Festive
All Highlights Included
Half Board
Day 2 New Year's Eve, Castle Howard
After breakfast today, we'll head out of the city to Castle Howard, one of Britain's finest stately homes. Located amid the Howardian Hills, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sir John Vanbrugh built this magnificent house nearly 300 years ago, and the Howard family still live there today. You'll be able to explore the House at your own pace, and appreciate its stunning architecture and interiors, which have something to pique everyone's interest. With over 1,000 acres of Grade 1 listed parkland and gardens to explore, you can enjoy breath taking scenery outside as well.We'll return to the hotel with enough time to get ready for this evening's New Year Gala Dinner.
Meals included: B,D
Day 3 New Year's Day, York
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we head out into historic York, for a day of exploration.First up is a walking tour of the City Walls, which date back to the Roman occupation of Britain. The city walls were used as a fortification not only by the Romans but also the Danes who occupied York in the 9th Century. The walls fell into disrepair throughout the years but were rebuilt during both the English Civil War and the Victorian period.
Next we head to York Minster, the gothic cathedral which dates back to the 14th Century and dominates the city's skyline. We'll continue on to St Michael-le-Belfrey, where Guy Fawkes was baptised in 1570, and then to the Yorkshire Museum, where you can admire this 19th Century cultural centre as well as its botanical gardens which are located on the banks of the River Ouse.
Our walking tour concludes at the world famous Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe.
After a morning spent on our feet, it's time to relax and enjoy York from a different perspective, sailing along the River. Admire the city's scenery from the comfort of the river boat, whilst discovering fascinating facts about the incredible history of York and its river.
After a packed day we will then make our way back to the hotel for a buffet dinner. Meals included: B,D
