England and Scotland in a Week

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.

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.

Head further north to enjoy a photo-stop at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castles with its impressive architecture towering over some of the most important battlefields in Scottish history.   Then travel through the stunning scenery of the Trossachs and on to famous Loch Lomond, taking in a 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 in Manchester/Birmingham area.

Depending on your onward travel arrangements there may be time to visit Warwick Castle or Shakespeare’s Stratford en route to your departure point for your homeward journey