English and Scottish Discovery
from London
This relaxing one way journey from London to Scotland visits many of Britain’s must-see sights. There’s time to explore London, Edinburgh and Glasgow plus the scenic beauty of England’s famed Lake District and the Scottish Highlands.
Day One
Welcome to London (2 nights)
Land at Heathrow Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon take an introductory jaunt around some of the key London attractions and main areas of interest. In the evening meet your guide and fellow travellers to discuss your vacation over a welcome drink and enjoy dinner in your hotel.
Overnight: Doubletree by Hilton West End Hotel, London (or similar)
Day Two
London Bus Tour & Tower
Today explore London at your own pace on an open-top bus tour to see the highlights, including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and more. You may also take a walking tour and a cruise on the River Thames. Also visit the Tower of London to see the magnificent Crown Jewels in the strongly-fortified White Tower and the Beefeaters, guardians of the Tower in their distinctive uniforms.
Day Three
Stratford-upon-Avon & Beatles’ Liverpool
Drive through the Cotswolds, a delightful hilly region with medieval villages where houses are built from the mellow honey-coloured local stone. Stop in Stratford-upon-Avon for a look around on your own to view the many black-and-white buildings that date back to Shakespeare’s time. If you wish, you may visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace in the centre of the town. Continue your drive to Liverpool and visit the Beatles Story to learn all about the Beatles’ lives and enjoy their music and activities. Check in to your hotel in the city centre.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Liverpool (or similar)
Day Four
Liverpool to Edinburgh (2 nights)
Drive through the Lake District for stunning views of lakes, gentle hills and valleys. Stop in the charming town of Bowness-on-Windermere, set on the largest lake in the region. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter to see some of the characters, such as Peter Rabbit, that this popular children’s author created. Stop at the Old Blacksmith’s Shop at Gretna Green and on to Edinburgh. In the evening dine at a popular restaurant and take a ghost walking tour around historic streets.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh (Or similar)
Day Five
Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
Tour Edinburgh city centre to see the medieval town and the 200-year-old Georgian "New Town” with its wide streets and elegant squares. See the bustling Princes Street with excellent shopping. Take a short walk along the narrow Royal Mile to view the old houses, some of which are 11 stories in height. Tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny and enjoy great views from this massive fortress that towers over the city. The afternoon and evening are at leisure and there’s no shortage of great places to visit.
Day Six
Culloden Battlefield and Ceilidh
Drive into the Highlands and enjoy the splendid scenery with majestic peaks. Visit Leault Farm where dogs herd sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Tour Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to see where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746. Head for Inverness to enjoy a special ceilidh with Scottish music.
Overnight: Columba Hotel, Inverness (or similar)
Day Seven
Scottish Highlands & Loch Lomond Cruise
See more great scenery as you drive along the beautiful shores of Loch Ness, famous for its monster. Journey through Glen Coe, a spectacular glen made famous by the Campbells’ massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Take a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond to admire the tranquil waters and view Ben Lomond. Say farewell to the Highlands as you head to Glasgow for a short orientation tour around this city set on the River Clyde and renowned for its shipbuilding industries.
Overnight: Menzies Glasgow Hotel, Glasgow (or similar)
Day Eight
Tour Ends in Glasgow
Your tour ends with a transfer to Glasgow Airport.