Embrace the pomp and pageantry of a global capital with multi-cultural verve. Today is yours to explore the vibrant mix of old and new around every turn. Spend the day delving into the royal heritage of London, stroll along the tree-lined Thames or admire treasures from across the globe, before enjoying the night-time buzz of this city.
Join your Travel Director this morning and indulge your love of theater and poetry. We travel to romantic Stratford-upon-Avon, made famous by its favorite son, William Shakespeare, whose extraordinary works have been admired by audiences for over 500 years. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Center for insights into the life of the 'Bard of Avon', before exploring the charming cobblestone streets of his hometown. Continue to the ancient cathedral city of York where we will enjoy an orientation walk to view its ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and magnificent 800-year-old Minster. Then continue to your hotel in Leeds to enjoy dinner with your traveling companions.
We venture north to the medieval riverside town of Durham, whose exquisite 11th-century cathedral sits imposingly alongside Durham Castle watching over the streets below. We cross what was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall, before enjoying a scenic drive through the soul-stirring landscapes of Northumberland National Park. Admire spectacular views of the windswept Cheviot Hills as you cross the Scottish border, stopping to admire the 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey en route to Edinburgh.
Fall in love with the enchanting city of Edinburgh as you join a Local Specialist to discover what lies behind its mediaeval façades. Ramble down the Royal Mile and enjoy astounding views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Spend some free time this afternoon strolling through Edinburgh and admiring ancient relics, then visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.
Cross the Firth of Forth to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews. The famous Old Golf Course is renowned for its 18th hole and 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge.We continue our journey into the dramatic Scottish Highlands, where we’ll Dive Into Culture at a Distillery and sample a wee dram of whisky. Visit picture-perfect Pitlochry, on the edge of the Ben Vrackie and Cairngorms National Park, before arriving at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands where you'll dine tonight.
The arresting beauty of the Scottish Highlands provides a stunning backdrop for today's leisurely drive to Glasgow. View the World War II Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and admire views of Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. Continue on towards Glencoe, the site of a bloody massacre in 1692 following the Jacobite Uprising. In Glencoe Valley, join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. Travel to the 'bonnie' banks of Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. You will arrive in Glasgow this afternoon where your orientation will take us past St. Mungo's Cathedral and George Square.
Today's first stop is in the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green, where eloping couples would exchange their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Returning to England, we Connect With Locals, joining Christine for lunch at a Be My Guest experience on her family's farm. See beautiful Lake District landscapes and skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, arriving in edgy Liverpool of 'Fab Four' fame, for an evening at leisure.
This morning, we traverse the pretty Welsh countryside before we visit the Shropshire market town of Ludlow with some time to explore on your own. Later, arrive in Bristol for an orientation drive. Join us for an Optional Experience that will take us out to the SS Great Britain as well as the Clifton Suspension Bridge along with all the other highlights of Bristol. As the curtain comes down on a memorable journey through England and Scotland, you enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with your Travel Director and newfound friends.
Before returning to London, visit the UNESCO-listed city of Bath to admire its elegant Georgian facades and the Roman Baths. Emerging from the Salisbury Plain, the imposing megaliths of Stonehenge are your final stop before continuing through the lush Wiltshire and Hampshire landscapes to London for a final night at leisure.
We bid 'Old Blighty' a fond farewell as we prepare to return home after a memorable holiday.
