Best of UK
21 Days: England – Scotland
ENGLAND HIGHLIGHTS
- London: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, & more
- Illustrious home of poets and scholars: Cambridge University
- Quaint and cosy countryside villages of Cotswold
- Shakespeare’s birthplace: Stratford-Upon-Avon
- Ancient town of Vikings and industrious Romans: York
- Ancient Roman engineering feet: Hadrian’s Wall
- England’s literary countryside: Lake District National Park
- Unique and curious shopping area: ‘Rows’ at Chester
- Learn legends of King Arthur’s final resting place: Glastonbury
- Ancient Roman Baths and Pump House: Bath
- Mysterious and captivating circle of stones: Stonehenge
- Home of the history-shifting document, Magna Carta: Salisbury Cathedral
SCOTLAND HIGHLIGHTS
- Edinburgh: Colorful, musical, and spectacular show: Military Tattoo
- The North Sea coastal town and home of golf: St. Andrews
- Northern highland highlights: Culloden and Inverness
- Legendary Loch Ness and her resident monster
- Witness the grandeur of Scotland’s highest peak: Ben Nevis
- Colorful landscapes of Trossachs National Park
- Placid waters of Loch Lomond
- Scotland’s national cultural hub: Glasgow
- Romantic legends and modern marriage: Gretna Green’s Blacksmith Shop
Best of UK
Dates
- April – May
- September – October
Pricing
- Tour Pricing: $8,845
Best of UK
DAY 1: BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY!
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).
DAY 2: WELCOME TO LONDON
A Volant representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a leisurely evening.
DAY 3: DISCOVER LONDON’S BEST
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of London’s highlights: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace.
DAY 4: CAMBRIDGE – ANCIENT YORK
Continue northward to the literary inspiration: Cambridge University. Take in the scholarly beauty before setting off for the ancient town of York, the land first inhabited by Vikings and Romans. Visit the York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe. Explore the York Shambles known for its narrow streets and over hanging timber-framed houses. The evening is yours to wander at leisure.
DAY 5: DURHAM CATHEDRAL- HADRIAN’S WALL – EDINBURGH
Begin the day with a quick visit to the 11th century when construction of both the Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral began. Explore the Palace Green, tour the aforementioned buildings and head north to get to know the ancient Roman who built a stone wall across England: Hadrian. Cross the border into Scotland and into the nation’s capital: Edinburgh. Enjoy the Royal Military Tattoo, a dramatic, evening performance at Edinburgh’s imposing castle; full of color, pipes, drums, dance, and display–you won’t be disappointed.
DAY 6: EDINBURGH’S HIGHLIGHTS
A half day sightseeing tour will take you through Edinburgh’s rich history and culture. Visit the Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott. Tour the 18th century New Town with classical Adam facades. Tour the Edinburgh Castle with all its treasures: Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny, and the spectacular crown jewels. Walk the Royal Mile and check out the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps visit the Tartan Centre to find your family’s tartan, or visit Scotland’s National Gallery for artistic inspiration.
DAY 7: ST. ANDREWS – CULLODEN – INVERNESS
Cross the Firth of Forth and make your way to St. Andrews, the home of golf. Explore the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle. Continue on to Pitlochry, famous for it’s innovative salmon leap. Keep traveling north to Blair Atholl then through the Grampian Mountains and the Spey Valley. The Culloden Moor is next on the list, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was ultimately defeated in 1746. Take a brief look at Culloden’s Visitor Centre, then to Inverness, the capital of the northern highlands.
DAY 8: ISLE OF SKYE – BROADFORD
Enjoy a relaxing drive through the Scottish country, pass by the shores of Loch Ness and search for its monster. Considered to be the largest and most northern island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland; the beauty of the Isle of Skye is unparalleled. Walk out to most western tip of Skye to the Neist Point Lighthouse or take a dip in the Fairy Pools. The natural wonders here are endless. In the evening settle in at your hotel in the quaint town of Broadford on the Broadford River.
DAY 9: EILEAN DONAN – GLENCOE- LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
Head east to the mainland to see the Eilean Donan Castle, which often offers a clear reflection in its loch. Journey southward to the WWII Commando Memorial, situated beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, the final resting place of many massacred clansmen. Let the clear waters of Loch Lomond brighten your soul as you travel its shores.
DAY 10: LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy the day out in the Scotland's first National Park. Walk across the Bracklinn Bridge with stunning views of the surrounding falls or tour the fairytale-like castle in Inveraray. For dinner climb abroad the Maid of the Loch, the lone survivor of paddle steamers from the 1950s, refurbished to be part museum, part cafe. In the evening stroll through the peaceful scenery of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park or hike along the shores of any number of the twenty-two loch's in the park.
DAY 11: GRETNA GREEN – LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK – WINDERMERE
On your journey southward, briefly visit the romantic anvil–where many English elopers come to be married–at the Blacksmith’s shop in the small town of Gretna Green. Take a walk among the ancient stones at Castlerigg Stone Circle. Enjoy a splendid ride through the famous natural beauty of Lake District National Park and perhaps get as inspired by this rugged and stunning landscape as the great poets and writers of history: Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson, and Shelley. Tonight, nestle in at your cosy, countryside hotel in Windermere.
DAY 12: LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK – GRASMERE - WINDERMERE
Continue your Lake District tour by heading to town of Grasmere, the final resting place of the literary giant, William Wordsworth. Head to Wordsworth’s old family home at Rydal Mount and Gardens. Take in the rural setting with a short stroll along the shores of Lake Windermere, one of the Lake District’s most loved destinations. Tour the coast until the town of Windermere. Take an optional lake cruise on England's largest lake; Lake Windermere.
DAY 13: LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
Today is dedicated to the continued exploration of England's most popular and largest national park. Cruise through quaint Lakeland villages, over mountain passes and along the remaining bodies of water you have yet to discover, the choice is yours.
DAY 14: CHESTER
Travel south for a sightseeing tour of Chester, which leads you through the unique black and white shopping arcades known as the ‘Rows,’ the Jubilee Clock, the Chester Castle and the beautiful cathedral. If the weather permits spend the afternoon walking along the 870-mile walking route on the shore of the Irish Sea; the Wales Coast Path.
DAY 15: WARWICK CASTLE - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Make your way through Birmingham to the Warwick Castle, a 11th century castle that has since been refortified and is considered one of the most recognizable examples of military architecture from the 14th century. Continue south to the famous Bard of Avon’s birthplace: Stratford-Upon-Avon. Learn about Shakespeare, the man who changed the world through the power of the written word. Enjoy a leisurely evening. Perhaps take a walk through the quaint villages of thatched roof homes and gardens.
DAY 16: HIDCOTE -COTSWOLD - GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
Stroll through the artistic gardens of Hidcote Manor. Enjoy a casual drive through the quaint villages of Cotswolds. Continue south to tour the Tewkesbury Abbey, a place of worship since the 7th century, and the Gloucester Cathedral. Formally the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, this cathedral originated in the late 600s. In the evening travel to the Roman built city of Bath.
DAY 17: ANCIENT ROMAN CITY BATH - GLASTONBURY – CORNISH COUNTRY
Spend the first half of the day sightseeing the city of Bath. Visit the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, the Bath Abbey, Pump Room, and the Roman Baths. After exploring the ancient pools head southwest to Glastonbury, the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Learn about the man who inspired legions of men of arms and children alike. Continue southwest to the Cornish Countryside to the town of Saltash.
DAY 18: PLYMOUTH – DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK – CORNISH COUNTRYSIDE
Journey into the moorlands of Dartmoor National Park. A tour through the Cornish Countryside leads you to Plymouth, the ancient port town, known for sending off the Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for America. Visit the memorial to those first Pilgrims at the Mayflower Steps. Make sure to visit the real steps that reside in the Admiral Macbride pub across the street.
DAY 19: JURASSIC COAST - ISLE OF PORTLAND - WEYMOUTH
Travel eastward along the coast to the of town of Weymouth. Scale the Jurassic Skyline Observation tower for remarkable views of the surrounding beaches and city. Make your way to the top of the the Portland Bill Lighthouse for sweeping views of the English Channel. Use the remainder of the day and walk along the Jurassic Coast. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, this stretch of land has contained many fossils from both the Jurassic and Mesozoic periods. Continue along the white cliffs and rugged beaches until you reach Lulworth Cove to view the picturesque limestone arch; Durdle Door.
DAY 20: SALISBURY - STONEHENGE - LONDON
Spend the first part of the day visiting the Salisbury Cathedral, home of one of the four original, hand written copies of the historic and momentous documents: the Magna Carta, written in 1215 AD. Head north to Stonehenge to take a brief tour of the repudiated 5,000 year old archaeological site before returning to London.
DAY 21: LONDON - TOUR ENDS
Our tremendous journey and achievement comes to an end. Your Volant guide will ensure timely arrivals to the London International Airport.
DAY 1: BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY!
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).
DAY 2: WELCOME TO LONDON
A Volant representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a leisurely evening.
DAY 3: DISCOVER LONDON’S BEST
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of London’s highlights: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace.
DAY 4: CAMBRIDGE – ANCIENT YORK
Continue northward to the literary inspiration: Cambridge University. Take in the scholarly beauty before setting off for the ancient town of York, the land first inhabited by Vikings and Romans. Visit the York Minster, the largest medieval church in northern Europe. Explore the York Shambles known for its narrow streets and over hanging timber-framed houses. The evening is yours to wander at leisure.
DAY 5: DURHAM CATHEDRAL- HADRIAN’S WALL – EDINBURGH
Begin the day with a quick visit to the 11th century when construction of both the Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral began. Explore the Palace Green, tour the aforementioned buildings and head north to get to know the ancient Roman who built a stone wall across England: Hadrian. Cross the border into Scotland and into the nation’s capital: Edinburgh. Enjoy the Royal Military Tattoo, a dramatic, evening performance at Edinburgh’s imposing castle; full of color, pipes, drums, dance, and display–you won’t be disappointed.
DAY 6: EDINBURGH’S HIGHLIGHTS
A half day sightseeing tour will take you through Edinburgh’s rich history and culture. Visit the Victorian Gothic monument to Sir Walter Scott. Tour the 18th century New Town with classical Adam facades. Tour the Edinburgh Castle with all its treasures: Mons Meg, the Stone of Destiny, and the spectacular crown jewels. Walk the Royal Mile and check out the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the Queen. The rest of the day is yours. Perhaps visit the Tartan Centre to find your family’s tartan, or visit Scotland’s National Gallery for artistic inspiration.
DAY 7: ST. ANDREWS – CULLODEN – INVERNESS
Cross the Firth of Forth and make your way to St. Andrews, the home of golf. Explore the ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle. Continue on to Pitlochry, famous for it’s innovative salmon leap. Keep traveling north to Blair Atholl then through the Grampian Mountains and the Spey Valley. The Culloden Moor is next on the list, where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army was ultimately defeated in 1746. Take a brief look at Culloden’s Visitor Centre, then to Inverness, the capital of the northern highlands.
DAY 8: ISLE OF SKYE – BROADFORD
Enjoy a relaxing drive through the Scottish country, pass by the shores of Loch Ness and search for its monster. Considered to be the largest and most northern island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland; the beauty of the Isle of Skye is unparalleled. Walk out to most western tip of Skye to the Neist Point Lighthouse or take a dip in the Fairy Pools. The natural wonders here are endless. In the evening settle in at your hotel in the quaint town of Broadford on the Broadford River.
DAY 9: EILEAN DONAN – GLENCOE- LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
Head east to the mainland to see the Eilean Donan Castle, which often offers a clear reflection in its loch. Journey southward to the WWII Commando Memorial, situated beneath Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Continue on to the Valley of Glencoe, the final resting place of many massacred clansmen. Let the clear waters of Loch Lomond brighten your soul as you travel its shores.
DAY 10: LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy the day out in the Scotland's first National Park. Walk across the Bracklinn Bridge with stunning views of the surrounding falls or tour the fairytale-like castle in Inveraray. For dinner climb abroad the Maid of the Loch, the lone survivor of paddle steamers from the 1950s, refurbished to be part museum, part cafe. In the evening stroll through the peaceful scenery of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park or hike along the shores of any number of the twenty-two loch's in the park.
DAY 11: GRETNA GREEN – LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK – WINDERMERE
On your journey southward, briefly visit the romantic anvil–where many English elopers come to be married–at the Blacksmith’s shop in the small town of Gretna Green. Take a walk among the ancient stones at Castlerigg Stone Circle. Enjoy a splendid ride through the famous natural beauty of Lake District National Park and perhaps get as inspired by this rugged and stunning landscape as the great poets and writers of history: Wordsworth, Coleridge, Tennyson, and Shelley. Tonight, nestle in at your cosy, countryside hotel in Windermere.
DAY 12: LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK – GRASMERE - WINDERMERE
Continue your Lake District tour by heading to town of Grasmere, the final resting place of the literary giant, William Wordsworth. Head to Wordsworth’s old family home at Rydal Mount and Gardens. Take in the rural setting with a short stroll along the shores of Lake Windermere, one of the Lake District’s most loved destinations. Tour the coast until the town of Windermere. Take an optional lake cruise on England's largest lake; Lake Windermere.
DAY 13: LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
Today is dedicated to the continued exploration of England's most popular and largest national park. Cruise through quaint Lakeland villages, over mountain passes and along the remaining bodies of water you have yet to discover, the choice is yours.
DAY 14: CHESTER
Travel south for a sightseeing tour of Chester, which leads you through the unique black and white shopping arcades known as the ‘Rows,’ the Jubilee Clock, the Chester Castle and the beautiful cathedral. If the weather permits spend the afternoon walking along the 870-mile walking route on the shore of the Irish Sea; the Wales Coast Path.
DAY 15: WARWICK CASTLE - STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
Make your way through Birmingham to the Warwick Castle, a 11th century castle that has since been refortified and is considered one of the most recognizable examples of military architecture from the 14th century. Continue south to the famous Bard of Avon’s birthplace: Stratford-Upon-Avon. Learn about Shakespeare, the man who changed the world through the power of the written word. Enjoy a leisurely evening. Perhaps take a walk through the quaint villages of thatched roof homes and gardens.
DAY 16: HIDCOTE -COTSWOLD - GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
Stroll through the artistic gardens of Hidcote Manor. Enjoy a casual drive through the quaint villages of Cotswolds. Continue south to tour the Tewkesbury Abbey, a place of worship since the 7th century, and the Gloucester Cathedral. Formally the Cathedral Church of St Peter and the Holy and Indivisible Trinity, this cathedral originated in the late 600s. In the evening travel to the Roman built city of Bath.
DAY 17: ANCIENT ROMAN CITY BATH - GLASTONBURY – CORNISH COUNTRY
Spend the first half of the day sightseeing the city of Bath. Visit the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge, the Bath Abbey, Pump Room, and the Roman Baths. After exploring the ancient pools head southwest to Glastonbury, the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur and the Holy Grail. Learn about the man who inspired legions of men of arms and children alike. Continue southwest to the Cornish Countryside to the town of Saltash.
DAY 18: PLYMOUTH – DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK – CORNISH COUNTRYSIDE
Journey into the moorlands of Dartmoor National Park. A tour through the Cornish Countryside leads you to Plymouth, the ancient port town, known for sending off the Pilgrim Fathers who set sail for America. Visit the memorial to those first Pilgrims at the Mayflower Steps. Make sure to visit the real steps that reside in the Admiral Macbride pub across the street.
DAY 19: JURASSIC COAST - ISLE OF PORTLAND - WEYMOUTH
Travel eastward along the coast to the of town of Weymouth. Scale the Jurassic Skyline Observation tower for remarkable views of the surrounding beaches and city. Make your way to the top of the the Portland Bill Lighthouse for sweeping views of the English Channel. Use the remainder of the day and walk along the Jurassic Coast. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, this stretch of land has contained many fossils from both the Jurassic and Mesozoic periods. Continue along the white cliffs and rugged beaches until you reach Lulworth Cove to view the picturesque limestone arch; Durdle Door.
DAY 20: SALISBURY - STONEHENGE - LONDON
Spend the first part of the day visiting the Salisbury Cathedral, home of one of the four original, hand written copies of the historic and momentous documents: the Magna Carta, written in 1215 AD. Head north to Stonehenge to take a brief tour of the repudiated 5,000 year old archaeological site before returning to London.
DAY 21: LONDON - TOUR ENDS
Our tremendous journey and achievement comes to an end. Your Volant guide will ensure timely arrivals to the London International Airport.
Best of UK
Inclusions
- Scheduled accommodations
- Scheduled meals
- Transportation throughout tour
- National Park entrance fees
- Personal guide
Exclusions
- International airfare (to and from London)
- All attractions not listed in inclusions
- Personal items: Laundry, shopping, etc.
-
Isle of Skye, Scotland
-
The Lake District National Park
-
London Parliament
-
St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh
-
Edinburgh Castle
-
Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
-
Cotsworlds - Castle Combe river
-
Roman Baths, Bath
-
York Minster, York
By email: info@Volant.Travel
By phone: 801.651.7208
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| London, UK | London | |
| York, UK | York | |
| The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK | Cambridge | |
| Durham DH1 3RW, UK | Durham Castle | |
| Edinburgh, UK | Edinburgh | |
| Stirling, UK | Stirling | |
| St Andrews KY16, UK | St. Andrews | |
| Loch Ness, United Kingdom | Loch Ness | |
| Skye, United Kingdom | Isle of Skye | |
| Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, UK |
Eilean Donan | |
| Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49, UK | Glencoe | |
| Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, 20 Carrochan Rd, Balloch, Alexandria G83 8EG, UK | Loch Lomond National Park | |
| Glasgow, UK | Glasgow | |
| Gretna Green, Gretna DG16, UK | Gretna Green | |
| Windermere, United Kingdom | Windermere | |
| Chester, UK | Chester | |
| Warwick CV34 4QU, UK | Warwick Castle | |
| Stratford-upon-Avon CV37, UK | Stratford-upon-Avon | |
| Gloucester, UK | Glaucester | |
| Bath, UK | Bath | |
| Plymouth, UK | Plymouth | |
| Jurassic Coast, Dorchester DT2 9DE, UK | Jurassic Coast | |
| Weymouth, UK | Weymouth | |
| Salisbury, UK | Salisbury | |
| Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7DE, UK | Stonehenge |
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