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We will explore England’s capital city, London, in which the River Thames flows through. We will discover majestic beauty and rich history during our journey. There will be castles, historic centres, & national parks. See the Crown Jewels, taste famous gingerbread, experience Britain’s only natural hot spring, learn about an iconic playwright and a famous poet! Spend a day visiting Liverpool, the Beatles’ hometown. In Scotland we’ll thoroughly explore Edinburgh, including the Edinburgh Castle. Visit the Stirling Castle and cruise Loch Lomand. Step back & down into history when we visit The Real Mary King’s Close. We’ll end our journey with an authentic Scottish dinner & show! 

 

 

Day 1 – Depart the United States 

Today we depart the United States for our adventure to England, Wales & Scotland! An overnight flight transports us across the Atlantic. We’ll enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service. An R&J Tour Director will be with the group the entire time. 

Included Meals: Inflight Meals as served 

 

Day 2 – Arrive London, England 

We arrive at the London Airport, where we’re welcomed by our local expert guide that will guide us through some of the best parts of London. We’ll see the most popular monuments, squares, streets, and learn about its history and cosmopolitan life through live commentary aboard a comfortable coach. Travel to the British countryside with a stop in Windsor, a historical city and castle, frequently used as a weekend home for the Royal family. Then we stop at the Victoria & Albert Museum, one of the world’s most famous museums. It’s a London favorite, and home to an astonishing collection of art and design artifacts. To end our first day in England’s capital, we’ll get better acquainted as we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

Included Meals: Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Kensington High Street or similar (2 Nights) 

 

Day 3 – London Sightseeing 

Today we will have a more in-depth visit to two of the biggest attractions in the city. First is Westminster Abbey, a Gothic Abbey church steeped in thousands of years of history. This architectural masterpiece has hosted various Royal weddings, is the resting place for some of Britain’s most famous and historic figures, and the most recent coronation of King Charles III. In the afternoon, we’ll experience the Tower of London, a powerful and lasting fortress that has played many roles since its creation in 1078 – royal palace & armory to name a few! No visit would be complete without observing the famed and invaluable Crown Jewels. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 4 – Stonehenge & Bath 

After breakfast, we’ll depart London & travel to the British countryside, with a stop at the Neolithic Stonehenge prehistoric monument, one of the most recognizable World Heritage sites in the UK. This day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bath, a UNESCO world heritage city founded by the Romans as a thermal spa. We will highlight the unmissable stops in this unique city, including entrance to the Roman Baths, a roman built bathing complex on Britain’s only natural hot spring. This evening, we travel to Gloucester where we will stay the night. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Gloucester 

 

Day 5 – Stratford-upon-Avon 

Today we’ll visit the medieval town of Stratford-upon-Avon with an expert local guide. We’ll walk in the footsteps of England’s most iconic playwright as we tour Shakespeare’s birthplace, a 16th century half-timbered house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and spent his childhood years. Our lovely luxury hotel for the next two nights opened in 1854 and today, while they’ve made a few changes, the things that were a hit back then still delight visitors today: excellent service, incredible sea views, and surroundings so comfortable we won’t want to leave. The Victorians knew a thing or two about relaxing by the sea, and there’s nothing old fashioned about that! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: St. George’s Hotel (2 Nights) 

 

Day 6 – North Wales 

After breakfast we’ll travel through Snowdonia National Park (subject to availability), which holds the highest mountain in England and Wales. We’ll also enjoy Conwy, one of Europe’s finest surviving medieval towns. The Conwy Castle, built between 1283- 1289, dominates the town and was Edward I’s most striking and powerful castle. We’ll thoroughly enjoy touring this magnificent fortress as we climb restored spiral staircases in its great towers, allowing us to walk a complete circuit around the battlements of Conwy Castle. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 7 – Beatles’ Liverpool 

Today we travel to Liverpool, The Beatles’ hometown, where we’ll experience a guided Liverpool Beatles tour to explore the places linked to the Fab Four. We’ll visit The Beatles Story attraction that’s packed with memorabilia and replicas of Beatles’ sites. We then will discover Liverpool’s seafaring past and find out about life at sea, as we tour the Maritime Museum. We’ll experience some free time before checking into our Liverpool hotel where dinner will be served. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village 

 

Day 8 – Lake District 

We’ll continue our amazing Britain exploration with a tour of the Lake district, where we will also be staying for the next two nights. Enjoy a picturesque Coniston Lake cruise to Brantwood House on the shores of Coniston Water. This was the home of John Ruskin, one of the greatest figures of the Victorian age. Lunch is served at Brantwood House, where we’ll enjoy a tour of the house and gardens. We’ll spend two nights at our Lake District Hotel close to Bowness on Windermere. Tucked away in the tranquil Lyth Valley, the Damson Dene Hotel is the best place for a relaxing break. With friendly staff, great spa facilities and delicious food, we’ll hardly want to leave! Did you know that the hotel takes its name from the famous damson orchards nearby? 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Damson Dene Hotel (2 Nights) 

 

Day 9 – Grasmere & Windemere 

Today we will visit Grasmere, a village in the heart of the English Lake District as well as Windemere, England’s largest natural lake. Here we will cruise to the town of Bowness-on-Windermere for some time at leisure and lunch on own. In Grasmere we will see Dove Cottage, a charming English house once the home of one of England’s most famous poets, William Wordsworth. Afterwards, taste the World’s Best Gingerbread at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 10 – Edinburgh, Scotland 

After breakfast, our adventure to Scotland begins. Today we pass through the village of Gretna Green as we cross the border into Scotland. Check into our 4-star hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the Scottish capital, and unpack for our 4-night stay. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel, where they serve a range of local and international cuisine, simple yet authentic. Perhaps you’ll choose to sink into the heated pool this evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Novotel Edinburgh Centre (4 Nights) 

 

Day 11 – Edinburgh Touring & Edinburgh Castle 

After breakfast, we set off on a guided tour of Edinburgh to see some of the city’s magnificent highlights. During our tour, we will travel through the Old Town, and of course, along the Royal Mile. If time permits, we will also see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Giles Cathedral, and even the National Museum of Scotland. Then we stop for a guided tour of the imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock. Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts including 26 sieges in its 1,100-year-old history! We return to our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free to relax, sightsee, shop, and dine on your own. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

 

Day 12 – Loch Lomond Cruise 

This morning we visit Stirling Castle, which has been featured largely throughout Scottish history. Many grand celebrations and milestones for the Stewart family were held at the castle as it was a favored residence for the monarchy. We then stop at the celebrated Loch Lomond, Scotland’s longest loch. We’ll embark on a cruise of the loch which offers wonderful views, such as the 30+ islands scattered within. One of the islands is the burial place of the Chiefs of the Clan MacGregor. We’ll also enjoy live commentary about Scotland’s most celebrated outlaw, Rob Roy, and tales of his colorful character – from fighting in the Jacobite Rising to being a respected cattleman. Tonight we will gather for dinner at a local restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 13 – Edinburgh 

This morning after breakfast we will literally step down below the Royal Mile and back in time as we visit The Real Mary King’s Close. Explore the hidden history of Edinburg’s only preserved 17th century street as we follow in the footsteps of its former residents like Agnes, the maid; Robert, the poet; and Walter, the foul clenger. This afternoon you are free to enjoy some time on your own in Edinburg. For our final evening, we’ll gather together for an authentic Scottish dinner and show. The show is a traditional Scottish song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food to delight our pallets. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

 

Day 14 – Scotland to Home 

All too soon, our vacation has come to its final day. We’ll depart Edinburgh Airport and fly across the Atlantic Ocean back to the United States. We’ll fondly recall our exploration of England, Wales & Scotland! 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $7,499
Single: $8,999

Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person

Double: $579
Single: $655

Travel Bucks

$75 Travel Bucks per person earned with this tour

Deposit Due

$500 deposit per person due at time of reservation. Full payment due 100 days prior to depart.

Passport Needed

Yes

Tour Pace

Moderate to Extensive Walking

Price Includes

Roundtrip airfare from MSP including all taxes, surcharges, & baggage fees; 24 Meals plus inflight meals, Hotels, All Activities as stated in brochure, Expert Local Guide.



Flyaway Departure Date:
04/11/2024
Flyaway Return Date:
04/24/2024

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Map


Tour Highlights

London Guided Tours including Victoria & Albert Museum, Westminster Abbey, & Tower of London
Windsor Castle & Royal City
Neolithic Stonehenge Prehistoric Monument
Roman Baths
Stratford-upon-Avon Guided Tour including William Shakespeare’s Birthplace & Childhood Home
Snowdonia National Park
Conwy Castle Tour
Beatles’ Liverpool Hometown Tour
Lake District Tour
Coniston Lake Cruise
Loch Lomond Cruise
Guided Tour of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
The Real Mary King’s Close Tour
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Stirling Castle
Traditional Scottish Dinner & Show


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