Are you a Travel Agency? Follow this link to register with us

Vacations with Personality

GREAT BRITAIN by RAIL

Fly & Rail Tour

23 days / 22 nights
  • About Tour
  • Tour Itinerary
  • Whats Included
  • Important Info
  • T&C
Languages English Duration 23 days / 22 nights Airline
This 23-day rail tour of Great Britain offers a comprehensive journey through England, Wales, and Scotland, combining history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Starting in London, travelers explore iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and the London Eye before heading to Cambridge, Bath, and Bristol for their academic and Roman heritage. The journey continues through Wales, with stops in Cardiff and the South West, showcasing medieval castles and coastal scenery. Heading into England’s heartland, travelers visit Birmingham, York, and Manchester, delving into Viking history, industrial innovation, and football heritage.

The tour then moves north into Scotland, with stops in Liverpool, the Lake District, and the Borders, offering scenic countryside and historical landmarks such as Hadrian’s Wall. In Glasgow and Stirling, visitors explore Scottish traditions and legendary sites like Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. The journey through the Highlands and Inverness highlights dramatic landscapes, before heading to St. Andrews and concluding in Edinburgh, where history and culture come together in Scotland’s vibrant capital. This rail adventure blends history, nature, and local culture for an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Explore Great Britain’s highlights via rail, with scenic views and cultural experiences.

• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary or Halifax) to a London Airport (Heathrow or Gatwick) on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
One free personal item, one free Carry-on included on all flight classes
Checked luggage can be added ($) when booked on Economy Class (Y)
2 pieces of checked luggage included on Premium (W) and Business (J) classes
• Travel by train with your included BritRail Pass
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight onboard WestJet from Edinburgh Airport to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
 Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included

** Departing and arrival airports are:
 • Departing from Halifax (YHZ) to London, your destination airport is London Gatwick (LGW), returning from Edinburgh to Halifax
 • Departing from Calgary (YYC) to London, your destination airport is London Heathrow (LHR) returning from Edinburgh to Heathrow

The Tour on Map Tour map image path

Itinerary

Tour day #1 photo
Day 0 Departure from Canada
Arrive at your departing city airport on time for your direct flight to London.

Hop aboard your WestJet flight and brace yourself for the adventure!

*Please note there are several departing flights Airports from Canada to London:
•  Departing from Calgary (YYC) 
•  Departing from Halifax (YHZ) 


Tour day #2 photo
Day 1 Arrival in London
Arrive at your London airport and transfer to the city center. 

Begin your exploration with a visit to the Tower of London, where you can delve into its rich history. Enjoy panoramic views from the London Eye and take a serene river Thames cruise for a unique perspective of the city. 

Overnight: London


Tour day #3 photo
Days 2 - 3 London and surroundings
Explore beyond London with various day trip options. Take a train to Cambridge, renowned for its prestigious university and historic architecture. Alternatively, visit Canterbury with its famous Cathedral, or embark on a full day excursion to Salisbury and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge. 

Discover Windsor, home to Windsor Castle and a favorite retreat of the British monarchy. 

Overnight: London


Tour day #4 photo
Day 4 London - Bath - Bristol
This morning, travel to London Paddington station for a train journey to Bath. 

Explore this vibrant city known for its Roman Baths, dating back 2,000 years, and its Georgian architecture. Alternatively, visit Bristol, celebrated for its dynamic arts scene and street art, including works by Banksy.

Overnight: Bath / Bristol


Tour day #5 photo
Day 5 Bath - Bristol - Cardiff
Travel through the picturesque Bristol Canal to Cardiff, the capital of Wales.

Discover Cardiff Castle, steeped in history and Welsh culture, before exploring the city's vibrant atmosphere. 

Overnight: Cardiff


Tour day #6 photo
Day 6 South West of Wales
Adventure into the mythical landscapes of west Wales with a day trip to Pembrokeshire or Swansea, offering breathtaking coastal scenery and cultural richness.

Overnight: Cardiff


Tour day #7 photo
Day 7 Cardiff to Brimingham
Today, journey to Birmingham, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and cultural offerings.

Explore the canals by taking a cruise or visit the Black Country Living Museum, a filming location for the popular series Peaky Blinders.

Overnight: Birmingham


Tour day #8 photo
Days 8 - 9 Birmingham to York
Arrive in York, a medieval city with Roman and Viking influences. Explore attractions like York’s Chocolate Story or the Jorvik Centre. 

Venture into North Yorkshire with a scenic ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway or visit the coastal town of Scarborough.

Overnight: York


Tour day #9 photo
Day 10 York to Manchester
Travel to Manchester, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and a vibrant cultural hub. Explore its football legacy at the National Football Museum or enjoy unique attractions like the Crystal Maze Live Experience.

Overnight: Manchester


Tour day #10 photo
Days 11 - 12 Liverpool and Chester
From Manchester, visit Liverpool, famed for its musical heritage and the Beatles. Alternatively, explore Chester, known for its Roman walls and medieval architecture. 

Overnight: Manchester


Tour day #11 photo
Day 13 Manchester to Lake District
Experience the natural beauty of the Lake District with its stunning landscapes. Stop at Windermere for outdoor activities such as kayaking or a relaxing lake cruise. 

Overnight: Windermere


Tour day #12 photo
Day 14 Lake District to borders
Head towards Scotland with a stop at the Borders region. Explore Hadrian's Wall and the Vindolanda Museum to discover remnants of the Roman Empire. 

Overnight: Carlisle / Newcastle


Tour day #13 photo
Days 15 - 16 Borders to Glasgow
Arrive in Glasgow, known for its Gothic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Discover the city's hidden gems on themed walking tours or take a day trip to Oban, Scotland's seafood capital. 

Overnight: Glasgow


Tour day #14 photo
Day 17 Glasgow to Stirling
Travel to Stirling, dominated by its historic castle and associated with William Wallace, Scotland's legendary hero.

Explore the castle and learn about its rich history.

Overnight: Stirling


Tour day #15 photo
Days 18 - 19 Stirling to Inverness
Journey into the Scottish Highlands, arriving in Inverness. Explore Loch Ness with a cruise in search of Nessie or visit Culloden Battlefield, a significant site from the Jacobite Rebellion. 

Experience the magical Jacobite Steam Train over Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

Overnight: Inverness


Tour day #16 photo
Day 20 Inverness to St. Andrews
Visit St. Andrews, renowned as the "home of golf," and explore its picturesque village and historic sites like the Cathedral ruins. 

Overnight: St Andrews


Tour day #17 photo
Day 21 - 22 St. Andrews to Edinburgh
Spend your final days in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, discovering its iconic landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. 

Visit the Johnnie Walker Experience for whisky enthusiasts or enjoy ghost tours and traditional Scottish entertainment.

 Overnight: Edinburgh


Tour day #18 photo
Day 23 Bye, Bye UK !
Arrive on time at Edinburgh Airport for your direct WestJet flight to your destination in Canada.

 • Departing from Edinburgh (EDI) to Halifax (YHZ)
 • Departing from Edinburgh (EDI) to Calgary (YYC) 

Whats Included
• Departure flight onboard WestJet on a direct flight from your departing airport (Calgary or Halifax) to a London Airport (Heathrow or Gatwick) on the selected itinerary and flight class (*)
One free personal item, one free Carry-on included on all flight classes
Checked luggage can be added ($) when booked on Economy Class (Y)
2 pieces of checked luggage included on Premium (W) and Business (J) classes
• Travel by train with your included BritRail Pass
• Daily activities as per chosen itinerary.
• Accommodation on the selected room category and plan. 
• 24/7 personalized assistance by our professional staff in destination.
• Option to buy additional local excursions and entrances to attractions.
• Return flight onboard WestJet from Edinburgh Airport to selected airport on a direct flight.

* Please note that some flight classes may already include either carry-on or checked bags on your price. Please make sure to check flight class on your booking before proceeding to pay for extras:
• Economy: Personal item + carry-on. Checked bags can be added online - after bookings are completed - for a fee.
 Premium: One personal item, one carry-on and 2 pieces of checked bags included
• Business: (Available on selected routes). One personal item + one carry-on + 2 pieces of checked bags included

** Departing and arrival airports are:
   • Departing from Halifax (YHZ) to London, your destination airport is London Gatwick (LGW), returning from Edinburgh to Halifax
   • Departing from Calgary (YYC) to London, your destination airport is London Heathrow (LHR) returning from Edinburgh to Calgary

Accommodation:
Example hotels (or similar): 3/4 stars

 • London: Phoenix Hotel (3*) 
 • Bath or Bristol: Hotel Indigo Bath (4*) 
 • Cardiff: Clayton Hotel Cardiff (4*) 
 • Birmingham: Strathallan Hotel (4*)
 • York: Deans Court Hotel (4*) 
 • Manchester: Copthorne Salford Quays (4*) 
 • Windermere: Merewood Country House Hotel (4*) 
 • Carlisle or Newcastle: Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre (3*) 
 • Glasgow: Ibis Styles George Square (3*) 
 • Stirling: Golden Lion Hotel (3*)
 • Inverness: Glen Mhor Hotel (4*)
 • St. Andrews: Inn at Lathones (3*)
 • Edinburgh: Cairn Hotel (3*)

Services included:
   • BritRail Pass (22 days)
   • Admission to Tower of London

** BritRail Validity:
•  Unlimited travel on all National Rail services of Great Britain
•  Valid all day, including Peak Hours
•  Valid for use on Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express and Stansted Express (as part of a day's use)
•  Valid on Caledonian Sleeper and Night Riviera Sleeper (must book berth prior to travel)

Whats Not Included
. Baggage porterage at airport/hotel
. Personal travel insurance (highly recommended)
. Beverages, snacks, lunches, dinners unless otherwise noted in itinerary 
. Guaranteed early check-in
. Guaranteed late check-out 
. Any service not specifically listed under "Included"

Brit Rail Exclusions:
• Eurostar services
• London Underground trains and buses
• Tyne and Wear Metro
• Manchester Metro Link
• Road/Bus links between airport and railway stations

In case of emergency please contact our local Representatives:

Abbey Ireland UK
City Gate, 22 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin, D08 DW30, Ireland
t:+3531 6486100 f:+3531 6486159
email: info@abbey.ie

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE TOUR OPERATOR

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product offered by THE SPECIAL TRAVEL CORPORATION.
Read more


TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE AIRLINE

Please read and accept the following Terms and Conditions to continue with your purchase of any product or air segment offered by WESTJET Airlines.
Read more


TERMS AND CONDITIONS FROM THE DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions applicable to the services offered by Abbey Ireland and UK (local Destination Management Company in Ireland and UK).
Read more
Vacations with Personality