"Icons of Britain" From CIE Tours International Offers In-Depth Journey Through Shakespeare's Realm

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Aug. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- What Shakespeare called "this royal throne of kings ... this blessed plot, this earth, this realm" is still, from the northernmost reaches of Scotland on down through England and Wales, nothing short of iconic. It's as though what Shakespeare knew has continued to channel its way through the centuries, born over and over again, most recently in British Olympic athletes. Take cyclist Bradley Wiggins, who scored seven cycling medals – four of them gold – in the 2012 London games. A fan of Wiggins', dizzy with his idol's recent win, crowed, "It's a wonderful time to be British." Truly, icons everywhere.

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That's why CIE Tours International is especially pleased to introduce the 2013 Icons of Britain Tour, a spectacular 16-day journey, the longest offered by the company, which takes travelers from Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland, to London, the Lake District and the Liverpool of the Beatles; to the mysterious monoliths at Stonehenge and the charming villages of the Cotswolds; to the wondrous natural beauty of Wales – and much more. "On no other tour will you experience such a broad range of British life and history," says CIE Tours International President Brian W. Stack. "No one knows the nuances and hidden treasures of Britain and Ireland like CIE Tours, or gives travelers a more in-depth journey."

Highlights of the Icons of Britain tour include:

• A cruise on the famed Loch Ness, followed by a dinner with traditional Scottish music.
• A visit to the city of York and York Minster, plus a pub dinner and an after-dark ghost walking tour.
• A trip through music history with a Beatles tour in Liverpool.
• A look at the mysterious monoliths of Stonehenge.
• A drive through Snowdonia National Park to view Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.
• A tour of Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and a stay in a Tudor-style hotel.
• A visit to the university town of Oxford, plus a stop at Windsor Castle (hint: if the royal flag is flying, the Queen is in residence!)

Like all CIE Tours' vacations, Icons of Britain is all-inclusive, encompassing airport transfers; deluxe motorcoach transportation; luxury hotel accommodations, taxes and porterage fees; and all admission fees; as well as most meals, special attractions and evening entertainment. Additionally, CIE Tours' expert tour directors and local guides help bring each destination to life, providing travelers aged eight and older with authentic travel experiences that continue to resonate long after their return home.

Land-only packages for Icons of Britain start at $3398 per person. For more information about itineraries and travel incentives, or to reserve a tour, call CIE Tours International at 1-800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.

About CIE Tours International

For more than 80 years, CIE Tours International of Morristown, NJ has set the standard for fully escorted motorcoach tours of Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. This renowned tour operator delivers unsurpassed experiences and value for both packaged vacations and custom independent travel, combining the best of each destination with expert professional tour guides who bring each itinerary to life. All CIE Tours travel programs are protected by the company's $550+ Advantage, a no-fee benefit guaranteeing that travelers are never charged for special features considered optional extras with other tour companies. For additional information, please contact 1-800-243-8687 or visit www.cietours.com.

SOURCE CIE Tours International