Extraordinary England & Scotland

Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 3.00pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions and walk the short distance to Windsor Castle to visit inside the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and one of the official residences of over 40 monarchs. Later enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Dukes and Dreams Walk with your Tour Director through the beautiful streets of Oxford with a small group focused tour to be introduced to “the city of dreaming spires.” On to magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Dukes of Marlborough since the early 1700s. Overnight in Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of the Cotswolds. (B,D) 85 mi / 137 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT DREAMING AND LEARNING Architectural beauty, academic significance and cultural contributions are only three reasons why the city of Oxford is renowned worldwide. The University of Oxford, established in the 12th century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and consistently ranks in the top universities in globally. The city is home to stunning and unique architecture as well as a bustling covered market that is home to over 50 independent shops, cafes, bars, and experiences. Truly film set stuff!

Cotswolds Charm This morning, you’ll be enchanted by the landscape of rolling hills and the picturesque villages as you explore the Cotswolds. Time to enjoy the honey-coloured limestone buildings, stone walls and thatched houses before your return to Stratford-upon-Avon and a visit to William Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Plenty of time to explore this market town on your own this afternoon. (B) 34 mi / 55 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT A LEGEND SLEPT HERE Ah, young love! Even more true, as young Shakespeare’s fiancée was eight years his senior. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace and family home in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. Hear tales of Shakespeare’s family life, marriage, and children with a close look at fascinating artifacts in a world-class collection assembled by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

To the Lakes Travel north through the English midlands to Elizabethan Levens Hall with its renowned topiary garden, the oldest in the world. Onwards to the heart of the Lake District, and at Rydal Mount get absorbed by the life and times of poet William Wordsworth and in an intimate reading of his poems discover why this tranquil setting inspired him to write some of the finest romantic poems in the English language. (B,D) 202 mi / 325 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT FLOWERY WORDS William Wordsworth lived in the Lake District for much of his life, 36 years at Rydal Mount. His “Daffodils” poem beginning “I wandered lonely as a cloud” is the quintessential Lake District poem characterized by its emphasis on nature, emotion, and the importance of the individual experience. Feel it all amongst the beauty that motivated its creation.

Trains, Lakes & Gingerbread Enjoy a relaxed and scenic day in the Lake District, including a [LOCAL FAVORITE] train journey through the Leven Valley to Lakeside where you’ll board a boat for a cruise of unrivaled scenic beauty across Lake Windermere. Stroll in the bustling village of Bowness-on-Windermere before returning to the village of Grasmere to sample the famous Grasmere Gingerbread. (B) 30 mi / 48 km LOCAL FAVORITE FULL STEAM AHEAD Step back in time on the Haverthwaite Steam Railway, a heritage line originally built in the mid-19th century to carry iron ore between Barrow in Furness and the Lake District. Saved from closure in the 1970s, the 3.5-mile track is operated by enthusiasts with the journey taking you to the shore of Lake Windermere. Scenic beauty and nostalgic charm at its best!

Escape to Scotland Continue to the Scottish border, pausing at Gretna Green where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples, and into the Scottish Lowlands. At Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford House, a guided tour is followed by a tasting of Abbotsford Whisky. Spend the next two nights in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. (B) 149 mi / 240 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT TOMES AND TARTANS Your small group tour of Abbotsford House gets you up close to the home of Sir Walter Scott, renowned Scottish novelist, poet, historian, and biographer. His numerous novels helped to shape the modern perception of Scotland and its history through characters such as Rob Roy and his interpretation of key events in Scottish history, and he is credited for promoting the use of tartan and Highland dress. And to top off your visit, join a special private tasting and talk about Abbotsford Whisky.

Crown Jewels and Castle Views Morning sightseeing with your small group companions in the company of a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors and novelists associated with the city of Edinburgh. In the “Old Town” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire up close Scotland’s crown jewels. The afternoon is free to explore. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT MUSIC & MASTERPIECES Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with a 1,100-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain”. Here you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels. The Castle forms the background of the spectacular Tattoo, an extravaganza of bagpipes and drums performed en masse in August each year.

Highland Tees From Edinburgh head over the mighty Firth of Forth and a fun inclusion is the opportunity to hit a few balls at the St Andrews Golf Practice Centre driving range. At Scone Palace, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Mansfield, join your guide for a private tour and hear about the crowning of Scottish kings including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. On into the Highlands to your overnight accommodation. (B,D) 107 mi / 172 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT HOME OF SWING St Andrews is considered the “Home of Golf” for good reason. The earliest documented mention of golf in St Andrews dates back to 1552. Two hundred years later The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was formed, and it has played a significant role in shaping the rules and traditions of golf. The Old Course is, as the name suggests, one of the oldest courses in the world with a history spanning over 600 years. Hole in one!

A Toast to the Haggis First stop today is coffee at Castle Menzies, seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years, its location ensuring it has been involved in much of Scotland’s turbulent history. At the [LOCAL FAVORITE] Glenside Farm Haggis Experience, you’ll hear all about Scotland’s national dish. Discover how to make it and enjoy a never-to-be-forgotten haggis lunch. Through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the final stop is the city of Glasgow where dinner in a local restaurant rounds off a memorable time in England and Scotland. (B,L,D) 120 mi / 193 km LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Dig into the iconic dish of Scotland with a celebration and Haggis dinner. This traditional Scottish specialty is famously associated with Burns Night, celebrated annually each January 25th in honor of Scottish poet Robert Burns. His legendary poem, “Address to a Haggis” is traditionally recited before haggis is served. At Glenside Farm, your small group will hear all about the history, traditions, and cultural importance of this national dish of Scotland. A must-try for a true Scottish experience!

Safe travels until we meet again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)