From London’s iconic landmarks and Bath’s treasures to the mystery of Stonehenge and majesty of Windsor Castle, this tour of historic England visits all top sites. Take a train from famous King’s Cross Station to York in northeast England, where you’ll be enthralled by stories of its ancient past as you take a walking tour of the walled city. Misty castles, sparkling lochs and wee coastal villages await you in Scotland. Tour exciting Edinburgh, visit the longest loch in the country and explore Alnwick Castle, the setting of the Harry Potter films.
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DAY 1: LONDON ARRIVAL
Welcome to London! Upon arrival at the airport make your way to your hotel. An optional private transfer is available. Enjoy your first day in the city at your own leisure.
Accommodation at The Tower Hotel or Pestana Chelsea Bridge, London, or similar
DAY 2: THE BEST OF LONDON
Start the day with an early entry to Westminster Abbey so that you can visit this masterpiece of Gothic architecture before the crowds arrive. With your guide, you'll learn about the abbey's long history, which includes royal weddings, coronations, and illustrious funerals. Then, you'll walk across St. James's Park to Wellington Barracks near Buckingham Palace, where you can see the new guard getting ready to exchange duty with the old guard. You'll also get to see a smaller ceremony, which is less famous but equally fascinating: the changing of the Queen's Life Guard.
Next, you'll head to Trafalgar Square to learn about British naval history under the watchful eye of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. There are also some hidden gems to discover around the square, including a world record holder. After a break for lunch, the tour continues with a scenic cruise down the River Thames up to the Tower of London. Here, your skip-the-line ticket takes you past the crowds and inside to see the incredible collection of precious gems that make up the Crown Jewels. You'll also learn all about the secrets and stories that make this place so fascinating. Meals: B
Accommodation at The Tower Hotel or Pestana Chelsea Bridge, London, or similar
DAY 3: LONDON AT LEISURE
We’re firm believers in allowing free time to explore places on your own in order to get a true sense of the city. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore London on your own. Optional sightseeing tours are available. Meals: B
Accommodation at The Tower Hotel or Pestana Chelsea Bridge, London, or similar
DAY 4: WINDSOR CASTLE, BATH & STONEHENGE
Today meet your guide in central London for a full-day tour of Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge. Steeped in history, Windsor Castle perches proudly on a lush wooded hill overlooking the Thames with sweeping landscaped gardens and a turreted Round Tower. Enjoy a fascinating experience through–the–keyhole peeks at the lavish State Apartments, home to priceless artworks. Visit St. George’s Chapel, the atmospheric final resting place of former monarchs including Henry VIII. You can visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a truly incredible structure.
Then proceed to Stonehenge. The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress. Continue to Bath. Standing proudly on the slopes of the River Avon, beautiful Bath was the first city in England to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. No tour of Bath would be complete without a visit to the famous Roman Baths that gave the city its name. This beautifully preserved bathing complex still flows with water from Britain’s only hot spring. Return to London in the late afternoon. Meals: B
Accommodation at The Tower Hotel or Pestana Chelsea Bridge, London, or similar
DAY 5: LONDON TO YORK WITH WALKING TOUR
Today reach London King’s Cross Station to catch your train to York, where you will arrive in about 2 hours, passing a marvelous landscape.
In the early afternoon, join a walking tour to explore the city of York. In 90 minutes, you will learn about 2000 years of history. The route includes all the key sights, including the Minster, the Shambles, and the city walls; though we will also lead you deep into the medieval maze to reveal secret corners you might otherwise have missed. Meals: B
Accommodation at The Dean Court or Clementine's Town House, York, or similar
DAY 6: YORK TO EDINBURGH WITH WALKING TOUR
Today make your way to the train station in York and catch a comfortable train to Edinburgh. Once in Scotland, the rest of the day is at leisure. Early afternoon, join a walking tour to discover the Secrets of the Royal Mile. Your expert guide will take you to the places where history was made – the wynds, closes, courtyards, and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Meals: B
Accommodation at Voco Edinburgh, Le Monde, Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh, or similar
DAY 7: ALNWICK CASTLE, THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST & THE BORDERS
Discover the incredible world of Harry Potter's Hogwarts and uncover the historic and stunning Borders. You can imagine kings and queens; think of epic sieges, wizards, and dragons: Alnwick Castle is a playground for your imagination that combines make-believe with actual events. Let your imagination fly on this trip through the historic towns, intriguing tales, and beautiful views of the borders of Scotland and England. Return late afternoon in Edinburgh. Meals: B
Accommodation at Voco Edinburgh, Le Monde, Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh, or similar
DAY 8: WEST HIGHLANDS, LOCHS & CASTLES
If you are looking to step inside a nature documentary, relive history and explore the sights that inspired the postcards, this is the perfect experience for you. Discover Scotland’s iconic sights and the country’s best-kept secrets: Scotland's classic misty castles, sparkling lochs, wee coastal villages, and heather-clad mountains. You will visit Inveraray, the 18th-century town with an ancient jail and a gorgeous castle; Doune Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland, also featured in ‘Monty Python’s stories; Loch Awe, The longest loch in Scotland with close connections to the MacArthur, Campbell, Stewart, and MacGregor clans.
Later, visit the Conservation village of Luss, an idyllic village on the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Lomond National Park, where you will admire the views and take postcard-perfect photos to share with your friends and family. Meals: B
Accommodation at Voco Edinburgh, Le Monde, Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Edinburgh, or similar
DAY 9: EDINBURGH DEPARTURE
After breakfast, make your way to the airport or train station for your onward journey. Optional private transfers are available. Meals: B