Explore the historic sights of York, wander beautifully manicured gardens and experience a scenic train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Your holiday starts in York, where you meet the Tour Manager at the centrally located hotel. York is a city steeped in history, surrounded by ancient walls, winding medieval alleys and traditional pubs.

Highlights include the magnificent York Minster - which can be seen from almost everywhere in the city centre - and The Shambles, a narrow, cobbled street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings, believed to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.

The city also offers a wealth of museums, from the immersive Jorvik Viking Centre to the widely known National Railway Museum. This evening, we gather with the group for dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, we travel by coach into the centre for a visit to one of the city's most iconic landmarks - York Minster. This 13th-century masterpiece is celebrated for its intricate stained glass and grand architecture.

There's time afterwards to enjoy lunch at your own pace before we take to the River Ouse for a relaxing city cruise. As we glide along, live onboard commentary brings the city's rich history to life. The afternoon is yours to explore further, where you may choose to walk the medieval city walls, wander along the riverside or relax in the peaceful Museum Gardens.

This evening, dine independently at one of York's many restaurants. Afterwards, you could join one of the city's famous ghost walks and learn why it is known as 'the most haunted city in Europe'.

We travel to the charming seaside town of Whitby after breakfast. Here you can choose to explore the dramatic clifftop ruins of Whitby Abbey, the gothic landmark that inspired Bram Stroker's Dracula, located at the top of the famous 199 steps. For panoramic views, wander to St Mary's Church, stroll along the wide sandy beach or walk the traditional wooden pier.

Whitby is renowned for its excellent fish and chip restaurants, which you could enjoy before we join the nostalgic North Yorkshire Moors Railway*. Travel in style on the beautifully restored heritage train through the wild and scenic landscapes of the Esk Valley, as quaint villages and stunning countryside unfolds outside your window.

Along the way, we pass through Goathland station, famous for its appearance as 'Hogsmeade Station' in the Harry Potter films, before arriving at Pickering where our coach transfers us back to our hotel. The rest of your evening is at leisure, where you can dine at one of York's many inviting pubs or restaurants.

Please note: On the 28th June departure, Days 3 & 4 are swapped.

*Please note: on some departures, this journey will be operated by diesel locomotive.

Our coach takes us to RHS Harlow Carr after breakfast this morning, where these beautifully designed gardens reflect the natural charm of the Yorkshire landscape. With free time here, you can explore peaceful woodland trails, visit the alpine house or be transported in the Sub-Tropicana Garden, where winding pathways are surrounded by immersive tropical style planting and bold colours.

Later, we continue into the centre of the Victorian spa town of Harrogate, where you have the afternoon at leisure to explore. Visit one of the town's many museums and galleries, stroll through the scenic Valley Gardens or head to the famous Betty's Tea Rooms, which originated in Harrogate, for a Yorkshire afternoon tea.

Later this afternoon, we return to the hotel with time to relax and freshen up before dinner at the hotel this evening.

A trip to one of England's most iconic stately homes awaits after breakfast this morning. Set within the rolling Howardian Hills, this grand 18th-century estate is renowned for its stunning architecture and interiors, which you're free to explore at your own pace. Fans of period drama may recognise it as one of the filming locations for Bridgerton.

Take time to wander the beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, from the Walled Garden to the tranquil Atlas Fountain. For fantastic views across the estate, head to the Temple of the Four Winds. You may wish to enjoy lunch in the tea rooms before our return to York.

This evening, we enjoy our final dinner at the hotel as a group, reflecting on five memorable days in glorious Yorkshire.

From the historic discoveries in York and coastal exploration in Whitby to a timeless journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the landscapes of Yorkshire have delighted us. We wandered the beautiful gardens at Harlow Carr, enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in Harrogate, and rounded off our explorations with a visit to the stately Castle Howard.

Your time in Yorkshire ends after breakfast this morning. Once you have checked out, you are free to make your own way home. Alternatively, you could continue exploring the county's countryside, historic towns and villages independently.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

The wild and windswept North York Moors are infamous in fact and fiction, with over 1,400 miles of stunning scenery, tranquil trecks and wonderful wildlife it's easy to see why. Overflowing with barron moorland, lush valleys and pine forests to captivating coastlines and home to historic monuments, villages and a wealth of wildlife - there is so much to discover here.

The Elmbank Hotel is a 4-Star boutique Art Nouveau hotel situated in the historic city of York. Set in a 19th-century mansion overlooking the beautiful Knavesmire Strays, it combines rich history with modern comfort. It features impressive stained-glass windows, stunning murals, and detailed stencils, alongside modern amenities for a stylish and comfortable stay. Guest rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, ensuite bathrooms, USB charging stations, air conditioning, a fridge, a television, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from York. Please call us to discuss your requirements.