London - Eurostar Train – Paris, France Sit back and relax as we depart London and travel on the innovative Eurostar High Speed Train to France. Arrive in the “City of Lights,” Paris. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour including the world-famous Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde and the magnificent Place Vendome. Following dinner, enjoy an evening of entertainment when we attend the Moulin Rouge. This is Paris's oldest cabaret theatre. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner complete with wine, champagne, and a delightful show. (B & D)
Day 12: Sat., Sept. 25 - Paris This morning we visit of the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 the Eiffel Tower. Enter the amazing original engine room that still control the elevators, discover the old bunker hidden under the Champ de Mars, stroll along the technical gallery on the first floor and admire the amazing views that gives onto the esplanade. There will also be time to visit Montmartre, well known for its artists and painters. After lunch we visit the Orsay museum with its extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces (the largest in the world) by painters such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, Seurat, Sisley, Gauguin and Van Gogh. This evening we travel to Le Port de la Bourdonnais for the dinner cruise on the River Seine. (B & D)
Day 13: Sun., Sept. 26 - This morning we visit the PALACE of VERSAILLES. It counts among the prestigious monuments of the world’s artistic heritage and is certainly the finest and most complete achievement of 17th century French art : state apartment of the king, hall of mirrors, apartments of the queen, private apartment, opera, 17th century galleries, crusade rooms., the Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon. This afternoon is free to explore the city and shop for some last minute souvenirs. (B)
Day 14: Mon. Sept. 27 - Today, we depart Paris for our return home. Our coach will be waiting for us upon arrival at Pearson International Airport. (B)

Tour includes: transfer from Barrie by motor coach to Pearson International Airport, return flights, motor coach transportation with Hamilton Tours Director, 13 nights hotel accommodation, hotel taxes, baggage handling for 1 large suitcase each, meals included as listed in the itinerary, attractions and guided tours as listed in the itinerary & HST EXEMPT.

Cost per person:
Twin $5,750.00
Single $6,450.00

Deposit of $2000.00 is required upon booking with the balance due in full on August 1, 2011

A Valid Passport is required for this tour.

RBC Travel Insurance is available through our office at the time of booking at an additional charge.