Find the Best Tours to United Kingdom

Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland's jewel of a capital city. A transfer from Edinburgh Airport to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is included. You'll meet your fellow travelers who will share your Scotland and England travel adventures at a welcome reception and dinner tonight.

Day 2: Edinburgh's castles and palaces

A sightseeing tour of historic Edinburgh with a local guide is the perfect place to begin any Scotland and England travel. Start at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official home in the city (subject to closure when Her Majesty is in residence). Then explore 12th-century Edinburgh Castle, on the opposite end of the city's famous Royal Mile, on a guided tour. There is much more of Edinburgh to explore on your own this afternoon. Journeys departing August 5 through August 26 will attend an outdoor evening performance of the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Day 3: Of castles, queens and legendary lochs

An excursion from Edinburgh brings you on a visit to impressive Stirling Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. Then you're off for a private cruise on bonnie Loch Lomond and a tour of Glasgow on the Clyde before returning to Edinburgh for an evening at leisure and dinner à la carte at the hotel.

Day 4: From Roman walls to England's lovely Lake District

Travel from Scotland through some of Britain's most beautiful landscapes to England's Lake District today. En route, stop to check out the remains of Hadrian's Wall – constructed across Roman Britain in the 2nd century AD and named for the emperor who built it, now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and enjoy lunch. Arrive at your hotel and spa, set on a 35-acre estate in the heart of the English Lakes, for a two-night stay; dig into a barbecue dinner this evening.

Day 5: Cumbrian gardens and Wordsworth's Dove Cottage

An excursion today takes you first to an Elizabethan estate in South Cumbria dating back to 1350; a highlight  of your visit to stately Levens Hall and Gardens is its topiary gardens – among the oldest and most celebrated in the world – which have been continuously maintained since 1694. Later, as you visit Dove Cottage – where poet William Wordsworth penned many a worthy word as a resident between 1799 and 1808 – you'll see for yourself why so many authors and poets have been inspired by this romantic region. Return to your hotel in the heart of one of England's largest national parks.

Day 6: Ancient Chester and on to Wales

Set out across what's considered among the loveliest parts of England to Chester. Much of this 2,000-year-old city still follows its orginal pattern dating back to when it was the Roman town of Deva; its old defensive walls make a pleasant walk around the ancient city center, sporting Roman ruins, a Gothic cathedral, and a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern architecture. Cross into Wales, arriving in the idyllic coastal village of Portmeirion for a two-night stay. Television fans may remember the village's celebrated pastel-colored Italianate villas from the 1960s British series The Prisoner, which featured exterior scenes filmed at your Victorian seaside hotel, the Hotel Portmeirion, overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Day 7: Caernarfon and through the Snowdonia Mountains by rail

The day begins with a visit to the historic town of Caernarfon and the 13th-century riverside castle where the investiture of the Prince of Wales takes place. Then climb through Wales' breathtaking Snowdonia Mountains on a classic rail trip – enjoying afternoon tea en route. Return to Portmeirion for an evening at
leisure and dinner à la carte at your hotel.

Day 8: The Bard's backyard and on to Bath

Your England travel adventures continue today with a drive from rural
Welsh landscapes to atmospheric Stratford-upon-Avon, city of William
Shakespeare. Explore the Bard's pastoral
riverfront hometown – site of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and many
historic Elizabethan and Jacobean buildings – as you please with Tauck's admission to Shakespeare-associated sites, before continuing on to the ancient city of Bath. Spend the next two nights at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel.

Day 9: Roman, Georgian & Victorian treasures in Bath

Known as one of the architecturally finest and most fascinating cities
in all of Britain, the historic spa town of Bath invites your exploration with its splendid Georgian townscape crafted from native limestone.
Enjoy a guided tour including the Roman
Baths, the Circus and the impressive Royal Crescent, among other sites
that reflect its rich Roman, Georgian and Victorian history. Spend the
rest of the day as you wish.

Day 10: Ancient mysteries and the hallowed halls of Oxford

Depart Bath on this memorable day of England travel, and head across the Salisbury Plain, passing through rolling countryside
where grazing sheep appear to be everywhere. Let your imagination take
you back in time 4,000 years or more as you view Stonehenge, the
mysterious circle of stones and monoliths erected by still-unknown ancient peoples. Continue on to Oxford for a guided walking tour of esteemed Oxford University, now just a few decades short of its 1,000th anniversary.

Day 11: A look at young Winston and the charming Cotswolds

nEnjoy a glimpse into the life of famed 20th-century British statesman Sir Winston Churchill on visits to Blenheim Palace, the Baroque estate where he was born, and his burial place in Bladen. Journey through the hills and plateaus of the peaceful Cotswolds – from the Old English
for "God's high open land" – stopping for lunch on your own in one of these quaint villages dotting the countryside, before returning to Oxford for a special dinner.

Day 12: Windsor Castle and on to London

Call on one of the world's most famous addresses today – Windsor Castle, which British royalty has called home for about 900 years.  Schedule permitting, your tour of this extraordinary complex includes St. George's Chapel, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and the State Apartments. Your final destination today is legendary London, capital of the United Kingdom. Your landmark Victorian hotel, Europe's original "grand hotel," is
ideally located close to many of the city's major sites and within
walking distance of some of the world's most famous shops.

Day 13: Merrie olde London and a grand finale in the Tower

Your day in London begins with a
visit to majestic Westminster Abbey, dating back nearly a thousand
years, followed by a guided sightseeing tour including famous sights such as Piccadilly Circus,
Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, #10 Downing Street, and Green Park. After some time to explore on your own, join us this evening for a remarkable end to an extraordinary journey – a private dinner at the Tower of London, capped by the 700-year-old tradition known as the Ceremony of the Keys... where you'll witness the Chief Yeoman Warder and his men secure the Tower for the night!

Day 14: Journey Home

Tour ends: London, England. Fly home anytime. A transfer from The Langham, London to London's Heathrow Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2  hours for flight check-in.

Days 1-2: Arrive in London

Touch down in London, England’s magnificent capital. After cleraing customs and collecting your bags, look for the the Dot2Dot desk. They will be providing your transfer to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unpack, settle in and begin your explorations of London. (B in flight).

Accommodations: Kensington Close Hotel, 3 stars. Situated in a quiet location, Kensington Close Hotel is located just two minutes away from the shopping area of High Street Kensington. Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Harrods and Knightsbridge are a short taxi ride away. The hotel provides its' guests with modern, bright, well appointed bedrooms decorated in fresh attractive colors. The hotel has 3 excellent restaurants serving traditional English fare. The hotel's Health Spa is a superb luxury health and fitness club available to guests which includes an 18 meter heated swimming pool, beauty treatments and gym.

Day 3: London

Over the next three days, you may choose to discover London on your own, or join one or more of our optional sightseeing excursions and planned activities—the choice is yours. Your tour director will be happy to provide suggestions or any information that you might need. You’ll find the city easy to navigate, on foot or by subway. To better orient yourself, you may join this morning’s optional guided sightseeing tour. A panoramic bus tour takes you throughout the city, highlighting famous landmarks such as Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Downing Street, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest inhabited castle. Here you can see the royal collection of state treasures and walk through St. George’s Chapel (closed on Sundays). (B)

London sightseeing: $99. A local guide leads comprehensive sightseeing of London. Highlights of the panoramic tour include views of Westminster Abbey (setting for royal coronations, weddings and funerals), the Big Ben clock tower, the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and a stop outside St. James’s Palace, where you might glimpse the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (seasonal). You’ll also visit Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece.

Windsor Castle: $85. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1070, Windsor has been the preferred royal retreat for the last 900 years and is still in use by the Royal Family. Step inside the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (closed Sundays), where the Knights of the Garter ceremony takes place. View the exhibit of royal treasures on display within the castle. You’ll then have time to stroll through the town of Windsor and have a look at Eton College, a prestigious prep school that both Princes William and Harry have attended.

Please note: Windsor Castle is occasionally closed when in use by the Royal Family; a visit to Hampton Court will be substituted when necessary.

Day 4: London

Linger in the city today or take our optional journey to the British countryside. Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates back 4,000 years, remains a mystery, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. The next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. (B)

Excursion to Stonehenge, $115. Visit Stonehenge, perhaps England’s most mysterious landmark. The origin and purpose of this ring of stones, which dates from the Neolithic period (about 4,000 years ago), is unknown, though most believe it to have been a temple and observatory. Next stop is Bath, famous for its Georgian and Regency architecture. After your tour director shows you the town’s major sights, visit the public baths for which the town is named. Here, vacationing Romans came 2,000 years ago to enjoy the hot springs, and today these baths remain the finest Roman ruins in Britain.

Day 5: London

Spend a final free day in London. Or discover England’s medieval past on a full-day optional excursion to Canterbury to see its glorious Gothic cathedral and the thousand-year-old Leeds Castle. Tonight, you might also opt to get a bird’s-eye view of London atop its newest and one of its most stunning attractions, the London Eye. This excursion includes dinner. (B)

Excursions. Canterbury & Leeds: $99. Leave London for a day to tour the charming cities of Canterbury. Follow the old Pilgrims Way to the ancient walled city of Canterbury, a place of pilgrimage for many centuries. Visit the magnificent cathedral, the scene of the bloody murder of Thomas Beckett in 1170 and the home of English christianity. There's also time to explore the labyrinth of medieval streets, quaint shops and historic taverns. Then travel through Kent, "the Garden of England," to Leeds Castle, beautifully positioned on two small islands in the middle of a lake. Over 1000 years old, this spectacular castle has been a royal residence for six of England's medieval queens and a palace for Henry VIII.

London Eye & Dinner, $115. Experience one of Britain’s newest attractions, the London Eye Ferris wheel! The world’s highest observation wheel, the London Eye lifts its passengers 450 feet above the River Thames for a 30-minute ride in an enclosed gondola. In clear weather, you can see for 25 miles around the city center! After your ride, continue on to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner.

Day 6: Paris

Transfer to St. Pancras Station, where you’ll board the high-speed Eurostar train to travel under the English Channel to Paris. Upon arrival, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel. (B)

Accommodations: Mercure Paris Terminus Nord, 4 stars. Situated near Gare du Nord, Mercure Paris Terminus Nord is just a few steps away from Avenue Lafayette. The hotel offers 236 comfortable guest rooms furnished in a traditional Parisian style offering an array of modern amenities. Start your day with a delicious breakfast served at the charming breakfast room. After a day of sightseeing you can unwind at the hotel's cozy bar. During your free time, you might choose to enjoy the hotel's jacuzzi, sauna or massage services.

Day 7: Paris

Revel in two full free days to explore one of Europe's most romantic and elegant cities. Stroll along the Left Bank or through the Luxembourg Gardens. View the collections of the Louvre or the smaller Picasso Museum. Or you might join a professional local guide for an optional sightseeing tour of the City of Light, featuring views of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Élysées, the Opera House, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, consider taking an optional excursion to Versailles, the estate that Louis XIV designed to be the envy of royalty the world over. (B)

Excursions. Guided Tour of Paris, $69. An expert local guide introduces you to the historical and cultural landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most celebrated avenues. You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, as well as the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral. Absorb the haute couture of the Opera district.

Please note: This excursion requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Versailles, $89. Louis XIV, known as the “Sun King,” set new standards among European royalty for the decadence of his reign. It took 50 years and 35,000 workers to turn Versailles, once a small hunting lodge, into the most magnificent château in all of France—designed by Europe’s most talented 17th-century architects and landscape designers to be the envy of royalty worldwide. On this half-day excursion, you will see the palace in all its glory. Tour the State Apartments and the glittering Hall of Mirrors. Then stroll through the lavish gardens with their fine statuary, splendid fountains and colorful flowerbeds.

Day 8: Paris

Wile away another free day in Paris by absorbing haute couture along the chic Rue du Faubourg St.-Honoré. Or watch the artists sketching the passing scene in the hilltop Montmartre neighborhood. Alternatively, join today’s optional excursion into the same French countryside that inspired Claude Monet to develop his Impressionist style. At Giverny, you’ll visit the studio and gardens of this celebrated artist (seasonal). Tonight, opt for our Evening in Paris with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Seine. (B)

Excursions: Giverny, $85. The Norman town of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. The grounds, including his pink and green house, are now open to the public as a museum. View the workspace in which he fostered his great artistic inspiration; then absorb the intricate palette of colors that the "Father of Impressionism" so magically depicted in paintings such as the Water Lilies series as you stroll through the surrounding gardens.

Please note: This excursion is seasonal and only runs April through October. Giverny is closed Mondays.

Evening in Paris, $99. Take in all the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a favorite local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine, an unforgettable experience. As you coast along the water and under the many famous bridges of the Seine, behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris — including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Day 9: Paris

A Go Ahead representative accompanies you to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Day 1: Day One

Fly across the vast Atlantic to the Emerald Isles.

• Transatlantic flight to London, England

Day 2: Hail, Britannia! – Three Days in London

The city of Shakespeare and Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill, London is rich in history, but it’s also a cosmopolitan capital on the cutting edge of culture. We begin our European adventure in this remarkable city with a tour of London’s highlights, seeing Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and Tower Bridge. Each stop on your tour is like a step back in time!

• Tour begins with arrival in London, England and meet your Tour Manager
• Enjoy a panoramic city tour of London ending at the hotel
• Welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Manager

Day 3: London Day 2: Windsor Castle

Once you’ve gotten the lay of the land in this vibrant city, you’re free to explore on your own and discover the charm and style that makes London a top destination of travelers worldwide. Or if you crave a bit of the royal touch, join us for an optional tour of Queen Elizabeth II’s residence at Windsor Castle, a stately structure built in the 11th century.

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Explore London on your own, or take an optional half day excursion to Windsor Castle

Day 4: London Day 2: Oxford and Blenheim Palace

Enjoy a free day in London or take an optional full day excursion to Oxford and Blenheim Palace. Explore Oxford, the oldest and grandest of England’s universities with a visit to Christ Church College. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to Blenheim Palace built for John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, during 1705-1722. Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim in 1874. Today, Blenheim Palace is the largest private residence in all of Britain.

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Optional excursion to the famous university city of Oxford and to Blenheim Palace, ancestoral home of Sir Winston Churchill

Day 5: Immerse Yourself in the City of Lights

From London, we hop aboard the Eurostar for a high-speed train ride under the English Channel and into the French countryside. Everywhere you look, you’ll see picturesque tableaux familiar from art, history and film, from the colossal Arc de Triomphe to the gothic arches and glorious stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Travel by Eurostar high speed train to Paris through the Chunnel, passing under the English Channel
• Panoramic tour of Paris including the Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde

Day 6: Paris Day 2: Palace of Versailles and Seine Illumination Tour

All of Paris is yours to explore! Stroll down the Champs-Elysees and browse the many stylish shops that line this famous avenue, or take a break in a sidewalk café for a cup of creamy café au lait and a pastry. Travelers with a taste for luxury can join the guide for an optional tour of the opulent Palace of Versailles, which served as the royal residence for France’s kings and queens for more than a century.

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Explore Paris on your own or join an optional tour to the Palace of Versailles
• Optional illumination cruise of Paris along the Seine River

Day 7: Exploring the Continent: Belgium

We board our high-speed Thalys train and head northeast to Brussels, capital of Belgium, which is over 1,000 years old and today the administrative center of the European Union. A city tour of this most beautiful European city will begin in the medieval square, The Grand Place which is surrounded by ancient guild houses magnificently decorated with soaring gables, ornate facades and incredible carvings. Here you will see the historic Town Hall, a Gothic masterpiece and the Maison du Roi as well as the Manneken Pis statue (the popular symbol of Brussels).

• Breakfast at your hotel
• A high-speed trip to Brussels on the Thalys train
• A panoramic tour of Brussels including the Grand Place ending at your hotel

Day 8: Brussels Day 2: Bruges and Ghent

While in Brussels you may also opt to tour Bruges and Ghent which has some of the best preserved Renaissance architecture in Europe. While in Bruges, enjoy the sights of many bridges, palaces, the Old Market Square, and some of the art work in the Memling Museum. Ghent is a traditional Flemish university town, where Emperor Charles V was born. In the St. Bavo Cathedral you will have time to admire the superb Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a masterpiece by Jan van Eyck.

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Leisure time in Brussels or join an optional excursion to Bruges and Ghent, Belgium
• Farewell dinner

Day 9: Final Day

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Time to go home!

• Breakfast at your hotel
• Transfer to Brussels Airport for flights home

Day 1: Sun. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2: LONDON, ENGLAND.

Mon. ARRIVE IN Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3: LONDON.

Tue. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with the spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4: LONDON–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–COVENTRY–LEEDS.

Wed. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. Head for Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon to take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, then explore the town at your own pace. After lunch, visit Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II bombings, and hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom before admiring the splendid modern cathedral. Finally, head northwards out of the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, to tonight’s destination. (B,D)

Day 5: LEEDS–YORK–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.

Thu. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets including the narrow Shambles. Continue through wild Northumberland National Park and see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. Then, cross the Scottish border and at Jedburgh, glimpse the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the abbey ruins. Late-afternoon arrival in Edinburgh. For departure numbers 0804 through 0825, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)

Day 6: EDINBURGH.

Fri. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. A suggestion for this evening: join your Tour Director for a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 7: EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–BRAEMAR–AVIEMORE.

Sat. A day of memorable sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Spend the night in the Highland resort of Aviemore. (B,D)

Day 8: AVIEMORE–inverness–FORT WILLIAM–GLASGOW.

Sun. Via the battlefield of Culloden Moor, and Inverness, the Highland capital, skirt Loch Ness as you drive to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. Enter haunting Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by the Campbells in 1692, pass wild Rannoch Moor and then drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond to Glasgow. (B,D)

Day 9: GLASGOW–LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND–LIVERPOOL.

Mon. South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then follow the shores of Lake Windermere. End the day in Liverpool of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners. (B,D)

Day 10: LIVERPOOL. NORTH WALES EXCURSION.

Tue. A day dedicated to the mountainous splendor of North Wales. After a stop in pretty Betws-y-Coed, drive over spectacular Llanberis Pass and through Snowdonia National Park to Caernarvon, where the castle saw the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales. Then, follow the coast road via the walled town of Conway back to Liverpool. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for this evening. (B)

Day 11: LIVERPOOL–CHESTER–CARDIFF, WALES.

Wed. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour includes the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Pause in the pretty market town of Ludlow before heading back into Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh mountain pony. Finally, through “The Valleys,” whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution, to the Welsh capital. Here, an orientation drive introduces you to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Ask your Tour Director about tonight’s optional Welsh evening. (B)

Day 12: CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–PLYMOUTH.

Thu. Leaving Wales, cross the Severn Bridge for a visit to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics, before heading into the romantically scenic West Country and Glastonbury with its King Arthur associations. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor, ghostly setting for Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. Finally, in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B,D)

Day 13: PLYMOUTH–STONEHENGE–SALISBURY–LONDON.

Fri. On the final leg of your journey, take in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex; views of the intriguing prehistoric monument of Stonehenge; and Salisbury with its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture. Return to London around 4 pm. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (B)

Day 14: Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Day 1: Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2: LONDON, ENGLAND.

Sat. ARRIVE IN Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3: LONDON.

Sun. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing features all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. A highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with the spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4: LONDON–CAMBRIDGE–YORK–LEEDS.

Mon. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a day of northbound travel. Enjoy a walking tour in the university city of Cambridge, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night near Leeds. (B,D)

Day 5: LEEDS–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.

Tue. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival in Edinburgh. Tonight an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 6: EDINBURGH.

Wed. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, which for the Queen was once the perfect royal residence for glittering state visits and family holidays. Tour five decks and see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. For departure numbers 0809, 0816, and 0823, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of massed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. (B)

Day 7: EDINBURGH–LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND–CHESTER–LIVERPOOL.

Thu. South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then follow the shores of Lake Windermere. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour includes the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” End the day in Liverpool of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners. (B,D)

Day 8: LIVERPOOL–NORTH WALES–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–BRISTOL.

Fri. Into Wales to picturesque Llangollen, home of an international competition for poets and musicians. Back in England, tour fascinating Stratford-upon-Avon, a living monument to William Shakespeare, before driving through the scenic Cotswold Hills with a stop for photos in picture-book Broadway. Overnight in Bristol, where your orientation drive focuses on Brunel’s daring Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and the historic harbor from where John Cabot sailed in 1497 to discover America. (B,D)

Day 9: BRISTOL–BATH–STONEHENGE–SALISBURY–LONDON.

Sat. A day of memorable highlights with a visit first to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before continuing via Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery, to Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire.” After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (B)

Day 10: Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Day 0: Overnight Flight

Feel the vibrant energy of England, hear the unique sounds of Scotland and see the rolling countryside of Wales on a trip that combines the exploration of dramatic history and natural wonders.

Day 1: London, England - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in London, the magnificent capital of Britain. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 2: 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 today, enjoy one of London’s spectacular theatre* performances.

Day 3: London - Cambridge - York

Today 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 almost 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.

Day 4: York - Cheviot Hills - Edinburgh, Scotland

Today, head north through rolling fields covered with thousands of sheep. Stretching over the open moorland you will find Hadrian’s Wall, which once marked the northern border of the Roman Empire. Stop to see this ancient fortification that was built in AD 121 in response to repeated barbarian invasions against the Romans. Next, drive through Northumberland National Park and the Cheviot Hills followed by a visit to Jedburgh Woolen Mills. Your day ends in Edinburgh, the "Athens of the North." Enjoy discovering Scotland's exciting capital city which is rich in scenic beauty and culture.

Day 5: Edinburgh

Enjoy a locally-guided 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.

Day 6: Edinburgh - Lake District, England - Wales

Your final stop in Scotland is at the border town of Gretna Green where generations of runaway couples came to be married. Here you will discover what it means to be married “over an anvil.” Later today you’ll return to England and travel through the picturesque English Lake District. In the heart of the Lake District, visit the charming village of Grasmere, home of the poet William Wordsworth. End your day with an overnight stay in a beautiful castle situated in the north of Wales.

Day 7: Wales - Stratford-Upon-Avon - Cheltenham

This morning, a brief tour of the castle introduces such niceties as the ladies walk and gardens (and the not-so-nice whipping pit and dungeon). Next, journey to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home town of William Shakespeare, England’s most famous playwright. Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps, visiting his birthplace as well as his wife’s thatch-roofed home, Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Your day ends in the lovely Cotswolds border town of Cheltenham.

Day 8: Cotswolds - Bath - Stonehenge - Mortimer

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. Stop in the ancient Roman town of Bath - renowned for more than 2,000 years for its spas and natural hot springs. Visit the Roman Baths Museum to see the elaborate spas, valued since Roman times for their curative properties. Finally, no visit to Britain would be complete without a visit to Stonehenge of Celtic and Druid lore. Your day ends on the grounds of the lovely Wokefield Park Estate, near Reading. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a special farewell dinner.

Day 9: Mortimer - Tour Ends

Your journey through Britain ends today.

Day 1: Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2: LONDON, ENGLAND.

Sat. ARRIVE IN Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3: LONDON.

Sun. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. A highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with the spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4: LONDON–STONEHENGE–SALISBURY–PLYMOUTH.

Mon. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for the West Country. Cross the chalky terrain of Wiltshire and pass Stonehenge, one of England's most intriguing mysteries. Stop in Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire,“ then drive through fabled Wessex. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor, ghostly setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles. Later in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B,D)

Day 5: PLYMOUTH–BATH–CARDIFF, WALES.

Tue. Via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur to the elegant city of Bath, famed for its amazing Roman relics and Georgian buildings. Cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into Wales and head for the capital, Cardiff. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for an evening of Welsh entertainment. (B)

Day 6: CARDIFF–TRAMORE, IRELAND.

Wed. An orientation drive introduces you to all the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Then, pause at the pretty seaside resort of Tenby on the way to the departure point for the ferry across St. George’s Channel to Ireland. Arrive at Rosslare in just under four hours. (B,D)

Day 7: TRAMORE–CORK–BLARNEY–KILLARNEY.

Thu. Today, discover why Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” Drive along the southern coast, passing Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, continue to the popular resort of Killarney. Tonight, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland's National Folk Theatre. (B)

Day 8: KILLARNEY.

Fri. Ring of Kerry excursion. At Killorglin, join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry“ for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Back in Killarney, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. (B)

Day 9: KILLARNEY–DINGLE PENINSULA–ADARE–LIMERICK–ENNIS.

Sat. Breathtaking scenery this morning on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. See the Blasket Islands and hear about the way of life and unique literary achievements of its inhabitants prior to their evacuation in 1953. Then, via Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages, to Limerick. An orientation drive here features King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone of 1691. Tonight, an optional banquet at Knappogue Castle. (B)

Day 10: ENNIS–CLIFFS OF MOHER–GALWAY–DUBLIN.

Sun. A scenic route this morning via the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on the way to the port city of Galway on its lovely bay. Hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Continue across the mighty Shannon before arrival in Dublin with suggestions from your Tour Director for this evening. (B)

Day 11: DUBLIN.

Mon. A day in the “Fair City” starts with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital, including statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure. Why not join an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Day 12: DUBLIN–CHESTER, ENGLAND–MANCHESTER.

Tue. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Follow the North Wales coast to Chester, the ancient county town on the River Dee. See the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Overnight in Manchester, “Capital of the North,“ the world's first industrialized city and a once thriving international center of textile manufacture and cotton spinning. (B,D)

Day 13: MANCHESTER–GRASMERE–LAKE DISTRICT–GRETNA GREEN–GLASGOW, SCOTLAND.

Wed. Drive into the tranquil Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth, and over the border for a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Travel through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. (B,D)

Day 14: GLASGOW–FORT WILLIAM–INVERNESS–AVIEMORE.

Thu. Along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond and through wild Rannoch Moor into the Highlands. Via Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by the Campbells in 1692, to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Then, the Great Glen for vistas of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich. Follow the banks of Loch Ness, home of the timid and timeless Nessie. Continue via Inverness, the Highland capital, and on the way to tonight’s destination in Cairngorms National Park, stop at the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. (B,D)

Day 15: AVIEMORE–PITLOCHRY–ST. ANDREWS–EDINBURGH.

Fri. Drive through more spectacular Highland scenery for a stop in the pretty Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. The routing then takes in Perth and Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in 1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Continue through Fife and over the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in the Scottish capital. For departure numbers 0726 through 0816, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)

Day 16: EDINBURGH.

Sat. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. A suggestion for this evening: join your Tour Director for a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 17: EDINBURGH–YORK, ENGLAND–LEEDS.

Sun. At Jedburgh, glimpse the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the abbey ruins before heading towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border, then through wild Northumberland National Park. On the way, see a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)

Day 18: LEEDS–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–COVENTRY.

Mon. Head for the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood. In Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. At historic Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, and admire the splendid modern cathedral. (B,D)

Day 19: COVENTRY–OXFORD–LONDON.

Tue. Skirt the Cotswold Hills and pause at Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill lies buried a short distance from his birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Finally, enjoy a walking tour in Oxford, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning. After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (B)

Day 20: Wed. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Day 1

(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: London, England.

Arrive in (Sat.) Uniformed Globus Hosts will be waiting to welcome you. After checking into your hotel and an afternoon at leisure we recommend our optional Taste of London excursion with dinner followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames.

Day 3: London–Stonehenge–Salisbury–Plymouth.

(Sun.) Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart London at 8 am. First, visit prehistoric STONEHENGE before taking a stroll in picturesque Salisbury with its vast cathedral. Continue on through Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, and head for quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor in Dartmoor National Park. The next two nights are spent in Plymouth, home of historical figures such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 4: Plymouth. Cornwall Excursion.

(Mon.) A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael’s Mount, take your photos at Land’s End before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. Back in Plymouth your Tour Director will arrange an optional evening visit to a local inn for dinner. (B)

Day 5: Plymouth–Glastonbury–Bath–Newport, Wales.

(Tue.) At Glastonbury, hear about its associations with King Arthur, and in elegant Bath, see the amazing excavations of the ROMAN BATHS with time to explore further on your own. Tonight’s optional is to Cardiff Castle for an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner. (B)

Day 6: Newport–Llandrindod Wells–Chester, England.

(Wed.) Your journey through Wales takes you north along the Usk Valley and Brecon Beacons National Park, and via Llandrindod Wells to Chester. On your walking tour, see the Roman remains, the characteristic black and white half-timbered buildings, and the famous two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” (B,D)

Day 7: Chester–Lake District–Glasgow, Scotland.

(Thu.) Focus now on the tranquil Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. After a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere, head north for the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Overnight in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. (B,D)

Day 8: Glasgow–Isle of Skye–Inverness.

(Fri.) Follow the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond, then proceed via Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe, Fort William, and the “Road to the Isles.” At Mallaig, board your FERRY for the crossing to the Isle of Skye, where you visit the MUSEUM OF THE ISLES at the Clan Donald Centre. Return to the mainland and trace the shores of Loch Ness on the way to the Highland capital. (B,D)

Day 9: Inverness–Braemar–St. Andrews–Edinburgh.

(Sat.) Main features today: the battlefield of Culloden Moor; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games; St. Andrews; and over the elegant Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh. Tonight, an optional Scottish evening with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and the Ceremony of the Haggis. For departure numbers 0801 through 0822 tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned MILITARY TATTOO. (B)

Day 10: Edinburgh.

(Sun.) Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to EDINBURGH CASTLE to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels, then explore HOLYROOD PALACE (except when the Queen is in residence). Later, a unique optional experience: board the former Royal Yacht Britannia to see how the Royal Family and crew of 240 lived and worked on board. Dinner rounds off this optional evening. (B)

Day 11: Edinburgh–Alnwick, England–York.

(Mon.) This morning, a magnificent highlight visit to the Duchess of Northumberland’s ALNWICK GARDEN, where the fountains and waterfalls are a breathtaking feature. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall on your way to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Here, stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)

Day 12: York–Stratford-upon-Avon–London.

(Tue.) Skirt Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest on the way to Stratford-upon-Avon. Take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and visit SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHPLACE. On return to London at about 3:30 pm, a Shownight Theater Evening would be an incredible finale to your vacation. (B)

Day 13

(Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

Day 1: Sat. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2: LONDON, ENGLAND.

Sun. ARRIVE IN Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3: LONDON.

Mon. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4: LONDON–OXFORD–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–COVENTRY.

Tue. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta; Oxford, where a walking tour takes in the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education; and through the lovely Cotswold Hills. At Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Finally, at Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom. (B,D

Day 5: COVENTRY–YORK–NEWCASTLE.

Wed. Leave the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important center for the wool trade and coal mining, now a vibrant modern city. (B,D)

Day 6: NEWCASTLE–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.

Thu. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. For departure numbers 0803 through 0824, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)

Day 7: EDINBURGH.

Fri. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 8: EDINBURGH–LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND–CHESTER–WREXHAM, WALES.

Sat. South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks. Visit Wordsworth’s Grasmere, then follow the shores of Lake Windermere. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.” (B,D)

Day 9: WREXHAM–LLANGOLLEN–DUBLIN, IRELAND.

Sun. A scenic North Wales drive via Llangollen, home of an annual national competition for poets and musicians, and through the incomparable landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Pause at lovely Betws-y-Coed before heading over spectacular Llanberis Pass and, finally, cross Britannia Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey. Take your photos at tongue-twisting Llanfair... and at Holyhead, board the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Dublin. (B)

Day 10: DUBLIN.

Mon. A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation for this evening. (B)

Day 11: DUBLIN–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–ENNIS.

Tue. Head for dairy farm country in the center of the “Emerald Isle.” In Galway, a vibrant city on the west coast with a great seafaring tradition, hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher before heading for Ennis, county town of Clare. Tonight’s optional opportunity: a traditional Irish evening in the setting of a village barn with dinner, wine, and entertainment. (B)

Day 12: ENNIS–RING OF KERRY–KILLARNEY.

Wed. Stop for photos in Adare, a village known for its prize-winning thatched cottages and monastic ruins. In County Kerry, join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive. Focus your camera on sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and views of the Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Later, in Killarney, discover why this is such a popular resort. (B,D)

Day 13: KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–TRAMORE.

Thu. Across the Kerry Mountains and through County Cork to Blarney, famous for its magical Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city, and via Dungarvan to Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 14: TRAMORE–CARDIFF, WALES.

Fri. An early start for the short drive to the ferry port at Rosslare. In just under four hours you cross St. George’s Channel to South Wales. Continue through rich dairy farmland to Cardiff, where an orientation drive introduces you to the capital’s major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for an evening of Welsh entertainment. (B)

Day 15: CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–STONEHENGE–salisbury–LONDON.

Sat. A day packed with highlights begins as you cross the spectacular Severn Bridge into England. Stop in the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famous for its Roman relics, before continuing via Stonehenge, still an intriguing mystery, to Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire.” After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (B)

Day 16: Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Day 0: Overnight Flight

A quick hop across the pond brings you ever closer to the history, culture and scenic wonders of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Day 1: London, England - Tour Begins

Your tour begins in the magnificent capital city of London. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a special welcome dinner.

Day 2: London

During a locally guided tour, see London's many unique landmarks - Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the changing of the guard (if held). Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to further explore the historic sites of London or alternatively, pre-purchase the Complete London Experience option which includes a traditional English tea, a Thames River cruise and entrance to the Tower of London.

Day 3: London - Stonehenge - Bath - Cardiff

Your day begins with a visit to Stonehenge of Celtic and Druid lore. This mysterious formation dates back to the Stone Age. Next, journey to the elegant Georgian town of Bath for a visit to the Roman Bath Museum. See the elaborate spas, which are nearly 2,000 years old. Continue on to the Welsh capital city of Cardiff for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Cardiff - Ferry to Ireland - Waterford

Take in the beautiful countryside of South Wales en route to the coastal village of Fishguard where you board a ferry for a cruise on the Irish Sea across St. George’s Channel to Rosslare, Ireland. Begin your exploration of southeast Ireland in Waterford, founded by the Vikings!

Day 5: Waterford - Blarney - Killarney

During a tour through the world-famous Waterford Crystal facility** you will see a demonstration of how cherished crystal treasures are created and you’ll have the opportunity to shop for your own heirlooms. Next, journey through County Cork to the historic Blarney Castle. Wind your way up to the top of the castle, lie back and kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it those who kiss the stone are blessed with the gift of telling captivating stories. Your day ends in beautiful Killarney where you will find enchanting lakes and deep green valleys, and you’ll meet people with sparkling Irish eyes.

Day 6: Killarney - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

A scenic drive brings you to the Ring of Kerry where you’ll find some of Ireland’s most magical scenery. At the Gap of Dunloe, shop for traditional Irish goods handcrafted by local artisans. Marvel at the stunning vistas created by windswept cliffs, rugged mountains, still lakes and picturesque villages. Return to Killarney after a truly enchanting day.

Day 7: Killarney - Rock of Cashel - Dublin

The Irish are known for their wit, humility and most of all, their humor. Today, you will have a chance to talk and laugh with a local family when you visit the Molanna Dairy Farm and meet its owners. After your visit and a relaxing spot of tea, you’ll journey through the picturesque “Golden Vale” en route to the Rock of Cashel for a visit to the historic spot where St. Patrick preached and, as legend has it, rid the Emerald Isle of snakes. Your day ends in the "Fair City" of Dublin.

Day 8: Dublin

Enjoy a locally guided tour of Dublin. Dubliners are very proud to show off their city on the river Liffey and tell you why it has earned the title as the best city in Europe in which to live. See the Bank of Ireland, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park. A visit is included to the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city your way - visit a museum, stroll in a park or stop by a pub and chat the afternoon away. Tonight, partake in a fun-filled Irish House Party where everyone has the opportunity to join in song and dance.

Day 9: Dublin - Ferry Crossing - Wales

A ferry ride across the Irish Sea transports you to Holyhead in northern Wales where you'll pass Llanfairpwll-gwyn-gyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the town with the longest name in the world. Perhaps you’ll even learn how to pronounce it! Visit the majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales. Then, travel through the Welsh countryside where you will discover some of the most fantastic scenery in all of Britain. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Welsh dinner and an introduction to Welsh Gaelic.

Day 10: Wales - Lake District - Gretna Green - Edinburgh, Scotland

Travel north into England’s scenic Lake District to see charming Lake Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere. Crossing into Scotland, you will stop in the border town of Gretna Green where generations of runaway couples came to be married. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s charming capital city.

Day 11: Edinburgh

This morning, a locally guided tour of the regal city of Edinburgh includes entrance to the famous Edinburgh Castle, the city's most prominent landmark and home of the Scottish crown jewels. Also enjoy a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse*, the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh and former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The rest of the day is free so that you can listen to the lilt of the Scottish brogue while you shop, explore a museum, or enjoy a tasty afternoon snack.

Day 12: Edinburgh - York, England

Today, a ride through the Cheviot Hills returns you to England. Stretching over the open moorland you will find Hadrian’s Wall, which once marked the northern border of the Roman Empire. Stop to see this ancient fortification that was built in AD 121 in response to repeated barbarian invasions against the Romans. This afternoon, visit the historic city of York. Explore its quaint streets, including the famous “Shambles,” which, most agree, is like traveling back in time to the Elizabethan period. In some places the street is so narrow that you can almost touch both sides with outstretched arms. A visit is included to the magnificent 13th-century Minster Cathedral.

Day 13: York - Coventry - Stratford-Upon-Avon

Journey to Coventry and visit its famous modern Cathedral, completely rebuilt after the bombing during World War II. Next, venture off to Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and Anne Hathaway's thatch-roofed cottage, the childhood home of the author's wife. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate your new memories and friends.

Day 14: Stratford-Upon-Avon - Tour Ends

Your journey through Britain and Ireland ends in Stratford-upon-Avon today.

Day 1: Wed. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Day 2: LONDON, ENGLAND.

Thu. ARRIVE IN Check into your hotel. In the afternoon there’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital; uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.

Day 3: LONDON.

Fri. A full day to enjoy our exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes all the famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. Highlights are a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the ceremonial pageantry of the Changing of the Guards, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels, and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)

Day 4: LONDON–OXFORD–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–COVENTRY.

Sat. Meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing: a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace; Runnymede, where King John sealed the Magna Carta; a walking tour in Oxford, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning; and skirting the Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. Take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Finally, at Coventry, whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, and admire the splendid modern cathedral. (B,D)

Day 5: COVENTRY–YORK–NEWCASTLE.

Sun. Leave the Midlands, passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin Hood, and head north to York, England’s most complete medieval city. Stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Stop for the night in Newcastle, once an important center for the wool trade and coal mining and now a vibrant modern city. (B,D)

Day 6: NEWCASTLE–EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.

Mon. See a section of Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. Stop for photos at Jedburgh, with glimpses of the house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and then Melrose with its 12th-century abbey ruins and connections with Robert the Bruce. Afternoon arrival at Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)

Day 7: EDINBURGH.

Tue. A full day to enjoy this “Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. For departure numbers 0807, 0814, and 0821, tickets are included for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)

Day 8: EDINBURGH–ST. ANDREWS–INVERNESS–STRATHPEFFER.

Wed. A day of memorable sightseeing: St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; Braemar, home of the Royal Highland Games for over 900 years; and Royal Deeside, where the Queen is an annual visitor. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then via Inverness, head for your Highland destination. (B,D)

Day 9: STRATHPEFFER. WEST COAST EXCURSION.

Thu. More spectacular Scottish scenery: the lovely Falls of Shin, Dornoch Firth, and the Kyle of Sutherland. Then, follow Strath Oykel for a visit to Ullapool, a remote fishing harbor on Loch Broom, before returning along Loch Glascarnoch. Our recommendation for this evening: join the optional Loch Ness Experience, which includes a cruise on the loch followed by supper at a local inn. (B)

Day 10: STRATHPEFFER–ISLE OF SKYE–FORT WILLIAM–GLASGOW.

Fri. More heather-clad moors as you drive through the western Highlands to Lochalsh and the Inner Hebridean Isle of Skye. The route back to the mainland is by ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then breathtaking scenery all the way to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by the Campbells in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow, Scotland’s great cultural city. (B,D)

Day 11: GLASGOW–BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND.

Sat. On this morning’s orientation drive through Scotland’s largest city, see the fine 12th-century cathedral, imposing university buildings, and elegant Georgian Squares built by the wealthy tobacco barons. Later, stop at Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, before boarding the ferry for the Irish Sea crossing to Belfast. Consider joining tonight’s optional excursion, a “living history” tour of this fascinating city in the company of a Local Guide. (B)

Day 12: BELFAST–GIANT'S CAUSEWAY–DERRY–SLIGO, IRELAND.

Sun. Take the scenic route along the Antrim coast to awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, then let the province’s story unfold as you head for the city of Derry, and later Belleek Pottery, renowned for its exquisite cream-colored Parian china. At Drumcliff, see the grave of native son and poet W.B.Yeats before arriving in Sligo, tonight’s destination. (B,D)

Day 13: SLIGO–KNOCK–GALWAY–CLIFFS OF MOHER–ENNIS.

Mon. South to Knock, a village that has attracted pilgrims from all over the world since the townsfolk saw apparitions, and Galway on its beautiful bay, where you hear about the infamous Lynch Stone, commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for murder. Cross the limestone plateau of The Burren to visit the spectacular 668-foot Cliffs of Moher. Tonight, a chance to attend an optional banquet at Bunratty Castle. (B)

Day 14: ENNIS–DINGLE PENINSULA–KILLARNEY.

Tue. Via Clonderlaw Bay to Killimer for the ferry across the Shannon estuary. Breathtaking scenery this afternoon on the Dingle Peninsula, where the 32-mile Slea Head drive affords magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Afternoon arrival in Killarney, your destination for the next two nights. (B,D)

Day 15: KILLARNEY. RING OF KERRY EXCURSION.

Wed. At Killorglin, join the road known as the “Ring of Kerry” for a 100-mile coastal panoramic drive: sparkling seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the Lakes of Killarney. Then, a special optional adventure: take a horse-drawn jaunting car along the national park lakeshore for pictures of Ross Castle. Later, enjoy the optional outing to Tralee for dinner and a performance at Siamsa Tire, Ireland’s National Folk Theatre. (B)

Day 16: KILLARNEY–BLARNEY–TRAMORE.

Thu. More scenic splendor as you head into County Cork. Stop in Blarney, famous for its Stone of Eloquence, with time at your leisure to see the castle and shop for Irish crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, drive past Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Finally, Dungarvan and along the Copper Coast to the seaside resort of Tramore. Tonight, maybe an optional pub tour before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 17: TRAMORE–WATERFORD–AVOCA–DUBLIN.

Fri. Highlights on your northbound journey: Waterford, famed for its exquisite crystal; Enniscorthy, site of the final battle of the Great Rebellion of 1798; a visit to Ireland’s oldest handweaving mill at Avoca; views of the Wicklow Mountains; and Glendalough with its ruins of a center of Irish Christianity, founded by St. Kevin. Afternoon arrival in Dublin. Take your Tour Director’s dining recommendation for this evening. (B)

Day 18: DUBLIN.

Sat. A day in the “Fair City” starts off with an orientation drive through Ireland’s capital and includes statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Dublin at leisure. Top the day with an optional dinner evening at the Guinness Storehouse. (B)

Day 19: DUBLIN–WREXHAM, WALES.

Sun. Across the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place names. Enjoy the best of North Wales on a scenic drive through Snowdonia National Park, including spectacular Llanberis Pass and pretty Betws-y-Coed, before arriving in Wrexham. This evening, why not join an optional excursion by barge along the Llangollen Canal? (B,D)

Day 20: WREXHAM–CHESTER, ENGLAND–CARDIFF, WALES.

Mon. In Chester, the historic county town on the River Dee, your walking tour takes in the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered buildings, and the two-tiered shopping arcades called the “Rows.“ Head south now through the market town of Ludlow to Cardiff. In the Welsh capital an orientation drive takes in Cathays Park with its splendid civic buildings and Cardiff Castle. Your Tour Director will recommend tonight’s optional Welsh evening. (B)

Day 21: CARDIFF–BATH, ENGLAND–PLYMOUTH.

Tue. Across the Severn Bridge to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Into the West Country via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur, and wild and romantic Dartmoor with a visit to the picture-book village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Upon arrival in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620. (B,D)

Day 22: PLYMOUTH. CORNWALL EXCURSION.

Wed. A day full of West Country sights as you head through Daphne du Maurier’s Cornwall. After viewing St. Michael’s Mount rising boldly out of the sea, take your photos at Land’s End before exploring the popular seaside resort of St. Ives. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for this evening. (B)

Day 23: PLYMOUTH–STONEHENGE–SALISBURY–BRIGHTON.

Thu. An interesting day heading into Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and views of the intriguing prehistoric monument of Stonehenge. Take a break in Salisbury for a look at its vast cathedral, the ultimate in Early English Gothic architecture. Stop for photos at historic Arundel, dominated by the Duke of Norfolk’s huge castle, before continuing on to the seaside resort of Brighton for an overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 24: BRIGHTON–TUNBRIDGE WELLS–LONDON.

Fri. A leisurely last day on the road with time this morning for a seafront promenade stroll or to browse along The Lanes, a quaint area of narrow streets renowned for its antique shops. Finally, take the scenic route via the pretty market town of Lewes and pause for lunch in picturesque Royal Tunbridge Wells before returning to London about 3 pm. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town? (B)

Day 25: Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (B)

Day 1

(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2: Arrive in London, England.

(Sun.) Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or start exploring the lively British capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

Day 3: London.

(Mon.) A full day of sightseeing with a Local Guide includes WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Also visit WESLEY’S HOUSE AND CHAPEL, BUNHILL FIELDS CEMETERY (resting place to many well-known Christians, including author John Bunyan who wrote the beautiful Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress), and ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL in the City of London. (B)

Day 4: London. Canterbury Excursion.

(Tue.) Depart this morning for a drive southeast into Kent, the “Garden of England,” for a visit to CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL, England’s Mother Church, where you hear about Thomas à Becket and the Black Prince. On your return to London, visit SPURGEON’S METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was an influential Baptist pastor born in Essex, England. He founded an orphanage still in existence today. In addition, he befriended and supported James Hudson Taylor, who founded the China Inland Mission in 1865. (B)

Day 5: London–Oxford.

(Wed.) Travel to Oxford, the “City of the Dreaming Spires.” Join a Local Guide as you visit magnificent CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE and CATHEDRAL. Your Tour Director will then take you on a walking tour of Oxford to see Lincoln College, where John Wesley founded the Holy Club, nicknamed “Society of Methodists.” George Whitfield, whose preaching in America was a significant part of the Great Awakening revivals, was also a member of the Holy Club. Some free time to explore the city and perhaps visit the Eagle & Child pub that was frequented by C.S. Lewis and his friends, including J.R.R. Tolkien, for their literary club known as “the Inklings.” After a lunch break, continue your walking tour of Oxford, visiting MAGDALEN COLLEGE, where Lewis was elected a fellow in 1925. At the Kilns, former home of Lewis, pause for photographs before visiting HOLY TRINITY CHURCH in Headington Quarry, where he is buried. (B,D)

Day 6: Oxford. Bristol via the Cotswolds Excursion.

(Thu.) Journey through the scenic Cotswolds to Bristol. Visit ST. MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH, the 800-year-old masterpiece of gothic architecture and one of the biggest parish churches in England. Also explore John Wesley’s Chapel and The New Room, the oldest Methodist building in the world. Before returning to Oxford, try to figure out the mystery of prehistoric STONEHENGE. (B,D)

Day 7: Oxford–Epworth–York.

(Fri.) Head north to Epworth, birthplace of John and Charles Wesley. At the OLD RECTORY, visit their childhood home, which was built in 1709 by Samuel Wesley and is now a museum. Also visit the WESLEY MEMORIAL CHURCH, completed in 1889 as a memorial to the contribution made by John and Charles to world religion. Continue to York to see one of the most intact medieval walled cities in England. Follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. The walking tour ends with a visit to the stunning YORK MINSTER. (B,D)

Day 8: York–Lincoln–Cambridge–Milton Keynes.

(Sat.) Visit LINCOLN CASTLE, where Samuel Wesley was imprisoned. In the venerable city of Cambridge, visit 500-year-old KING’S COLLEGE, including the CHAPEL with its marvelous fan-vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows (visits are restricted during examinations). (B,D)

Day 9: Milton Keynes–Olney–Bedford–London.

(Sun.) This morning, travel to Olney to visit SUTCLIFF BAPTIST CHURCH, where renowned English missionary William Carey served as pastor. Then to THE COWPER AND NEWTON MUSEUM, which contains an extensive collection of possessions and manuscripts of William Cowper and Rev. John Newton. Cowper was a prolific poet and writer of Christian hymns, and Rev. John Newton is best known for writing the beloved hymn, “Amazing Grace.” On to the JOHN BUNYAN MUSEUM in Bedford, which features his life and works. Late-afternoon return to London. (B)

Day 10

(Mon.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)