Amazing Britain

Embrace the pomp and pageantry of a global capital with multi-cultural verve. Today is yours to explore the vibrant mix of old and new around every turn. Spend the day delving into the royal heritage of London, stroll along the tree-lined Thames or admire treasures from across the globe, before enjoying the night-time buzz of this city.

Join your Travel Director this morning and indulge your love of theatre and poetry. We travel to romantic Stratford-upon-Avon, made famous by its favourite son, William Shakespeare, whose extraordinary works have been admired by audiences for over 500 years. View Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage and visit Shakespeare's Birthplace and Visitor Centre for insights into the life of the 'Bard of Avon', before exploring the charming cobblestone streets of his hometown. Continue to the ancient cathedral city of York where we will enjoy an orientation walk to view its ancient city walls, picturesque Shambles and magnificent 800-year-old Minster. Then continue to your hotel in Leeds to enjoy dinner with your travelling companions.

• Visit Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
• York Orientation

Venture north to the medieval riverside town of Durham, whose exquisite 11th-century cathedral sits imposingly alongside Durham Castle watching over the streets below. Cross what was once the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall, before enjoying a scenic drive through the soul-stirring landscapes of Northumberland National Park. Admire spectacular views of the windswept Cheviot Hills as you cross the Scottish border, stopping to admire the 12th-century ruins of Jedburgh Abbey en route to Edinburgh.

• See Durham Cathedral
• See Jedburgh Abbey

Fall in love with the enchanting city of Edinburgh as you join a Local Specialist to discover what lies behind its mediaeval facades. Ramble down the Royal Mile and enjoy astounding views of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Spend some free time this afternoon strolling through Edinburgh and admiring ancient relics, then visit Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock overlooking the city. Tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that align with performance dates.

• Edinburgh City Tour

Cross the Firth of Forth to the ancient Kingdom of Fife and St. Andrews, where the famous Old Golf Course is renowned for its 18th hole and 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge. Continue into the dramatic Scottish Highlands and Dive into Culture at a distillery, sampling a wee dram of whisky. You can choose an Optional Experience to Blair Castle, the ancient home of the Dukes of Atholl, which has welcomed many royal guests during its history. Later, drive past the picturesque landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, home to some of Scotland’s most distinctive wildlife, and conservation projects supporting species like the red squirrel and Scottish wildcat. Arrive at your hotel in the Scottish Highlands, with the option to visit a working Highland sheep farm to meet Neil the shepherd and his border collies, before dining at your hotel tonight.

• Visit the University Town of St. Andrews
• Explore a traditional whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands

The arresting beauty of the Scottish Highlands provides a stunning backdrop for today's leisurely drive to Glasgow. View the World War II Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge and admire views of Britain's highest mountain – Ben Nevis. Continue on towards Glencoe, the site of a bloody massacre in 1692 following the Jacobite Uprising. In Glencoe Valley, join a ranger for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, learn about the protection of this rare ecosystem and the important work reintroducing lost indigenous species to its flora and fauna. Travel to the 'bonnie' banks of Scotland's prettiest loch, Loch Lomond. You will arrive in Glasgow this afternoon where your orientation will take us past St. Mungo's Cathedral and George Square.

• Glasgow Orientation
• Scenic Drive Through the Scottish Highlands
• World War II Commando Memorial
• Meet a Glencoe Ranger

Today's first stop is in the runaway wedding capital, Gretna Green, where eloping couples would exchange their vows over the Marriage Anvil. Returning to England, Connect With Locals, joining Christine for lunch at a Be My Guest experience on her family's farm. See beautiful Lake District landscapes and skirt the romantic shores of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England, arriving in edgy Liverpool of 'Fab Four' fame, for an evening at leisure.

• Enjoy a Lunch with Christine at her Cumbrian Farm
• Visit Gretna Green
• Scenic Drive Through the Lake District

This morning, traverse the pretty Welsh countryside before we visit the Shropshire market town of Ludlow with some time to explore on your own. Later, arrive in Bristol for an orientation drive. Join us for an Optional Experience that will take us out to the SS Great Britain as well as the Clifton Suspension Bridge along with all the other highlights of Bristol. As the curtain comes down on a memorable journey through England and Scotland, you enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with your Travel Director and newfound friends.

• Bristol Orientation
• Ludlow Orientation

Before returning to London, visit the UNESCO-listed city of Bath to admire its elegant Georgian facades and the Roman Baths. Emerging from the Salisbury Plain, the imposing megaliths of Stonehenge are your final stop before continuing through the lush Wiltshire and Hampshire landscapes to London for a final night at leisure.

• Bath Orientation
• Visit Stonehenge

We bid 'Old Blighty' a fond farewell as we prepare to return home after a memorable holiday.