13 Day England & Scotland: Castles & Countryside

Welcome to London, transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. This evening, your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 PM if possible
Overnight: London
Meals: Dinner

Today, discover the extraordinary history and pageantry of this grand city. The tour of the trendy West End begins with a drive through fashionable Kensington with its elegant squares and pristine parks. Drive via busy Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey, an architectural masterpiece. View the Houses of Parliament, one of the world’s most iconic buildings. Continue to view Buckingham Palace, the London residence of Her Majesty the Queen. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps stroll through the British Museum, the Tate Modern or, the historic Tower of London. Tonight, savor a delectable home-cooked dinner with an accomplished chef and author
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A morning drive from London takes you into the picturesque Kent countryside to visit Chartwell, the magnificent family home of Sir Winston Churchill, now a museum and shrine to the beloved man who led Great Britain to victory during WWII. Time to walk through the Victorian and Tudor-inspired home, its beautiful surrounding gardens and gaze at spectacular panoramas of the lake and the Wealden Hills. Afterward, experience 700 years of history at romantic 13th century Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife who was Queen of England for just 1000 days. Stroll through the splendid rooms containing fine furniture, tapestries and a priceless collection of Tudor paintings. After a walk in the award-winning gardens, on to Winchester, one of the oldest settlements in Britain dominated by the imposing spire of the medieval Winchester Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy dinner together in Winchester
Overnight: Winchester
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

The day begins in scenic Salisbury in the southern county of Wiltshire; view the ornate medieval cathedral. Next, journey deep into the heart of England to discover the unique Cotswold countryside. You’ll be captivated by the natural beauty of ancient limestone villages, charming stone and thatch cottages, pristine gardens, rolling hillsides and stately homes -- truly one of the most 'quintessentially English' and unspoiled regions of England! Later, arrive at your hotel in Oxford, with time to settle in before a lovely dinner together
Overnight: Oxford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, explore the city of Oxford, housing the oldest university in the UK. The ivy-clad colleges that make up the university are renowned for some of the finest architecture in Europe. Begin with a walking tour of the city as you stroll along the cobbled streets and soak up the academic ambience which inspired many literary geniuses. Visit Oxford's impressive Bodleian Library, one of the oldest public libraries in Europe. Explore the many colleges such as Christ Church, used in many of the Harry Potter movies, with its impressive landmark tower designed by Christopher Wren. Next, travel to Blenheim Palace, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore the gilded State Rooms of the palace and view the priceless collections. Return to Oxford and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Oxford
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head to the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, to trace the footsteps of William Shakespeare, England’s most famous poet, and playwright. View the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway lived before visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace on Henley Street, the schoolroom where he was educated and the Guildhall with its outstanding timber-framed architecture and rare historic wall paintings. Free time in this celebrated town where the Bard's plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Afterward, drive through spectacular scenery to the walled city of Chester for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Chester
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your day begins with a walking tour of medieval Chester, set on of the River Dee. The city is home to a recently excavated Roman Amphitheatre and an impressive Gothic cathedral. View Chester's racetrack, the oldest racecourse still in use in the UK. Continue on to visit Levens Hall*, a grand manor house dating back to 1350 with its fine Elizabethan interior, ornate scrollwork, and priceless paintings. A highlight of the visit is a walk through the exceptional garden of topiary characters sculpted from box and yew, surrounded by over 30,000 colorful flowers. Afterward, make your way to Windermere in the stunning Lake District. Tonight, have dinner together at the hotel
*For Oct departures, Levens Hall is unavailable.
Overnight: Windermere
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, embark on a peaceful and scenic cruise on Windermere Lake, the largest body of water in England. Admire magnificent views from the water toward the Langdales. Continue on with a visit to High Yewdale farm, located in a delightful setting in the beautiful Lake District. The farmhouse was built in 1690 and was owned by Beatrix Potter in the 1930s. Tour the home that still has many of her furnishings. After lunch at the farm, return to the beautiful Windermere region for an evening at leisure
Overnight: Windermere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In dazzling Grasmere with its serene 19th-century architecture, visit the resting place of William Wordsworth at the country church and tiny Dove Cottage* where he once lived. Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poems in Grasmere which he described as “the loveliest spot that man hath found.” Crossing into Scotland, stop in Gretna Green before proceeding to the stunning 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by the Da Vinci Code novel by Dan Brown. The chapel is an architectural gem. Admire the beautiful stonework, mysterious carvings, and unique architecture. Find out more about the myths and legends surrounding the chapel and its association with the Knights Templar. Afterward, travel to dramatic Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city with its exquisite Georgian and Victorian architecture. This evening, dinner is at your hotel in Edinburgh
*For May departures, Dove Cottage is unavailable.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

An exploration of Edinburgh’s rich heritage unfolds, as you pass the elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town” on your way to the Museum of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament at the foot of the Royal Mile. Admire the Baroque Palace of Holyrood, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the historic State Apartments, ruins of the 12th century Abbey and the remarkable royal gardens. Afterward, on to Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city, a powerful symbol of Scottish monarchy; admire the breathtaking Crown Jewels on display in the Crown Room. This afternoon, experience a traditional Afternoon Tea, as you enjoy a sampling of superb teas served in the finest china, accompanied by sweet and savory pastries, scones and finger sandwiches
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

Your day begins with a visit to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically important sites and favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens. Knights, nobles, and ambassadors flocked here to revel in its grandeur and enjoy its superb sculptures and beautiful gardens. Head to the dramatic Trossachs, known as the miniature Scottish Highlands, set on the physical boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands of Scotland. Steeped in Scottish history, legend, and myth, and a glorious landscape of lochs, glens, and mountains, the area maintains the same appeal as when Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott came here to stay. Afterward, visit Glengoyne Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, dating back to 1833. Taste some of the finest single malt Scotch Whisky, each matched with award-winning handmade chocolates. Return to Edinburgh for dinner together tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast