Day 1
Travel with your local guide to Westminster Abbey, the
site of many coronations and royal weddings. You may have the
opportunity to watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham
Palace. Pass Australia House, the setting for Gringotts Bank in the
Harry Potter movies. This afternoon, you may wish to visit the
renowned British Museum or the London Zoo, known as Little
Whinging Zoo to Harry Potter fans.
Day 2
Wander Oxford's Christ Church College, pausing for a
break in its Great Hall, a setting in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone. Tonight a Yeoman Warder or "Beefeater" guides you through
the Tower of London when it is closed to the general public.
Day 3
From Kings Cross Station (home to platform 93/4 in Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) board a fast train to York, where you
visit the historic city center.
Day 4
Explore the North York Moors, stopping for a ride on a
steam train to Goathland Station, better known as Hogsmeade to
Harry Potter enthusiasts.
Day 5
Set out for 10th-century Durham to see the cathedral,
which served as Professor McGonagall's classroom. Continue to
Alnwick Castle, the location for the broomstick flying lessons and
Quidditch matches in two Harry Potter films. Cross the Scottish
border and ultimately arrive in Edinburgh.
Day 6
Examine the Scottish Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle
and stroll the Royal Mile to St. Giles High Kirk and The Elephant
House coffee shop where J. K. Rowling began writing her stories.
Then embark on a ghosts and ghouls tour of the "haunted" vaults
of the South Bridge. You may also want to visit Holyrood Palace or
board the former Royal Yacht 'Britannica.'
Day 7
Explore the Lothian and Borders region, stopping at
Rosslyn Chapel, a crucial site in The Da Vinci Code. Literary and
architectural tours are also options for today, as is a visit to the
Scottish Museum of Flight.
Day 8
Transfer to either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport for your
homebound flight.
Day 9