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Day 1: Arrive London
Upon arrival, take the coach transfer departing at frequent intervals to your hotel, located on Tottenham Court Road. Use your London open-top hop-on hop-off independent bus tour voucher to reach places all around London that appeal to you. You may choose to stay on the bus for the entire route and enjoy the commentary. In the evening meet your guide and fellow travellers over a welcome drink to discuss your vacation before heading to a real English pub for some typical food. (D)
Day 2: Hampton Court Palace & Gardens
This morning drive to Hampton Court Palace, which is set in handsome gardens and parkland close to the River Thames. Tour the Palace to see the Tudor Kitchens, the great gatehouse, the orangery, the Hampton Court Vine and the maze. Return to London where the afternoon and evening are at leisure for independent activities. If you did not use your independent bus tour voucher on the previous day, you may use it to discover the heart of this vibrant capital. The pass is valid for 24 hours. (CB)
Day 3: Cotswolds & Chester
Drive through part of the Cotswolds, a delightful hilly region with honey-collared stone houses, many dating back to medieval times. Stop in Stratford-upon-Avon for a look around on your own to see Shakespeare’s Birthplace and some of the old black-and-white houses. Continue your drive to Chester and check in to your hotel. Then take a walking tour to explore the narrow old streets of Chester. See the black-and-white Rows and walk along parts of the medieval city walls. (CB,D)
Day 4: Lake District & Gretna Green
Travel through the glorious Lake District to enjoy stunning views of shimmering lakes, gentle hills and valleys. Stop in the quaint village of Grasmere to visit Dove Cottage, where William Wordsworth penned some of his most popular lines. Also see his grave in the village churchyard. Cross the border into Scotland and stop at Gretna Green, one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations. Drive through the Borders region to Edinburgh and your hotel in the “New Town.” In the evening take a tour of Edinburgh’s hidden gems and dine at a waterside restaurant in Leith. (B,D)
Day 5: Edinburgh Castle & City Tour
Explore central Edinburgh this morning, starting in the 200-year-old “New Town” with its planned streets and elegant Georgian houses, homes of many famous writers and inventors. See the Royal Mile where the old medieval houses are clustered. Tour Edinburgh Castle where the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny are housed. The afternoon is free for independent activities. On August 06, 13 and 20 departures watch the spectacular Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. (B)
Day 6: Stirling Castle, Glen Coe & Traditional Music
Visit the mighty Stirling Castle, captured from the English in 1297 by William Wallace and again in 1314 by Robert the Bruce. Drive through Callander and into the scenic Trossachs region, called “The Highlands in Miniature.” Stop at Kilmahog Woollen Mill, which stocks a large selection of Scottish goods and whiskies. Travel across Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, notorious for the massacre of the Clan Macdonald by the Campbells. Check in to your lovely Highlands hotel and enhance the Highland atmosphere when a Scottish piper and step-dancer perform for you after dinner. (B,D)
Day 7: Highlands & Loch Lomond Cruise
Travel through wonderful Highland scenery with many bodies of water. Drive by Loch Etive and Loch Awe and through Glen Aray to the Georgian town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. The New Town of Inveraray was built between 1753 and 1776 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll who decided to move the existing town to landscape his splendid new castle properly. Cross the mountain pass of “Rest and Be Thankful” to Loch Lomond. Embark on a scenic cruise to admire panoramic views of Highland peaks before driving into Glasgow for a short orientation tour. (B,D)
Day 8: Depart Glasgow
After breakfast, transfer to Glasgow Airport for your onward flight. (B) This tour may be extended to Ireland, ending in Dublin. Details here.
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