Scotland and England - Splendid Scotland and England

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Fly into the night where you will soon wake to meet a new day in the beautiful United Kingdom. The sweeping countryside, friendly people and dramatic history of Scotland and England await you.

Day 2: Edinburgh, Scotland - Tour Begins

Your tour begins today in Scotland’s regal capital city of Edinburgh. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers during a special welcome dinner hosted by a local Scotsman.
Today dinner is included.

Day 3: Edinburgh

This morning, a guided city sightseeing tour introduces the Royal Mile, the medieval Old Town and the 18th-century New Town. Visit Edinburgh Castle, which is situated on a hill high above the city and is home to the royal collection of treasures that includes the Scottish crown jewels as well as the Stone of Destiny (formerly called the Stone of Scone), a coronation symbol stolen and smuggled to England many centuries ago and just returned in 1997. Your sightseeing tour also includes the lovely Palace of Holyroodhouse*, former home of Mary, Queen of Scots. The afternoon is free to explore the city’s narrow alleyways and shops. Or, plan a visit to the nearby Royal Yacht Britannia and its grand staterooms, where Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 4: Edinburgh

The entire day is free to explore Edinburgh independently. You may plan to check out the Dynamic Earth Exhibition, where visitors are taken on an exciting journey encountering the various dynamic forces that formed our planet, or the Museum of Scotland, where a stunning series of galleries takes you through the history of Scotland. Or, perhaps you would prefer a jaunt through the Kingdom of Fife en route to the golf mecca of St. Andrews, followed by a visit to Stirling Castle, the child hood home of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 5: Edinburgh - Gretna Green - Lake Windermere, England

Your adventure continues this morning as you travel to the Scottish border town of Gretna Green. Schedule permitting, you will visit the Old Blacksmith’s shop to learn why generations of runaway couples came here to be married. Next, cross the English border into the magnificent Lake District. Here valleys are dotted with lakes and shorelines of rolling farms, charming stone cottages and elegant country estates. Your introduction to this picturesque region begins with a cooking demonstration featuring regional Cumbrian cuisine followed by a buffet luncheon where you will sample some of the local dishes. Then, make your way to the southern edge of Lake Windermere where you will enjoy a guided visit to the Aquarium of the Lakes. Conclude with a leisurely cruise along the lovely southern shores of Lake Windermere*, postcard perfect any time of year.
Today breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 6: Lake District

This morning, discover why the Lake District has been a favorite destination for generations of artists and poets as you cruise the northern portion of Lake Windermere followed by sightseeing through the charming towns of Ambleside, Grasmere and Windermere. The afternoon is free to peruse Windermere’s delightful shops or visit the World of Beatrix Potter, a themed-attraction where the author’s famous tales are brought to life. Tonight, plan to dine al fresco at one of the many delicious lakeside restaurants.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 7: Lake Windermere - Chester - Tarporely

This morning, enjoy a visit to the Roman walled city of Chester, perhaps one of the best-preserved walled cities in the United Kingdom. Next, head to the nearby Portal Golf Resort which is set in some of England’s most breathtaking countryside. This afternoon, you may wish to take in a round of golf or relax at the spa. Beatles fans will want to head to Liverpool to retrace the footsteps of John, Paul, George and Ringo on the Magical Mystery Tour. Following tonight’s dinner, you will have the opportunity to learn about British golf and the resort’s championship course.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: Tarporely

Will it be rest and relaxation today or golf on one or more of the Portal’s three golf courses? What you decide is entirely up to your discretion. Why not venture through the picturesque Welsh countryside to visit the majestic Caernarfon Castle, where Charles was crowned Prince of Wales, and explore the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia National Park? This optional excursion to Wales concludes with a traditional English Tea in a real castle!
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 9: Tarporely - Train to London

It’s an early start today as a high-speed train whisks you towards exciting London. After lunch on your own, take in the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Kensington Palace during a panoramic tour. This evening, visit one of London’s most unique attractions, The Ice Bar. This unusual pub is entirely made of ice! Complete your first day in the city dining at one of London’s hip restaurants.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 10: London

A real treat is in store for you this morning as you embark on a “Mystery Tour” that has been especially prepared for you by your Tour Manager in the splendid city of London. The balance of the day is at leisure. This afternoon, plan to shop on famous Oxford Street, or you may wish to take in a matinee theatre performance in Covent Garden, famous for its shops, street performers, restaurants, and the Royal Opera House.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 11: London

The entire day is yours to explore London. See world treasures at the British Museum or meet a Beefeater at the Tower of London. If it is a royal experience you’re after, you can venture out of town to Windsor Palace. Then, put on your archaeologist hat and attempt to unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 12: London - Cotswolds - Warwickshire

This morning, prepare to be amazed during a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace. Next, travel the Romantic Road, a scenic route that leads through peaceful river valleys, country towns and villages of honey-colored stone, complete with manor houses, churches and traditional pubs. A visit is included to one of the charming Cotswold villages. Conclude your grand tour of Scotland and England on the grounds of the stunning Walton Manor. Walk its expansive grounds or indulge in a spa treatment. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions in the beautiful manor house.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 13: Warwickshire - Tour Ends

Your journey through Scotland and England ends in Warwickshire today.
Today breakfast is included.