The Grand UK Explorer: England & Scotland

Welcome to London! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

In the morning, we’ll go on a city tour of LONDON, visiting Westminster, the Parliament, the City, and the Thames. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time, during which we’ll offer an optional visit to the Thames Valley, including the town of Windsor, crowned by the stunning Castle. In the evening, we’ll meet at Piccadilly for a walk through Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, known for its vibrant atmosphere, theaters, and entertainment (in some cases, this evening program might be organized for the previous day, upon arrival in London). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by bus.

Free day to explore. A day to enjoy the moment, discover new landscapes, and let every corner reveal its own story and beauty in peace.

We’ll start the day by leaving London and heading towards northern England. Our first stop will be Cambridge, where we’ll admire the beautiful colleges. After lunch, we’ll continue to York, where the stunning cathedral, Roman walls, and lively shopping streets will leave a lasting impression. You’ll have some free time to explore. Afterwards, we’ll proceed north to Durham, a vibrant medieval town featuring a magnificent cathedral in front of the castle.

We’ll travel to Scotland, with a stop in Alnwick, a picturesque town known for its beautiful gardens and large medieval castle, famously featured in the Harry Potter films. We’ll then continue to Edinburgh, arriving around midday. As Scotland’s capital and one of the most vibrant cities in Northern Europe, Edinburgh’s monumental center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle overlooks the city’s steep streets and parks. We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour with a local guide.

Free day to explore. A day to enjoy the moment, discover new landscapes, and let every corner reveal its own story and beauty in peace.

After leaving Edinburgh, we’ll stop to photograph The Kelpies, enormous sculptures of horses´ heads from Scottish mythology. They symbolize the strength and beauty of horses, as well as their connection to water and land. Next, we’ll head to Stirling, with its impressive historic center dominated by the great castle, one of the most important in Scotland. This castle has witnessed numerous historical events, including legendary battles and the coronation of several kings. The visit to the castle is included. We’ll continue towards the north, stopping in Pitlochry, a picturesque town in the heart of the Scottish region, where most of Scotland´s whisky is produced. Time for lunch and a stroll. Continuing our journey north, we’ll stop at Culloden, the site of a pivotal battle in Scottish history against British forces, resulting in a decisive English victory. The battle had profound consequences for Scotland, leading to laws and policies aimed at suppressing its culture and traditions. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Inverness, the "Capital of the Highlands," where its castle stands out. We suggest enjoying a walk along the banks of the River Ness and the iconic suspension bridge.

Note: Depending on the time of year and daylight, the stop in Culloden might be on Monday.

A day filled with excitement lies ahead of us. We’ll journey through the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs, remote plains and fjords of northern Scotland. Our first stop will be the fascinating Eilean Donan Castle, a picturesque site located on the waters of the fjord (tickets included). Next, we’ll head to Fort Augustus to visit the sluice gate system, with time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, we’ll travel to Loch Ness for an included boat tour on the lake’s dark and mysterious waters. Afterwards, we’ll visit the medieval Urquhart Castle (admission included).

We’ll arrive in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, located at the mouth of Loch Ness. Here, we’ll visit a traditional whiskey distillery to learn about the process behind Scotland´s national drink (admission and tasting included). This prized spirit, made from barley, is not only enjoyed throughout Scotland but is also one of the country’s top exports. Accommodation will be in Inverness.

Note: The distillery visit schedule may vary depending on ticket availability and can take place either late Sunday or on Monday.

We will continue enjoying stunning landscapes. Our first stop will be in Spean Bridge to visit a monument commemorating the Second World War. Next, we’ll stop in Fort William, a tourist center at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. We’ll pass by Kilchurn Castle, with its beautiful ruins by a dark lake. We will then arrive in Inveraray, a picturesque historic village by Loch Fyne, featuring a large castle and quiet streets. We’ll stop for lunch here. Then, we’ll head back along the shores of Loch Lomond. We’ll arrive in Glasgow in the evening, with time to explore the center of this vibrant city.

We’ll depart early in the morning for the south of SCOTLAND and ENGLAND, enjoying pleasant green landscapes and small villages along the way. In LICHFIELD, we’ll stop for a walk and lunch in this picturesque town, famous for its cathedral with three spire-topped towers. Its historic center, with cobbled streets and old buildings, is truly beautiful. We’ll then continue to BIRMINGHAM, the second-largest city in the UNITED KINGDOM. It once played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, today it’s a vibrant economic and cultural hub. We recommend strolling around the town hall area and exploring the extensive canal network, larger than that of Venice, lined with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues.

We’ll depart for STRATFORD, a historic city founded in the 12th century on the banks of River Avon, best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. If you wish, you can visit the house where he was born. Next, we’ll travel through a region of delightful scenery and small villages to STOW ON THE WOLD, a charming village with stone houses and a picturesque square, with art galleries and antique stores. Our journey will continue to GLOUCESTER, where you’ll have time for lunch at the lively docks and can explore the historic center, featuring its grand cathedral, where some Harry Potter scenes were filmed. We’ll finish in BATH, famous for its hot springs and Georgian architecture. If you wish, you can visit the Roman baths.

After spending some time in BATH, where you can visit the Roman baths if you wish, we’ll continue our journey through southern ENGLAND. We’ll include admission to STONEHENGE, one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, formed by a circle of stones whose exact purpose remains a mystery. Next, in SALISBURY, you’ll have time for lunch in its charming medieval center before visiting its impressive cathedral (admission included), home to the tallest spire in England. We’ll return to LONDON, arriving at the end of the day.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.