Explore the very best of the British Isles on this Scotland, Wales and England travel experience. Discover Scotland’s vibrant culture, rich history and outstanding scenic beauty; visit Blair Castle, Loch Lomond and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy England’s lovely Lake District, the serene countryside of the Cotswolds, and the hallowed halls of Oxford. Delve into the literary heritage of Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, the mysteries of Stonehenge, the ancient city of Bath and the glittering sophistication of London. In Wales, discover a unique destination with its own complicated language and fierce sense of independence. From great castles and cathedrals to charming cottages and peaceful pastoral scenes, this England travel experience will enchant you at every turn.

2008 Itinerary

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 is the perfect place to begin any Scotland and England travel. Begin at Edinburgh Castle and continue down the famous Royal Mile through old town to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official home in the city (subject to closure when Her Majesty is in residence). There is much more of Edinburgh to explore on your own this afternoon. Tours departing July 31 through August 21 will attend an outdoor evening performance of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 3 – Of dukedoms and distilleries
An excursion from Edinburgh brings you on a visit to impressive Blair Castle, the historic former home of the Duke of Atholl. Then it's off to the town of Pitlochry – an area which Queen Victoria herself once acclaimed as among Europe's finest resorts – for a bit of time on your own. Later, a private tour and tasting at a local distillery known for producing fine Scotch whisky precedes your return to Edinburgh for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland

Day 4 – From royal yachts to legendary lochs
Start the day with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, for a peek at what life was like aboard the Royal Family's private cruise vessel. Continue on to celebrated Loch Lomond for a cruise along its fabled waters – and an overnight on its bonnie banks in luxurious accommodations at the baronial De Vere Cameron House.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: De Vere Cameron House, Loch Lomond, Scotland

Day 5 – Glasgow and the English Lake District
A visit to Glasgow is a highlight of your Scotland and England travel experience; a sightseeing tour spotlights the city's delightful Victorian architecture. This afternoon’s journey onward into the English Lake District reveals some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain. As you enjoy lunch with the owners at a private home and visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum, you'll see for yourself why so many authors and poets have been inspired by this romantic region. Spend the next two nights in the heart of one of England's largest national parks.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Langdale Hotel & Country Club, Langdale, England

Day 6 – The beauty of the Lake District, by land and by water
In what is considered one of the loveliest parts of England travel to Levens Hall & Gardens, an Elizabethan estate dating back to the 14th century, featuring a celebrated topiary garden begun in the 1690s. Enjoy leisure time in Beatrix Potter country on a visit to Bowness-on-Windermere before continuing on to the eastern shore of Lake Windermere in Cumbria; embark on a cruise on the lake prior to returning to your hotel in Langdale.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Langdale Hotel & Country Club, Langdale, England

Day 7 – Chester / Portmeirion / Wales
Explore the medieval town of Chester, and enjoy a walk through its ancient city centre, still surrounded by Roman defensive walls. Then set off through the green hills of North Wales to Bodnant Gardens, among the most beautiful in the U.K., en route to a two-night stay in picturesque Portmeirion. This idyllic Welsh coastal village entices with an enchanting mix of landscape designs and architecture; your Victorian hotel overlooks Cardigan Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion, Wales

Day 8 – Welsh castles and pageantry
The day begins with a visit to the historic town of Caernarfon and the castle where the investiture of the Prince of Wales takes place. Have lunch in lovely Betws-y-Coed, among old bridges, stone houses, antique churches and wooded paths. Return to Portmeirion for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Portmeirion, Portmeirion, Wales

Day 9 – Wonders of Wedgwood and the Bard's backyard
Your England travel adventures continue today with a drive from rural Welsh landscapes to Stoke-on-Trent, where you'll watch skilled craftsmen create world-famous Wedgwood pottery on a factory tour. After a classic English lunch, arrive in atmospheric Stratford-upon Avon, city of Shakespeare, for a two-night stay. Call in at the restored "cottage" – actually a 12-room thatched-roof farmhouse – of Will's wife, Anne Hathaway, before exploring the Bard's idyllic riverfront hometown as you please tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Day 10 – The Cotswolds, Churchill's birthplace and esteemed Oxford
In England travel through the hills and plateaus of the countryside, where quaint villages dot the peaceful Cotswolds – from the Old English for "God's high open land." This memorable day includes a visit to Blenheim Palace, the Baroque estate where statesman Winston Churchill was born, and a guided tour of the hallowed halls of Oxford University, now just a few decades short of its 1,000th anniversary.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Shakespeare Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

Day 11 – 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 exploration. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of this compact city, including the Roman Baths, the Circus and the impressive Royal Crescent, among other sites that reflect its rich Roman, Georgian and Victorian history.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Bath Spa Hotel, Bath, England

Day 12 – Ancient mysteries and the best of London
Depart Bath and head toward London, 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 ancient peoples near the Salisbury Plains. Upon arrival in the British capital of London, a sightseeing tour includes famous sights such as Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and #10 Downing Street, as well as a visit to majestic Westminster Abbey, dating back nearly a thousand years.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Millennium Hotel London Mayfair, London, England

Day 13 – Merrie olde London and and evening of West End theatre
All of London is yours to explore at your leisure today. Your Mayfair hotel is well located close to major sites on Bond Street, Oxford Street, and Grosvenor Square. Join us at a farewell dinner this evening, and then attend a performance of one of the West End's hottest theatrical hits, The Sound of Music.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Millennium Hotel London Mayfair, London, England

Day 14 – Journey Home
Tour ends: London, England. A transfer from the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair to London’s Heathrow Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast

Immerse yourself in Scotland, Wales and England travel with Tauck in 2008!

Departure Dates

May 8, 15, 22, 29
Jun 5, 12, 19, 26
Jul 3, 24, 31
Aug 5, 7, 14, 21, 28
Sep 4, 11, 18, 25
Oct 2

Prices

14 Days from $5,440 plus airfare

Small Group Departures with no more than 26 Tauck guests are available on select dates; they are specially priced from $6190 per person double. 2008 dates include June 19; August 5, 28; September 18 – inquire at time of booking for additional dates and information.

29 meals included.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.