England Scotland and Wales

Day 1 - Arrive Edinburgh
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland. Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland's jewel of a capital city. A transfer from Edinburgh Airport to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is included. You'll meet your fellow travelers who will share your Scotland and England travel adventures at a welcome reception and dinner tonight.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 2 - Edinburgh's castles and palaces
A sightseeing tour of historic Edinburgh with a local guide is the perfect place to begin any Scotland and England travel. Start at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen's official home in the city (subject to closure when Her Majesty is in residence). Then explore 12th-century Edinburgh Castle, on the opposite end of the city's famous Royal Mile, on a guided tour. There is much more of Edinburgh to explore on your own this afternoon. Journeys departing August 5 through August 26 will attend an outdoor evening performance of the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 3 - Of castles, queens and legendary lochs
An excursion from Edinburgh brings you on a visit to impressive Stirling Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. Then you're off for a private cruise on bonnie Loch Lomond and a tour of Glasgow on the Clyde before returning to Edinburgh for an evening at leisure and dinner à la carte at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 4 - From Roman walls to England's lovely Lake District
Travel from Scotland through some of Britain's most beautiful landscapes to England's Lake District today. En route, stop to check out the remains of Hadrian's Wall - constructed across Roman Britain in the 2nd century AD and named for the emperor who built it, now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site - and enjoy lunch. Arrive at your hotel and spa, set on a 35-acre estate in the heart of the English Lakes, for a two-night stay; dig into a barbecue dinner this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch dinner
Lodging: Langdale Hotel & Spa, Langdale, England

Day 5 - Cumbrian gardens and Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
An excursion today takes you first to an Elizabethan estate in South Cumbria dating back to 1350; a highlight of your visit to stately Levens Hall and Gardens is its topiary gardens - among the oldest and most celebrated in the world - which have been continuously maintained since 1694. Later, as you visit Dove Cottage - where poet William Wordsworth penned many a worthy word as a resident between 1799 and 1808 - you'll see for yourself why so many authors and poets have been inspired by this romantic region. Return to your hotel in the heart of one of England's largest national parks.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Langdale Hotel & Spa, Langdale, England

Day 6 - Ancient Chester and on to Wales
Set out across what's considered among the loveliest parts of England to Chester. Much of this 2,000-year-old city still follows its orginal pattern dating back to when it was the Roman town of Deva; its old defensive walls make a pleasant walk around the ancient city center, sporting Roman ruins, a Gothic cathedral, and a mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern architecture. Cross into Wales, arriving in the idyllic coastal village of Portmeirion for a two-night stay. Television fans may remember the village's celebrated pastel-colored Italianate villas from the 1960s British series The Prisoner, which featured exterior scenes filmed at your Victorian seaside hotel, the Hotel Portmeirion, overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion, Wales

Day 7 - Caernarfon and through the Snowdonia Mountains by rail
The day begins with a visit to the historic town of Caernarfon and the 13th-century riverside castle where the investiture of the Prince of Wales takes place. Then climb through Wales' breathtaking Snowdonia Mountains on a classic rail trip - enjoying afternoon tea en route. Return to Portmeirion for an evening at leisure and dinner à la carte at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion, Wales

Day 8 - The Bard's backyard and on to Bath
Your England travel adventures continue today with a drive from rural Welsh landscapes to atmospheric Stratford-upon-Avon, city of William Shakespeare. Explore the Bard's pastoral riverfront hometown - site of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and many historic Elizabethan and Jacobean buildings - as you please with Tauck's admission to Shakespeare-associated sites, before continuing on to the ancient city of Bath. Spend the next two nights at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, England

Day 9 - Roman, Georgian & Victorian treasures in Bath
Known as one of the architecturally finest and most fascinating cities in all of Britain, the historic spa town of Bath invites your exploration with its splendid Georgian townscape crafted from native limestone. Enjoy a guided tour including the Roman Baths, the Circus and the impressive Royal Crescent, among other sites that reflect its rich Roman, Georgian and Victorian history. Spend the rest of the day as you wish.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, England

Day 10 - Ancient mysteries and the hallowed halls of Oxford
Depart Bath on this memorable day of England travel, and head across the Salisbury Plain, passing through rolling countryside where grazing sheep appear to be everywhere. Let your imagination take you back in time 4,000 years or more as you view Stonehenge, the mysterious circle of stones and monoliths erected by still-unknown ancient peoples. Continue on to Oxford for a guided walking tour of esteemed Oxford University, now just a few decades short of its 1,000th anniversary.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford, England

Day 11 - A look at young Winston and the charming Cotswolds
Enjoy a glimpse into the life of famed 20th-century British statesman Sir Winston Churchill on visits to Blenheim Palace, the Baroque estate where he was born, and his burial place in Bladen. Journey through the hills and plateaus of the peaceful Cotswolds - from the Old English for "God's high open land" - stopping for lunch on your own in one of these quaint villages dotting the countryside, before returning to Oxford for a special dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Oxford, England

Day 12 - Windsor Castle and on to London
Call on one of the world's most famous addresses today - Windsor Castle, which British royalty has called home for about 900 years. Schedule permitting, your tour of this extraordinary complex includes St. George's Chapel, Queen Mary's Dolls' House, and the State Apartments. Your final destination today is legendary London, capital of the United Kingdom. Your landmark Victorian hotel, Europe's original "grand hotel," is ideally located close to many of the city's major sites and within walking distance of some of the world's most famous shops.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Langham, London, England

Day 13 - Merrie olde London and a grand finale in the Tower
Your day in London begins with a visit to majestic Westminster Abbey, dating back nearly a thousand years, followed by a guided sightseeing tour including famous sights such as Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, #10 Downing Street, and Green Park. After some time to explore on your own, join us this evening for a remarkable end to an extraordinary journey - a private dinner at the Tower of London, capped by the 700-year-old tradition known as the Ceremony of the Keys... where you'll witness the Chief Yeoman Warder and his men secure the Tower for the night!

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Langham, London, England

Day 14 - Journey Home
Tour ends: London, England. Fly home anytime. A transfer from The Langham, London to London's Heathrow Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1, 2 & 3: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa
Edinburgh, Scotland

Situated in the shadow of famed Edinburgh Castle and close to Princes Street, the five-star Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa is an ideal location from which to explore Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and the lovely Georgian New Town area. The charming traditional décor and attentive service make this one of the most sought-after addresses among discerning visitors to Edinburgh.

Night 4 & 5: Langdale Hotel & Spa
Langdale, England

Located in the heart of England’s storied lake District on the 35-acre Langdale Estate, the Langdale Hotel & Spa offers a delightful resort experience in a strikingly beautiful setting.

Night 6 & 7: Hotel Portmeirion
Portmeirion, Wales

Portmeirion is unique in that the entire village was conceived and built by one man, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, beginning in 1926. Portmeirion is probably best known as the location of the 1960s television series, The Prisoner. Located in the midst of the fanciful Portmeirion Village on the banks of a lovely estuary, the Hotel Portmeirion richly deserves the “Best Place to Stay in Wales” distinction awarded to it by the Wales Tourist Board.

Night 8 & 9: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Bath, England

The luxurious Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel began life as a grand Georgian mansion in the 1830s and great care has been taken to retain its distinguished ambiance. While secluded within its expansive grounds and lovely landscaped gardens, it is also close to the city of Bath and its attractions, such as the ancient Roman baths, for which the city is named.

Night 10 & 11: Macdonald Randolph Hotel
Oxford, England

The five-star Mcdonald Randolph Hotel has been a landmark in the center of Oxford since it opened its doors in 1864 and has hosted prime ministers, presidents… and Inspector Moore, the world-famous fictional detective hero of Colin Dexter’s detective novels and the popular British TV series. Individually styled guest rooms promise a good night’s sleep in comfortable beds with wooden headboards and offer high ceilings, flat-screen satellite TV, iron, ironing board and trouser press, hairdryer and coffee- and tea-making facilities. The Spa at the Randolph, with its lantern-lit walkways and subtle music, is the perfect places to step away from the hustle and bustle of the day and relax with a pampering treatment or a little workout in the mini-gym. Dine amid the impeccable ambiance and service at The Restaurant at the Randolph, take afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or find yourself surrounded by the spirit of Oxford in the Morse Bar.

Night 12 & 13: The Langham, London
London, England

Ideally situated in the heart of London's West End near Regent’s Park, The Langham, London is convenient to a wide array of museums, restaurants, and notable attractions. The décor of the comfortable guest rooms reflects traditional English style. The indoor swimming pool was once a bank vault and the gym offers state-of-the-art exercise equipment. The elegant Palm Court restaurant appears today just as it did when the hotel opened as Europe's first grand hotel in 1865. Enjoy a cocktail in the quintessentially English Chukka Bar while you take in its sweeping views of Regent Street.

Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, private Loch Lomond cruise, Snowdonia Mountains rail journey, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tour Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative will meet you at Edinburgh Airport and provide transportation to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. We will also provide you with transportation from the Langham Hotel, London to Heathrow Airport regardless of the day and time of your departure. If you depart from London Gatwick Airport, we will provide you with transportation for an additional fee of $25.00 USD.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tour Director – England, Scotland & Wales is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of the Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.

Not Included

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tour Operator for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, the Tour Operator will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through the Tour Operator. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.