Grand Tour of the UK

You vacation begins today as you arrive in London and head to the hotel. Once you've checked in, the rest of your afternoon is at leisure until dinner this evening. You could head out into the bustling streets to soak up the capital's vibrant atmosphere. The hotel is in an excellent spot in the city center with Regent's Park, the British Museum, and Camden Market all within walking distance.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we delve into the sights and sounds of London on a guided coach tour. As our onboard guide narrates the highlights of the city, we see all the iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. This afternoon, we leave London behind for now as we travel by rail to the city of York. After checking into our hotel in the city center, enjoy a welcome drink in the bar and toast our upcoming adventure with the Tour Manager before dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The long and fascinating history of York awaits today. On a guided walking tour, we see the iconic Minster - one of Europe's largest Gothic cathedrals - and visit the Shambles - a cobbled street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings, that is virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. With time at leisure after our tour, wander the ancient streets at your own pace. You could visit the Yorkshire Museum, the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, or the city Art Gallery. Later, we take the train to Edinburgh, our base for two nights. For dinner this evening, we enjoy a private dining experience at a popular restaurant in the city.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We head out on a guided tour of Edinburgh today, taking in the city's main sights. The center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a melting pot of old and new, with a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town. With an afternoon at leisure, you could visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, stroll through the Botanical Gardens or the Old Town. There is no dinner at the hotel this evening giving you the perfect chance to experience a local pub or restaurant.

• Breakfast

This morning, we head to Glasgow by rail where we journey the famous West Highland railway line to Fort William this morning. One of the most beautiful rail journeys in the UK, the route takes us from urban landscapes to the rugged Highland mountains, passing by Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Arriving in Fort William, a port town nestled within the mountains and hills of the highlands, we check into our hotel in time for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, the vintage carriages of the Jacobite Steam Train beckon. Pulling out of the station, Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, passes by our window and we could even spot some of the local wildlife, such as red deer, grazing on the hillside. The railway is famous for its role in the Harry Potter movies, and you'll immediately recognize it as we cross the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Our train journey ends in Mallaig. With some time at leisure, you can explore the village's shops, cafes, and restaurants or simply meander the streets admiring the colorful architecture. We then board our coach back to Fort William where there is some time to relax before we the train to Glasgow. On a late arrival into the city, we check into our hotel.

On early/late season departures the Jacobite Steam Train excursion is replaced by the scheduled Scotrail service.

• Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Glasgow before we travel by first-class rail to Preston. Our train sweeps past the countryside of northern England, revealing green landscapes, quaint villages, and rolling hills. Arriving in Preston, we join our coach to Liverpool. A modern and welcoming city with a fantastic cultural heritage, the city is a fascinating place to explore. We check into our hotel where we spend the next two nights.

• Breakfast

We get to know Liverpool on a magical mystery tour of the city today. Known as the home of The Beatles, we delve into the city's musical heritage with our guide visiting the iconic Cavern Club - celebrated as the birthplace of the band - and Strawberry Field, immortalized in the hit song 'Strawberry Fields Forever'. We also take in the Waterfront Pier Head, Penny Lane and China Town.

After our tour, you can explore at your own pace. With no planned dinner, there is a huge range of good restaurants for you.

• Breakfast

This morning, we travel by train to Bristol via Birmingham New Street. An important sea trading port thanks to its location on the Severn Estuary, Bristol has evolved into a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. After checking into our hotel, there is time to familiarize yourself with our new surroundings before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, our coach takes us to the historic spa city of Bath, known for its natural hot springs. This Georgian city has a wealth of architectural, cultural and historical heritage, and many eclectic shops, bars and restaurants. We embark on a guided tour, taking in the city's main sights, including the stunning Abbey, which dates back to 1611 and features ornamented stonework. We also see the Royal Crescent, a famous semi-circular terrace that is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in England.

This afternoon, there is time to explore Bath at your own pace. Back in Bristol later, there is no dinner at the hotel giving you the opportunity to spend an evening at leisure in the city.

• Breakfast

Leaving Bristol, our coach takes us to the prehistoric standing stones of Stonehenge. One of the most impressive neolithic monuments in the country, this ring of standing stones has long mystified archaeologists. We experience the unforgettable atmosphere in the shadow of these structures. Next, we continue to London and check back into our hotel for the next two nights. With no dinner at the hotel this evening, you could experience one of the restaurants in the city.

• Breakfast

An early start today allows us to witness the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London. We meet with a Yeoman Warder who gives us a short talk before the ceremony followed by time to explore the famous landmark. Built in the 11th century, the Tower has been used as a prison and now houses the Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure in the capital. You could see the famous lion statues in Trafalgar Square, stroll along the Thames, or experience amazing views across the city from the London Eye. Our group meets back at the hotel for our final dinner together this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, your vacation comes to an end. Our journey through the UK's most iconic cities unveiled new adventures and rich cultural experiences. We explored the famous sights of London and the historic treasures of York on guided tours before a fantastic time in Edinburgh. Scotland's Highlands showcased scenic landscapes with a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train and, after visiting Glasgow, we discovered Liverpool, Bristol and Bath. Stonehenge was a magical experience enroute back to London, where we ended our vacation with a visit to the Tower of London, giving our getaway a royal finish.

• Breakfast