Leisurely UK 13D12N

In the morning we include a panoramic tour of London: Westminster, the Parliament, the City, the Thames. Free time in the afternoon. Optionally, we offer you the possibility to visit the valley of the River Thames, together with the village of Windsor and its imposing castle. In the evening, we´ll meet at a meeting point in Piccadilly for a walk through Leicester Square, China Town and Soho, with its atmosphere, theatres and entertainment (this transfer can also be made the day before after arrival in London). Return to the hotel after that by coach.

We start the day leaving London towards northern England. Our first stop is CAMBRIDGE to admire its beautiful residential colleges. After lunch we will continue to YORK where its cathedral, Roman walls and lively shopping streets will create a charming memory, some free time to stroll around. Afterwards, we will continue north to DURHAM. Explore this charming medieval town full of life which has a wonderful cathedral right in front of the castle.

Today we will travel to Scotland, stopping in ALNWICK, a picturesque town with lovely gardens and a large medieval castle which was used in the Harry Potter films. We will continue to EDINBURGH, arriving in the afternoon. This is Scotland’s capital city and one of the most active cities in Northern Europe. Its monumental center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle overlooks the city’s steep streets and parks. We will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

With the group we will learn about the process of making Scotland´s national drink, a whiskey distillery (entrance included), a beautiful liquor made from barley that is drunk not only in Scotland but also all over the world, constituting its largest export. The rest of the day is free to continue enjoying Edinburgh, you can stroll through its lively streets and get to know its rich historical and museum heritage.

After leaving Edinburgh we make a stop to photograph THE KELPIES, enormous sculptures of two horses with water heads from Scottish mythology. They represent the strength and beauty of horses, as well as their connection to water and land. We continue towards STIRLING with its impressive historic center dominated by the great castle, one of the most important in Scotland having witnessed numerous historical events, including not only legendary battles but also thecoronation of several kings. Reservation and tickets included. We continue our route towards the north. Stop in PITLOCHRY, a picturesque town in the center of the Scottish region, where the majority of whiskey is produced. We will visit a traditional whiskey distillery in the area (entrance included). Time for lunch. Continuing north, we will make a stop at CULLODEN, where one of the main battles in Scottish history took place against the British forces with a crushing victory for the English army. The battle had consequences for Scotland as laws and policies were imposed that sought to suppress its culture and traditions. In the evening arrival in INVERNESS, the "Capital of the Highlands", where its castle stands out. We suggest enjoying a walk along the banks of the River Ness and the iconic suspension bridge. Note: depending on the time of year and sunlight, the stop in Culloden might be organized on Monday.Note: due to capacity limitations in traditional distilleries, sometimes we can carry out this visit in a different town/time than in previously scheduled Pitlochry.

We will have a day full of excitement as we travel along the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, forests, lochs and plains of northern Scotland. We will visit the fascinating EILEAN DONAN CASTLE probably the most photographed fortress in the entire country (entrance included). Next, we will travel to FORT AUGUSTUS where we will visit the sluice gate system. Time to have lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon, we will then travel to LOCH NESS and go on a boat tour on the lake’s dark and mysterious waters. After that, we will visit the medieval castle of URQUHART (entrance included). Accommodation in INVERNESS.

We will continue enjoying a stage with gorgeous landscapes. We will make a brief stop in SPEAN BRIDGE to visit a monument that speaks about the Second World War. We will later stop in FORT WILLIAM, a tourist centre at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest summit in the United Kingdom. We will go by KILCHURN Castle, which displays its beautiful ruins right by a dark lake. INVERARAY, a quite picturesque historic village by Loch Fyne with a large castle and quiet streets. Lunchtime. We will return contouring Loch Lomond, one of the most popular lakes in Scotland. Time for a stroll around BALLOCH, the liveliest town on its banks. Arrival in GLASGOW in the evening. Time for a stroll around the center of this lively city.

Today we will leave Glasgow heading towards southern Scotland. We will board a ferry in Cairnryan. Our journey takes us towards Northern Ireland, arriving in BELFAST, Northern Ireland’s capital city. This monumental city is overcoming its religious conflicts. We will resume our journey to EIRE in Ireland. Last stop will be DUBLIN, arriving at the end of the day.

We start the day with a sightseeing tour of DUBLIN, Ireland’s peaceful capital city. We will enjoy a stroll on the banks of River Liffey, visiting its parks, old university and its lively downtown streets. We will stroll around Trinity College (depending on the duration of sunlight, this visit may take place the afternoon before, upon arrival in Dublin). Free time in the afternoon.

We will board a ferry in the early morning. After a journey of three hours, we will arrive in Wales. We will visit CAERNARFON, a World Heritage site by the sea overlooked by an impressive castle. There will be time for lunch and a stroll. We continue to LIVERPOOL, where we will take a short bus ride through the city, a World Heritage Site and the second port of the United Kingdom. Would you like to visit The Beatles Museum

Today we explore central England. We will visit STRATFORD UPON AVON, Shakespeare’s hometown. Free time to have lunch and a stroll. Afterwards, we will travel to OXFORD, a town that is synonymous with study and culture. Kings, statesmen, philosophers and scientists have studied here! We will continue to LONDON, arriving in the evening.

After breakfast, end of our services.