Tour Highlights

• Historic Scottish Capital of Edinburgh
• Braveheart's Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise and the rugged Trossachs
• Mysterious Northern Wales
• Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
• The Georgian City of Bath
• Mystical Stonehenge
• Historic City of London
• Tour the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
• Plus Much More..

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – UNITED STATES/EN ROUTE
Today we depart on transatlantic flight to Edinburgh, Scotland. Dinner and breakfast will be served during our flight according to airline schedules. (I)

Day 2 – EDINBURGH
Today we arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital and one of the finest citers in the world. Renowned for its beautiful setting and dominated by Edinburgh Castle, it overlooks the Firth of Forth, the shores of Fife and the distant Highlands. Here we are met by our Tour Escort who will remain with us until departure. (B, D)

Day 3 – EDINBURGH
A morning sightseeing drive through Edinburgh will include the 200-foot Scott Memorial, with statuettes from Scott’s novels and poems, Princes Street with its elegant shops, 1,000-year old St. Giles Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Scotland’s most important Royal Palace). Then take the Royal Mile to historic Edinburgh Castle, situated on a rocky ridge towering above the city’s center. (B)

Day 4 – EDINBURGH (Sterling Castle and the Trossachs)
A wonderful day is in store as we depart Edinburgh, crossing the River Forth, and traveling through the historic village of Culross and past the monument to Sir William Wallace – immortalized as “Braveheart”. Then arrive at the ancient Royal burgh of Stirling, historic seat of the Scottish Kings and aptly named “Gateway to the Highlands”. Here we visit Stirling Castle, once the home of the Scottish Court. We will continue through the rugged Trossachs countryside, reaching Aberfoyle in time for lunch. Then it is on to Loch Lomond for a cruise on the Loch. (B)

Day 5 – EDINBURGH/NORTHERN WALES
We bid farewell to Scotland today as we travel south into England’s fabulous Lake District, a beautiful area of lakes and mountains, and home to Windermere, England’s largest lake. Following our time in the Lake District we quickly pass through the industrial north of England and into Northern Wales, a mysterious and happy land of music and poetry with its own unusual history and character. (B)

Day 6 – NORTHERN WALES (North Wales Excursion)
Today is dedicated to the mountainous splendor of Northern Wales. We will travel along the coast to Conway and Caernarvon Castle where the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales. Then, a scenic drive takes us through Snowdonia National Park, over spectacular Llanberis Pass and via pretty Betws-y-Coed for a stop at the Penmachno Woolen Mill to shop for Welsh handicrafts. After a break in picturesque Llangollen, home of an annual international contest for poets and minstrels, we continue via Horseshoe Pass. This evening we enjoy a medieval Welsh banquet. (B, D)

Day 7 – NORTHERN WALES/BATH
We travel along Valley of the River Severn, and pass Birmingham to arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon. Where we visit Holy Trinity Church which contains William Shakespeare’s grave and monument, and picturesque Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. There is time to relax before traveling through the beautiful Cotswold Hills an area of outstanding natural beauty. We’ll travel by way of Broadway and through Moreton-in-Marsh and stop in the medieval market in Stow-on-the-Wold. We will stop in Bourton-on-the-Water to visit one of the prettiest villages in all of England. Our day comes to an end as we arrive in the beautiful city of Bath, with a wealth of Georgian houses, squares and terraces. (B, D)

Day 8 – BATH
Bath is one of Britain’s oldest cities, famous since Roman times for its warm mineral springs. A morning tour will introduce us to the famous Circus and the equally famous Royal Crescent. In the center of town we’ll visit the Roman Baths, among the best preserved Roman ruins anywhere in England. Adjacent to the Roman Baths, we’ll see the 18th century Pump Room, and nearby we also visit the Bath Abbey, the largest of the great pre-Reformation Churches. Following our tour the reminder of the day is at leisure to explore the elegant shops along Milson Street or Pulteney Bridge. (B)

Day 9 – BATH/LONDON
We’ll leave Bath and drive to the mysterious Stonehenge with its towering 50-ton pillars that were created by a unique civilization in Britain over 3000 years ago. Then we continue through the heart of England, to arrive in London – the capital of Great Britain since 1066, and an historic city offering a great combination of old and new. This afternoon a “City of London” Tour takes us to the one square-mile that comprises the City of London. We’ll see the famous buildings and visit the Tower of London, fortress, dungeon and resting place of the Crown Jewels. Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Baroque masterpiece of Sir Walter Wren, and such sites as Old Bailey, Fleet Street and the Law Courts before arriving at our hotel. (B)

Day 10 – LONDON
Today we’ll enjoy a tour to the city’s “West End” that will show us Westminster Abbey; the Houses of Parliament, commonly referred to as the Lords and the Commons; Big Ben; #10 Downing Street, the British Prime Ministers’ residence dating back to 1732; and of course Buckingham Palace to witness the colorful “Changing of the Guard” and the headquarters of the British monarchy. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B, D)

Day 11 – LONDON/UNITED STATES
Transfer to London’s Heathrow Airport this morning for our return transatlantic flight to the United States. (B, I)

* * * Welcome Home * * *
I = In-flight Meal B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner