British Landscapes - Itinerary
Explore the United Kingdom – England, Scotland, and Wales – on this charming journey. Visit London’s famous sites, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and perhaps the changing of the guard. Indulge your senses in a theater performance in London’s west end. Travel to York to see the magnificent 13th-century Minster, one of the finest medieval cathedrals in all of Europe.
In Edinburgh, stroll through the Princes Street Gardens and enjoy a captivating view of the castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels. Tour the Palace of Holyrood House, one-time home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Drive through the picturesque Lake District and spend an enchanting night as a guest at Ruthin Castle, including a fine medieval banquet. The city of Bath evokes ancient Rome as you see the elaborate 1st century spas. Travel through the Cotswolds for a special visit to Stratford-Upon-Avon, home of England’s most famous playwright – William Shakespeare.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
See the rolling countryside of Wales, hear the unique sounds of Scotland, and feel the vibrant energy of England on a trip that combines the exploration of dramatic history and natural wonders. (meals aloft)
Day 2: London, England - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in London, the magnificent capital of Britain. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: London
This morning, see the quintessential sights of London, hosted by a local guide. View Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the changing of the guard (when held). London has one of the best live theatre scenes in the world. Later, enjoy one of London’s spectacular theatre performances. (B)
Day 4: London - Cambridge - York
This morning you visit Cambridge, home of the famous university which is nearly 800 years old. Later, stroll through the medieval city of York and the famous “Shambles,” a quaint, narrow street that appears today almost as it did during the Middle Ages. Here, you’ll find great shopping and a street that is so narrow in parts that you can reach both sides with your outstretched arms. A visit is included to the magnificent 13th-century York Minster, one of the finest medieval cathedrals in all of Europe. (B,D)
Day 5: York - Edinburgh, Scotland
Today, head north through rolling fields covered with thousands of sheep. Your final destination is Edinburgh, the "Athens of the North." Enjoy discovering Scotland's exciting capital city rich in scenic beauty and culture. (B,D)
Day 6: Edinburgh
Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh that includes Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish crown jewels. You will get a glimpse at what life is like for the royals during your visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh, and once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Your evening is at leisure to sample one of Edinburgh’s fine restaurants and perhaps take an evening stroll through the Princes Street Gardens to view the illuminated castle. (B)
Day 7: Edinburgh - Lake District, England - Wales
Your final stop in Scotland is at the border town of Gretna Green. Today you will learn what it means to be married “over an anvil”. During a visit to the Old Blacksmith’s shop you’ll hear stories about generations of runaway couples and why they came here to be married. Later today you’ll return to England and travel through the picturesque English Lake District. In the heart of the Lake District, you’ll visit the charming village of Grasmere, home of the poet William Wordsworth. End your day with an overnight stay on the grounds of a beautiful castle situated in the north of Wales. Tonight, experience a fun-filled evening with dinner and entertainment. (B,D)
Day 8: Wales - Bath - Bristol
Travel to the ancient Roman town of Bath - renowned for more than 2,000 years for its spas and natural hot springs. This world heritage city is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture and rich history. Visit the Roman Baths Museum to see the elaborate spas, valued since Roman times for their curative properties. End your day in the lively town of Bristol. (B,D)
Day 9: Bristol - Cotswolds - Stratford-Upon-Avon
A visit to the Cotswolds uncovers sleepy English villages with sheep grazing on the hillsides and houses and churches made of distinctive honey-colored limestone. A stop will be made at one of these quaint townships famous for their unique shops. This afternoon, arrive in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home town of William Shakespeare, England’s most famous playwright. You’ll walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps, visiting his birthplace as well as his wife’s thatch-roofed home, Anne Hathaway’s cottage. (B,D)
Day 10: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Tour Ends
Your journey through Britain ends in Stratford-upon-Avon today. (B)
