FULL DAY: Today we head for  the picturesque fortress townof Alnwick, set beside the River Alnand with a magnificent castle dominating the skyline. Then on to Cragside House (admission included), an impressive Victorian mansion built for the first Lord Armstrong and was the first house in the world to have electricity. Enjoy also the magnificent gardens, lakes and unique Orchard House, which are set in over 900 acres.

FULL DAY: Today’s full day visit to Beamish Open Air Museum is a truly unforgettable experience (admission included). Ride on the trams, visit the shops, and walk into houses - all faithfully recreating life at the turn of the century.

FULL DAY: A full day excursion where we turn the clock back almost 100 years, as we head for South Shields. Here we take a tour of Catherine Cookson country - one of the country’s best loved, and most read, authors. This afternoon we take time to visit the historic Cathedral city of Durham, with time to explore at leisure.

Located in the town of Washington, five miles south of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, this modern hotel has its own 18 hole golf course, indoor swimming pool and leisure centre. All the bedrooms offer private facilities, television, telephone and tea and coffee making facilities. • Full breakfast and carvery evening dinner plus tea or coffee • One nights entertainment • No lift, all bedrooms are located on the ground and first floor *** (AA) (0191 402 9988)

Unashamed luxury in Black & Gold
Representing more than a quarter of a million pounds of trail blazing motoring technology, a Grand UK Gold coach really is the king of the road! As you sink back into the rich leather seats, you’ll immediately appreciate the extra legroom and the individually controlled air conditioning. At the controls sits your Gold driver, a reassuring sight with years of experience - and hundreds of thousands of miles - behind the wheel, as you cruise effortlessly through the countryside…

Getting there is only half the story
As you glide towards your destination from your privileged vantage point, you’ll be presented with our special Gold Welcome Pack. Containing a number of useful travel goodies, it’s all part of the privileged service with Grand UK Gold. En route, your specially chosen Tour Manager will brief you about the journey and make the whole experience enjoyable and informative - only our best Tour Managers get to wear the coveted Gold badge! You can also track your journey from the onboard Satellite Navigation system, or enjoy a drivers-eye view of the road ahead courtesy of the unique onboard camera.

You know you’ve arrived with Grand UK Gold
Arriving at your destination is a pleasure in itself. As you’d expect, we use only specially selected three and four star hotels, so you can look forward to comfortable accommodation, great food, and excellent service. And with Grand UK Gold you’ll also enjoy a Welcome Reception with a complimentary glass of wine and a special commemorative photograph of your Grand UK Gold holiday.

■ 3 & 4 star hotels with great food and service ■ Special welcome reception ■ Gold welcome pack ■ Commemorative photograph ■ Top tour managers & tour drivers ■ Luxury coach travel in a class of its own

Our Gold coaches feature:

■ Extra legroom and comfort ■ Luxury leather upholstered reclining seats ■ Panoramic windows for maximum views ■ Individually Controlled Air-Conditioning ■ Onboard sat-nav to track your journey ■ Driver-eye camera to view the road ahead ■ Onboard library selection ■ Level & easy access to the WC/washroom

■ Free local joining points ■ All coach travel ■ Reserved seats on tour coaches ■ Hotel accommodation and board as stated ■ Complete luggage handling ■ Sightseeing excursions as stated ■ The services of the Grand UK Tour Manager

For important information on our pick up network please click here.