A Nod to the North: England's Yorkshire County and Scotland Given Top-Destination Honors

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers considering a European vacation this year must take a look at the spot that has recently been named by the World Travel Awards as Europe's Leading Destination of 2013: Yorkshire, the largest county in England and one of its most historic. With past winners including perennial tourist draws such as London, Berlin and Paris, the award has left Yorkshire residents deservedly proud – and eager to show off the charms of their beautiful county.

Yorkshire highlights include the spa town of Harrogate; the ancient city of York and the stunning stained-glass windows of its inspiring York Minster cathedral; taking a step back in time on a North Yorkshire Moors Railway vintage train ride; and a walking tour of the quaint seaside town of Whitby, where the skyline is dominated by the ruins of St. Hilda's Abbey. These days, Yorkshire has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other county; only London itself has more.

For travelers looking for even more reasons to go north on their next holiday, travel-guide publisher Lonely Planet has named Scotland a top-10 destination. With the start of a Scottish tourism initiative, "Homecoming Scotland 2014," the city of Glasgow has been given a magnificent facelift for its hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, among other wonderful events and sights. Those with a connection to a clan – or anyone with tartan in his or her blood – are invited to "come home" and experience a Scotland's historic castles, beautiful lochs and welcoming hospitality.

And there's no better way to travel around these newly lauded locales than with inclusive CIE Tours and explore Yorkshire's ancient and modern cities, and its stunning countryside. The unparalleled Scottish highlands and cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow are also well represented on CIE Tours' Best of Britain and British Heritage packages.  In fact, on the 10-day Best of Britain tour, visitors will experience the best of York, and enjoy the Beatles Story Exhibition in Liverpool. The 11-day British Heritage tour includes Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as Loch Lomond in Scotland, and takes you to York and Liverpool for a true best-of-the-north experience.

Like all CIE Tours' vacations, travel packages are all-inclusive, encompassing airport transfers; deluxe motorcoach transportation; luxury-hotel accommodations; taxes and porterage fees; all admission fees; and 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 will continue to resonate long after they've returned home. 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 81 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