Day 1: USA
Leave the USA for London, England.
Day 2: London
Arrive at the airport in London, & meet your tour guide for the trip. Take a brief tour of London’s West End today before arriving at the hotel. The West End of London is one of the city’s most popular hubs for theatre, fashion, great restaurants, & more. Tonight, join your group for a special welcoming to the United Kingdom over dinner.
Day 3: London
Today, discover the most admired sights of London’s West End. Visit one of the Queen of England’s royal residences, the lovely Buckingham Palace, & watch the soldiers as they perform the changing of the guard outside the palace. See one of the world’s most famous clocks, Big Ben, & marvel at the stunning north facade of Westminster Abbey. It is here that Kings & Queens have taken their crowns, famous literary figures rest in peace, & many other royal events have taken place. Other highlights of the tour include the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, Trafalgar Square, & a drive down Piccadilly Street. Later today, perform a concert in the city of London. Tonight, enjoy another dinner celebrating this exciting tour across the UK.
Day 4: London – Salisbury – Bath – Bristol
In the morning, head for the city of Salisbury to see its 13th-century Cathedral, home to an internationally famous choir. Inside this historic building you’ll find an original copy of the “Magna Carta” & a 14th-century clock that still has its tick. Other monumental highlights in the nearby area include the Stonehenge. Learn about the theories behind these massive stones that have sat in their original placements for thousands of years. Next, enjoy a stop in lovely Bath before continuing to today’s final destination. Highlights of the Bath tour include the 18th-century Pulteney Bridge, the Roman Baths, & the Royal Crescent, a magnificent display of Georgian style architecture. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay in Bristol.
Day 5: Bristol – Cardiff – Bristol
Head over to Wales this morning to explore its capital city, Cardiff. Explore St Fagans National History Museum, & discover the history & culture of Wales. This open-air museum consists of many authentic buildings, over forty in count, which give visitors a realistic depiction of their former use. Some of the buildings you’ll find at the museum include a pigsty, a tannery, a post office, & a little school. The Cardiff city tour also includes a visit to the medieval Cardiff Castle. Tonight, perform a concert in either Cardiff or Bristol. After the concert, enjoy another overnight stay in Bristol, England.
Day 6: Bristol – Stratford-upon-Avon – Chester
Discover the charm of the Cotswolds area this morning. As you drive through the rolling hills, you’ll visit some of the local villages, known for their stone houses & buildings, such as the town of Stow-on-the-Wold. Afterward, travel to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. Some of the town’s highlights include the clock tower, the house where Shakespeare was born, the house of Shakespeare’s wife Anne Hathaway, & Holy Trinity Church, where the famous literary figure rests in peace. Today’s journey ends in Chester, England.
Day 7: Chester
Explore medieval Chester today by foot. Walk the sightseeing path located on top of its ancient, fortress walls. Browse the shops of the Chester Rows, & visit the stunning Chester Cathedral, which is comprised of multiple architectural styles, including Gothic & Norman. The later portion of the day consists of a concert or time of leisure.
Day 8: Chester – Lake District – Edinburgh
Enjoy a scenic drive to Scotland today, as you travel through England’s breathtaking Lake District. The region features a diverse terrain, consisting of serene lakes, lush countryside, & rocky mountains. The Lake District was also the home to famous poets, such as William Wordsworth. The last stretch of the journey heads through Carlisle, a British city situated along the border of England & Scotland. Enjoy time of leisure after checking into the hotel in Edinburgh.
Day 9: Edinburgh
Take a walk down the Royal Mile, the famous streets that run through Edinburgh’s Old Town. Other highlights of Scotland’s capital city tour include the New Town & the Castle. If you’re up on the Castle complex at one o’clock in the afternoon, you will have the chance to watch the One O’Clock Gun being fired. Other exciting features of the complex are the views. From atop the volcanic rock on which the Castle sits, you can enjoy lovely views of Edinburgh & its nearby coastal waters. Before tonight’s exciting activities begin, your group will perform a concert at one of the city’s local venues. Tonight’s activities include a traditional Scottish dinner, & the traditional costumes, tunes & dance of Scotland.
Day 10: Edinburgh – York
Return to England today as you depart the city of Edinburgh, & head for the city of York. The route takes you through the beautiful Northumberland National Park, a large area consisting of rolling hills, grassy valleys, & forests. After checking into the hotel, take a walk down the narrow olden street known as the Shambles. This street used to be a butcher market hub, but features an array of shops in its modern day, such as restaurants & gift shops. Afterward, visit the Gothic-style cathedral, the York Minister, which is famous in part for its stained glass windows. Enjoy dining at one of York’s restaurants this evening.
Day 11: York – Cambridge – London
Education is a theme on today’s itinerary, as the journey takes us to Cambridge, home to the prestigious 13th-century University of Cambridge. Head along the Backs, a path situated in between the River Cam & college campuses, such as Kings College & Cambridge. Take a tour inside the chapel at Kings College, & enjoy time of leisure before getting back on the road. Return to London today, & spend the remainder of the day as you please. You may have the opportunity to enjoy a musical or theatrical performance at one of the city’s entertainment venues.
Day 12: London
Learn about London’s ancient history today on a tour of the City of London. Visit the Tower of London. This castle, which dates back to the 11th century, was used for various purposes over the centuries. For some time, the castle was used as a facility of executions. Other highlights of the Tower of London include the Jewel House, home of the Crown Jewels, & the White Tower, which features the beautiful St. John’s Chapel. The tour concludes with a visit to the famous St Paul’s Cathedral. Afterward, spend the remainder of the day at leisure. There are lots of options to pursue. Enjoy the sights of London on a ride atop a double decker bus, visit popular shops such as the world-renowned department store Harrods, or explore one of London’s many museums. Tonight concludes with a farewell dinner.
Day 13: London – USA
Transfer to the airport in London, & board return flight home.