After indulging in a full Scottish breakfast - there is a difference - we start the day, in the very best way possible, with a visit to the fabulous Edinburgh Castle. Steeped in history, a local guide will unlock its centuries old secrets including the fascinating prisoner of war cells which date back to the Napoleonic wars and beyond. After free time for lunch, you have an option of a free afternoon to explore the city highlights and do a little shopping, or joining your guide for a hike up the famous Arthur’s Seat - an 800 feet high extinct volcano which offers incredible views of the city.

Tonight’s evening is is reserved for a wee Scottish surprise followed by dinner.

(B, D)

Overnight: Edinburgh

South across the border, catch our first class train from Edinburgh on a journey south to the magnificent Cathedral City of Durham. The train passes through the borderlands, wild and untamed, crossing the former limit of the Roman Empire, The Romans once said ‘this far, but no further’, leaving the Celts and picts North of wall whilst settling and Romanising the lands to the South. We arrive in Durham and after checking your cases into your splendid hotel, stroll across the bridge to Castle Green. Here there is a little free time and plenty of cafes on hand for lunch before we enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent Cathedral, one of the most impressive in the country. Started shortly after the Norman conquest, in 1093, so much history is embalmed within the walls of this, the seat of the fourth ranked bishop in the Church of England, that we need a local guide to make them speak.

This evening you’ll dine in superb surroundings in your hotel.

(B, D)

Overnight: Durham

Durham is the most beautiful city in the North of England, bar none. We leave its splendid skyline behind heading North for our day long hike along Hadrian’s Wall. This former defensive structure - perhaps the most famous of its kind the Romans ever completed, was begun in AD 122 during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Our private transfer takes us on a drive through the beautiful countryside and to the point of departure for our hike - the famous Coast to Coast Walk, where we will walk a ‘stage’ finishing at Housesteads Roman Fort. We bring along a picnic as the wall offers spots of wonderful scenery along which to enjoy rests and views. The well preserved Roman ruins are introduced to us by an expert guide and there is of course time for a souvenir or some tea and cake in the lovely museum shop. We will then head back to Durham for a free evening.

(B, L, T)

Overnight: Durham

Good morning. After a good night’s rest it is time to truly head into All Creatures Country. We drive South through County Durham, edging ever closer to North Yorkshire and the treasures therein. After morning tea and elevenses in the wonderful market town of Barnard Castle, we visit the splendid Bowes Museum - a place sure to offer surprises and views to enjoy. We then head across the Moors - taking in one or two spots from the original All Creatures series; the famous Red Lion Pub and the ford from the titles. We’ll stop en route for an Afternoon Tea of pastries, sweets and a glass of bubbly to wash them down. Before arriving in Reeth, our beautifully peaceful and scenic home for the next few nights. For those who wish we can go for an afternoon/early evening stroll along the valley river

crossing a couple of traditional bridges and working up an appetite for dinner, tonight enjoyed in our hotel.

(B, T, L, D)

Overnight: Yorkshire Dales

Today is designed in the typical spirit of Yorkshire; a bit of take it or leave it with a mix of enterprise and tradition, thrown in for good measure - and all washed down with some excellent local ales. We begin the day heading through the narrowest of country lanes yet. The drives take us up the steepest hills yet and across the most cattle grids to date. As we stumble off the Moors, we come to the outskirts of beautiful Hawes, deep in the Yorkshire Dales, where a real tour highlight awaits: One Man and His Dog(s). Richard Fawcett, born and bred Yorkshireman has been showing dogs at sheepdog trials across the world for all his adult life. We join him for a breathtaking spectacle as we witness firsthand just how remarkable his Border Collies are. In the afternoon, either relax and take in the sights of this market town or join us for a circular hike on the paths around Hawes. Returning to Reeth for a free evening, an obligatory stop en route is the famous Tan Hill, possibly the best and certainly the highest, pub in all of England.

(B, L)

Overnight: Yorkshire Dales

After breakfast, we head to beautiful Grassington in The Dales, where the new series of All Creatures Great and Small is filmed. We say ‘on set’ as, though there might not be any actual filming going on today, fans of the new series will recognise so many iconic places, not least ‘The Drover’s Arms’ where we can have lunch. This is a gem of a town; a real quintessential Yorkshire village set in beautiful scenery; old stone cottages and shopfronts, great tea rooms, outdoor shops and cobbled streets. We make sure there is plenty of time for a stroll after a lunch on your own - you’ll find some of the best Yorkshire souvenirs right here - before we begin our slow farewell to James Herriot country and head for the cities. One more night in the Dales, allows us to pick from one of the pubs in Reeth for a final traditional countryside meal wherever takes our fancy.

(B, D)

Overnight: Yorkshire Dales

No visit to All Creatures Country and no fan of Heriot could come to this splendid part of the world and not visit the place where it all began. Surprisingly beautiful, market town Thirsk, is home to the ‘World of James Heriot Museum’. This fabulous walk-though experience is housed in this very place, the former veterinary surgery of Mr Wight himself. This is where he and his colleagues were all real-life vets and from which so many wonderful adventures commenced. The rather enchanting town square of Thirsk is a great place to find early lunch or maybe a late morning tea before we head into the nearby county capital of York. Once we have reached our central hotel and deposited our bags, the rest of the afternoon is very much devoted to one thing and one thing only; chocolate. Continuing our day of surprises, learn why the unlikely York, of all places, is associated with this wonderful food, in the best way one can: by making and eating it yourself. This evening you are free to find dinner nowt but a hop, skip and jump from our hotel - the options are plentiful.

(B, L)

Overnight: York

Today is for you to take in another great city of the North of England, York. We offer two highlights, but as always, the itinerary is a menu from which you may pick and choose. Today is designed with the greatest freedom possible to select from culture, history, shopping and/or dining. For those who wish, our morning activity sees us meander through the Medieval, cobbled streets of York to the Minster where a local guide can unravel the history of this great Cathedral (and to which you may wish to return for even song later that day). After the visit you will have time for lunch - York offers so many great places to pick from. We will also receive our Yorvik Viking Museum tickets for timed slots later that afternoon - which you are free to take advantage of. The ‘rollercoaster’ ride through a film-set style Viking town, is a personal highlight each time I visit the city. Dinner this evening will be whatever you desire - your Tour Manager can make suggestions and reservations on your behalf.

(B)

Overnight: York

After breakfast this morning, we will meander over to the train station over the road and hop on the train back to Edinburgh. A direct train will have us there in just over 2 hours, when you’ll be back in the familiar city in time to enjoy the afternoon as you please.

This evening we meet in the lobby, reconfirm all transfers for the morning and then out into the city for our ‘farewell and where will your next holiday be’ dinner.

(B, D)

Overnight: Edinburgh

One final Scottish breakfast before bidding farewell to The Big Smoke and jumping in your private transfer to the airport.

(B)