Help, First trip to England
 

I'm interested in an 8 day escorted tour with a reputable tour company in the U.S. if anyone can recommend someone good. The company I work for is offering a package with R/T air & accommodations (no hotel mentioned) with Brendan Tours. I did some research online and got some negative reviews. Itinerary would be London with visits to Cambridge, York, Edinburgh Scotland, the Lake District, Chester, Stratford Upon Avon and the Cotswolds. I would like to travel in May or September. Anyone had a positive experience with a great tour company?

I know nothing about the company, but 7 areas PLUS London in 8 days is unimaginable to me. And something like half a day in Cambridge or driving through the Cotswolds and only stopping for an hour for lunch is imo not worth the time and energy. London alone deserves a minimum of 4 days for a first trip, and even that's really insufficient considering that the first arrival day from an overseas flight is usually not optimal.

That itinerary is precisely why most tours are dreadful IMHO.

Go on your own. You will save money, stay in hotels YOU choose, go where you want to go, and avoid having to take breakfast w/ the same 45 people every morning before piling back on the coach for another mind numbing drive.

I agree with Julienas - that itinerary is simply too much for an 8 day tour. I'm planning an 8-day trip to London in May, and we'll be doing just 2 day trips.

Like janisj suggested, go on your own. Its much more interesting planning your own trip, you get to stay where you like, see what you want, on your own time. I'm not a big fan of tours either.

And whilst everyone is raining on your parade, may I politely point out that Edinburgh is in Scotland and Scotland is not in England.

Please come and visit both, under your own steam for 8 days. I and others here will be delighted to help you plan

This sounds like what I've heard described as a "Look and lick" tour.
You stop off outside a Cambridge college, or in a picturesque village street, buy an ice-cream and return to the bus licking it.
You would be far better basing yourself in London and taking a few trips in the London area.

I also wonder where these tours eat.
There won't be many decent places that can deal with coach parties.

Hmm, I just looked at Brendan Tours.
The prices are extremely cheap. Britain is a fairly expensive country so I shudder to think about the food and accommodation.
I suppose that this may be another reason for tourists' low opinion of British food.

I promise that we're not scary over here - you don't have to do an escorted tour! And looking at the itinerary you will return absolutely exhausted!

Get a cheap flight, source your own accommodation and spend your time doing what you want to do.

Okay, you've all talked me out of doing this tour! That little voice in my head said this was too many areas to visit in 8 days. Would someone be willing to help me with an itinerary? I can stick to just visitng London. My research said May or September was a good time to visit (cheaper air & hotels) although September may give me more time to plan. I want to visit all the famous London attractions and eat some good food not necessarily expensive food. I would like to have one shopping day (Harrod's and the Wedgewood outlet) if it's worth the visit or any suggestions about where to shop. My husband and I are in our mid-50's and in reasonalby good health. I checked the Rick Steve's tour but it seemed like alot of museum visits. I would appreciate anyone's help.

May, June, Sept or even early Oct. would all be good weather and airfare-wise. The airfares don't really go stratospheric until July.

For what you want to do there is no reason at all to take a group tour. In London you can take a couple of London Walks - no need to book ahead so you can skip it if the weather is dreadful that day.

You could either stay the entire time In London and maybe take one day trip to Bath or Canterbury or Dover or someplace else. Or you could stay 5 or 6 days in London and then 2 or 3 days somewhere Like Kent or the Cotswolds.

Janisj thses are good suggestions. We'll probably stay the entire time in London and take side trips. Since we don't know London what area should we search for moderately priced accommodations? Are B&B's a good choice?
Thanks.

Janisj these are good suggestions. We'll probably stay the entire time in London and take side trips. Since we don't know London what area should we search for moderately priced accommodations? Are B&B's a good choice?
Thanks.