Has Great Britain been calling your name? Travel the cities and countryside of England and Scotland for this immersive journey through the UK. See an up-close view of the Beatles history in Liverpool, gaze in wonder at the mysterious Stonehenge, cruise Loch Ness Lake in the Scottish Highlands, enjoy a drink at the Glenfarclas Distillery, and so much more.
DAYS 1/2—WELCOME TO THE UK!
After arriving in the U.K., enjoy a guided tour of London. See Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and more before checking into our hotel, located just steps from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. D
DAY 3—WESTMINSTER ABBEY/TOWER OF LONDON
Visit Westminster Abbey, an integral part of London’s history for almost 1,000 years. It has been the site of every coronation since 1066, numerous royal weddings, and the funeral of Princess Diana. Enter the Tower of London to learn of its fascinating history and get an up-close view of the Crown Jewels. B, D
DAY 4—STONEHENGE/HIGHCLERE CASTLE
Mysterious and magical, Stonehenge is Europe’s most famous prehistoric monument built in stages from 3,000 BC. Enjoy a tour of Highclere Castle and Gardens, site of the PBS hit TV series and movie, Downton Abbey. The privately-owned castle is open for tours on a very limited schedule – and we get a look inside! B, D
DAY 5—ROMAN BATHS/STRATFORD UPON AVON
Located on the site of ancient springs, extensive Roman Baths offer a glimpse into the ancient civilization’s impact on southern England. Explore Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and see the house and impressive gardens where the famous bard was born and grew up. B, D
DAY 6—THE BEATLES
Today’s immersive journey at The Beatles Story Museum explains how four young lads from Liverpool were propelled to heights of fame and fortune from humble beginnings. Visit the Cavern Club, where they made their first appearance in February 1961, and played over 200 times since then. Later, we’ll visit the Liverpool Cathedral, the largest in Britain. B, D
DAY 7—LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK
Our scenic drive today through England’s Lake District National Park features incredible views of Lake Windermere, made famous in the writings of Beatrix Potter. B, D
DAY 8—BLAIR CASTLE
Continue north to the Scottish Highlands with a stop en-route at Blair Castle Estate for a tour of the last castle in the British Isles to be besieged in 1746 during the famous Jacobite uprising. B, D
DAY 9—EILEAN DONAN CASTLE/LOCH NESS
Depart in the morning for two of Scotland’s most famous experiences, Eilean Donan and Loch Ness. Dating back to 1214, Eilean Donan Castle stands on an islet connected to a causeway in Loch Duich. One of the most famous in Scotland, the completely restored castle has been featured in many movies (including Highlander) and displays fine furniture and paintings from its storied history. Enjoy lunch on your own in Fort Augustus before departing on a Loch Ness cruise where sharp eyes will come in handy to spot the mythical Nessie. B, D
DAY 10—CULLODEN MOOR/CAWDOR CASTLE/GLENFARCLAS DISTILLERY
Visit the infamous Culloden Moor where was the final battle of the Jacobite uprising of 1745 was fought by the Scottish Highlanders. Take a tour of Cawdor Castle, dating back to 1370 and built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor, a family made famous by Shakespeare’s “MacBeth”. Enjoy a taste of Scotland on a visit to the Glenfarclas Distillery, set high in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains. B, D
DAY 11—FREE TIME/EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
This morning, explore Edinburgh on your own to shop for a memento on the Royal Mile. Then, enjoy the Edinburgh Military Tattoo! Performed by British Armed Forces and international military bands, the Tattoo is televised in over 40 countries and watched by hundreds of millions! B, D
DAY 12—EDINBURGH CASTLE/PALACE OF HOLYROOD HOUSE
Housing the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most imposing fortresses in the world. Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, launched in 1953 and host to the Royal Family for 968 official voyages until its retirement in 1997. Later, tour the Palace of Holyrood House, the King’s official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Cap off your Scottish experience with the Taste of Scotland Show at Prestonfield House. B, D
DAY 13—TRAVEL HOME
After breakfast, travel to the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of this unique adventure. B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 2-3: Copthorne Tara, London
Night 4: Indigo Hotel, Bath
Nights 5-6: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool
Night 7: Richmond Park Hotel, Lothians (or similar)
Nights 8-10: Craiglynne Hotel, Inverness (or similar)
Nights 11-12: InterContinental Edinburgh the George, Edinburgh
Dates:
Aug 3-Aug 15, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $5,597
Single $6,795
Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$218/night
Depart/Return:
Chicago, IL
Inclusions:
Round-trip airfare from the U.S.
Professional, English speaking Tour Director
Welcome Reception and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Schedule your flight to arrive into Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport by 3:15 p.m. on Day 1.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport any time after 5:00 p.m. on Day 11.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our Pre and Post hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Free parking is offered during the tour at our hotel in Chicago with a pre or post night booked.
Walking Distance
Extensive walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
August- high of 73°, low of 51°
Currency
British Pound
Time Zone
+6 hours from Central Time
Hotel Amenities
Hair dryers, TV/cable, coffee/tea makers, and WI-FI available at hotels.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
A valid US Passport is required for travel to/from the United States.
Land Tours begin one day later. Airport transfers are not included with Land Only Tours.
Dress on tour is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are needed.
Travel Protection Available
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
