DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for England
Depart for England

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in London
Welcome to London, transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: London
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Discover London
Today, discover the history and pageantry of this city. The tour of the trendy West End begins with a drive through fashionable Kensington with its elegant squares and pristine parks. Drive via Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. Continue to view Buckingham Palace, the London residence of His Majesty the King. Afterward, savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: London
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4, Sunday - Hampton Court Palace, 13th Century Hever Castle, Winchester
A morning drive from London takes you to Hampton Court Palace, former residence of King Henry VIII. Tour this iconic Tudor palace and view the State Apartments, Tudor kitchens, Royal Chapel, and the medieval Great Hall. Stroll through the manicured gardens sweeping down to the banks of the River Thames. Afterward, experience 700 years of history at romantic 13th century Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife. Stroll through the splendid rooms containing fine furniture, tapestries and a priceless collection of Tudor paintings. After a walk in the award-winning gardens, on to Winchester, dominated by the imposing spire of the medieval Winchester Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy dinner together
Overnight: Winchester
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Salisbury, The Cotswolds
The day begins in scenic Salisbury in the southern county of Wiltshire; view the ornate medieval cathedral. Next, journey into the heart of England to discover the unique Cotswold countryside. You'll be captivated by the natural beauty of ancient limestone villages, charming stone and thatch cottages, pristine gardens, rolling hillsides and stately homes. Later, arrive at your hotel in Oxford, with time to settle in before dinner
Overnight: Oxford
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Oxford, Blenheim Palace
This morning, explore the city of Oxford. The ivy-clad colleges that make up the university are renowned for some of the finest architecture in Europe. Begin with a walking tour of the city, exploring the many colleges such as Christ Church, used in many of the Harry Potter movies, with its landmark tower designed by Christopher Wren. Next, travel to Blenheim Palace*, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Explore the gilded State Rooms of the palace and view the priceless collections. Return to Oxford and spend the evening at leisure*For July 11 departure, Blenheim Palace will be closed due to local events
Overnight: Oxford
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Stratford-upon-Avon
After breakfast, head to the medieval market town of Stratford-upon-Avon, to trace the footsteps of William Shakespeare. View the thatched cottage where Anne Hathaway lived before visiting Shakespeare's birthplace on Henley Street, the schoolroom where he was educated and the Guildhall with its outstanding timber-framed architecture and rare historic wall paintings. Free time in this town where the Bard's plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Afterward, drive to the walled city of Chester and spend the evening at leisure
Overnight: Chester
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Medieval Chester, Levens Hall Gardens, Windermere
Your day begins with a walking tour of medieval Chester, set on of the River Dee. The city is home to a recently excavated Roman Amphitheatre and an impressive Gothic cathedral. Visit Levens Hall*, a grand manor house with its fine Elizabethan interior, ornate scrollwork, and priceless paintings. A highlight of the visit is a walk through the garden of topiary characters sculpted from box and yew, surrounded by over 30,000 colorful flowers. Afterward, make your way to Windermere in the Lake District. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel*For Oct departures, Levens Hall is unavailable.
Overnight: Windermere
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Windermere Lake Cruise, High Yewdale Farm
This morning, embark on a peaceful and scenic cruise on Windermere Lake. Admire views from the water toward the Langdales. Continue on with a visit to High Yewdale farm, located in the beautiful Lake District. The farmhouse was built in the late 1600s and was owned by Beatrix Potter in the 1930s. After lunch at the farm, return to Windermere. Tonight, enjoy dinner together
Overnight: Windermere
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Wordsworth's Grasmere, Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh
In Grasmere with its serene 19th century architecture, visit the resting place of William Wordsworth at the country church and tiny Dove Cottage* where he once lived. Crossing into Scotland, stop in Gretna Green before proceeding to the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by the Da Vinci Code novel by Dan Brown. Admire the beautiful stonework, mysterious carvings, and unique architecture. Find out more about the myths and legends surrounding the chapel and its association with the Knights Templar. Afterward, travel to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city for dinner and overnight*For May departures, Dove Cottage is unavailable
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Palace of Holyrood, Afternoon Tea
An exploration of Edinburgh's rich heritage unfolds, as you pass the elegant mansions of the 200-year-old Georgian "New Town" on your way to the Museum of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament. Visit the Baroque Palace of Holyrood*, the official Scottish residence of the Royal Family. Explore the historic State Apartments, ruins of the 12th century Abbey and the royal gardens. This afternoon, experience a traditional Afternoon Tea, as you enjoy a sampling of teas accompanied by sweet and savory pastries, scones and finger sandwiches*The Palace of Holyrood is closed during royal visits.
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

DAY 12, Monday - Stirling Castle, The Trossachs, Scotch Whisky Experience
Your day begins with a visit to Stirling Castle, favored residence of the Stewart kings and queens. Later, head to the dramatic Trossachs, set on the physical boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands of Scotland. Afterward, take a tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience. Learn about the production and maturation process of Scotch whisky, and view the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky. Conclude the tour with a tasting. Return to Edinburgh for a farewell dinner
Overnight: Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Tuesday - Depart Scotland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast