Day 1: London+
Arrival London. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free. Overnight at your hotel.
Day 2: Full day London & Windsor+
In the morning we will explore London. Travelling along the banks of London’s great river, you will see the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern, the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before turning into Whitehall and driving past the Cenotaph and Downing Street, where the Prime Minister resides at Number 10. You will also see Buckingham Palace, official residence of Her Majesty the Queen.
Your tour today will take you to other familiar addresses such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. You will travel through the Strand and Fleet Street, traditionally the centre of British journalism and on to Christopher Wren’s great masterpiece, St. Paul’s Cathedral from where you will see the new Millennium Bridge spanning the Thames over to the Tate Modern.
In the afternoon you will visit Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world and Royal Residence since William the Conqueror. The castle is one of the Official Residences of the Queen, who spends Easter, part of June and the majority of her weekends at the Castle. On your visit you explore the Precincts and the State Apartments which were severely damaged by fire in 1992 , the magnificent restoration of which took 5 years.
Day 3: London - Cambridge - York+
After breakfast we will leave London for the North of England. First stop today will be Cambridge.
Cambridge has been an important town since Roman times as it is sited t the first navigable oint on the Ricer Cam. In the 11th century religious orders began to be established in the town and when, in 1209, a group of religious scholars broke away from Oxford University after academic and religious disputes they cam here. Student life dominates the city but it is also thriving market centre serving a rich agricultural region. A visit to one of Cambridge’s famous colleges is included during your walking tour. After lunch onwards journey to the area Leeds.
Day 4: York - Edinburgh+
In the morning we will have time to explore York, the quaint town in the North of England. The city of York has retained so much of its medieval structure that walking into its centre is like entering a living museum. During your 2-hours walking tour you will enjoy this fabulous town and see the famous York Minster, the largest Gothic church north of the Alps.
Onwards journey to Edinburgh.
Dinner and overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 5: Half day Edinburgh sightseeing tour+
Morning introductory tour of Scotland’s majestic Capital city which is really made up of 2 smaller “towns”. Edinburgh’s medieval origins were in the narrow cobbled streets around the Royal Mile – a long road linking the 2 ancient royal residences. The city has been the home of great politicians, religious leaders and inventors throughout the centuries. Nearby is the university and the new Scottish Parliament while the city skyline is dominated by the imposing Edinburgh Castle.
Later, in contrast, admire the elegant tree-lined crescents of the 18th century “New Town” – built by Robert Adam in the classical style of that era and representing the largest area of conserved Georgian architecture in Europe.
In the afternoon some free time for shopping in the city’s boutiques – or further independent sightseeing in superb art galleries, tiny museums, or perhaps the restored period-style Georgian House.
Or take the local bus outside the city to the village of Roslin where you may visit 15th century Rosslyn Chapel. This is one of the loveliest and most historic churches in Scotland and renowned for its magnificent enigmatic sculpture work and Apprentice Pillar. It also featured in the movie “Da Vinci Code”.
Dinner and overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 6: Edinburgh - Aviemore+
Departure from Edinburgh, pausing briefly to view the impressive 2 bridges which span the estuary of the River Forth. Heading north into the Scottish highlands and stop for a little free time in the town of Pitlochry which is surrounded by typical mountainous and woodland landscape. Time to find lunch on your own here.
Later in the afternoon stop to meet a local farmer to see an entertaining demonstration with his sheepdogs. They will herd the sheep and there will be a chance to learn about agricultural life in Scotland.
Overnight in Aviemore.
Day 7: Aviemore - drive along Loch Ness - Ballachulish+
From Aviemore today a morning tour of a local distillery to discover the secrets of whisky making and have a small taste. Later the journey continues along the shore of Loch Ness famous for its legendary monster. Time to visit the remains of Urquhart Castle which stand on a promontory in the loch.
Lunch on your own today.
Follow the loch south passing the town of Fort William which lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis - Britain’s highest mountain at 1344 metres.
Overnight and dinner at Ballachulish in the midst of the stunning Scottish highland landscape.
Day 8: Ballachulish - Glasgow+
From Ballachulish take the route inland via the dramatic valley of Glencoe whose name in Gaelic means "vale of tears". This was the scene of the tragic massacre of the Clan MacDonald in 1692.
The countryside then opens out with a wide vista over Rannoch Moor before the road descends towards pretty Loch Lomond dotted with many small islands.
Lunch on your own today.
Arrival in Glasgow and if time permits a short overview of the city and its landmarks will be included. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city situated by the River Clyde and the merchants built their fortune on the tobacco and trading with the "new world" countries, therefore shipbuilding was once a main industry. Modern Glasgow has a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere and enthusiastically celebrates traditional and contemporary design throughout the city’s diverse architecture.
Overnight and dinner in Glasgow.
Day 9: Glasgow - Lake District - Chester+
Depart from Glasgow, travelling south over the natural border to England’s beautiful Lake District – Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England and the spectacular scenery in the surrounding areas inspired the writer and poet William Wordsworth who lived in the region. Head south to Chester for overnight.
Day 10: Chester - Stratford upon Avon - Bath+
After breakfast and a short sightseeing tour of Chester we will leave Cheshire and travel via Stratford upon Avon towards London.
Situated on the west bank of the River Avon, in the heart of the Midlands, is one of the most famous towns in England. Stratford-upon-Avon dates back to at least Roman times but its appearance today is that of a small Tudor market town, with mellow, half-timbered architecture and tranquil walks beside the tree-fringed Avon. This image belies its popularity as the most visited tourist attraction outside London, with eager hordes flocking to see buildings connected to William Shakespeare or his descendants. We will visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, which was almost entirely reconstructed in the 19th century, but in the style of the Tudor original.
Overnight and Dinner in Bath.
Day 11: Bath - Stonehenge - London+
After breakfast we will explore Bath.
Bath owes its magnificent Georgian townscape to the bubbling pool of water at the heart of the Roman Baths. The Romans transformed Bath into England’s first spa resort and it regained fame as a spa town in the 18th century. At this time the two brilliant John Woods, both architects, designed the city’s fine Palladian-style buildings. Many houses bear plaques recording the numerous famous people who have resided here. After lunch we will leave Bath and visit Stonehenge en-route to London.
Stonehenge built in several stages from about 3000BC, is Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument. We can guess at the rituals that took place here, but the alignment of the stones leaves little doubt that the circle is connected with the sun and the passing of the seasons.
Overnight in London.
Day 12: End of Tour+
Departure to airport for return/ onward flight.
