Vacation Overview
Tour Details
On this Escape, the traditions and intrigue of Britain are calling you. Experience the fascinating cities and countryside of this beautiful land without the crowds—and even better—without the high-season prices. A concise Britain guided tour takes you to the historical must-see sites from London to Edinburgh. History buffs will delight in seeing mysterious, prehistoric Stonehenge (just imagine how those stones got there!); the Roman Baths in Bath, constructed around 70 AD and, today, one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world; Liverpool, once a great Victorian city and Atlantic seaport, and renowned as the birthplace of the Beatles; and Edinburgh, with its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town.
Literary fans will enjoy visiting Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth. But that's not all…a London Guide will show you all the city’s famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Prime Minister’s Downing Street home, and Westminster Abbey; in Edinburgh you’ll tour the castle and see Scotland’s Crown Jewels—all the better experience without the long lines and crowds. For the conclusion of your vacation, travel via express train back to London for one night. From the historical landmarks to the beautiful scenery, this guided tour of England and Scotland is a great way to sample what Britain has to offer, and it’s all possible at a price you can afford!
Daily Itinerary
British Escape With Return To London
Day 1: ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLANDWelcome to London! Tonight, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: LONDONOn The Town In London Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide includes sights of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
England’s national treasure of St. Paul’s Cathedral is home to a spectacular array of art, from delicate carvings to gilded dome murals and modern works of art. As the seat of the Bishop of London, the cathedral serves as the mother church of the Diocese of London, where notable remembrances have been held, including jubilee milestones for Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, and funerals of luminaries like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Day 3: LONDON–STONEHENGE–BATHAncient Stones & Spa Days Try to unravel the mystery of prehistoric Stonehenge and explore the visitor center with its imaginative exhibitions. Cross Salisbury Plain and head for the elegant city of Bath, where you’ll see the amazing excavations of the Roman Baths. Enjoy some free time in the city before enjoying dinner at your hotel. (B,D).
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
The traditions of one ancient Roman ritual are in full flow in Bath, amid the remarkable Roman and Georgian architecture and the best-preserved Roman Baths of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Bath sits above geothermal springs that bubble up from the limestone below. Bath also turns up the heat with some of Britain's grandest Georgian buildings, a mecca for elite 18th-century society.
Day 4: BATH–STRATFORD-UPON-AVON–LIVERPOOLThe Great Bard & The Fab Four Leaving Bath, journey to Stratford-upon-Avon and visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Learn about “The Bard,” England’s most famous playwright and poet. Continue north to Liverpool, home of The Beatles, and enjoy some free time in this vibrant city by the River Mersey. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
If “the play’s the thing” then this is the place where the world’s greatest playwright’s story began. Experience the humble beginnings of the boy called Will Shakespeare and visit the house where he spent his childhood and his early years. See the artifacts, such as a 400-year-old pair of gloves and a book of Shakespeare’s complete works, and wander through the beautiful garden.
Day 5: LIVERPOOL–GRASMERE–GRETNA GREEN, SCOTLAND–EDINBURGHSecret Weddings & Gingerbread Take a scenic drive through the tranquil Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a break in Wordsworth’s beloved Grasmere and try original [LF] Grasmere Gingerbread. Head north to the Scottish border and stop at Gretna Green, where the blacksmith performed weddings for runaway young couples. Continue to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, for some free time this evening.(B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Sweeten the day with classic Grasmere gingerbread and hear the story of Sarah Nelson, the Victorian cook who invented the world famous cross between cake and biscuit in 1854.
Day 6: EDINBURGHCrown Jewels & Castle Views Morning city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town” and the famous scientists, inventors, and novelists who lived there. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Enjoy free time this afternoon before a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ascend to Castle Rock to explore Edinburgh Castle, one of the most important historical strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, with an 11,000-year history as "the most besieged place in Great Britain." Here, you’ll find the royal regalia and Scotland’s Crown Jewels.
Day 7: EDINBURGH–LONDON, ENGLANDBack To The Capital Travel from Edinburgh to London by express train. Your Local Host will meet you at the station. Enjoy some free time in London. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A favorite character in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice noted “London is so diverting; there is so much to entertain!” This is even more true today, from its panoramic views of wide-open spaces and leafy landscapes to its bustling British sense and sensibilities, museums, galleries, and iconic sights.
Day 8: LONDONSafe Travels Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)