The best of England, Scotland, and Central Europe.
London
20 days
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Itinerary
- Shared transfer from London-Heathrow Airport to the hotel. Bed and breakfast at the President Hotel, Royal National Hotel, or sim
- In the morning, we will take a panoramic bus tour of London, visiting the neighborhoods of Westminster, Kensington, Mayfair, and Belgravia. We will stop for photos at the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Albert Memorial.Additionally, we will have the chance to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (subject to operation that day). We will drive through the West End (theater and restaurant district), Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and iconic cultural areas such as the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the National Gallery. The tour concludes at Buckingham Palace around 11:45 AM, leaving the rest of the day free to discover more of this magnificent city. Bed and breakfast at the President Hotel, Royal National Hotel, or similar.
- We leave London heading northwest toward the university city of Oxford, where we will take a short walking tour to admire its magnificent colleges. Oxford University is not only highly prestigious but also the oldest in the English-speaking world. From Oxford, we head to Stratford-upon-Avon, a charming town on the banks of the River Avon and the birthplace of playwright William Shakespeare. We will enjoy a panoramic tour and stop for lunch in this beautiful town. Afterward, we continue north to the walled city of Chester for a walking tour. Next, we depart for a panoramic tour of Liverpool, the birthplace of the world's most famous rock band, The Beatles, and the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Liverpool features one of England's largest ports, including the well-known Albert Dock area. Dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Maldron Hotel Liverpool, Delta by Marriott Liverpool City Centre, Mercure Liverpool Atlantic Tower, or similar.
- Our journey takes us northwest through England's Lake District, a past source of inspiration for English poets and writers like Beatrix Potter, and today a paradise for nature lovers thanks to its diverse flora and fauna. Skirting Lake Grasmere, we cross the Scottish border at Gretna Green (famous for its history of runaway weddings), where we will have free time for lunch. We then continue north for a brief visit to one of the largest cities in the UK: Glasgow. You will be captivated by its Victorian architecture and unique charm. Affectionately nicknamed "Glasvegas," the city offers a perfect mix of culture, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Bed and breakfast at the Novotel Glasgow, Radisson Red Glasgow Hotel, Maldron Hotel Glasgow, or similar.
- We leave Glasgow, driving along the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area. Next, we venture into the Scottish Highlands. We pass through the majestic mountain landscapes of Glencoe, a stunning valley whose silence guards stories of forbidden romance, unforgettable betrayals, and epic battles between ancient Scottish clans. We arrive at Fort William, a picturesque town at the foot of Ben Nevis, with free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we reach the world-famous Loch Ness in search of its ancient resident, "Nessie." You will have the option to take a boat cruise on Loch Ness and later visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. We then travel along the shores of the lake toward Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour of the city's main sights, including Inverness Castle and its cathedral. Dinner, bed, and breakfast at the MacDonald Aviemore Hotel, Highland Hotel, Coylumbridge, Highlander Hotel in Aviemore, or similar in the area.
- After breakfast, we travel through mid-mountain landscapes toward Pitlochry. There, we will visit a whisky distillery to learn about its production method and taste Scotland's national drink. We continue toward Callander and Stirling, where one of the most important battles of the Scottish Wars of Independence took place. The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 (made famous by the movie Braveheart) was William Wallace's greatest victory, establishing him as the undisputed leader of the resistance against the English. We will visit Stirling Castle, perched on a rocky volcanic crag with breathtaking views. Free time for lunch. Afterward, we proceed to Edinburgh for a panoramic tour of the city. Tonight, you can choose to attend a traditional Scottish dinner featuring local folklore (optional). Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre, Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh, Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, or similar.
- A free day to enjoy the enchanting city of Edinburgh. Admission to Edinburgh Castle is included, which you can visit at your own pace. Other key highlights include Holyrood Palace, St. Giles' Cathedral, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Royal Yacht Britannia (optional). Edinburgh is one of the most visited cities in the UK after London and has hosted the Scottish Parliament since 1999. It is essential to explore its Old Town, dominated by the bustling Royal Mile, as well as the elegant Georgian New Town and lively Princes Street with its manicured gardens. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, recognizing both the medieval old town and the urban planning of the Georgian era. In August, the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival, a world-renowned collection of cultural events including the Edinburgh International Festival (music, theater, and dance) and the Fringe, considered the largest performing arts festival in the world. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre, Holiday Inn Edinburgh Zoo, Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh, Braids Hill, or similar.
- We leave Edinburgh heading south through the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders toward Jedburgh. This landscape was once the setting for border conflicts, and we will visit the impressive ruins of its Augustinian abbey. Our route continues to the historic city of Durham, dominated by its magnificent cathedral, with free time for lunch. We then head to York, a beautiful city of Roman origin with a rich history tied to Vikings and Saxons. We will have time for a short walk through its charming streets and an opportunity to view the exterior of one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. Durham Cathedral and Castle have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1986, renowned for their Norman architecture. Nearby lies Hadrian's Wall, the ancient frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. York boasts one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in England, featuring iconic streets like The Shambles. Dinner, bed, and breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Harrogate, Cedar Court Hotel, Yorkshire, or similar.
- Our route takes us south to the lovely university city of Cambridge, which rivals Oxford not only in education and sports but also in beauty and architectural richness. As the ultimate university city, we will enjoy a walking tour to admire different eras of architecture across the ancient colleges. Founded in 1209, the University is the second oldest in the English-speaking world, boasting alumni such as Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin. Free time for lunch and to stroll through its colleges and historic streets. Cambridge is also famous for King's College Chapel, a prime example of late Gothic architecture in England. Along the River Cam, you can watch traditional punting, where guided boats glide past the college gardens. The city maintains a unique academic atmosphere with numerous public museums and historic libraries. From Cambridge, we return directly to London. Bed and breakfast at the President Hotel, Royal National Hotel, or similar.
- After breakfast, we say goodbye to London to begin our journey to continental Europe. We will cross the English Channel via the Eurotunnel, a masterpiece of modern engineering connecting the UK to mainland Europe quickly and comfortably. The journey will be by Eurostar train or our comfortable motorcoach, arriving directly in the heart of the city. This travel day allows us to appreciate the changing landscapes as we arrive in Belgium, the gateway to Europe. Upon arrival in Brussels, the nation's capital and home to key European institutions, you will have free time for a first look at the city and to start enjoying its atmosphere. Bed and breakfast at the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, or similar.
- After breakfast, we begin our tour of Brussels, exploring some of its most iconic sights. The panoramic drive includes the European Union institutions district, Cinquantenaire Park, and the Atomium, an icon of the 1958 World's Fair and a major symbol of the city. We will also see the imposing Palace of Justice, one of Brussels' most monumental buildings, and continue to the elegant Grand Sablon Square, surrounded by historic buildings and sophisticated cafes. We will walk to see the famous Manneken Pis statue, one of the city's most recognizable symbols. The walk finally brings us to the spectacular Grand Place, the historic heart of Brussels, where we can admire the extraordinary guild house architecture and take in the atmosphere. The afternoon is free to keep exploring at your own pace. Bed and breakfast at the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre, Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi, or similar.
- After breakfast, we head to Ghent, Belgium's third-largest city and one of its most prominent historic centers. Ghent is home to the stunning St. Bavo's Cathedral, a symbol of the city that houses the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. We will also see the Graslei (Grass Quay), an ancient port area that retains the charm of the medieval guilds that marked the city's commercial peak. Free time for lunch in Ghent before continuing in the afternoon to Bruges, known as the Venice of the North and considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. We will walk its cobblestone streets, pass the Basilica of the Holy Blood, visit the Market Square, and admire its picturesque canals. In the evening, enjoy free time to savor local cuisine and try some famous Belgian chocolate specialties. Bed and breakfast at the Novotel Bruges Centrum or similar.
- After breakfast, we leave Bruges for Antwerp, known as the Diamond City because a vast majority of the world's rough diamonds pass through its markets. We make a brief stop at the Grote Markt, the central square surrounded by guild houses and dominated by the majestic Cathedral of Our Lady, a symbol of Antwerp's historic golden age. This short visit offers a taste of its lively urban atmosphere and commercial legacy. Next, we head to The Hague, the third-most populous city in the Netherlands and the seat of government and parliament. We will take a brief panoramic tour, seeing highlights like the Binnenhof, the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court, reflecting the city's role as a global legal hub. Afterward, we continue to Amsterdam. Bed and breakfast at the Leonardo Royal Amsterdam, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam (Arena Boulevard), or similar.
- We start the day with a tour of Amsterdam, one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands. Our walking tour begins in the historic center near Amsterdam Centraal Station, moving on to admire Dam Square, the city's focal point, with the majestic 17th-century Royal Palace as a backdrop. We will also see the Floating Flower Market, famous for its colorful stalls and historic tulip tradition. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a cruise along Amsterdam's iconic canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers views of gabled house facades, historic bridges, and bustling city life. Following the cruise, you will have free time to explore at your own leisure. We highly recommend visiting one of its famous museums or wandering through its historic neighborhoods. Bed and breakfast at the Leonardo Royal Amsterdam, Hampton by Hilton Amsterdam (Arena Boulevard), or similar.
- After breakfast, we leave Amsterdam for Germany, crossing through the heart of the Netherlands. We will make a short stop in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the country, located on the banks of the Waal River, where you can stroll through its center and the Grote Markt square with its traditional buildings and lively terraces. We then continue to Cologne. In the afternoon, we include a delightful boat cruise on the Rhine River to see the city from a different perspective, admiring a skyline dominated by Cologne Cathedral—the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and home to the relics of the Three Magi—as well as the Great St. Martin Church, the modern Kranhäuser crane houses, and bridges like the Hohenzollernbrücke. Afterward, we will take a panoramic walking tour around the cathedral and the Old Town (Altstadt), with its cobblestone streets and colorful houses. To complete the experience, we recommend trying a local Kölsch beer in a traditional tavern (Brauhaus). Free time before the hotel transfer. Bed and breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott Cologne, Cologne Marriott Hotel, Art Hotel Köln, Radisson Blu Hotel Bonn, or similar.
- Departure from Cologne to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour of the historic center, visiting Münsterplatz with the composer's statue, Bonn Minster (Bonner Münster), and the Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) area. Admission to the Beethoven House (Beethoven-Haus) is included, the musician's birthplace which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work, with time to enjoy the local vibe. We then continue to Heidelberg, stopping along the route for lunch. Upon arrival, we take a walking tour through the Old Town (Altstadt), featuring cobblestone streets, the Marktplatz, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Highlights include Heidelberg Castle (Schloss), overlooking the Neckar Valley and housing the famous Great Wine Vat, as well as the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke). We recommend dinner at a traditional downtown restaurant. Bed and breakfast at the ATLANTIC Hotel Heidelberg, Heidelberg Marriott Hotel, or similar.
- After breakfast, we depart for Bavaria. Arrival in Nuremberg, a key city of the Holy Roman Empire, where we will take a walking tour of its well-preserved medieval Old Town. We will walk along its walls and towers, visiting St. Lorenz Church, the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt) with the Frauenkirche and the Schöner Brunnen fountain, alongside charming streets like Weißgerbergasse and the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg (Kaiserburg). Free time before continuing. After lunch, we depart for Munich. Upon arrival, we visit the historic center, combining a driving and walking tour: Marienplatz with the New Town Hall (Neues Rathaus) and its glockenspiel, the Frauenkirche, St. Peter's Church, the Residenz, and the Viktualienmarkt. The tour also covers the area around the Hofbräuhaus, an icon of Bavarian beer tradition. Free time. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre, Munich Leuchtenbergring, or similar.
- In the morning, we head to the Schwangau region in the Bavarian Alps, traveling along some of the most scenic stretches of Germany's famous Romantic Road. We arrive at Neuschwanstein Castle, built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a key figure of German romanticism who designed this retreat inspired by Wagner's operas and medieval ideals. We will visit its decorated rooms and learn about the castle's symbolic history. From the surrounding area, we will capture views of the Pöllat Gorge and the Marienbrücke bridge. On the opposite hill, we will spot Hohenschwangau Castle, the king's childhood home, and see Lake Alpsee at the foot of the complex. Afterward, we continue to Füssen, a town situated on the banks of the Lech River with historical links to trade and alpine routes. Its Old Town maintains a compact layout with colorful facades, featuring Reichenstrasse, the Hohes Schloss (former residence of the prince-bishops of Augsburg), and the ancient Benedictine St. Mang's Abbey. In the early afternoon, we return to Munich. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre, Munich Leuchtenbergring, or similar.
- Today, after breakfast, we will take an excursion to Salzburg, Austria, located near the German border and famous as the birthplace of W.A. Mozart, boasting a historic center declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we begin a walking tour of the old town, whose compact layout makes it easy to discover major monuments and understand the city's evolution. The tour includes the Mirabell Gardens and continues into the historic center with its baroque architecture and narrow streets. We will stroll down Getreidegasse, where Mozart's birthplace stands, leading to Salzburg Cathedral and Residenzplatz. Throughout the tour, we will view the Hohensalzburg Fortress, one of Europe's largest medieval castles, and the Salzach River flowing through the city. Free time for lunch and exploring. Return to Munich in the afternoon. Bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Munich - City Centre, Munich Leuchtenbergring, or similar.
- Breakfast. A free day to keep enjoying the city or do some shopping. Transfer from the tour hotel to Munich Airport and end of our services.
Included
- Accommodation: 3 nights on half board (dinner and breakfast) / 16 nights on bed & breakfast basis. In the indicated hotels or similar. Specific hotel assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking.
- Transfers: Arrival transfer: London-Heathrow Airport → tour hotel. London–continental Europe journey via Eurotunnel (Eurostar or shuttle, depending on the operation). Necessary transfers for the London–Brussels route. Departure transfer: hotel in Munich → airport.
- Admissions: Urquhart Castle, whisky tasting experience, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, Jedburgh Abbey, Amsterdam canal cruise (approximate duration: 75 minutes), Rhine River boat cruise in Cologne, admission to the Beethoven House (Beethoven-Haus) in Bonn, and Neuschwanstein Castle visit. Photo stop outside Shakespeare's Birthplace.
- Panoramic Tours: London (half-day), Stratford‑upon‑Avon, Liverpool, Glasgow, Inverness, Edinburgh, Brussels, The Hague, and Cologne. Walking Tours: Oxford, Chester, York, Cambridge, Amsterdam, Ghent, Bruges, Bonn, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, Munich (historic center), and Salzburg.
Not included
- Porters: Porter service is not included in the package price. Guests must take care of transporting their own luggage.
Important Notes
- City Tax: In some cities included in the itinerary, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Brussels, Bruges, Amsterdam, and the cities where we stay overnight in Germany, a local tourist tax designed to improve infrastructure and services may apply. This amount is included in the tour price and does not need to be paid additionally at the destination. Should other overnight locations included in the itinerary implement a similar tax, those charges will not be covered and must be paid directly by the traveler.
- Labour Party Annual Conference in Liverpool: Due to this annual conference, the tour hotel could change to Manchester or its surrounding areas in the event of high hotel demand. This event usually takes place in September.
- The order of the excursions to Neuschwanstein Castle and Salzburg may be modified based on the availability of castle visits, and both days may be swapped to ensure the best organization of the itinerary.
