England, Wales and Scotland

This morning, depart on your journey to Cardiff (Wales). En route, visit Stonehenge, the Neolithic stone circle in the Wiltshire countryside and one of the most famous wonders of the world. Dating back to approximately 3000 BC, the circle of huge, upright, and horizontal rectangular stones continues to fascinate academics, spiritualists, and visitors. How and why did hundreds of people transport five tonne stones from all over the south of England and Wales to create a monument that has no obvious function? A multitude of theories regarding the origins and purpose of Stonehenge abound – some serious and some a little hard to believe but all have their supporters. Stonehenge could have been an elite burial mound, druid temple or ancient observatory, and may have been put there by ordinary people, aliens, or by Merlin the mythical wizard. This fascinating stone circle can be toured with audio guides and the modern visitor center includes over 250 artifacts, reconstructions of Neolithic houses, and a 360-degree audio-visual presentation that all help towards understanding the structure. After your visit to Stonehenge, continue to your centrally-located hotel in Cardiff. Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel (B)

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Cardiff, the capital and largest city in Wales. Cardiff boasts a long, fascinating history and is reinventing itself for the future. Cardiff Castle towers over the historical center, showing off an eclectic collection of architectural styles. Llandaff Cathedral marks one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain. Adjacent to the city center, Bute Park is where historical buildings, urban woodland, and the River Taff combine to create the city’s green heart. Down at the rejuvenated Cardiff Bay area, the old docklands and red light district have been replaced with Europe’s largest waterfront development, offering visitor attractions like the red-brick Norwegian Church, Doctor Who Experience, and Welsh Millennium Center cultural hub. Next, visit the National Museum of Wales. Take an amazing journey in The Evolution of Wales from the very beginnings of time to the present day. The story begins in space with the Big Bang, and takes you on a 4,600 million-year journey, bringing you face to face with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths along the way. Find out how life evolved in Wales and which dinosaurs roamed the land. The art collection at National Museum Cardiff is one of Europe’s finest. See five hundred years of magnificent paintings, drawings, sculpture, silver and ceramics from Wales and across the world, including one of Europe’s best collections of Impressionist art. (B)

This morning, depart Wales and journey to Warwick. En route, visit the Rhondda Heritage Park. Rhondda Heritage Park offers insights into the life of the coal mining community, and you’ll enjoy a guided tour through one of the mine shafts of the Lewis Merthyr colliery. Next, visit Worcester Cathedral, one of England’s loveliest cathedrals. With the royal tombs of King John and Prince Arthur, medieval cloisters, ancient crypt and chapter house, and magnificent Victorian stained glass. There is also a fascinating ancient library and archive, which houses the second largest collection of medieval manuscripts in any cathedral in the United Kingdom. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.  Hilton Coventry (B, D)

This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Stratford-upon-Avon and tea at Anne Hathaway’s cottage. Discover the real-life romantic life of William Shakespeare by exploring the exquisite gardens and pretty thatched cottage of the family home of the playwright’s wife, Anne Hathaway. Eighteen-year-old William spent much time courting Anne, a woman six years his senior, in the beautiful grounds of the cottage. The stunning gardens showcase traditional Tudor planting, giant willow sculptures, a heart-shaped lavender maze and woodland trails. Within the cottage there are many original pieces of furniture, and an exhibition on Tudor courtship. The cottage, located just over one mile from Stratford-upon-Avon in the hamlet of Shottery, can be reached by road or a well-signposted footpath. A cafe can be found within the grounds serving hot and cold refreshments. After your exploration of the area, continue to Liverpool. Pullman Liverpool (B)

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Liverpool, also known as the “World Capital City of Pop.” You may also consider an optional visit to the Beatles Story (more information listed in the optional tours tab). This afternoon, enjoy a trip to Chester. Upon arrival, experience journey through the remains of Roman Chester – Deva. Armed with the latest archaeological evidence, you are provided with a unique insight into life as it was in Roman Britain, showing you some astounding sights ranging from the Amphitheater itself to remains hidden away in the basements of the high street shops. (B)

This morning depart Liverpool and journey across the Scottish borders to Edinburgh. En route, enjoy a scenic journey through the Lake District, a stunning National Park in the north of England which is home to sixteen lakes and Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. The Lakes, famous for their dramatic landscapes, lush forests and mist-capped mountains are the perfect place to explore England’s wilder side. The area also served as literary inspiration to the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. From his home at Dove Cottage, Wordsworth wrote much of his poetry and the iconic poem ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ is said to detail a walk along the daffodil-fringed Ullswater lake. This evening, enjoy dinner at your centrally-located Edinburgh hotel. Macdonald Holyrood Hotel (B,D)

This morning, discover Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland, with a panoramic city tour. From the historical closes of the Old Town to the largest avenues of New Town, explore an outstanding city of contrasts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along its main thoroughfare, Princes Street, you will witness the most unique sight of Edinburgh Castle, majestically dominating both Old and New Town. See Calton Hill and its National Monument, rightfully giving Edinburgh its nickname: the “Athens of the North.” The balance of the day is at leisure. You may also consider joining an optional visit to Edinburgh Castle (more information listed in the optional tours tab). (B)

Today, enjoy a day trip to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with a number of photostops. Lying on the Highland Boundary Fault, Loch Lomond is the largest body of freshwater in mainland Britain. Being 24.5 miles (39 km) long, Loch Lomond has more than 30 islands, the largest of which is Inchmurrin. The Loch Lomond and Trossachs area of Scotland was awarded National Park Status in July 2002 and is currently used by generations of Scots and visitors for boating, water skiing, bathing and picnicking, or just enjoying the unique atmosphere and scenery. After your visit, return to Edinburgh. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D)