Best of the United Kingdom - 27 Days

Welcome to London! The capital and largest city in England, London stands on the River Thames and has a history spanning back to the time of the ancient Romans. There’s lots to see and do in this bustling metropolis, so it’s recommended that you arrive a couple of days early to explore the city. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 6 pm where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers who will be joining you. After, you’re free to hit the city – maybe grab tickets to a West End show or find a nice restaurant for dinner with a view. Ask your leader for all the best recommendations!

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to leave the city behind as you board a train to Salisbury, located in England’s southern rural heartland. When you arrive, follow your trip leader to get your bearings with an orientation walk in this modern and medieval city that meets at the confluence of five rivers. After, you're free to roam the city – maybe visit the Salisbury Cathedral which dates back to 1227 and showcases an example of Early English Gothic architecture. The rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.

It’s time to explore one of Britain’s most iconic sites – none other than the 5000-year-old Stonehenge. When you arrive after a short drive, dive into the history of this archaeological marvel. This UNESCO World Heritage site demonstrates sophisticated engineering and is thought to have been built and altered over a period of more than 800 years. After absorbing everything you need to know about this fascinating monument, make your way to your hotel, located on the outskirts of Exeter. The evening is free for you to spend however you like. Maybe find a cosy spot for a hearty feed at a nearby pub.

Today after breakfast, you’ll have the chance to experience some of the area’s best walking trails and panoramic landscapes. Keep an eye out for famed Dartmoor ponies in the area and cosy farmhouses that hold years of history. Make your way along the Dartmoor Princetown Walk with your group. This gentle walk includes some inclines along the gravel bridleway and offers sweeping views across the rugged moors, taking you to South Hessary Tor. On a clear day, you may be able to see as far as Plymouth Sound. Next, travel to the seaside town of Penzance, stopping for lunch along the way. Your afternoon is free for you to wander through the picturesque town where you’ll find cobbled streets, local boutiques and fisherman’s cottages.

Have breakfast before heading to Porthcurno to explore the Minack Theatre – a spectacular open-air venue overlooking the water. From here, you’ll go on a short hike along a coastal trail and admire the spectacular terrain that stretches far into the distance. Then, visit one of the most loved landmarks in the area – Land’s End, known for its impressive natural beauty and unique location. Later, return to Penzance, where the evening is yours to spend at your own pace.

Visit St Michael’s Mount, a historic tidal island in Mount’s Bay. You may have seen images of this rocky island, but nothing compares to witnessing the magnificent site up close. Enjoy time to explore the site at your own pace – it’s highly recommended you visit the church and medieval castle set at the top of the island. Later, travel to the historic fishing village of Port Isaac. Go on a guided walk with your leader to learn about the local history and see the highlights of this cosy hub before continuing to Tintagel – a destination that shares historic ties to King Arthur. The evening is yours to see what hidden wonders can be uncovered in this town.

Step back in time with a visit to Tintagel Castle and uncover the history, myth and tales of King Arthur. This historic site is set along the clifftops of North Cornwall and boasts dramatic views from all angles. The remainder of the day is free. You could visit the Tintagel Old Post Office (one of Cornwall’s oldest houses, dating back to the 14th century), drop into one of the boutique gift shops or take a seat at one of the many eateries and restaurants. Cornish pasty, anyone?

Bid farewell to panoramic coastline and rocky seaside landscapes and hop on a train back to London. Arrive in the late afternoon, then the evening is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe celebrate the final evening of your journey with your new travel friends and choose one of London’s many pubs or restaurants to enjoy an evening of good times and good company.

Today is a free day in London until your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Maybe take in the views from the top of the London Eye, walk through the Victoria and Albert Museum or visit St Paul’s Cathedral. After your meeting, maybe grab a pub dinner with your new fellow travellers.

Take a train to Oxford after breakfast this morning. Established in the 12th century, Oxford revolves around its prestigious university of the same name. The architecture of the city’s medieval centre led poet Matthew Arnold to the nickname 'City of Dreaming Spires'. Enjoy a spot of punting – a timeless Oxford tradition of taking a leisurely boat ride (or punt) upstream. Pass gorgeously green gardens and admire the city from the water. Then, you have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace. You might like to visit the famed college campuses or the Botanic Gardens, where you can picnic for lunch.

Today, you have a free day to explore Oxford. Maybe get a different view of Oxford's world-famous university from the top of Carfax Tower, get spellbound on a Harry Potter locations tour, visit the Ashmolean – Britain’s oldest public museum – or uncover the story of Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at its birthplace, Christ Church College.

Have breakfast, then head out for a daytrip to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this region rises from the meadows of the upper Thames and is a beautiful place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Explore the English countryside and the charm of the local villages. This area is also known for its distinctive yellow limestone buildings, including medieval ‘wool churches’ and thatched homes. You’ll have lunch in the famous Hook Norton Brewery, where you can taste some award-winning ales. Tonight, you’re free to make your own dinner plans. You’ll spend the night in Moreton-in-Marsh.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Enjoy some free time for lunch before setting off on a guided walking tour with a local expert. Discover many of Cardiff’s must-see highlights as you explore the city centre.The rest of the evening is yours to spend however you like – maybe step into the world of Doctor Who with a visit to some of the iconic filming locations from this hit BBC series. Your handy local leader will be ready with recommendations for where to keep exploring or grab a bite to eat.

Wake up bright and early this morning for breakfast at your hotel, then take a private transfer to Beddgelert – a village nestled in the Snowdonia area of Wales, translating to ‘Gelert’s Grave’. This community was named after the legend of Gelert the dog, who Prince Llywelyn left to guard his child. To this day, thousands visit the cairn of stones that mark this grave. When you arrive, take a scenic hike on the Lon Gwyrfai path from Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert. Winding through some of the best parts of Snowdonia National Park, this trail will take you through Welsh plantations, ancient woodlands and viewpoints spanning across the valley. You’ll stop for lunch along the way. After the hike, you’ll take a private transfer to Bangor – the oldest city in Wales. Once you arrive, the rest of your afternoon is free. Relax at your hotel or maybe visit one of the many cathedrals in the city.

This morning, take a short train ride to Chester – a cathedral city first founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century. Take a boat cruise along the River Dee and see the highlights of this ancient city, with its red sandstone Roman walls, from the water. Have some free time for lunch, then take a train to Liverpool. Enjoy a free evening when you arrive – maybe hit one of the many pubs and meet some local Liverpudlians over a pint.

Have breakfast this morning and then head into Liverpool – famously, the hometown of The Beatles. You’ll take a walking tour of the city with a local guide, exploring the waterfront, the famous architecture of the Georgian Quarter and local pubs where the Fab 4 began their musical journey. Explore some local music shops, record stores and other famous locations tied to the music legends while learning about the history of Liverpool itself. After, maybe grab a pub dinner with your group before enjoying a free evening to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take a train to Windermere, in the famous Lake District of England. A mountainous region and national park, this area is popular for its stunning scenery, glacial ribbon lakes and literary history as a central source of inspiration for 19th-century Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Have some free time for lunch, explore the town of Windermere and then take a walk with your trip leader along the shore of Lake Windermere – by far, the most popular natural lake to explore in the district. This lake is also the largest in the country! The rest of your day is free – maybe continue to explore the region by foot, relax at your hotel or find a quaint spot for dinner with your group.

Today, you have a free day to explore the Lake District National Park – your trip leader will have plenty of suggestions for hikes, short walks and activities in the area. You might like to take a boat tour on Windermere Lake, visit Beatrix Potter’s home in Near Sawrey or try some of the legendary gingerbread in Grasmere.

Take a train to Edinburgh in Scotland this morning. The birthplace of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is a hilly city that has captured the hearts and minds of many writers throughout history and is a UNESCO City of Literature. When you arrive, you’ll take a city walk with your leader. Explore the medieval Old Town, with Edinburgh Castle looming above, then head into the Georgian New Town with its beautiful gardens and neoclassical buildings. The rest of the afternoon is free. Maybe explore the castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels, or head to Arthur’s Seat, an imposing peak with sweeping views over the city in Holyrood Park. Or, you could book a Potter-themed walking tour to see the locations that inspired JK Rowling and even visit the grave of the original Tom Riddle! Tonight, maybe join your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s popular restaurants.

After breakfast, make your way to the train station and travel to Glasgow. Glasgow is a city full of character, history and flair and has recently been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Music. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore before another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Maybe set off on the City Centre Mural Trail or visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. After your meeting, maybe get acquainted over dinner – Merchant City is a great area for some fresh seafood or a pint.

This morning, take a short walk to the train station to catch an early morning train – the world-famous West Highland Line. This captivating railway journey from Glasgow to Fort William takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. You’ll arrive in Fort William in the early afternoon, giving you time to explore this famous town that’s home to the highest mountain in the UK – Ben Nevis. In the afternoon, weather permitting, you can opt to join your leader on a hike into Glen Nevis, ascending to the summit of Cow Hill. Your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of Glen Nevis, the surrounding peaks and across Fort William to Loch Linnhe and beyond. The rest of the day is free, so maybe hole up in one of the cosy local pubs for a hearty meal – ask your leader for all the best recommendations.

Complete your train journey on the West Highland Line this morning. As the train departs from Fort William, you’ll be greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films. Follow the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Hop off the train and onto a ferry, which will take you to the Isle of Skye – the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. Skye’s landscape is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. When you arrive, transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll have some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening, maybe join your trip leader to sample a dram or two!

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of some of Skye's native wildlife including otters and seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. This peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing, with its distinct geological formations. You’ll also stop at the towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock – a dramatic sea cliff which overlooks the cascading Mealt Falls. There will also be the chance to stop at a local gallery or museum along the way. Then, take a transfer to a local whisky distillery for a tour and tasting session. Afterwards, return to your accommodation to enjoy free evening.

Bid farewell to the Isle of Skye and board a private bus to travel over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Continue through picturesque landscapes until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, located on the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness – the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively culture.

Hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to an end in 1746. Visit the battlefield, then make your way to the city centre to take a walk along the River Ness. This trail weaves over small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful suspension bridge to complete the loop. The trail ends near a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Maybe visit the castle or seek out a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping or, if you’re looking for a hidden local favourite, then Leakey’s Bookshop is a must-see.

Take a morning train to Edinburgh, famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast between each area’s architecture and streetscape. Check into your accommodation, then take an insightful walking tour of the city with Invisible Cities – a social enterprise that trains locals who have experienced homelessness to become tour guides. Hear your local guide’s personal experience of the city as your wind your way through the streets, hitting the highlights. The rest of the day is free for you to explore – maybe visit Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum of Scotland.

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, and it’s highly recommended you do, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.