CIE Tours International Announces New “Best of Britain” Tour

(Morristown, N.J.) "“ Celebrating nearly 80 years as a travel industry leader, CIE Tours International today announced its new "Best of Britain" deluxe motor coach itinerary for 2012, showcasing the absolute best of England, Scotland and Wales.  Newly created based on client survey responses and feedback, the itinerary combines overnight stays in quality accommodations in each country's bustling city center, with visits to the UK's most fascinating attractions.

Appealing to cross-generational travelers from eight to 88 years of age, CIE Tours' "Best of Britain"Â maximizes valuable vacation time and numerous amenities to provide travelers a hassle-free dream vacation.  From ideally located upscale hotels, airport transfers and admission fees, to most meals, evening entertainment and sumptuous banquets in captivating surroundings, all CIE Tours itineraries feature deluxe motor coach transportation, expert tour directors and knowledgeable guides who help bring each destination to life.

"Aptly named, 'Best of Britain' is a turnkey itinerary, created especially for travelers who are pressed for time and want to immerse themselves in the most compelling and significant sights and sounds of this magical part of Europe," said CIE Tours International President Brian W. Stack.  "We've taken special care to include only the most worthwhile destinations in this new itinerary, and provide our assurance that customers will not encounter any hidden surprises or costs.  We take great pride in this commitment and believe it truly distinguishes us within the motor coach travel industry."

CIE Tours' special 8- or 9-day "Best of Britain"Â tour includes accommodations in Superior First Class hotels including Harte & Garter Hotel, Windsor (one night); Marriott Hotel, York (one night); Barcelo Carlton Hotel, Edinburgh (2 nights); Marriott City Centre Hotel, Liverpool (one night); Maldron Hotel, Cardiff (one night); and Copthorne Tara or Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London (one night); a Scottish cabaret dinner show; a banquet at Cardiff Castle; walking tours of Oxford and York; plus visits to Windsor and Alnwick Castles, the Lake District and Tintern Abbey; a Beatles tour in Liverpool, and more.  Land-only rates for the "Best of Britain"Â tour begin at $1,648 per person, and include all local taxes, hotel service charges and porterage fees.

Highlights of this awe-inspiring tour linking four of the UK's most unique cities include:

• Windsor Castle – The largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen, the castle encapsulates 900 years of British history over 26 acres.

• Edinburgh "“ The UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of the city combines the medieval Old Town, the Georgian New Town and modern architecture, amid winding streets, elegant terraces and an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants.  "Best of Britain" travelers booked on the August 4 to 18 departures will experience the Edinburgh Military Tattoo also, a ceremonial form of evening entertainment performed by Military musicians.

• Cardiff Castle "“ Among Wales’ leading heritage attractions, CIE Tours guests will enjoy an authentic Welsh banquet here amid the castle's 2,000 year history, during which it has been a Roman Garrison, Norman stronghold, and in Victorian times, transformed into a gothic fairytale fantasy.

• Alnwick Castle & Gardens and the surrounding parkland of Hulne Park, with its dramatic setting were featured as ‘Hogwarts’ in the first two Harry Potter movies. A true living castle and the heart of thriving estates and businesses, Alnwick is home to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

• Stonehenge "“ Travelers will wander around this UNESCO World Heritage Site in amazement.  Although the monument has been here for 5,000 years, its purpose remains a mystery.

• Bath- Set on the slopes of the River Avon, Bath was the first city in England to be designated an UNESCO World Heritage site. The 15th century Bath Abbey, Georgian architecture, romantic Pulteney Bridge modeled on Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, are all sights travelers will experience.

• Tintern Abbey -Founded 1131 in Tintern on the Welsh bank of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, this is the only Cistercian monastery inWales and second in all of Britain.  Inspired by Wordsworth‘s poem Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, Alfred, Lord Tennyson‘s poem Tears, Idle Tears and more than one painting by J. M. W. Turner, the village of Tintern adjoins the abbey ruins.

• Gretna Green - The Gateway to Scotland, when travelers reach the world famous Blacksmiths Shop at the top of Gretna Green village, they discover the famous black and white building "“ the historic marriage house popular to eloping couples since 1754.

 

• York "“ This Viking city is rich in culture and history, with narrow medieval streets surrounded by the 13^th Century City Walls.  At the heart of the center is the magnificent York Minster, with immense architecture and spectacular gardens.

 

• Oxford "“ The oldest university in the English speaking world, Oxford University dates back to the 11^th Century.  Graduates include Nobel Prize winners, kings and presidents, as well as saints, scientists, explorers, artists, authors and actors. Travelers will walk amid Oxford's oldest colleges and most important buildings.

CIE Tours also offers travel incentives and a host of exciting youth and senior discounts.  Regarded as the standard-bearer for deluxe motorcoach tours of Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, CIE Tours guarantees land tour prices once deposits are paid, thus easing concerns regarding currency fluctuations.

For additional information visit www.cietours.com.