England & Scotland Explorer

Arrive at London Heathrow/Gatwick Airport where our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. After check-in and refreshments, enjoy an orientation tour of central London, including views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Evening welcome dinner at a traditional British restaurant featuring classic English cuisine. Overnight in London.

full day exploring London's iconic royal heritage. Begin with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace (schedule permitting). Visit the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and over 900 years of fascinating history. After lunch, tour Westminster Abbey, the coronation church of British monarchs since 1066, and explore the Churchill War Rooms. Evening at leisure or optional West End theatre show (extra charge). Overnight in London.

Morning visit to the British Museum, housing treasures from around the world including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Continue to St. Paul's Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece with its magnificent dome. After lunch, enjoy free time for shopping in prestigious areas such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, or the luxury department stores of Knightsbridge, including world-famous Harrods. Evening at leisure to explore London's vibrant restaurant scene. Overnight in London.

journey northward to York, one of England's most historic cities. En route, stop at Cambridge for a brief tour of this prestigious university town with its stunning colleges and the picturesque "Backs" along the River Cam. Continue to York, arriving in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening orientation walk within the medieval city walls, including York's charming narrow streets, known as "Shambles." Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in York.

including a visit to the magnificent York Minster, one of the world's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals. After lunch, continue north, crossing the border into Scotland. Stop at Jedburgh Abbey, a remarkably complete 12th-century Augustinian abbey. Arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital, in the early evening. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a brief orientation walk along the Royal Mile. Overnight in Edinburgh.

Full day discovering Edinburgh's highlights. Visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Explore the Royal Mile, the historic thoroughfare connecting the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. After lunch, visit the elegant Georgian New Town and climb Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city. Evening traditional Scottish dinner with folk music and dancing, including a taste of haggis and fine Scotch whisky. Overnight in Edinburgh.

After breakfast, journey into the legendary Scottish Highlands. Travel through the stunning scenery of Perthshire, stopping at Pitlochry, a charming Victorian town. Continue to the battlefield of Culloden, site of the last pitched battle on British soil and a pivotal moment in Scottish history. Arrive at your accommodations in the Highlands (Inverness or Aviemore area) for check-in. Evening dinner featuring Highland specialties. Overnight in the Scottish Highlands.

After breakfast, morning visit to the mysterious Loch Ness, home of the legendary monster. Enjoy a scenic drive through the magnificent Glencoe, one of Scotland's most famous and scenic glens. Depending on your departure plans, transfer to either Glasgow or Edinburgh airport for your departure flight, taking home wonderful memories of England and Scotland.