England and Scotland

Following arrival in London enjoy a panoramic tour guiding you through the history of England’s capital city and its famous monuments and attractions such as the  Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace the London Eye and more!   Overnight: London, England.

This morning journey west to visit the well preserved historic Roman Baths in the city named after them!  After your visit enjoy lunch in the historic city of Bath before travelling to Stonehenge the famous prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.     Return to London for Dinner.   Overnight: London, England.

Today travel north to Cambridge for a guided walking tour of this world famous “University City“,  with photo-stops at the Bridge of Sighs and the part of the University itself. Continue along the A1, a modern road that follows the historic Roman road from London towards Scotland.  Upon arrival in York meet your guide for a short walking tour of the  Medieval Walls and historic city centre located astride the River Ouse with photo-stops at York Minster and St Mary’s Abbey.  Overnight: York area, England.

Continue north towards Scotland with a stop en-route at Hadrian’s Wall, built in AD 122 in the reign of the emperor Hadrian to protect Roman England from marauding Scottish tribes.   This afternoon cross the  border into Scotland for a guided tour of Glenkinchie Whisky Distillery just outside Edinburgh. Visit the exhibition and tour the distillery to find out how the legendary Scottish drink is made followed of course by a complimentary whisky at the end of the visit.  Overnight Edinburgh area, Scotland.

Today is dedicated to exploring Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, starting at Edinburgh Castle, which sits in a prominent defensive position on a volcanic rock and dominates the city, providing amazing views in all directions. The Castle is the home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous Stone of Destiny, the ancient crowning seat of the Scottish monarchs. Afterwards enjoy a walk along the Royal Mile to St Giles’ Cathedral with its famed crown spire, the historic city church of Edinburgh, with its Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). Next, walk further down the Royal Mile to the Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse, closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past, including the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived there between 1561 and 1567.  Now it is still the official residence of the Royal Family when in Scotland.   Overnight Edinburgh area, Scotland.

Heading further  north into the Scottish Highlands enjoy a photo-stop en-route at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles with its impressive architecture towering over some of the most important battlefields in Scottish history.   See Pitlochry and Blair Castle before travelling through the picturesque Pass of Killiecrankie and the grandeur of Speyside en-route to Inverness, “Capital of the Highlands”.   Overnight Inverness, Scotland.

This morning it’s time to turn south along the banks of Loch Ness. Keep a look out for “Nessie” the famous monster that is said to lurk in its deep dark  waters.  See the iconic Urquhart Castle and marvel at the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and the scenic beauty of Glencoe.  Then it’s on to equally scenic Loch Lomond with the option of a short cruise on the loch itself, before heading to Scotland’s second city, Glasgow.   Overnight Glasgow area.

Today travel back across the border into England and visit the Lake District National Park, home to famous poet William Wordsworth, enjoying the breath-taking views throughout the mountain filled countryside for a lunch stop at Lake Windermere.  Take a Boat Trip on the lake which is surrounded by mountain peaks and quaint villages before continuing the journey further into England. Overnight Leeds/Sheffield/Manchester Area, England.

Continue south back to the London area with the option to visit Warwick Castle or Shakespeare’s Stratford en route.   Alternatively spend the afternoon exploring more of London.  This evening enjoy a River Cruise along the famous River Thames with the option of dinner on board.
Overnight London, England.

Commence your homeward journey today.