Great British Cities - 8 day/7 night

Tour begins at 6:30PM at your hotel near Edinburgh. Meet your tour director and fellow travelers and enjoy a lively Scottish evening with dinner and entertainment. (D)

Explore central Edinburgh starting in the 200-year-old “New Town” with planned streets and elegant Georgian houses where many famous writers and inventors lived. See the Royal Mile with its narrow medieval houses, then tour Edinburgh Castle to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. On August 9 – 23 departures, attend the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. (B)

Tour Glamis Castle, the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and childhood home of the Queen Mother. Cross the modern Tay Bridge to the medieval town of St Andrews, the “Home of Golf.” Enjoy panoramic tour and spend some free time browsing on your own. Back in Edinburgh, head to a nearby pub for dinner with your group. (B, D)

Visit Abbotsford House, the rambling and picturesque former home of Sir Walter Scott, the internationally famed 19th-century novelist; he was one of Scotland’s greatest historic characters and played a large role in the modern popularity of tartan. Head to York – an ancient, historic city founded by the Romans, rich in medieval and Georgian architecture. Visit York Minster, built in the 13th century; this beautiful Gothic cathedral is the largest medieval church in Northern Europe. (B, D)

Head to Goathland Station, which served as Hogsmeade Station in the "Harry Potter" series, and travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway by vintage locomotive. In Whitby, your tour director will take you on a stroll around the picturesque harbor, winding streets, and quaint buildings. Tour the elaborate chambers of Castle Howard, an imposing 18th century mansion where “Brideshead Revisited” was filmed. (B, D)

Travel to Stratford-upon-Avon and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Discover the world that shaped the man as you look through an exhibition about his life and work, and take in a short performance to see his words come to life. Drive through the scenic Cotswolds region, renowned for picturesque villages built of honey-colored stone with charming gardens. Arrive in London and enjoy free time in the evening. (B)

Take a panoramic London tour with a local guide to see some of the famous landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit the mighty Tower of London to see the many fortresses, Beefeaters in their elaborate uniforms, and the dazzling Crown Jewels. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >