Compare England Coast to Coast by National Geographic Expeditions vs Turkey Backroads by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 13 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 5,695 | $ 502 |
| Price Per Day | $ 438 | $ 100 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Cross England on foot, trekking from the Irish Sea to the North Sea through three incredible national parks. Immerse yourself in the mystical landscapes of the Lake District, where gemlike lakes reflect England’s highest mountains and poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge drew their inspiration. In the Yorkshire Dales—James Herriot country—hike to storybook villages filled with half-timbered cottages and warmly lit pubs. Then climb into the wild, heather-covered highlands of the North York Moors. Along the way, discover ancient stone circles, medieval castles and monasteries, and the legendary charm of northern England. This is a moderate to strenuous 137-mile hike designed to take in the most beautiful and historic sections of Alfred Wainwright’s famous 190-mile Coast-to-Coast walk. |
Set out on a five-day trip through Turkey, packed full of ancient monuments and local moments. Wander through Turkey's capital of Ankara, learn about the country's deep history, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk and then roam around the picturesque streets of Eskişehir, enjoying a gondola ride on the Porsuk river. Stroll the lively streets of Istanbul with your local leader and let them show you where to get the best islak burger in town. This trip is designed so that even if you’re short on time, you can explore the backroads of Turkey and uncover all the good stuff. |
Day 1: Penrith, England/Ennerdale
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Ennerdale Country House Hotel
Arrive in London and take the train to Penrith in northwest England. Your trip leader will meet you at the station for the transfer to our charming hotel in Cleator. After a trip briefing, gather for our welcome dinner.
Day 2: St. Bees to Ennerdale Bridge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ennerdale Country House Hotel
Our journey kicks off early this morning with a Coast to Coast tradition, dipping a toe in the Irish Sea. Then set off along the sandstone cliffs of St. Bee’s Head, keeping an eye out for puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots. Turning inland, we’ll pause for a typical pub lunch on our way to Ennerdale Bridge, nestled at the foot of the Lake District mountains. (14 miles hiking, 8 hours)
Day 3: Ennerdale Bridge to Honister
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Inn on the Lake
Today, we’ll walk into spectacular Lake District National Park, where glass-like lakes reflect mountains that rise abruptly from their shores. Our splendid ramble traces the southern edge of Ennerdale Water, the park’s most westerly lake—and one of its most remote. After lunch near the Black Sail Hut, climb a 2,000-foot pass and take in the vista of peaks, lakes, and sheep-speckled pastures. We finish in Borrowdale, a short transfer from our hotel. (10.5 miles hiking, 7–8 hours)
Day 4: Grasmere to Glenridding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Inn on the Lake
Take a short drive to Grasmere, where the great poet William Wordsworth wrote some of his most renowned works. Visit the poet’s home, and stroll through the village where he found inspiration. Then climb over Grisedale Hause (1,936') enjoying views of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest peak. Hike down the valley toward Lake Ullswater and spend the night in Glenridding. (9 miles hiking, 5 hours)
Day 5: Lake Ullswater to Shap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Black Swan
The day begins with a scenic cruise on Lake Ullswater to Howtown. From here, we cross a historic Roman road on our way to Bampton. Hike to the 12th-century Shap Abbey. A short transfer takes us to our hotel in the quintessential English village of Ravenstonedale. (12 miles hiking, 6-7 hours)
Day 6: Shap to Orton and Ravenstonedale
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Black Swan
Today we trek across a limestone plateau dotted with prehistoric settlements, stone circles, and burial mounds. In the charming village of Orton, we’ll stop for lunch and visit the chocolate shop and factory. Continue the hike or transfer back to Ravenstonedale for a wander along the riverside or to try a pint of local ale. (8 or 15 miles hiking, 4–9 hours)
Day 7: Ravenstonedale to Richmond
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Kings Head Hotel
Follow a lovely trail across rolling hills to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. After a lunch of fish-and-chips, drive to the hamlet of Keld in the heart of Yorkshire Dales National Park. Hike along the River Swale, discovering waterfalls and enchanting hamlets tucked in among the dales. Pause for an afternoon cream tea in Muker before walking on to Gunnerside. A short bus ride brings us to Richmond, the market town of the Swaledale region. (12 miles hiking, 7 hours)
Day 8: Reeth to Richmond
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Kings Head Hotel
A short transfer brings us to the village of Reeth. From here, continue through the Yorkshire Dales, hiking along fascinating stretches of limestone on the way to historic Richmond. Here, we’ll explore an 11th-century Norman castle. (10 miles hiking, 5–6 hours)
Day 9: Richmond to Lord Stones
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: The Kings Head Hotel
Our path takes us along the River Swale past the remains of Easby Abbey, founded in 1152. In Catterick Bridge, we’ll hop on our bus, heading through the Swaledale plain to Ingleby Cross. After lunch, venture into the ruins of Mount Grace Priory, an important 14th-century Carthusian priory located at the edge of North York Moors National Park. Explore the ruins, and after lunch, we’ll hike toward the Cleveland Hills in the heart of the moorland. Return to Richmond for free time to explore. (4.5 or 11 miles 2–7 hours)
Day 10: Clay Bank Top to Blakey Ridge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Lion Inn
A short transfer takes us into the North York Moors national Park, where we begin hiking across the sometimes bleak, often dramatic landscape of the Moors. Our high level route allows us to enjoy far-ranging vistas as we hike towards our home for tonight, the 400-year-old Lion Inn. (9 or 12.5 miles hiking, 5–7 hours)
Day 11: Blakey Ridge to Grosmont
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mallyon Spout Hotel
From the Inn, we descend to Great Fryup Head, an important region during the 19th-century iron ore boom. Continue to Glaisdale where we’ll see Beggars Bridge. Then hike along an old trade route to Grosmont—or opt to ride the bus. (9 or 14 miles hiking, 5-8 hours)
Day 12: Littlebeck to Robin Hood’s Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Hotel
Starting out at the hamlet of Littlebeck, our walk takes us back into the Scarry Wood, past a legendary cave, and up to the gorgeous waterfall of Falling Foss. Walk along the cliff-top to the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, and bathe your feet in the North Sea. (15 miles hiking, 9 hours)
Day 13: York/U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, depart from York to London for your return flight home.
Day 1 Cappadocia/Ankara
Gunaydin! Your trip begins bright and early at 8.30 am with a welcome meeting in Cappadocia. Once the formalities are out of the way, we'll make our way to the UNESCO World Heritage – Hattusa Ancient Site. This site is the former capital of the Hittite Empire, known for its well-preserved temples and royal residences. You'll have time to explore the site with your local leader and discover the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya before we make our way to Ankara for the evening.
Day 2 Ankara
After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy an orientation walk through the city with your locally based leader. First up, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, founder, and first president of the Turkish Republic. Then we'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where you'll be guided through the deep history of Turkey. Finally, we’ll visit the Castle of Ankara and our last stop will be the Haci Bayram Mosque which is located next to the temple of Augustus from Roman era. "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" (The Works of the Deified Augustus) was written on the walls of the Ankara Augustus-Roman Temple in two languages and painted red. You'll enjoy a stop at a traditional local spot for lunch, your leader will guide you in choosing the best delicacies to try. The afternoon is all yours to explore as you wish.
Day 3 Eskisehir
After breakfast this morning, you'll take a fast train to Eskisehir. Drop your bags at the hotel and hit the street to start exploring this fascinating city. First stop – Eskisehir Odunpazari Village, where you can wander the quaint and colourful houses. For lunch, head to a local restaurant run by four sisters and their mother for a cooking demonstration. You’ll make ci borek, a traditional Turkish dish made from thin dough layers filled with ground meat, onions, and spices. Learn how to prepare the filling and dough before the chefs cook up and serve your flavoursome creations. In the afternoon, you might like to visit one of the many museums in the area or jump on a short gondola along the Porsuk River.
Day 4 Istanbul
After breakfast this morning, we'll depart on a train bound for Istanbul. This afternoon, your tour leader will introduce you to the lively Taksim district, the beating heart of modern Istanbul. Walk across the Golden Horn in view of the medieval Galata Tower. Board one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, operating since 1875, for the short journey 500 metres to Taksim. Alight at Istiklal Caddesi, arguably the city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, and take a walk among the local people who call this city home. Try an islak burger (a burger drenched in sauce) and visit a hidden local coffee house. Maybe stay with your travel companions for an optional celebratory dinner and take advantage of the late-night entertainment.
Day 5 Istanbul
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation any time after breakfast. If you plan to stay on to see all Istanbul has to offer – which is highly recommended – we are happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). Please enquire at the time of booking to see if this is an option.
