English and Scottish Heritage Explorer - 13 Days

Welcome to your journey! Upon arrival in London, we will arrange for your transfer to the hotel where you will have some time to settle in and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, information about the commencement of your tour will be posted on the boards at the hotel's reception, ensuring you have all the details you need for the days ahead. Enjoy this initial glimpse of one of the world�s most iconic cities and prepare for what promises to be a memorable adventure. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On your second day in London, we commence our discovery of the city with a morning tour. We'll explore Westminster and admire the Parliament buildings before delving into the heart of the City and taking in views of the Thames. In the afternoon, you're free to continue exploring London at your leisure. We invite you to join us for an optional excursion to the picturesque Thames Valley, where we'll visit the town of Windsor and its magnificent castle. As evening approaches, we'll gather at Piccadilly to embark on a stroll through the lively areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, famed for their energetic ambience and array of theatres and entertainment options. Please note that this evening's plan may occasionally be scheduled for the day of your arrival in London. At the end of the day, we'll return together to our hotel by bus, ensuring a comfortable end to a full and enriching day.

Spend the day at your leisure in London, soaking up the city's unique charm. With countless iconic sites to explore, you might choose to visit world-class museums, wander through historic neighbourhoods, or enjoy the vibrant shopping and dining scenes. This free day offers the perfect opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry that makes London an enduringly captivating destination.

As we depart from London, we journey to the historic city of Cambridge. Here, we'll admire the stunning architecture of its prestigious colleges. After a leisurely lunch, we make our way to York, a city renowned for its magnificent cathedral, remnants of Roman walls, and charming shopping streets. You will have free time to explore York�s unique blend of history and culture at your own pace. Later, our travels take us further north to Durham, a lively medieval town where the remarkable cathedral stands proudly opposite the castle, offering a glimpse into the town's rich heritage.

We set off from Durham as we make our way to Scotland, with a morning visit to Alnwick. This charming town is renowned for its stunning gardens and the grand medieval castle, made famous by the Harry Potter films. Our journey continues to Edinburgh, where we arrive around midday. As the capital of Scotland and one of Northern Europe's most dynamic cities, Edinburgh boasts a monumental centre that has earned the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city�s castle majestically overlooks the steep streets and verdant parks. We will enjoy a panoramic tour accompanied by a local guide, offering us an insightful glimpse into Edinburgh's rich history and vibrant culture.

Take advantage of a leisurely day in Edinburgh to uncover the city's distinctive charm at your own pace. This bustling capital, renowned for its atmospheric streets and historic sites, offers countless opportunities for exploration. You might choose to visit the famous Edinburgh Castle or walk along the medieval Royal Mile. The charming neighbourhoods, tucked-away gems, and panoramic views make for a memorable day of discovery. Enjoy your time delving into the cultural heart of Scotland, whether you prefer museums, galleries, or simple strolls through Edinburgh�s iconic landscapes. If you wish, indulge in some traditional Scottish cuisine or shop in the charming boutiques sprinkled throughout the city. Everything is easily accessible, ensuring a day well-spent embracing the character and allure of this magnificent city.

We depart Edinburgh with a brief stop to admire the impressive Kelpies statues, large mythological horse head sculptures paying homage to Scotland's deep-rooted connections to horse heritage. Our journey continues to Stirling, where its majestic castle dominates the skyline. Rich in history, Stirling Castle has witnessed formidable events, including legendary battles and royal coronations. Your castle visit is included, allowing you to delve into its historical significance. Heading further north, we'll pause at Pitlochry, a quaint town nestled in the heart of Scotland's whisky-producing region, where you can enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll. Our next stop is the historic battlefield of Culloden, a site of great significance in Scottish history, marking a pivotal battle against British forces. This battle's outcome had lasting impacts on Scottish culture and policy. In the evening, we arrive in Inverness, known as the Capital of the Highlands, with its charming castle standing proudly above the River Ness. We recommend taking a scenic walk along the river and across its iconic suspension bridge. Please note, depending on the season and daylight hours, the Culloden visit might instead be rescheduled for Monday.

Prepare for an adventurous day as we set off from Inverness to explore the breathtaking scenery of northern Scotland. Our first destination is the captivating Eilean Donan Castle, a stunning location perched on the waters of a fjord. With tickets included, you'll have the opportunity to explore this fascinating site. Continuing to Fort Augustus, we'll view the remarkable sluice gate system � there's also time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. In the afternoon, we'll travel to the famed Loch Ness, where an exciting boat tour is included for you to experience the lake's enigmatic waters. Afterwards, we'll visit the historical Urquhart Castle, with admission included, to learn about its intriguing past. We'll then return to Inverness, the heart of the Highlands, and delve into the secrets of Scotland�s iconic whisky at a traditional distillery, where both admission and a tasting session are included. It's a day rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, concluding with accommodation in Inverness. Please note that the distillery visit may occur late Sunday or on Monday, depending on ticket availability.

Today, we will continue our journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Our first stop is Spean Bridge, where we will visit a poignant monument commemorating the Second World War. We then proceed to Fort William, a popular tourist hub positioned at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the United Kingdom. As we travel, keep an eye out for Kilchurn Castle with its captivating ruins situated beside a dark loch. Our adventure leads us to Inveraray, a charming historic village nestled by Loch Fyne, known for its imposing castle and tranquil streets. Here, we will pause for lunch before heading along the serene shores of Loch Lomond. By evening, we will reach Glasgow, where you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at your leisure.

Today, we set off early from Glasgow, journeying south through the charming landscapes of Scotland and England. Our destination is Lichfield, a quaint town renowned for its stunning cathedral, which boasts three spire-topped towers. Here, you'll have time to enjoy a leisurely stroll and lunch amidst the charming cobbled streets and historic structures. Our next stop is Birmingham, the United Kingdom's second-largest city, which has transitioned from its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution to become a bustling centre of culture and commerce. On arrival, you may explore the area around the town hall or meander along the famed canal network, which is surprisingly more extensive than Venice's, lined with inviting restaurants and entertainment options.

Our journey today begins with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque town set on the banks of the River Avon, where the renowned playwright William Shakespeare was born. You can opt to visit his birthplace here. Next, we will meander through the lovely landscapes dotted with quaint villages to reach Stow-on-the-Wold. This charming village, known for its distinctive stone houses and a delightful square filled with art galleries and antique shops, offers a quintessentially English atmosphere.

Our travels then take us to Gloucester, where we'll pause for lunch at the bustling docks. Here, you can explore the historic centre and marvel at the magnificent cathedral, famous for its beautiful architecture and as a filming location for some scenes from the Harry Potter films. Our day concludes in Bath, a city celebrated for its elegant Georgian architecture and thermal springs. You can choose to visit the Roman baths if you wish.

Today, we continue our exploration of southern England. You'll have time in Bath to perhaps visit the Roman baths before we depart for our next destination. Our journey takes us to the iconic Stonehenge, where we include admission for you to explore this world-renowned prehistoric monument, a captivating circle of stones with origins shrouded in mystery. Following this, we'll head to Salisbury where you can enjoy lunch amidst its charming medieval streets. In Salisbury, visit the awe-inspiring cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in England � admission is included. Later, we'll make our way back to London, arriving by day's end.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with wonderful, enduring memories of the experiences shared and the places explored.